Best Xbox Game Pass games for console & PC (December 2024)
MicrosoftXbox Game Pass is brimming with hundreds of memorable experiences, spanning as many genres as you can imagine. To help you find the very best offerings on the service, we’ve gathered a list of the best Xbox Game Pass games to try out in 2024.
The Game Pass service features hundreds of high-quality games at a reasonable monthly price. Such titles include the likes of AAA experiences, indie gems, and multiplayer games, so there’s something for everyone.
However, finding the best Xbox Game Pass games out of the entire catalog can be tricky, as there are so many to choose from. So, here are our top picks of Xbox Game Pass games in December 2024 for your console and PC.
Updated December 18, 2024
Best Game Pass games for console & PC
Batman: Arkham Knight
Rocksteady/Warner Bros- Playable on: Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X
- Release date: 6/22/2015
- Genre: Action & adventure
- Game Pass Tier: Standard / Ultimate
The Batman Arkham franchise may have been mostly dormant since 2015’s Arkham Knight, but the game remains an excellent action-adventure title. Gotham City has never looked (or felt) more frightening, and while the Batmobile was a contentious addition back at launch, we still enjoy crashing through walls like they’re made of paper.
Sure, the plot twist can be seen a mile off, but Arkham Knight was a fitting end for the franchise – at least until we get to play as the Suicide Squad.
Battletech
Harebrained Schemes/Paradox Interactive- Playable on: PC
- Release date: 6/10/2020
- Genre: Action & adventure
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Ultimate
The Battletech/MechWarrior franchise has been around for years, but Harebrained Schemes took the series’ staple of rampaging robots filled with enough ammo to wipe entire continents off of the map and put it into a template closer to the XCOM series.
Turn-based strategy ensues as your band of mercenaries fights its way across the solar system, picking up missions to keep the engines in your upgradable mechs running.
Crusader Kings III
Paradox Interactive- Playable on: Xbox Series S|X / PC
- Release date: 9/1/2020
- Genre: RPG
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Standard / Ultimate
If you ever watched Game of Thrones and enjoyed the political (and sometimes literal) backstabbing, then Crusader Kings III is worth a look. Neighboring leader look at you funny? You could woo their spouse and have your bastard rule when they’re gone. Or you could simply have them killed.
Players have even reported multiple spouses being killed off by a character that ended up being revealed as their evil twin – it really is a great generator for unique stories.
Deathloop
Arkane Lyon- Playable on: Xbox Series S|X / PC
- Release date: 9/20/2022
- Genre: Action & adventure
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Standard / Ultimate
Deathloop may have been a PS5 exclusive when we reviewed it at launch, but it’s finally made the jump to Xbox and lost none of its style, swagger, or ferocity in the transition.
This time loop mystery is full of supernatural powers and cool weaponry, while also taking place in a world with a distinct seventies flavor. We awarded it a score of 9/10, and said “Deathloop expertly blends genres for a truly unique experience that delivers on its brilliant premise.”
Doom Eternal
iD Software/Bethesda- Playable on: Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / PC
- Release date: 12/1/2020
- Genre: Shooter
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Core / Standard / Ultimate
If Doom’s 2016 revival was dragging the granddaddy of FPS games into the modern era, Doom Eternal is that same, chainsaw-wielding ball of fury all grown up. iD Software’s sequel is bigger, brasher, and gorier than its predecessor. Its environments are more ambitious, its platforming is actually pretty fun, and it brings back the unique “push and pull” of combat that made the reboot so loved by newcomers and longtime fans alike.
It also looks positively stunning on Xbox Series S|X, meaning it’s worth another playthrough even if you’ve already finished it.
Football Manager 2024
Sega- Playable on: Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / PC
- Release date: 11/6/2023
- Genre: Sports Sim
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Standard / Ultimate
If you’ve ever fancied yourself a master tactician, you can now prove it with Football Manager 2024. A fantastic management sim that layers depth upon depth, you can pick your favorite big club or start in the lower leagues of any nation.
With an endless stream of matches, you can build your footballing dynasty with the new Squad Planner feature that lets you identify players to sign or sell over the course of multiple seasons, while the updated data hub makes it easier than ever to work out what’s going wrong or play to your strengths.
Forza Horizon 5
Microsoft- Playable on: Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / PC
- Release date: 11/9/2021
- Genre: Racing & flying
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Standard / Ultimate
The Forza Horizon series has never had a bad entry, so imagine our surprise when Forza Horizon 5 scored an incredible 10/10 in our review. Mexico’s landscape, even more impressive visuals, and a huge car list make Forza Horizon 5 not just the best racing game this year, but one of the best racing games of all time.
It’s the perfect showcase for the Xbox Series S|X, and if you’ve got the PC for it, it’ll look stunning there, too.
Gears 5
Xbox- Playable on: Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / PC
- Release date: 12/14/2020
- Genre: Shooter
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Core / Standard / Ultimate
Gears 5 remains a showcase for the Xbox Series S|X consoles, and for good reason – The Coalition’s third-person shooter has never looked, or played, better. Players take control of Kait Diaz in the game’s campaign, with stunning set pieces and even a more open-world-inspired section.
In multiplayer, players can enjoy Horde, Versus, and the new mode Escape, meaning there’s plenty for players to enjoy. Oh, and yes, there are still chainsaw guns.
Halo Infinite
343 Industries- Playable on: Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / PC
- Release date: 12/8/2021
- Genre: Shooter
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Standard / Ultimate
Halo Infinite might be the most anticipated Xbox title of 2021, and thanks to Game Pass, players can jump in on day one. With a full, open-world-style campaign and a free-to-play multiplayer suite, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
Looking to catch up on the series? The Halo: Master Chief Collection is also available on Xbox Game Pass – meaning there are six mainline games to play through before Infinite if you want to learn the history of Spartan-117.
Psychonauts 2
Double Fine/Xbox- Playable on: Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / PC
- Release date: 8/24/2021
- Genre: Action & adventure
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Core / Standard / Ultimate
The original Psychonauts may have launched in 2005, but its 2021 sequel doesn’t skip a beat. In fact, it picks up right where its predecessor left off, reintroducing Razputin “Raz” Aquato. Players will jump into the fractured psyche of multiple characters, with each world offering a unique playground Raz can experiment with using his Psi-Powers.
If you’re a fan of platformers or developer Double Fine’s unique mix of the whacky and heartfelt, Psychonauts 2 is a must-play.
Rainbow Six Siege
Ubisoft- Playable on: Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / PC
- Release date: 3/12/2024
- Genre: Shooter
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Standard / Ultimate
Rainbow Six Siege launched to middling reviews in 2015, but now into its sixth year of content, the game has gone from strength to strength. Offering tense, tactical combat in maps where walls, floors, and ceilings can all be shredded to pieces, nowhere is safe.
Rainbow Six fans on Xbox get the Deluxe Edition – meaning you’ll unlock a handful of Operators to build out your roster.
Sea of Thieves
Xbox- Playable on: Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / PC
- Release date: 3/20/2018
- Genre: Action & adventure
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Standard / Ultimate
Sea of Thieves may have had a rocky launch, but Rare has continued to build on its systems since it launched. Adding more things to do and items to earn, Sea of Thieves is best experienced with friends, fighting off enemy ships and Krakens while singing shanties, drinking ale, and scooping water out of your ship’s hull.
Add to that a new series of Tall Tales featuring Pirates of the Caribbean’s Jack Sparrow, and Sea of Thieves is well worthy of being on our best Xbox Game Pass games list.
Stardew Valley
ConcernedApe- Playable on: Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / PC
- Release date: 12/13/2016
- Genre: RPG / Farm sim
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Core / Standard / Ultimate
Stardew Valley is an indie darling, but it continues to grow and improve over time. Taking over a relative’s farm, players are tasked with restoring it to its former glory by growing and selling crops, as well as mining and building relationships with villagers.
It’s all wrapped up in a gorgeous, colorful aesthetic, and with the inclusion of multiplayer, you can spend days just farming in peace.
Titanfall 2
Respawn Entertainment/EA- Playable on: Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / PC
- Release date: 10/27/2016
- Genre: Shooter
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Ultimate / EA Play
Apex Legends has been a huge success for Respawn, but we’d be lying if we said we aren’t holding out hope for a third Titanfall game. While the first game offered an incredible multiplayer mode, Titanfall 2’s single-player campaign is an all-time classic, constantly shifting expectations while maintaining rock-solid gunplay and traversal.
Then there’s the multiplayer, which is no slouch – and helped form the basis of Apex Legends’ superlative battle royale combat.
Citizen Sleeper
Jump Over The Age- Playable on: Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / PC
- Release date: 5/5/2022
- Genre: Action & adventure
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Standard / Ultimate
If you liked the atmosphere of Cyberpunk 2077 and are looking for a game like Cyberpunk 2077, look no further, as Citizen Sleeper is one of the best games you can play if you’re a fan of the cyberpunk genre. The game features tabletop elements requiring you to roll dice to advance in the game.
With a sequel coming our way, now would be a good time to jump into the game and see what it has to offer.
It Takes Two
Hazelight Studios- Playable on: Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / PC
- Release date: 3/26/2021
- Genre: Action & adventure
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Ultimate / EA Play
With the advent of the internet and online gaming, couch co-op gaming has almost died, with no game providing you the option to just plug in a controller and play the game with someone sitting right next to you.
Hazelight Studios comes to the rescue of this dying art, reviving the genre. It Takes Two has some of the best gameplay and boss battles. You can enjoy this game with your loved ones, and you’ll surely have a great time as you work together to get past beat the different levels.
Lies of P
Neowiz Games, Round 8 Studio- Playable on: Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / PC
- Release date: 9/18/2023
- Genre: Action & adventure RPG
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Standard / Ultimate
Since the release of Demon’s Souls, the Soulsborne genre has flourished, with various other developers making their own iterations of the Souls games. Lies of P is the latest addition to the long list of Soulsborne games.
Focusing on Pinnochio, Lies of P tells the fantastic tale of the infamous puppet using lie and truth as an in-game mechanic, which makes the game all the more interesting to play if you don’t take into account all the crazy bosses and intricately crafted character models.
Pentiment
Obsidian- Playable on: Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / PC
- Release date: 11/15/2022
- Genre: Action & adventure
- Game Pass Tier: PC / Standard / Ultimate
Pentiment is something entirely unique in gaming. It takes literature, storytelling, and meaningful simplicity into its stride, creating a fantastic murder mystery that will stay with the player long after they’ve completed it. In fact, when reviewing the game we gave it a 5/5, stating it was “a great novel that we could not put down.”
Ultimately, this game is emotional, addictive, and utterly unique in its designs. A must-try for anyone with Xbox Game Pass.
Games coming to Game Pass
These are the games that will arrive in Game Pass during this month:
| GAME | TIER | DATE |
|---|---|---|
| Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled | Core / Standard / Ultimate | December 4, 2024 |
| DayZ | Core / Standard / Ultimate | December 4, 2024 |
| Forza Motorsport | Standard / Ultimate | December 4, 2024 |
| Goat Simulator | Core / Standard / Ultimate | December 4, 2024 |
| Hauntii | Standard / Ultimate | December 4, 2024 |
| Humanity | Standard / Ultimate | December 4, 2024 |
| EA Sports WRC | PC / Ultimate | December 5, 2024 |
| Overthrown | PC / Ultimate | December 5, 2024 |
| Indiana Jones and the Great Circle* | PC / Ultimate | December 9, 2024 |
| Wildfrost | PC / Ultimate | December 10, 2024 |
| For the King II | PC / Ultimate | December 12, 2024 |
| Hunt Showdown 1896 | Standard / Ultimate | December 12, 2024 |
Games with an ‘*’ are Day One releases.
Games leaving Game Pass
These are the games that will be leaving Game Pass this month:
| GAME | DEVICE | DATE |
|---|---|---|
| Forza Horizon 4 | PC / Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud | December 15, 2024 |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider | PC / Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud | December 15, 2024 |
| The Quarry | Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud | December 15, 2024 |
| Amnesia: The Bunker | PC / Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud | December 15, 2024 |
| Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan | PC / Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud | December 15, 2024 |
| Tin Hearts | PC / Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud | December 15, 2024 |
| Forager | PC / Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud | December 15, 2024 |
| BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Special Edition | PC / Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud | December 31, 2024 |
| Close to the Sun | PC / Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud | December 31, 2024 |
| Humankind | PC / Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud | December 31, 2024 |
| Lego 2K Drive | Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud | December 31, 2024 |
| McPixel 3 | PC / Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud | December 31, 2024 |
| Party Animals | Xbox One / Xbox Series S|X / Cloud | December 31, 2024 |
All Xbox Game Pass tiers & prices
The Game Pass service offers users plenty of different plans. Here are all of them, so you can pick the one that suits you best.
| SUBSCRIPTION | DEVICES | PRICE | INCLUDES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Game Pass PC | PC platforms | USD 11.99/month | – Full access to the Game Pass library on PC platforms – New games on day one – Member deals & discounts – EA Play membership |
| Xbox Game Pass Core | Xbox consoles | USD 9.99/month | – Online console multiplayer – Access to over 25 high-quality console games – Member deals & discounts |
| Xbox Game Pass Standard | Xbox consoles | USD 14.99/month | – Full access to the Game Pass library on consoles – Online console multiplayer – Member deals & discounts |
| Xbox Game Pass Ultimate | Xbox consoles and PC platforms | USD 19.99/month | – Full access to the Game Pass library on consoles, PC platforms, and cloud – New games on day one – Member deals, discounts, Perks, and exclusive offers – Online console multiplayer – EA Play membership |
There are the best Xbox Game Pass games for December 2024. Don’t forget to check our Xbox Game Pass catalog to stay updated with the games coming in and out of the service. In case you’re looking for specific games, we have the best Souls, survival, and mobile games right here.