Best PC Game Pass Games

Xbox Game Pass is firmly established as gaming’s definitive subscription service, a reputation built upon years of goodwill. Each month, Microsoft adds a few games to the service, ensuring subscribers always have something new to check out. While slightly overshadowed by its console counterpart, PC Game Pass is a great option for people who prefer to play on a computer rather than an Xbox.

Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass offer many of the same games, which reflects Microsoft’s desire to cater to its whole customer base rather than just those who own consoles. That said, there are differences between the two, including some great titles that are only on the PC iteration. What are the best games on PC Game Pass?

In case someone prefers physical Xbox copies, links will be provided to the games’ Amazon pages.

Dead Space (2023)

Metascore: 87

Available through EA Play (and Game Pass Ultimate), the Dead Space remake revamps the 2008 sci-fi horror classic, delivering a package that honors its predecessor while still taking enough risks to present a fresh experience. While the story hits most of the same beats, the journey itself can feel wildly different due to the implementation of a more open-ended map and the distribution of items like weapons and suits.

Newcomers who have never played a Dead Space project can jump directly into the remake without feeling lost. Meanwhile, long-time fans who adore the 2008 masterpiece should give the remake a try since it is not simply the same experience with a fresh coat of paint.

Starfield

Metascore: 86

It has been a long time coming but Starfield is not only finally out but also available to Game Pass subscribers. Regardless of its reception, which has been largely positive, Bethesda’s sci-fi open-world game will go down as one of 2023’s most significant releases, if not the undisputed biggest. Throughout its pre-launch life, Starfield was kind of presented as Skyrim in space, and while not totally inaccurate, that description is not really reflective of the experience. For better or worse, Starfield is its own beast that takes ideas from Bethesda’s past without repeating them verbatim. The result is a game that might not immediately hit the mark with long-time fans who are specifically searching for sci-fi Elder Scrolls or Fallout, a fact that is not helped by the campaign’s slow start. However, once things open up, the game becomes something special.

Like so many classic projects by the developer, Starfield‘s greatest asset is the player freedom it provides. While the main story is by no means bad, it is merely a small part of the overall package and can be ignored for hours on end. Once players receive a ship and are allowed to do their own thing, they can simply go wherever they please. Explore, investigate, speak to NPCs, and just see what this universe has to offer. Using procedural generation, the game has more than a thousand visitable planets that can be used as a base for an outpost. They do not all have things worth discovering, but they can serve as settings for some fun events. Starfield‘s existing cities are also grand and impressive. The game’s gunplay is Bethesda’s best so far, and it is genuinely enjoyable even when compared to other sci-fi RPGs.

Lies Of P

Metascore: 84

September 2023 might go down as Game Pass’s best month for day-one releases. Starfield was its biggest name, but it was far from the only noteworthy addition. Lies of P is a Soulslike inspired by Pinocchio, with players taking control of the eponymous puppet as they find themselves in Bloodborne-esque hellscape where death lurks around every corner. Boasting a gorgeous visual style and satisfying combat, Round8’s project succeeds in crafting its own voice despite sharing quite a few similarities with the genre’s most beloved properties.

Set in the city of Krat, Lies of P nails its atmosphere and enemy designs, with the latter producing a few truly terrifying bosses. The combat system rewards fast and aggressive play, and while dodging is an option, guarding is arguably more important. Ultimately, Lies of P is an indie project when compared to FromSoftware’s titles, but it still manages to hold its own against that developer’s masterpieces.

Metascore: 83

Sega’s Football Manager is arguably the most popular sports sim active today, at least when it comes to the management side of things. Despite being reasonably successful by most metrics, the franchise is still undoubtedly niche since it caters to an audience that loves to get lost in the nitty-gritty details while consuming sheet after sheet of data. If it clicks with someone, FM can be downright addictive and deeply satisfying.

FM24 delivers quite a few considerable changes and improvements, including enhancing things like set pieces, the match viewer, and transfers. While certainly not for everyone, Sega’s release is one of those games that can justify a subscription on its own for people interested in it.

Cocoon

Metascore: 88

Short but sweet, Cocoon is novel, innovative, and endlessly charming. Players control an insect as it travels through a desert-like world filled with orbs containing their own micro-universe. A cool concept executed brilliantly, Cocoon is a fantastic and well-paced puzzle game that regularly introduces new ideas to keep things feeling fresh.

2023 has certainly produced bigger releases than Geometric Interactive’s project, but it won’t produce many games that are actively better than Cocoon. If someone is looking for something short to play in between Starfield and Lies of P, this title should be perfect.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

Metascore: 72

If it were not for some behind-the-scenes issues, Sumo Digital’s Friday the 13th could have developed into one of the defining asymmetrical multiplayer horror games. While that project’s life was sadly cut short, the developer’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre should help fill the void for anyone who loves these sorts of releases. For the uninitiated, asymmetrical multiplayer refers to games that revolve around lopsided matches. Dead by Daylight is probably the subgenre’s most well-known representative and its shadow looms heavily over every other horror-leaning title that fits the description.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre does not deviate too far from its forefathers’ ideas, but it shakes up just enough elements to establish a new identity. For one, encounters pit three Family Members against four Victims, deviating from the typical 4v1 format. This makes sense since the former killers have no supernatural powers, so they are not a lot more powerful than the Victims. The characters have skill trees, so there is also a sense of progression.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy

Metascore: 80

Capcom’s Ace Attorney has been around since 2001, and while niche, the series has garnered a dedicated fan base and a fair amount of mainstream success. The franchise has proven popular enough to spawn multiple spin-off game series, a live-action movie, and an anime adaptation. While there are not all that many entries in the main series, newcomers can experience the original trilogy through this compilation package, and the games hold up very well, particularly their writing and storytelling.

As the eponymous attorney, players will take on multiple trials as they steadily build up their cases, culminating in over-the-top and captivating final acts within the courts themselves. All three Ace Attorney games are an absolute blast to play through thanks to their compelling characters and captivating mysteries. These games were originally released on the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS, and their handheld console origins shine through in the remaster; however, it does not impact their enjoyment all that much.

Remnant 2

Metascore: 80

PC Game Pass has both Remnant titles, and they are among the service’s better Soulslikes. They are also third-person shooters that work well with a keyboard + mouse setup, something that cannot be said for most Dark Souls-style projects. As the first entry in the series, Remnant: From the Ashes deserves a mention since it has aged quite well since its 2019 debut. Newcomers who prefer to get the full experience should start with the original title, especially since the game’s rougher edges might seem more pronounced if compared directly to its sequel. That said, Remnant 2 is superior in nearly every way, and it serves as a prime example of a sequel done (mostly) to perfection. Although not completely detached from its predecessor, the 2023 release is accessible to beginners as well.

Remnant 2 sends players on a wild adventure as they visit multiple worlds that are falling prey to the Rot. Utilizing procedural generation, the game is designed to be replayed multiple times since players cannot experience everything in a single playthrough. Fast-paced and action-packed, the gameplay moves at a quicker pace than most Soulslikes and also emphasizes crowd control. When it comes to character build variety, Remnant 2 starts decent and expands from there, and that is just referring to the standard archetypes (classes) and not all the customizable weapons and items that are also available.

Guilty Gear Strive

Metascore: 85

Guilty Gear Strive is Arc System Works’ latest entry in its anime fighting franchise. While overshadowed by Dragon Ball FighterZ, Guilty Gear is arguably the developer’s primary license, and Strive stands toe-to-toe with the best fighters on the market. Balancing style and substance, the game offers fast-paced and skill-based combat that is immediately enjoyable but difficult to master.

Early entries in the series did not do a great job of introducing beginners to all the games’ systems, but Strive does show improvement in this area. That said, there is still a fairly steep learning curve, particularly if someone plans to jump into the online mode.

Hi-Fi Rush

Metascore: 89

Christmas came late for Game Pass owners as Hi-Fi Rush randomly debuted on January 25, 2023, and the hack and slash title proved to be quite a delightful surprise. From the developer behind The Evil Within and the polarizing Ghostwire: Tokyo, Hi-Fi Rush is a colorful and high-octane action romp built on music. Through a series of unfortunate events, Chai winds up with a music player in his chest, which means his actions naturally get a boost when he times them to the beat. This proves handy when he is taking on the campaign’s colorful and challenging bosses.

Hi-Fi Rush pops off the screen with vibrant cyberpunk environments and beautifully designed characters. The game is a looker that also plays and sounds great. The combat system starts satisfying and gradually extends its complexity; when not engaging in stylish battles, players can look forward to enjoyable platforming.

Celeste

Metascore: 94

There are roughly a billion indie 2D platformers. Some of them are fantastic, a few are awful, and most are utterly forgettable. Celeste firmly belongs in the first category, and it was arguably among the independent scene’s greatest achievements of the 2010s. So, does this make it a must-play for anyone with a PC Game Pass subscription? Well, yes and no. If someone loves 2D platformers, they owe it to themselves to try Extremely OK Games’ title. However, Celeste is a hard-as-nails precision platformer that can be exhausting for anyone who is not really looking for an especially difficult challenge. It is not particularly accessible.

Unlike quite a few entries in the genre, Celeste has a pretty in-depth story. Players control Madeline, a woman who goes on a soul-searching journey to climb Celeste Mountain. Touching upon mature themes like depression, the platformer is surprisingly character-driven, and its punishing gameplay reflects Madeline’s journey.

Cassette Beasts

Metascore: 84

Pokemon will never come to Xbox Game Pass, so monster-taming fans must look elsewhere to get their fix. Debuting in April 2023, Cassette Beasts instantly declared itself as a fantastic alternative to Nintendo’s flagship property. As the name suggests, the turn-based RPG revolves around beasts that can be recorded via a cassette tape; if successful, which is hardly a guarantee, players gain the ability to transform into that monster during battle.

Cassette Beasts‘ combat blends the familiar with the novel to create a battle system that is both accessible and challenging. Although not its only interesting mechanic, combat presents the option to fuse monsters, creating a superpowered entity that will be very useful against the campaign’s harder enemies. Narratively, Bytten Studio crafted a fascinating story set on a mysterious island cut off from the rest of reality.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide

Metascore: 74

Those who played the Warhammer: Vermintide series will definitely want to get their hands on Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, which takes the concepts from previous titles and amps up the action even further. This release features a different story arc by having players step into the shoes of prisoners, forced to clear out enemy-infested zones and complete tasks for their captors. The gameplay remains much the same as Vermintide, with players jumping into missions and joining others cooperatively to battle against hordes of bloodthirsty creatures and powerful bosses.

With a variety of weapons to unlock and multiple characters to play as, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is the perfect release to scratch the FPS itch, especially for those who are looking to slash and shoot their way through tons of enemies.

Loop Hero

Metascore: 82

PC Game Pass has an impressive selection of indie projects, and that includes a few games published by Developer Digital. While not the most well-known project in existence, Loop Hero is an addictive experience with no direct contemporaries on Game Pass, even though it takes many ideas that are common in the RPG and roguelite genres. As the title suggests, levels consist of a hero automatically walking along a looped path, and they will fight enemies and collect resources along the way.

The catch is that the game takes place in a world suffering from widespread amnesia, and each loop starts off as a blank slate. En route, players pick up cards that can be placed on the map to “remember” that spot, transforming the level in the process. Each card comes with positives and negatives, creating a delicate and strategic balancing act as players will

Pentiment

Metascore: 88

Pentiment is a grandiose adventure through 16th-century Bavaria. Those looking for a narrative-driven adventure that features puzzle elements should find tons to enjoy about Pentiment. Featuring beautiful and artistic graphics, along with wonderful sound design and an engrossing landscape, Pentiment should keep players on the edge of their seats from the start.

Players will have to explore their surroundings, engage with NPCs, and solve puzzles sprinkled around each plot line to progress through each of Pentiment‘s exciting “acts.”

Like A Dragon: Ishin!

Metascore: 79

PC Game Pass subscribers have plenty of Yakuza games at their fingertips. In fact, they can play through the entire mainline entries, including Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Sega’s franchise has delivered consistent quality for years now, and all these games are worth playing since they tell great stories that feature unforgettable characters. The gameplay tends to be solid as well. However, if someone wants to experience Kiryu’s full journey (to this point), they are looking at hundreds of hours of gameplay, which can be a daunting task. Therefore, as an alternative, they can just play the standalone Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Set during the Edo Period, Ishin! takes the likeness of Yakuza‘s famous characters and drops them into a new era, giving them new (historical) names in the process. Although very much a non-canon campaign, Ishin! still has all the hallmarks of a core project in the series. That means players can look forward to a lengthy and engaging narrative, fun combat, and a dense open-world filled with optional content. There are not all that many games set during this part of history, and Ishin! does an admirable job of bringing it to life.

Grounded

Metascore: 83

Players who enjoy games like Minecraft and Terraria should definitely consider hopping into Grounded. This microscopic adventure sees players entering a backyard landscape after being shrunk down to a fraction of their former size. Players will have to battle against hordes of vicious bugs to collect various materials to strengthen their armaments and increase their survivability.

Along the way, they will uncover an underlying storyline that will have them traveling all over the backyard to collect a variety of specialized computer chips. Players can embark on this journey by themselves or join in with up to three other friends.

A Plague Tale: Requiem

Metascore: 82

Asobo Studio’s highly anticipated sequel to 2019’s A Plague Tale: Innocence is finally out, and Requiem is just as brilliant as its predecessor. Once again cast as Amicia, players find themselves heading out on a harrowing journey to find a cure for Hugo, the protagonist’s younger brother, during the French Inquisition and black plague.

A Plague Tale: Requiem sticks close to the blueprint established by the first game, all the while improving upon a few elements. The sequel has a far superior combat system that presents Amicia with a wider variety of options. The story is also fantastic and builds up nicely.

Vampire Survivors

Metascore: 87

After spending almost a year in early access on Steam, Vampire Survivors made its full debut on October 20, 2022. The top-down roguelike has been nothing short of a colossal hit, and the game has received plenty of updates over the last year.

After selecting one of Vampire Survivors‘ available characters, players drop into a stage where they are bombarded by waves of enemies. The goal is to simply survive until the time limit while upgrading weapons, unlocking power-ups, and gaining gold coins. Vampire Survivors is a great PC Game Pass game since its gameplay loop is perfect for a subscription service that encourages playing multiple titles simultaneously.

Monster Hunter Rise

Metascore: 86

Originally a Switch exclusive, Monster Hunter Rise eventually made its way to other platforms, including PC Game Pass. People familiar with Capcom’s franchise will feel right at home with the 2021 release, especially if they experienced Monster Hunter World; however, Rise is still a unique beast that stands well on its own two feet. Opting for smaller scale maps and missions than its predecessor, Rise strips back some of the fat in order to emphasize Monster Hunter‘s core appeal: the combat.

While Rise has something of a story, it is merely there to guide players toward the end game when they can focus on grinding monsters to unlock better loot (which can then be used to grind even deadlier monsters). This gameplay loop has worked for decades, and Rise is no exception.

Amnesia: Collection, Rebirth, & The Bunker

Metascore: 79 (The Bunker)

Added to PC Game Pass in time for Halloween 2022, Amnesia: Collection contains The Dark Descent and A Machine for Pigs. The former is an influential first-person horror game set within a castle. Along with piecing together the events that led the protagonist to this situation, players must also manage their sanity meter while solving puzzles.

A Machine for Pigs tends to be overshadowed by The Dark Descent, but it is an intense and memorable horror experience in its own right. Amnesia: Rebirth and The Bunker are the most recent entries in the franchise, both of which are decent survival horror games with unique settings. Even if they do not come that close to reaching the heights of The Dark Descent, they still warrant playthroughs.

Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord

Metascore: 77

Mount & Blade 2 is an ambitious game that blends ideas from the management, strategy, and action RPG genres. Such a wide scope unsurprisingly results in a few missteps, but the overall experience is still a positive one. Set on a massive map, Bannerlord casts players as nobodies but gives them the resources to become rulers, and that journey is defined by trade, war, and relationships.

Mount & Blade 2 can be overwhelming, particularly for those who did not play the franchise’s previous releases; however, it is quite unlike anything else on PC Game Pass.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Metascore: 87

In recent months, Ubisoft has been adding its projects to both Sony and Microsoft’s subscription services. PC Games Pass has Assassin’s Creed Origins and Odyssey, two open-world action-adventure games that will collectively keep somebody busy for over a hundred hours. Both titles are fantastic, and personal preference for the games’ settings is likely to dictate which release is considered superior.

Odyssey is gorgeous, ambitious, and narratively engaging. Building on Origins‘ gameplay, Odyssey fine-tunes the melee combat to create a satisfying experience that packs quite a punch.

Persona 5 Tactica

Metascore: 77

PC Game Pass has Persona 4 Golden, Persona 3 Portable, and Persona 5 Tactica. If someone is looking for a turn-based JRPG with social sim mechanics, they should go with P4G, which is comfortably one of the genre’s best titles on Game Pass. P3P is also great, but its 3D remake, Persona 3 Reload, is coming out at the beginning of 2024 and should be available on Xbox Game Pass; consequently, newcomers might want to wait for that version. Lastly, there is Persona 5 Tactica, a sequel/spin-off to Persona 5.

Due to its status, the game is somewhat difficult to recommend to people who have not played the core title since they will lack a built-in appreciation for the main heroes, the Phantom Thieves. That said, Tactica does an OK job of standing on its own feet, largely due to the fact that its story is driven by a new character, with the Thieves acting as her support figures. Unsurprisingly, the game weaves an entertaining narrative filled with memorable characters, and it does not take itself too seriously outside a few moments. Taking inspiration from grid-based tactics games, the combat is decent for the genre, and Atlus successfully integrated a few mechanics from the mainline entries.

Disney Dreamlight Valley

Metascore: N/A

Prior to its Early Access release, Disney Dreamlight Valley was a difficult project to pin down. Set in a Mickey Mouse-themed world, the sim tasks players with rejuvenating a village by convincing Disney’s iconic characters to move into the area. While the project is still in development, the current version is fun and rewarding.

Ultimately, a person’s appreciation for this title will primarily come down to their interest in Disney and Pixar properties. Non-fans might still enjoy Disney Dreamlight Valley as it is a solid life-sim with adventure elements such as quests, but a pre-existing love for these characters certainly helps.

Inside

Metascore: 87

Playdead’s Inside is a dark and unsettling 2.5D platformer about a boy traveling across a dystopian world. Utilizing ambiguous storytelling that focuses more on atmosphere rather than twists, this 2016 indie darling is a triumph of level and environmental design.

In terms of gameplay, Inside does not necessarily do anything all that unique, but the game executes its puzzles so well that it still manages to stand out. This is one of those projects that simply needs to be experienced by everyone interested in gaming, and Inside is one of the best PC Game Pass games.

Limbo is also on PC Game Pass.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Metascore: 84

The heroes in a half-shell are back in a modern beat ’em up that harbors back to arcade classics like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time, and this adventure delivers far more than just a nostalgia trip. TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge presents a delightful modernization of the side-scrolling brawler formula, one that preserves and enhances that old-school ’90s charm of when these styles of games were inescapable.

Featuring six playable characters who each feel unique and 16 stages that pay homage to the TMNT franchise, Shredder’s Revenge is a must-play for long-time fans of the franchise or simply any PC Game Pass subscriber looking to try out an awesome title.

Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection

Metascore: 71

Xbox Game Pass subscribers had Ninja Gaiden Black and Ninja Gaiden 2 at their fingertips for a while, but the same could not be said for PC owners. Thankfully, the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection changed this, bringing this fantastic hack and slash franchise to a wider spectrum of platforms.

This compilation contains Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge, delivering dozens upon dozens of hours of Ryu goodness. Now, an argument can be made that the Sigma iterations are not the best versions of these games, but they are still very good. While the third entry has plenty of flaws, Razor’s Edge‘s combat system is a blast when played on the normal difficulty level.

Tunic

Metascore: 85

Calling back to classic adventure games such as The Legend of Zelda, Tunic wears its influences on its sleeve, and the 2022 release does justice to them. Set in a meticulously crafted world, this adventure tasks players with exploring the land and dungeons all the while collecting new weapons and items.

Do not be fooled by the adorable visuals, Tunic can be quite challenging, both in terms of the standard enemies and the array of bosses that are fought along the way. A delightful indie game that succeeds in feeling modern while paying tribute to classic titles from yesteryear, Tunic is certainly not a game someone wants to miss.

Mortal Kombat 11

Metascore: 82

Mortal Kombat 11 is one of the better entries in NetherRealm Studios’ highly-regarded fighting franchise. Ever since the 2011 release, MK has been on a tear, delivering entertaining over-the-top narratives with deep gameplay and a lot of online content.

MK11 slows down the combat considerably, crafting an experience that prioritizes precise and strategic movements over button-mashing. The game’s competitive scene can be quite overwhelming, especially now that MK11 has been out for more than two years. However, the single-player campaign is plenty of fun and can also be completed within a weekend.

Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition

Metascore: 87 (Standard Edition)

The indie scene has become flooded with Metroidvanias in the last decade or so, and few games have done a better job of capturing the genre’s magic than Hollow Knight. Set in Hallownest, players guide a knight through a complex, beautiful, and frequently haunting world filled with tough enemies, secrets, and lore.

Hollow Knight does not handhold players, opting to emphasize the importance of exploration and discovery. Although not overly complex, Hollow Knight‘s combat system knocks it out of the park and manages to remain enjoyable for the entirety of the campaign’s length.

Microsoft Flight Simulator Standard 40th Anniversary Edition

Metascore: 91

Microsoft Flight Simulator is a niche product that is also one of the reasons to pick up a PC Game Pass subscription. Permitting someone’s computer can run it, Microsoft Flight Simulator offers an experience unlike anything else on the market.

With Earth as its open-world, the flight sim allows pilots to plot courses and head out into the skies, traveling above vistas that could pass for real-life photographs. Ambitious, complex, and addictive, Microsoft Flight Simulator is a technical masterpiece and a triumphant work of art.

Forza Horizon 5

Metascore: 91

Playground has yet to drop a dud when it comes to Forza Horizon, and the 2021 entry marks a new high point for the beloved racing series. Set in Mexico, Forza Horizon 5 unleashes players on a massive and varied map filled with races, cars to unlock, jumps to make, and challenges to complete.

Visually stunning and boasting a respectable soundtrack, Forza Horizon 5 is an arcade racer with almost no peers. Going by previous releases, the 2021 game should have a lifespan of at least a few years, so drivers have a lot of time to enjoy Mexico’s biomes.

2023’s Forza Motorsport is an option for players who prefer sim rather than arcade racers. The game has a mixed reputation so far, largely thanks to launching in a less-than-immaculate state.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Metascore: 85 (Xbox One)

The entirety of the Halo franchise took a lengthy hiatus from PC after its initial outing with Combat Evolved, but all of that finally changed in 2019 — when the Master Chief Collection finally migrated to PC. Now mouse-and-keyboard warriors can follow the whole of Spartan-117’s saga and indulge in the full suite of multiplayer offerings alongside their Xbox brethren.

The MCC is virtually a crown jewel on the Xbox side of Game Pass, and it loses very little of that status in its transition to PC. All the entries hold up well and rank among the best console FPS games of all time.

Halo Infinite

Metascore: 80

Halo Infinite launched simultaneously on Xbox and PC, with the multiplayer being free for all. The single-player campaign is a notable improvement over Halo 5: Guardians. While there are the typical missions found in all Halo games, Infinite also includes open-ended sections so that players can take on side quests and explore Zeta Halo.

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The gunplay is as satisfying as ever, both in single-player and multiplayer. The campaign is substantial and long, while the online modes ensure people will keep on playing Halo Infinite for years to come.

A PC Game Pass subscription is not required to play Halo Infinite‘s multiplayer.

Deep Rock Galactic

Metascore: 85

If someone is looking for a bombastic and lighthearted cooperative shooter that manages to avoid sacrificing depth or action, then they need to look no further than Deep Rock Galactic. Players saddle up as one of four distinct classes of deep-delving Dwarves to plunge into various intergalactic caverns and plunder them of their valuable resources.

Of course, said caverns are usually inhabited by voracious alien species that have a taste for Dwarf flesh — but it’s nothing an impressive arsenal of weapons and repurposed mining tools can’t handle. Deep Rock Galactic is an absolute blast and a must-play for weekend gaming groups and dedicated co-op partners.

Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire

Metascore: 88

Pillars of Eternity (and more specifically, Pillars of Eternity 2) is for gamers who either missed out on or are looking to relive the golden years of Baldur’s Gate’s heyday. Taking place several years after the first installment, players return to the role of a “Watcher” (a sort of spiritual medium in the game’s world of Eora) to hunt down a vengeful god.

As mentioned, Pillars of Eternity evokes strong nostalgia in the vein of classic CRPGs, featuring satisfyingly deep role-playing opportunities and progression mechanics alongside smartly developed skill and attribute systems.

No Man’s Sky

Metascore: 61

Thanks to numerous updates, No Man’s Sky is not the game it once was when it was first released; it is so much more. PC games excel as living titles that are updated regularly, and no game has made such a comeback thanks to this work-in-progress model than No Man’s Sky.

Players can take to the stars and explore countless planets at their leisure, building bases and searching for resources the entire time. The freedom afforded by the scope of No Man’s Sky’s universe is breathtaking. Being able to explore the far reaches of space all from the comfort of your gaming chair makes this game a must-play title in the Xbox Game Pass library.

Gears 5 Game Of The Year Edition

Metascore: 82

Gears 5 Game of the Year Edition includes the base game, the Hivebusters expansion, 30 days of Boost, and the Halo: Reach character pack. Building on the fourth entry, Gears 5 blends the franchise’s hard-hitting third-person shooter gameplay with a couple of open sections similar to Halo Infinite, albeit nowhere near as vast as that game.

Kait Diaz takes center stage as the franchise’s new protagonist, and Gears 5 does a stellar job of exploring her connection to the Locust. Along with Gears 5, PC Game Pass also has Gears of War: Ultimate Edition and Gears of War 4, along with the Gears Tactics spin-off.

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