The 15 Best Day One Xbox Game Pass Games of 2025

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Overall, 2024 has been a strong year for Xbox Game Pass. The price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate earlier this year was definitely unwelcome news for many, particularly those who didn’t find much value in the included Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics subscriptions. However, 2024 has also seen a fantastic lineup of games released directly onto Xbox Game Pass.

In 2025, Xbox Game Pass added more than 160 games of all types, from big-budget titles to independent creations. Here are 15 of the highlights that were available on the service the day they were released, presented in alphabetical order.

Avowed

Check Out Game Rant’s Avowed Review

First revealed in July 2020, the action RPG Avowed became available on Xbox Game Pass this February. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the creators of the Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed lets players battle in dynamic and inventive ways, switching seamlessly between close-combat, ranged, and magical attacks. While the story wasn’t a standout, Avowed has received generally positive reviews, with an 80% average score on OpenCritic, and its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass makes it a great value.

Ball x Pit

Check Out Ball x Pit on OpenCritic

Released on Xbox Game Pass last October, Ball x Pit quickly became a standout indie hit of 2025. This unique game combines the classic gameplay of Breakout with the addictive style of Vampire Survivors, challenging players to bounce balls off walls to defeat waves of enemies. As you play, you’ll unlock new characters, special balls, and upgrades, as well as buildings that change how the game works. With its rewarding progression and addictive gameplay, Ball x Pit is easily one of the best games available on Xbox Game Pass this year.

Blue Prince

Check Out Game Rant’s Blue Prince Review

I stumbled upon Blue Prince on Game Pass back in April, and man, what a find! This game was basically made by one person over eight years, and it really shows the passion they put into it. It’s a first-person puzzle game with a roguelike twist – the mansion you explore changes every day in the game, which keeps things super interesting. Seriously, the puzzles are addictive, the story unfolds slowly and keeps you hooked, and it does something really unique with the roguelike genre. It ended up being one of the highest-rated games of the year – Metacritic had it right below Hades 2 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which is pretty amazing for an indie title.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

Check Out Game Rant’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Review

While not quite as massive a success as last year’s game, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 was still a strong entry in the long-running Call of Duty series, despite a few problems. Players generally enjoyed the multiplayer and Zombies modes, but the campaign received a lot of criticism for its uneven story and strange choices. Even so, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 deserves a spot among the best Xbox Game Pass games of 2025 because of its high production quality and what it adds to the service.

Citizen Sleeper 2

Check Out Citizen Sleeper 2 on OpenCritic

Released in 2025, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a compelling indie sequel to the well-received, but often overlooked, 2022 game Citizen Sleeper. You play as a “Sleeper,” an android used for labor by powerful companies. The story takes place in the Starward Vector asteroid belt, where you’ll make important decisions, interact with a cast of characters, and experience classic RPG gameplay. Despite a crowded year for RPGs, Citizen Sleeper 2 is notable for its unique style and excellent writing.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Check Out Game Rant’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review

Winning Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2025 and quickly becoming a fan favorite, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a standout title on Xbox Game Pass. Players take on the roles of a courageous team fighting to defeat The Paintress, a mysterious being who is slowly erasing humanity, year by year. Beyond its captivating story, full of unexpected twists and excellent characters, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 boasts a dynamic turn-based combat system that becomes increasingly satisfying as you play.

Doom: The Dark Ages

Check Out Game Rant’s Doom: The Dark Ages Review

Similar to how Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 didn’t quite reach the heights of earlier games, Doom: The Dark Ages is still a fantastic action title and worthy of being on any list of the best Xbox Game Pass games in 2025. While it doesn’t maintain the breakneck speed of Doom 2016 or the complex level design of Doom Eternal, Doom: The Dark Ages offers a unique and engaging experience. It introduces new parrying moves and weapons that encourage a more strategic approach to combat. Plus, as the title suggests, the game boasts a striking medieval setting that truly permeates the entire experience, going beyond just how things look.

Gears of War: Reloaded

Check Out Game Rant’s Gears of War: Reloaded Review

While technically the second remake of the original Gears of War (2006) in ten years, Gears of War: Reloaded quickly justifies its existence with impressive 4K graphics, HDR, and a smooth 120 frames per second in multiplayer. Importantly, this release brought the Gears of War series to PlayStation for the first time, but it’s still a great experience and excellent value for players on Xbox Game Pass.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Check Out Hollow Knight: Silksong on OpenCritic

Highly anticipated indie game Hollow Knight: Silksong was originally revealed in February 2019 and later confirmed to be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one in June 2022. After a long wait, it finally launched on Xbox Game Pass in September and has received widespread praise from both critics and fans. Silksong lives up to expectations as a worthy sequel to the 2017 original, with developer Team Cherry improving the already excellent Metroidvania gameplay, crafting a more detailed world, and creating stunning hand-drawn visuals. Even though the game is surprisingly affordable, its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass has likely introduced it to an even wider audience, which is fantastic.

Marvel Cosmic Invasion

Check Out Game Rant’s Marvel Cosmic Invasion Review

Marvel fans and Xbox Game Pass subscribers have another hit on their hands with Marvel Cosmic Invasion. This side-scrolling beat-em-up is packed with the charm of 90s arcade games. Featuring a diverse cast of 15 characters – from popular heroes to lesser-known faces – the game offers varied and exciting combat. Smooth animations and bright visuals create a really energetic experience. With Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Tribute Games proves that their success with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge wasn’t a one-time thing, and they’re quickly becoming a top developer in the beat-em-up genre.

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2025-12-27 18:05