UPDATE 2: Hot Wheels Unleashed is coming! On February 6, 2023, Hot Wheels Unleashed Game of the Year Edition will be available to all Xbox Game Pass subscribers. Players will have access to the following items on February 6 when the game is released: - The full game - HOT WHEELS™ Pass Vol. 1 - HOT WHEELS™ Pass Vol. 2 - HOT WHEELS™ Pass Vol. 3 - HOT WHEELS™ - Sportscars Pack, which includes two vehicles (the Track Manga™ and the GT-Scorcher™) - HOT WHEELS™ - Beefed Up Pack, which includes two vehicles (the HW Armored Truck and the Baja Bone Shaker™) - HOT WHEELS™ - Street Beasts™ Pack, which includes two vehicles (the Shark Bite™ and the Tomb Up™) UPDATE: Some websites are making false claims about Hot Wheels Unleashed being available on Xbox Game Pass. As on January 22, 2023, Hot Wheels Unleashed is still not available on Game Pass. Check back with this page for more updates if any develop. Are you excited to play Hot Wheels™ Unleashed Game Of The Year Edition? If the answer is yes, and you don't want to pay $50 to play it now, then I have some disappointing news. Hot Wheels™ Unleashed is not yet coming to Xbox Game Pass. It was announced earlier this week that Hot Wheels™ Unleashed WAS coming to Xbox Game Pass. An update was posted yesterday stating, "Hot Wheels™ Unleashed – Game of the Year Edition is no longer coming on December 15, 2022 as previously announced. We will update you with a new date when we have more information to share." So what's the deal? Can Game Pass subscribers play this game any time soon? Let's figure it out. Hot Wheels™ Unleashed Was Coming To Game Pass It was exciting news when Xbox announced that Hot Wheels™ Unleashed Game of the Year Edition would join Xbox Game Pass on December 15. This game is, of course, a fan favorite, and many racing and Hot Wheels™ fans looked forward to adding it to their Game Pass playlist. Players that didn't want to dish out $50 for the game had a chance to try it out with their Game Pass subscription. What happened next was a lot less exciting. Then Hot Wheels™ Unleashed Wasn't Coming To Game Pass It's been reported that Hot Wheels™ Unleashed, the game that was supposed to be coming to Game Pass, will not be released after all. This is disappointing news, as many players were looking forward to playing the game. However, there are still plenty of other great games on Game Pass, so don't let this setback stop you from enjoying the platform. In the meantime, check out the other great games on Xbox Game Pass, like the Forza Horizon 5's Hot Wheel Expansion. The expansion isn't free, but the Forza base game is available on Game Pass. What's The Update With Hot Wheels™ Unleashed? So far, the game has not been released onto the Xbox Game Pass and is no longer coming on December 15, 2022. The game features more than 60 vehicles, including iconic Hot Wheels™ cars from past and present seasons. It's an online multiplayer game that supports up to eight players. For the time being, a mysterious force has taken away the rights to release Hot Wheel on Xbox Game Pass. Lame. When Can We Expect Xbox Game Pass To Add Hot Wheels™ Unleashed? Xbox Game Pass is impressive, and I'm not the only one thinking so (29 million subscribers must agree). The December 15 release appears to be off the tables, but the updated message stated, "we will update with a new date." That's a positive remark. That makes me think there is an expected release to Game Pass some time in the (near) future. What Is Hot Wheels™ Unleased? Let's learn a little more about Hot Wheels™ Unleashed as long as we are here. Hot Wheels™, for those who don't know, is a brand of toy cars. The toy cars were first released in the late 1970s and have been popular ever since. The game is available on consoles and platforms, including Xbox Series X|S and PC. Unleashed is the newest Hot Wheels™ game that will allow players to race their favorite Hot Wheels™ cars online against others. Features Build spectacular tracks and participate in thrilling races as you collect the most significant automobiles from the Hot Wheels™ universe. Build your best hot wheels™ tracks and challenges for friends in exciting game-play modes, or race against the pros as you complete every milestone. Game Of The Year Edition Experience Hot Wheels™ Unleashed in an even more complete way with the Game of the Year Edition, which contains: THE FULL GAME + HOT WHEELS™ Pass Vol. 1 HOT WHEELS™ Pass Vol. 2 HOT WHEELS™ Pass Vol. 3 HOT WHEELS™ - Sportscars Pack, which includes two vehicles (the Track Manga™ and the GT-Scorcher™) HOT WHEELS™ - Beefed Up Pack, which includes two vehicles (the HW Armored Truck and the Baja Bone Shaker™) HOT WHEELS™ - Street Beasts™ Pack, which includes two vehicles (the Shark Bite™ and the Tomb Up™) Hot Wheels Pass Vol. 1 HOT WHEELS™ Pass Vol. 1 is $29.99 and includes: - Batman Expansion: the legendary Batcave to race and build your tracks; 5 vehicles (The Joker™ GT, The Penguin, Batman™ Rebirth, Robin™ 2.0T, Armored Batman™); 1 Batman™ branded Customization Pack; 1 Track Builder module (Joker Funhouse Split) - 10 vehicles: Bone Shaker™ Unleashed Edition, Street Fighter M. Bison, Superman™, Aston Martin DB5 1963, Street Fighter Blanka, Wonder Woman™, AcceleRacers Deora™ II, TMNT Leonardo, AcceleRacers Bassline™ and Barbie™ Dream Camper™ - 3 themed Customization Packs: Tropical Wave, Pink Fashion, and Holiday Season - 3 Track Builder modules: Rolling Boulders, Spinning Tire, and Dinopult Hot Wheels Pass Vol. 2 HOT WHEELS™ Pass Vol. 2 is $29.99 and includes: - Monster Trucks Expansion: 1 environment, 5 vehicles, 1 Customization Pack, and 1 Track Builder module - 9 Vehicles: TMNT Michelangelo, AcceleRacers Power Rage™, Street Fighter Chun-Li, Street Fighter Vega, Corvette Stingray Convertible 2014, McLaren Senna, Street Fighter Ryu, TMNT Raphael, and AcceleRacers Hollowback™ - 3 Themed Customization Packs: Outer Space, Skaters, and Haunted - 3 Track Builder modules: Booster Slam, Gorilla Garage, and Shark Jaws Hot Wheels Pass Vol. 3 HOT WHEELS™ Pass Vol. 3 includes: - Looney Tunes Expansion: 1 environment, 5 vehicles, 1 Customization Pack, and 1 Track Builder module - 9 Vehicles: TMNT Donatello, He-Man™, The Mystery Machine™, TMNT Shredder, Skeletor™, Swamp Thing™, The Jetsons™, Classic Packard and McLaren 720S - 3 Themed Customization Packs: Cyberpunk, Retro Game, and Hot Rod - 3 Track Builder modules: Jumping Towers, Zero Gravity Checkpoint, and Super Dealership Gallery Conclusion So there you have it - the latest news about Hot Wheels™ Unleashed on Xbox Game Pass. As it turns out, the game wasn't coming to the service, but now we don't know if it is. We'll keep you updated as the story unfolds, but in the meantime, check out our other posts for more helpful information!

Grab your controller and prepare for combat because Game Pass has added Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. If you're a fan of the Warhammer games, this is something you want to check out! In addition to Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, game pass subscribers can also look forward to another great game - Need For Speed Unbound - this month. So, whether you're looking for a new game or want to add more to your collection, Xbox Game Pass is worth considering! Xbox Game Pass Adds Warhammer 40,000: Darktide Warhammer 40,000: Darktide was released on November 30, 2022, and is now available on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass. This means that Xbox gamers can experience this exciting game without spending a penny. In addition to the game itself, Xbox Game Pass members also get access to various other great games, including Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5. This makes it the perfect game to add to your lineup, whether you're a casual player or a hardcore Warhammer enthusiast. So what are you waiting for? Join Xbox Game Pass and start blasting your way through today's dark future! Darktide is not currently available on Xbox One or cloud gaming. It's not clear if it will be offered through Microsoft's Cloud Gaming service in the future. About This Game Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is an epic shooter that joins Xbox Game Pass in December 2022. Developer Fatshark (Vermintide series) reached into its bag of tricks and pulled out some new additions. If you are a fan of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and want to check out what all the hype is about, now is the time! The game offers a lot of content for fans of this popular franchise and can be played on any Xbox console or PC. So if you're looking for an exciting game with plenty of action that ties in nicely with your love for the Warhammer 40,000 universe - make sure to add Darktide to your list! A dark force rises and overtakes the city in the depths of the Hive. An unknown and frightening new power is trying to seize the entire city. It's up to you and your allies to defeat the enemy and retake Hive City. Take a journey from the leafy streets in the city of Tertium to the dark heart of the 41st Millennium. Fight through hordes of bloodthirsty foes in intense multiplayer combat. To fight, players must learn to use melee and ranged attacks, switching between the two as needed. Every fight is against a range of foes, each with a unique combat style. Now it's up to you to decide how best to utilize the available weapons to bring them down. Combat is intense and brutal, requiring you to up your melee combat game. So gather your fellow Warhammer 40,000 fans and join Xbox Game Pass (or buy the game) today! Imperial Edition The Imperial Edition of the game is packed with features and more content than the regular edition. You get access to the Loyalist Pack, which includes four unique class outfits, eight weapon skin patterns, one set of headgear, as well as a decorative portrait frame used to pay tribute to the fallen defenders of Tertium Hive. Moreover, Caducades Backpack is available for human characters, which gives them an edge in style. It was scavenged from fallen troops of Cadia and provided better protection against attacks. Finally, you get 2500 Aquilas - premium currency - which can be spent on various in-game items or sold on the black market. Trailers, Gameplay, and Screenshots Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a game that will take you to the dark and dangerous world of the 41st Millennium. Check out these trailer and gameplay videos to get a first-hand look at what's in store. Trailers & Gameplay Screenshots Optimized for Xbox Series X|S Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is now available on Xbox Game Pass and can be played on Xbox Series X|S consoles. This game offers a wealth of content, including new missions, multiplayer modes, and more. It is optimized for the Xbox Series X|S with enhanced details and 4k graphics. Optimized games offer fantastic load times, visuals, responsiveness, and framerates up to 120FPS. A Warhammer Game That Steps Outside The Norm There's no doubt that Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is an exciting game. It offers a unique experience by taking place in the Warhammer Universe and boasts stunning graphics that will leave you spellbound. What's more, you can join other players online to fight against the enemies of the Imperium or play cooperatively with friends in this co-op game. This makes it perfect for those who love competitive gaming but also want to enjoy some lighthearted moments with their friends! What else is coming to Xbox Game Pass This Month? This month, Xbox Game Pass owners can add Darktide, an epic Warhammer shooter, to their library. Other new games coming to Xbox Game Pass this month include Need For Speed Unbound and Hello Neighbor 2. If you're not already subscribed to Xbox Game Pass, now is the time to do so! Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that offers access to over 100 games starting at a low monthly price of $9.99 per month. With so much to choose from, there's sure to be something for everyone in the game pass lineup. So what are you waiting for? Subscribe today and start playing your favorite games right away! Conclusion Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is now available on Xbox Game Pass, and it's an epic game you don't want to miss! In addition to the game being added to Xbox Game Pass, several other great games are coming to Xbox Game Pass this month, so be sure to check them out!

Have you ever wondered how EA play works and what games are available? Don't wait until next week to get an answer! This article will give you all the insight you need about EA Play and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. We'll also be discussing the different benefits of both platforms and detailing what games are available through each. So sit back and read on - you will surely learn something new! How It Works Some of the games that are available to play for free include Mirror's Edge Catalyst, FIFA, and Battlefield. However, the main popular games are the new game in the Battlefield series, Battlefield 2042, and the latest game in the FIFA series, FIFA 22. If you're a fan of EA games, Game Pass is a great way to get your hands on some fantastic games that you may not have otherwise been able to play. Not only does Game Pass give you access to various new and old console exclusives, indie games, and more, but it also comes with a host of bonuses like exclusive in-game items, early unlockables, and discounts on game prices. So if you're looking for a way to game without spending a fortune, Game Pass is worth checking out! What Games Are Available? Electronic Arts (EA) Play + Xbox Game Pass offers Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC gamers access to new releases, pre-orders, and games. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass PC members can also play the entire library of games offered by EA Play. Microsoft and EA have teamed up, and no matter which console you play on, whether it be Xbox or PC, there is a game for you. Below are some notable games worth checking out: Plants Vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 Plants Vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 is a game available through EA Play, a monthly subscription service for Xbox One and PC. If you are not a member of EA Play or Xbox Game Pass, you must purchase the game if you want to play it. There are many benefits of being a member of Xbox Game Pass - one of which is access to new games as they come out without having to purchase them again. FIFA 22 FIFA 22 is set to be one of the biggest games of the year, and if you're a fan of EA sports games, it's worth signing up for either the EA Play subscription service or Xbox Game Pass. This means there are no waiting times - download them when you have time! If you're looking for a game to play this year on your Xbox One or computer, FIFA 22 is a great option. The Sims 4 EA Play or Xbox Game Pass is worth signing up for if you're a fan of The Sims series. For free, you can enjoy all of the great features and benefits. This also means that you'll be able to access monthly game updates and exclusive in-game items, in addition to all new games as they're released. Crysis Remastered Trilogy Crysis Remastered Trilogy is now available through EA Play. Play through the campaigns of three awesome games and enjoy remastered graphics to see the game like never before. Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered Are you looking for a game that will keep you on the edge of your seat? Look no further than Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered. Available as part of Xbox Game Pass, this game lets you play it offline and on different devices like Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. There are no microtransactions in this game - just pure adrenaline-fueled racing action. What Are The Benefits Of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? There's no doubt that gaming has become an increasingly popular pastime. And one way to make sure that gamers have plenty of choice and variety when it comes to what they want to play is through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This subscription service offers gamers unlimited access to games across multiple platforms and the added benefit of saving data for offline play. With over 450 titles currently available, there's something for everyone to enjoy! You can also access it from the Xbox App – so don't miss out on this fantastic subscription service! Conclusion An EA Play membership is an exclusive benefit of Xbox Game Pass that allows subscribers to play a wide range of EA games on multiple platforms. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the ultimate game subscription service that offers subscribers access to over 450 games, including new and upcoming games, for a monthly fee. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can enjoy the entire EA Play library for no additional cost. Whether you're a gamer on a budget or just looking for new and exciting games, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is your subscription service.

Look, if you're like me and sometimes end up binging Ubisoft games – the big open worlds, the slightly janky-but-fun gameplay – Xbox Game Pass has got you covered. There's a solid chunk of their titles available, and while they're not all perfect, there's enough there to keep you busy, especially if you like variety. Assassin's Creed Origins Ancient Egypt is a setting I never get tired of. Origins explores this world beautifully, with pyramids to climb, bustling cities to explore, and the birth of the Assassin Brotherhood to uncover. Bayek is a fantastic protagonist, and the combat feels fresh compared to older AC games. If you're an AC fan who somehow missed this one, or just love historical adventures, it's a must-play. Assassin's Creed Odyssey Odyssey expands on everything Origins set up, taking you to Ancient Greece in a sprawling epic. Choose between Alexios or Kassandra, battle mythical beasts, uncover political conspiracies, and sail your ship around the gorgeous Aegean Sea. This game is HUGE, packed with things to do, and honestly, it's as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Assassin's Creed Valhalla Okay, Valhalla isn't technically on Game Pass (yet), but it feels like only a matter of time. If you're craving those Viking raids, building your settlement, and exploring a gritty, less-cartoony Assassin's Creed world, this is the one to watch for. It builds on the more RPG-like elements of the newer AC games, offering tons of customization and a surprisingly emotional story. Rainbow Six Siege Deluxe Edition I'm not even a big shooter person, but Rainbow Six Siege is a true classic. This tactical, team-based shooter is all about tension and strategy, with destructible environments and unique operators to master. The learning curve is steep, but rewarding, and this Deluxe Edition gives you extra goodies to make the climb a little smoother. If you're competitive, this is the one to try. Rainbow Six Extraction Remember that awesome limited-time event in Siege where you fought aliens? Well, Extraction takes that concept and runs with it. This PvE co-op shooter pits you and your friends against a strange, evolving alien threat. It's a little out there, but surprisingly tense, focusing on stealth and teamwork. If you liked the gunplay in Siege but want something a bit different, this could be a fun change of pace. Ghost Recon Wildlands If you like those massive Far Cry open worlds but crave a more tactical experience, Ghost Recon Wildlands might be what you're looking for. Leading your squad of Ghosts, you'll take down a Bolivian drug cartel across varied terrain, choosing your approach to each mission. Stealth, all-out action, or somewhere in between – the choice is yours. It's best experienced with friends, but can be surprisingly enjoyable even solo. Far Cry 5 Montana might seem peaceful, but beneath the surface lies a doomsday cult that gets more terrifying the deeper you dig. Far Cry 5 takes the chaotic open-world formula and adds a memorably dark story, with characters you won't soon forget (good and bad). Expect outposts to capture, wild animals out for blood, and enough side activities to keep you occupied for weeks. Just... watch out for those bliss-induced hallucinations. Far Cry 6 If Far Cry 5 was intense, Far Cry 6 cranks things all the way up. This tropical open-world adventure pits you against a charismatic dictator played by Giancarlo Esposito, and things only get weirder from there. The gameplay will feel familiar to Far Cry fans, with a massive map to explore, tons of weapons to customize, and ridiculous side missions to stumble into. Pure, unfiltered Far Cry energy. Watch Dogs 2 Hacking your way through San Francisco as Marcus Holloway is oddly satisfying. Watch Dogs 2 lets you pull pranks, expose corporate secrets, and generally cause chaos, all with the power of your smartphone. There's an enjoyable story about fighting back against the system, and the sheer number of gadgets and approaches makes each mission feel fresh. Plus, if you find the gnome outfit, your life will be complete. For Honor Marching Fire Edition For Honor takes melee combat seriously. This unique fighter pits knights, samurai, and Vikings against each other in brutal duels and large-scale battles. It's got a high skill ceiling, so expect to put in some practice, but mastering those combos and executions feels awesome. This Marching Fire Edition gives you extra heroes and modes, perfect for diving deep into For Honor's world. Immortals Fenyx Rising Part Zelda, part Assassin's Creed, and a whole lot of Greek myth – that's Immortals Fenyx Rising. Explore a vibrant world, solve clever puzzles, battle fantastical beasts, and listen to Zeus and Prometheus bicker in the background. It's surprisingly fun and lighthearted, a refreshing change of pace if you find some Ubisoft titles a bit too serious. McScratchey's Final Thoughts Some Ubisoft games have their quirks, but they're strangely addictive when you just want to zone out and play something fun. With this many on Game Pass, you're bound to find one that hooks you, whether you're into stealth, shooting, or just exploring massive worlds. Remember: Games rotate in and out of Game Pass, so always double-check the official Xbox site before getting your hopes up!

Remember when Microsoft snatched up Bethesda? Dude, that meant their whole library of games could drop on Game Pass, and guess what? They freakin' DID. If you're bored and got some time to kill, there's a Bethesda game out there for you. Open-world chaos, shooting sprees, whatever your poison, they got it. Get yourself a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and go nuts! Seriously, it's cheaper than buying these games outright. Bethesda Games That'll Suck Up Your Life (in a Good Way) Dishonored Definitive Edition Available on: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC Okay, I'll admit it – stealth games usually aren't my jam. I'm more of a "run in, guns blazing" kind of player. But Dishonored? That one hooked me. The supernatural powers, the sneaky kills, the whole Victorian-but-kinda-steampunk vibe... it just works. Yeah, it won tons of awards, but even if you're not into trophies, you gotta give this one a try. DOOM 3 Available on: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC Old-school shooters will forever have my heart. DOOM 3, while not as balls-to-the-wall crazy as the newer ones, is pure, classic fun. Blasting demons? Check. Creepy Mars base to explore? Check. Sometimes, you just wanna turn off your brain and blow stuff up, you know? This is the game for that. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition Available on: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC Do I even need to say anything about Skyrim? It's iconic for a reason. Giant world to explore, dragons to slay, and a ridiculous amount of side quests... I swear I've dumped hundreds of hours into this and STILL haven't done everything. The best part? Console mods are supported now. Want to turn all the dragons into Macho Man Randy Savage? You can do that. Skyrim with mods is a whole new level of ridiculousness. The Elder Scrolls Online Available on: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC Full disclosure – MMOs scare me. They seem like endless timesinks. And yeah, ESO can definitely be that, BUT it's also a surprisingly solid Elder Scrolls experience on its own. If you like the lore and world-building, the quests and story are worth dipping your toes into, even if you're not a hardcore MMO player. Plus, it's fun to occasionally bump into other adventurers while you're exploring Tamriel. The Evil Within Available on: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC This one is NOT for the faint of heart. Survival horror at its finest, and by "finest" I mean it'll probably give you nightmares. Grotesque monsters, mind-bending twists, the whole nine yards. But if you like the adrenaline rush of a good scare, The Evil Within delivers. Just maybe don't play it alone in the dark... Fallout: New Vegas Available on: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC Hear me out: this is the BEST Fallout game, hands down. Ignore the haters. The story is fantastic, the choices you make actually feel meaningful, and that Mojave wasteland setting is just chef's kiss. Yeah, it's janky in that classic Bethesda way, but that just adds to its charm. If you want a Fallout that makes you think, not just shoot, New Vegas is where it's at. Prey Available on: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC Remember that movie "Alien"? Prey is basically that, but in video game form. Creepy space station? Check. Weird, shapeshifting aliens? Check. That constant feeling that something horrible is about to jump out at you? TRIPLE CHECK. If you love sci-fi horror that keeps the tension cranked up to 11 the whole time, Prey is your jam. Wolfenstein: The New Order Available on: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC Alternate-history shooters are always a blast, and Wolfenstein turns it up a notch. Killing Nazis is inherently satisfying, but The New Order does it with style. Great characters, an engaging story, and over-the-top action sequences... it's the kind of game that makes you yell at the screen in the best way. McScratchey's Final Thoughts Bethesda games have their quirks, for sure. Bugs, sometimes wonky gameplay, whatever. But they're the perfect kind of messy fun that keeps me coming back. If you're a Game Pass subscriber, this is a goldmine of stuff to keep you occupied. Even if a game doesn't seem like your thing initially, give it a try – you might surprise yourself and find your next obsession.

If you're always on the hunt for new PC games, Xbox Game Pass might just change your life. It's seriously shaken up how I find stuff to play, and for a price that actually makes sense. Let's break down what this whole deal is. Game Pass: The Netflix of Games Think of it like this: you pay a monthly fee, and boom, you get this HUGE library of PC games to play. New releases, older classics, hidden indie gems – it's got a bit of everything. No more agonizing over whether that Steam sale is worth it! Okay, But Which Plan Should I Get? This depends on whether you also rock an Xbox console: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: The whole shebang. Games for your PC, your Xbox, even your phone with cloud gaming. Perfect if you switch between devices. ($16.99 / month) Xbox Game Pass Ultimate PC Game Pass: Exactly what it sounds like – PC games only. A bit cheaper, great if you're mostly a PC player. ($9.99 / month) Xbox Game Pass for Console: PC version, but for your Xbox console. Same price, same idea. ($9.99 / month) Bonus: It Includes EA Play Yep, with Game Pass Ultimate, you also get access to EA's entire game library. All your Sims, sports titles, Battlefield chaos – it's in there. Honestly, that's a pretty sweet deal. EA Play Wait, Isn't Xbox Live Gold Still a Thing? If you want to play online multiplayer, Xbox Live Gold is no more. It has been replace with Xbox Game Pass Core. McScratchey's Soapbox: When Game Pass Throws You a Curveball Okay, so I'll admit it – I'm a sucker for the big, shiny AAA games. You drop a new Halo or a giant open-world adventure on Game Pass, I'm there, day one. But the thing about Game Pass? It forces me outside my comfort zone sometimes. Which is how I ended up playing… drumroll please … a farming simulator. Yeah, you heard that right. Apparently, Stardew Valley is all the rage, so when it popped up on Game Pass, I figured, why the heck not? Worst case, I waste thirty minutes and go back to shooting aliens. Well, color me surprised. Turns out, there's something weirdly addictive about planting pixelated crops and befriending the townsfolk. Three hours later, I looked up, bleary-eyed, wondering where my evening had gone. Stardew Valley had officially sunk its claws into me. Look, I'm not saying I've abandoned my FPS roots forever. But it's a good reminder that Game Pass is full of hidden gems, even in genres you might normally avoid. It forces you to try things you'd never buy outright, and sometimes, those are the games that stick with you the most. So, the next time you see some weird title on the Game Pass list that makes you go, "huh?", don't dismiss it so fast. You might just discover your next gaming obsession. McScratchey's Final Thoughts Okay, for real, Game Pass has been a pleasant surprise. I was hesitant at first, but the sheer number of games I can check out? Game-changer. Plus, getting those big new releases on day one is always a thrill. Don't get me wrong – there's still a place for buying games you KNOW you'll love forever. But if you're the type who likes variety, or gets hyped about trying weird indie stuff, Game Pass is seriously worth checking out. Just be prepared for your backlog to get a lot bigger, a lot faster 😉 FAQs About Xbox Game Pass Your questions have answers. Technical Stuff How does downloading games work? Games on Game Pass are downloaded through the Xbox app on PC. You find the game you want, hit "Install," and the download starts. Once it's complete, you can launch and play directly from the Xbox App. Can I play offline? Yes! Downloaded games can be played offline. However, certain games might require an occasional online connection to verify your Game Pass subscription is still active. What are the minimum PC specs? This varies depending on the specific game. However, Xbox provides a general guideline for PCs to run Game Pass smoothly. You can find their recommended specs here. Game Selection How often do they add new games? There's no strict schedule, but new games get added to Game Pass regularly! Typically, there are a few additions every month, sometimes including big releases on day one. Do games ever get removed from the library? Yes. While the core selection stays pretty consistent, games do rotate out, similar to Netflix. Xbox usually gives notice before a game gets removed, giving you time to finish it or decide if you want to buy it outright. Can I play Xbox exclusives on my PC? Yes! With Game Pass Ultimate, most major Xbox exclusives are also available on PC, often on the same release day as the console version. Value/Deals Are there ever sales or discounts on Game Pass? Yes! Sometimes there are introductory offers, like your first month for $1. Keep an eye on the Xbox website or sign up for their email promos to catch those deals. Can I try it for free? While there's no extended free trial, there are sometimes offers for a limited trial period at a very low cost. Again, checking the Xbox website is your best bet for up-to-date info.