Xbox Game Pass continues to cement itself as an essential service for gamers, with Microsoft announcing another wave of exciting additions coming over the next few weeks. Headlined by Ubisoft’s hugely popular Far Cry 6 on December 14 and the wacky Goat Simulator 3 on December 7, Game Pass subscribers have a lot blockbuster entertainment to look forward to before the year is out.
But the major third-party titles are far from the whole story. Microsoft also revealed a compelling slate of indie games that will be hitting Game Pass on their release date, allowing subscribers immediate access to creative new titles like the city-builder SteamWorld Build and crafting adventure While the Iron is Hot. Fan favorite franchises are also returning, with Rise of the Tomb Raider coming back to the library on December 5 and the Remnant series getting an all-new sequel in Remnant II (which launches into Game Pass day one).
Additions Span Major Publishers and Genres
This Game Pass update underscores Microsoft’s expanding partnerships across the entire industry while continuing to deliver choice across diverse genres and audiences. Ubisoft has been a strong supporter, with games like Far Cry 6 and the entire Assassin’s Creed franchise available to subscribers. Long-time Xbox studio Crystal Dynamics is represented with Rise of the Tomb Raider as well. And the service is quickly becoming the premier destination for indie developers to gain exposure.
Upcoming highlights on the indie front include the meditative adventure Spirit of the North and the Lemmings-inspired puzzler Tin Hearts. Xbox is also continuing to secure high profile day one launches like SteamWorld Build and While the Iron is Hot. This variety of games from all corners of the industry and across all budget levels gives Game Pass a depth of options rival services from Sony and others may struggle to match.
Major Updates Coming to Live Service and DLC Titles Too
Of course, Game Pass wouldn’t be complete without its stable of games dedicated players can sink hundreds of hours into. Microsoft’s update didn’t forget the hits that keep subscribers engaged either. Updates are coming soon for the still white-hot auto battler Teamfight Tactics and always busy shared world RPG Fallout 76.
Teamfight Tactics new Remix Rumble set launches into open beta today, shaking up the tactical formula with powerful DJ-themed champions, mechanics, and abilities. It’s available entirely free for TFT players. Fallout 76 is getting new expeditions content on December 5th with the Atlantic City expansion. Game Pass subscribers enjoy access to Fallout 76 along with all additional updates and story content at no added cost.
Microsoft Bolstering Core Game Pass Tier with Arena Fighters
While not emphasized as strongly as console and PC offerings, Microsoft detailed a couple upcoming improvements for its cloud-focused Game Pass Core tier as well. Emerging out of pandemic lockdowns, Core aims to provide Xbox quality game streaming to players primarily through mobile devices and browsers.
Reflecting that accessibility, Microsoft announced that frenzied arena brawlers Chivalry 2 and Totally Reliable Delivery Service will be added to the Core catalog on December 6. The lack of storage limitations and maximum compatibility goals of cloud gaming makes the addition of these multiplayer titles ideal for the platform. Core helps close platform gaps by bringing Xbox exclusives and top third-party games to essentially any device with wifi access.
See Also: Jurassic World Evolution 2 Expands with New Cretaceous Predators and Major Features
Play Over 10 Major Franchises with a Game Pass Membership
Combined with previously announced upcoming launches like Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty and Starfield in the first half of 2023, Game Pass members will soon be able to access more than 10 tentpole franchises from Microsoft’s studios and partners through their subscription. Adding Ubisoft mega-hits like Far Cry and returnees like Tomb Raider only raises that value proposition further.
Game Pass remains a clear choice for the full range of Xbox gaming experiences across Series X|S consoles, Windows PCs, and mobile. An Ultimate subscription combines all the titles detailed today with Xbox Live social features and game streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming. At $15 per month with frequent discounts and incentives, the service offers exceptional entertainment per dollar compared with purchasing titles individually.
Microsoft Shows Their Bet on Game Pass is Paying Off
With Game Pass subscriber numbers exceeding expectations, Microsoft’s all-in wager on accessible subscription gaming content looks increasingly shrewd. Consistent high-profile launches continue raising awareness and adoption among serious gamers. The addition of loss-leading blockbusters like brand new entries in Far Cry and Tomb Raider close any remaining perception gaps with wary players.
Meanwhile, initiatives like Game Pass Core and Xbox Cloud Gaming penetration across devices open Xbox gaming experiences to entirely new audiences. Microsoft is executing a cohesive, robust platform strategy across hardware, software, and services. Game Pass sits squarely in the center as the catalyst drawing ever more players into the Xbox ecosystem.
Full Details on Xbox Game Pass December Titles
For those interested in all the highlights from Microsoft’s Game Pass December showcase, we’ve compiled the pertinent release details below:
Available Today
- Remnant: From the Ashes (Cloud, Console, PC)
- Remnant II (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S)
Coming December 1
- Spirit of the North (Cloud, Console, PC)
- SteamWorld Build (Cloud, Console, PC)
Coming December 5
- Clone Drone in the Danger Zone (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S)
- Rise of the Tomb Raider (Cloud, Console, PC)
- While the Iron’s Hot (Cloud, Console, PC)
- World War Z: Aftermath (Cloud, Console, PC)
- Fallout 76: Atlantic City – Boardwalk Paradise Expedition
Coming December 6
- Chivalry 2 (Cloud) – Game Pass Core
- Totally Reliable Delivery Service (Cloud) – Game Pass Core
Coming December 7
- Goat Simulator 3 (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S)
Coming December 8
- Against the Storm (PC)
Coming December 12
- Tin Hearts (Cloud, Console, PC)
Coming December 14
- Far Cry 6 (Cloud, Console, PC)
Game Pass provides incredible and constantly updating value to its millions of members across Xbox consoles, Windows, and cloud gaming services. This latest batch of additions continues that momentum with big-name brand power and indie creativity. An Ultimate subscription unlocks it all for one affordable rate. If you still haven’t taken the plunge, entries in legendary series like Far Cry, Fallout, and Tomb Raider arriving over the coming weeks makes Game Pass’ value impossible to beat.
