Xbox Game Pass is kicking off May 2025 with a powerful lineup that blends high-octane action, nostalgic anime battles, and imaginative indie gems. Whether you’re into hell-slaying rampages, sci-fi exploration, or co-op chaos, this month’s additions offer something for every kind of gamer.
Here’s everything you need to know about what’s arriving—and what’s leaving—Game Pass in May.
DOOM: The Dark Ages, Dragon Ball, and More
🎮 New Titles Joining Game Pass
DOOM: The Dark Ages
🗓 Arrives May 15
Bethesda and id Software are transporting the DOOM franchise to brutal, medieval territory with DOOM: The Dark Ages. Set before the events of DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, this prequel arms players with the Shield Saw—a whirring melee weapon that doubles as a defense tool—and a dragon-like mech known as the Atlan. Expect savage close-quarters combat, heavy metal atmosphere, and lore that expands on the Slayer’s ancient origins. Launching day one on Game Pass for Console and PC.
Revenge of the Savage Planet
🗓 Arrives May 8
The cult-favorite Journey to the Savage Planet gets a wild new sequel. Developed by Raccoon Logic, Revenge of the Savage Planet keeps the offbeat humor and colorful alien landscapes while adding online co-op multiplayer. You’ll explore strange biomes, encounter bizarre creatures, and uncover a new corporate conspiracy in this first-person exploration shooter. Game Pass members get it day one across platforms.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
🗓 Arrives May 7
The anime juggernaut returns to Game Pass! Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 lets you create your own time-traveling fighter to fix distortions in the Dragon Ball timeline. With a sprawling online city hub, dozens of iconic characters, and regular content updates, this game has maintained a loyal fanbase since launch. It’s now available on Cloud, Console, and PC.
Dredge
🗓 Available Now
If you missed it earlier this year, Dredge is the horror-fishing sim you didn’t know you needed. You captain a boat across eerie waters, dredging up mysterious relics and uncovering an eldritch story hidden beneath the surface. With its moody art style and slow-burn terror, it’s perfect for fans of psychological horror and atmospheric indies.
Warhammer: Vermintide 2
🗓 Returns May 13
Back by popular demand, Vermintide 2 pits four players against hordes of Skaven and Chaos forces in a brutal, first-person melee brawler. With five unique characters, dozens of weapons, and intense co-op gameplay, it’s a great pick for fans of Left 4 Dead-style games. It will be available on Cloud and Console.
Leaving Xbox Game Pass on May 15
Play these titles before they rotate out of the library:
- Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons – An emotional indie classic with a unique twin-stick control scheme.
- Chants of Sennaar – A linguistics-based puzzle adventure inspired by the Tower of Babel myth.
- Dune: Spice Wars (Game Preview) – A strategic 4X hybrid set in Frank Herbert’s Dune universe.
- Hauntii – A stylized twin-stick shooter with puzzle elements and a haunting visual aesthetic.
- The Big Con – A 90s-set adventure game about a teenage con artist trying to save her mom’s video store.
Why This Month Is a Big Deal for Game Pass
The inclusion of DOOM: The Dark Ages is a major win for Microsoft, reinforcing Game Pass as the go-to service for day-one blockbuster launches. Pair that with high-quality indies like Dredge and returning favorites like Vermintide 2, and this month’s lineup underscores the service’s variety and value. And with Microsoft’s growing focus on multi-platform accessibility—including Cloud gaming and integration with Samsung TVs and Meta Quest—Game Pass continues to expand its reach beyond just console and PC.
Stay tuned later this month for Wave 2 announcements, which could bring even more surprises heading into summer.
Understanding Xbox Game Pass and Its Offerings
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service offered by Microsoft for gamers who want access to a large library of games without purchasing each title individually. Launched in June 2017, this service lets players download and play hundreds of high-quality games across Xbox consoles, PCs, and even through cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass provides unlimited access to a constantly updating catalog that includes both newly released titles on day one and popular indie games, all for a monthly fee.
There are different tiers available to suit various gaming needs. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate represents the most comprehensive option, bundling console and PC game libraries with online multiplayer capabilities through Xbox Live Gold, EA Play membership, and cloud gaming features. The service has transformed how many players discover and enjoy games by removing the financial barrier of purchasing individual titles.
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that gives players access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee. It comes in different tiers with various benefits, making it a popular choice for Xbox and PC gamers looking for value.
- Xbox Game Pass offers unlimited access to hundreds of games across multiple platforms for a monthly subscription fee
- Different subscription tiers exist to meet various gaming needs, with Game Pass Ultimate providing the most comprehensive benefits
- The service includes day one access to new releases and continually updates its library with fresh content
Overview of Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s gaming subscription service that offers unlimited access to a large library of games. The service includes over 300-500 high-quality titles, ranging from blockbuster hits to indie gems.
Players can download and play these games as long as they maintain an active subscription. The library constantly updates with new titles, including day one releases of Microsoft’s first-party games like Halo and Starfield.
The service launched in 2017 and has grown substantially, becoming a cornerstone of Microsoft’s gaming strategy. Game Pass has changed how many gamers discover and play games, offering a Netflix-like experience for video games.
Types of Game Pass Subscriptions
Microsoft offers several Game Pass subscription tiers to fit different gaming needs:
Game Pass Standard ($9.99/month): Provides access to the game library on Xbox consoles only.
PC Game Pass ($9.99/month): Similar to Standard but for Windows PC gamers.
Game Pass Core ($9.99/month): Replaced Xbox Live Gold, offering online multiplayer and a smaller selection of games.
Game Pass Ultimate ($16.99/month): The comprehensive option that includes:
- Console and PC game libraries
- Xbox Cloud Gaming
- EA Play membership
- Online multiplayer
- Exclusive perks and discounts
Each tier targets different player preferences, with Ultimate providing the most complete experience for those who game across multiple platforms.
Benefits of Game Pass Membership
Game Pass offers several advantages beyond just game access:
Day One Releases: Play new Microsoft titles like Fallout and Starfield on release day without additional purchase.
Member Discounts: Subscribers receive up to 20% off game purchases and 10% off DLC for Game Pass titles.
EA Play: Ultimate and PC subscribers get access to EA’s subscription service with games like Battlefield.
Rewards: Members earn Microsoft Rewards points for playing Game Pass games.
No Long-Term Commitment: Monthly billing allows players to subscribe only when they want.
The service provides excellent value for players who enjoy trying different games or who might not purchase many titles individually at full price.
Accessing the Game Pass Library
Getting started with Game Pass is straightforward. After subscribing through the Microsoft Store, Xbox console, or Xbox website, members can browse the full library.
On Xbox consoles, the Game Pass section appears directly on the dashboard. PC users access games through the Xbox app on Windows. Ultimate subscribers can also stream games via the Xbox Cloud Gaming service on compatible browsers, phones, and tablets.
The library interface allows filtering by genre, multiplayer features, and age ratings. Most games can be downloaded in advance, though download sizes vary significantly.
Microsoft regularly updates the catalog, adding new games and removing others. The company typically gives notice before games leave the service, allowing players time to finish or purchase titles they enjoy.
Platform Integration and Community Engagement
Xbox Game Pass creates a connected gaming ecosystem that spans multiple devices and brings players together. Microsoft has designed the service to break down barriers between platforms while fostering a vibrant community of gamers.
Gaming Across Devices
Xbox Game Pass now allows players to enjoy their games on various devices beyond just Xbox consoles. The “Xbox Everywhere” initiative has expanded gaming possibilities significantly. Users can play on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and even mobile devices through cloud gaming technology.
The new Stream Your Own Game service for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers further enhances cross-platform functionality. This feature lets gamers start a session on one device and continue seamlessly on another without losing progress.
Xbox Cloud Gaming has become a cornerstone of this multi-device strategy, removing hardware limitations for many players. Game Pass members can now access high-quality titles instantly without lengthy downloads or high-end hardware requirements.
Xbox Community and Multiplayer Experiences
Game Pass has transformed how Xbox players interact with each other. The service promotes community engagement through shared gaming experiences and multiplayer opportunities.
Statistics show Game Pass members explore more diverse gaming experiences, playing 30% more genres and 40% more games than non-subscribers. This variety helps create common ground between players with different gaming preferences.
Xbox Live integration provides the social infrastructure for Game Pass users to connect. Players can easily join friends’ games, form parties, and communicate across the Game Pass library.
Many multiplayer titles in the Game Pass library come with all features unlocked, including online modes that might otherwise require additional purchases or Xbox Live Gold subscriptions.
Managing Game Pass via Apps and Stores
Microsoft has unified its Xbox digital ecosystem to make managing Game Pass subscriptions straightforward. The redesigned Xbox app now integrates the entire Game Pass experience in one place.
Users can browse the complete Game Pass catalog, manage their membership details, and claim exclusive Perks for Ultimate subscribers directly through the app. This streamlined approach makes finding and installing new games much simpler.
The Xbox Game Pass mobile app extends management capabilities to smartphones, allowing subscribers to remotely install games to their console or PC before they get home.
Microsoft Store integration ensures Game Pass members can easily identify included titles when browsing. The store clearly marks which games are available through the subscription and which require separate purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xbox Game Pass offers many features and options that might raise questions for potential subscribers. Here are answers to some common questions about the service.
What games are included in the Xbox Game Pass library?
Xbox Game Pass includes hundreds of high-quality games from various genres and publishers. The library features both new releases and popular classics.
Games range from first-party Microsoft titles to third-party games from major publishers. New games are added regularly, with Microsoft often adding their exclusive titles on the same day they launch.
The exact library differs slightly between PC Game Pass and console Game Pass versions.
Does the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate include Xbox Cloud Gaming access?
Yes, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as xCloud). This feature allows subscribers to stream games directly to compatible devices.
With Cloud Gaming, members can play Game Pass titles on smartphones, tablets, and web browsers without downloading. This makes gaming possible on devices that wouldn’t normally run these games.
Cloud Gaming requires a stable internet connection for optimal performance.
How does the Xbox Game Pass membership differ from the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
Xbox Game Pass Standard provides access to the game library on either console or PC depending on which version you choose. It offers the core gaming library experience.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate combines both PC and console libraries into one subscription. It also adds Xbox Live Gold membership for online multiplayer.
Ultimate additionally includes EA Play membership, perks, and the previously mentioned Cloud Gaming capabilities.
Are there any differences between PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass for console users?
Yes, there are several key differences. PC Game Pass and console Game Pass have somewhat different game libraries, though many titles overlap.
PC Game Pass is accessible through the Xbox app for Windows computers. Some games may be optimized specifically for PC play.
Console Game Pass works exclusively on Xbox consoles and includes games designed for those systems. Some titles appear on one platform but not the other due to compatibility or licensing reasons.
What is the cost for a 12-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate typically costs $14.99 per month. For a full 12-month period, this would total approximately $179.88 if paying monthly.
Microsoft occasionally offers special promotions that can reduce this price. Some retailers also sell prepaid subscription cards that may offer slight discounts.
Converting Xbox Live Gold to Ultimate can sometimes provide cost savings for new subscribers.
Do games leave the Xbox Game Pass library, and how are members notified?
Yes, games do rotate out of the Game Pass library periodically. This happens as licensing agreements expire or publishers make business decisions.
Microsoft typically announces which games will leave the service approximately two weeks before their removal. These notifications appear in the Xbox app and on the Game Pass dashboard.
When games are scheduled to leave, subscribers receive a discount to purchase them permanently if they wish to continue playing.
