In 2024, Xbox Game Pass is set to expand its library, offering subscribers a diverse range of new games to enjoy. Despite potential changes and developments, the service remains committed to delivering a robust selection of titles. The lineup of games slated to join Game Pass in 2024 includes both multi-platform titles and console exclusives.
While the full extent of changes to the library throughout the year is uncertain, several planned titles have already been revealed. Among these, some stand out as particularly exciting additions to the service.
Despite recent adjustments, such as price increases and the rebranding of Xbox Live Gold as Xbox Game Pass Core, the service has maintained its momentum over the years. 2024 may bring further changes, including the potential introduction of a free Xbox Game Pass model supported by ads. Regardless of possible shake-ups, the core promise of delivering a strong selection of games to subscribers appears to be a constant focus for the service.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn (A44 Games)
Action RPG
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn stands out as an ambitious open-world RPG, presenting a potential challenge for developer A44 Games to fully realize its aspirations. Nevertheless, the game offers a unique fantasy setting and prominently features flintlock firearms, providing it with a distinctive edge that positions it as a particularly intriguing addition to the Xbox Game Pass lineup in 2024. The incorporation of god-killing gameplay adds an interesting dimension, potentially making it a compelling alternative to titles like God of War. Notably, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn appears to maintain its individuality without being overly beholden to any specific source of inspiration.
Ark 2 (Studio Wildcard)
Multiplayer Survival
The anticipation for Ark 2 has experienced its share of highs and lows, influenced by issues in Ark: Survival Ascended and several delays that have tempered expectations for greatness. Nonetheless, the transition to Unreal Engine 5 raises expectations for a visually stunning game, especially if it addresses the variable frame rates seen in the console release of Survival Ascended. Giving it a try through Xbox Game Pass presents a low-risk opportunity, and if all elements come together, Ark 2 has the potential to be a significant success.Manor Lords (Slavic Magic)
Strategy
Manor Lords encompasses a variety of ideas within a single strategy game, featuring elements of city-building, management, and battle tactics at its core. Notably, these diverse aspects are being handled by a solo developer known as Slavic Magic. The absence of a PlayStation port, despite the lack of an exclusivity contract, is attributed to the current development focus. Additionally, the Xbox release is scheduled to follow the PC release, although availability on Xbox Game Pass has already been confirmed.Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (Rabbit And Bear Studios)
Turn-Based RPG
With over a decade since the release of a Suikoden game, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes steps in to revive the legacy of the classic Japanese RPG series. Led by the original creator of Suikoden, Eiyuden Chronicle brings forth the distinctive charm of a vast array of characters that players can recruit to assemble the ideal party. If it follows in the footsteps of most Suikoden games, it promises to be a compelling option for extensive playtime on Xbox Game Pass in 2024.Cities: Skylines 2 (Colossal Order)
City-Builder
Cities: Skylines 2 encountered a challenging launch on PC, marred by significant bugs and optimization issues that overshadowed its promising elements. The delayed console release in 2024 raises hopes that it will address and patch over many of these issues, making it a worthwhile download. Xbox Game Pass provides an excellent avenue to explore the situation without a significant commitment. If the console release of Cities: Skylines 2 proves to be polished, it has the potential to eventually achieve the widely beloved status enjoyed by its predecessor.Persona 3 Reload (P-Studio)
Turn-Based RPG
Following the recent trend of multi-platform releases, Persona 3 Reload, like many Japanese RPGs, diverges from its historical presence on PlayStation consoles. This iteration breathes new life into a cherished entry in the Persona series, incorporating modern quality-of-life improvements and a graphical overhaul while preserving the original style. While it lacks additional content from earlier re-releases like Persona 3 FES and Portable, Persona 3 Reload remains a game that RPG enthusiasts with Xbox Game Pass should undoubtedly explore.Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 (Ninja Theory)
Action-Adventure
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice marked a significant success for developer Ninja Theory, and the journey continues with Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2. This installment takes players on an adventure through Iceland in the age of the Vikings. While the original game was self-published, Xbox Game Studios acquired Ninja Theory in 2018, and Senua's Saga is being published as an Xbox Series X/S console exclusive. Similar to Senua's Sacrifice, the new entry explores themes of mental illness and other issues through a unique and compelling lens.Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (Asobo Studio)
Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator boasts an extraordinary legacy, dating back to its original release in 1982, which predates Microsoft software like Windows. The upcoming installment, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, is in development by Asobo Studio, known for their work on titles like A Plague Tale: Innocence and Requiem. Unsurprisingly, given the game's association with Microsoft, it is designated as an Xbox console exclusive. Continuing the trend set by its 2020 predecessor, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be available on Xbox Game Pass.Avowed (Obsidian Entertainment)
RPG
Avowed, the upcoming game from renowned developer Obsidian Entertainment, delves into the fantasy world of Eora established in Pillars of Eternity, offering a first-person perspective. With the potential to deliver a compelling experience, it has the makings of a great choice for fans of games such as The Elder Scrolls, The Outer Worlds, and Fallout. As an Xbox console exclusive, Avowed is poised to be a significant attraction for Xbox Game Pass in 2024.S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (GSC Game World)
Survival Horror FPS
STALKER 2, despite facing several delays during its challenging development cycle, appears to be on track for an early 2024 release window. The game's impending release is highly anticipated, marking the long-awaited return of a captivating survival horror FPS series. Adding to the excitement, STALKER 2 is set to be an Xbox Series X/S console exclusive, making its inclusion on Xbox Game Pass an additional bonus for fans of the franchise who use Xbox platforms.
