9 Xbox Game Pass Games You Didn’t Know About

If you have an Xbox Game Pass subscription, you’re likely aware of the blockbuster games that dominate the echelon of hype, Halo Infinite or Forza Horizon 5. But let’s face it: there are some precious bastards hiding in the dark just waiting to get a shot at your attention. These titles don’t come with the same fanfare, but believe me, they are worth your time. Here are some Xbox Game Pass titles you might be snoozing on — and why you should wake up and play ’em.

1. The Case of the Golden Idol

The game that’s going to give you Sherlock vibes — if Sherlock was also the master of solving puzzling murder mysteries.

This investigative game really is like a great wine: the more you drink… oops, I mean play, the better it gets. The Case of the Golden Idol has the same intrigue as a whodunit, combined with the satisfaction of cracking a complicated puzzle. Imagine the spiritual successor to Return of the Obra Dinn, only even more intricate layers of bizarre history and warped criminality. Sure, it’s not the most luxurious title, but it’s rife with brain-bending fun that will leave you feeling big-brained after every case.

Platforms: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Windows PC

2. Citizen Sleeper

What if, at that moment, you were working on a space station, living check to check and having to deal with a corporate apocalypse? What a wild Friday night, am I right?

Citizen Sleeper is a mix of strategy and story presented with a tabletop RPG theme set in a dystopian future. You take on the role of a sleeper, struggling to survive in a maimed capitalist world. You search, scavenge, and try to survive each ominous ANOM rolling of some dice. It’s got a wacky vibe—half cyberpunk, half board game. It’s a very well-written, and very well-written, character you’ll care about. And it’s a good choice if you prefer games that are more about using strategy than about blowing things up.

Platforms: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Windows PC

3. Outer Worlds

What do you call space exploration joined with a pinch of dark comedy and a dollop of corporate greed? Outer Worlds, my friend.

You’ve probably heard of it, but have you played it? If not, you’re missing out. Outer Worlds hits that sweet spot of playful writing and clever RPG mechanics, where every move you [yes, even stealing that muffin] is all part of crafting your fate. You’ll be traversing space in a pitched silvery form all while you dance across a dystopian universe inhabited by quirky characters, dangerous planets and, of course, morally questionable decisions. It’s like Fallout in space with a hot new outfit. And the best part? The humor. You will laugh more than you expect to.

Where to buy: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Windows PC

4. Slay the Spire

Card games? In MY Xbox Game Pass? Yes, indeed.

If you haven’t played Slay the Spire yet, you are significantly missing out on one of the best rogue-like deck builders ever made. How a simple card game might not holler “action-packed fun” at first glance, but don’t be deceived. Slay the Spire is a deck building strategy roguelike that has you building a deck of cards to fight your way through procedurally generated dungeons. You can think of it like if Hearthstone had a darkly skewed RPG element—which is a combo that’ll hook you sooner than you could say, “‘Should’ve taken that card instead.

Available on: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Windows PC

5. The Artful Escape

For when you want a game that’s as much art as a game.

Not all games need explosions and fast cars. Sometimes, you need something a bit more … artsy. The Artful Escape is a psychedelic platformer that will make it seem like you are stuck inside of a kaleidoscope, and honestly, when so many other games have neutered their artistic ambitions, that’s not a bad thing. You’ll be playing a young guitarist on a journey to discover your own musical identity in a vivacious, otherworldly universe. The music is as integral a part of the experience as is the gameplay, and the visuals will have you feeling as if you’re the lead in a head-spinning rock opera.

Available on: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Windows PC

6. For Honor

Do You Want to Become a Knight, Samurai, or Viking? Of course you do. Oh, and you don’t need to be an Xbox exclusive game to make it happen.

Sure, For Honor is an oldie but goodie but don’t let that mislead you — it’s still an absolute blast to play. But if you enjoy strategic brawling, large-scale kills and a touch of medieval history, For Honor lets you brawl as a knight, samurai or viking in heated team-based clashes. It’s kind of like Mortal Kombat meets Game of Thrones — without the dragons.” It’s one of those games that’s simple to play but difficult to master, so you can either hop in for a quick few rounds or devote hours to honing your technique.

Platforms: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One

7. Yakuza 0

You might be familiar with the Yakuza series, but did you know Yakuza 0 is a solid entry to dip your toes in?

All right, let’s be real—Yakuza 0 has it all: action (and lots of it), drama, minigames and a completely bonkers story. You control the legendary figures Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, two giants of the Japanese underworld, and batter adversaries, assist passers-by, and yes, sing karaoke. The game is a blend of larger-than-life action and emotional storytelling, and it’s one of the most unforgettable experiences out there on Game Pass. If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s your chance.

Platforms: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Windows PC

8. Moon Hunters

Have you ever wanted to play a game that’s purely about constructing your own mythology? No? Well, now you will.

Moon Hunters is a strange mix of action RPG and mythology builder. Set in an exquisite pixel art world, it’s all about writing your own legend, killing foes, and finding out the history of your people. What’s cool about it is every time you play, the world changes and you get to contribute to the narrative however you see fit. It’s one of those indie gems that flies a little under the radar. Believe me, it’s worth it for the experience alone.

Available on: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One

9. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom

Like a Disney film, only more brawling and fewer crooning beasts.

If you’ve wanted to play a game as charming as it is fun, Ni no Kuni II is it. It’s got that Studio Ghibli magic with a beautiful world and lovable characters, blended with solid real-time combat and strategy. ​The story centers on Evan, a young king trying to restore his kingdom. It’s a whimsical, sweet journey that’ll tug on the heartstrings, and the gameplay makes it fun all the way through.

Platform: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Windows PC

So there you have it: Xbox Game Pass titles you could be missing. So whether you’re interested in solving whodunits or tree-hopping in the cosmos—or even if you just want some good colonial-era warfare-based gags—these are the underappreciated gems you’ve been missing. So be sure to pick up your controller, launch your Xbox app, and let’s get gaming. Your next video game obsession is just waiting!