5 Games That Dominated Xbox Game Pass This Year

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Xbox Game Pass is a fantastic value for gamers, and each year, a few games really stand out on the service. If you have an Xbox and play often, Game Pass is hard to resist. It’s deeply connected to the Xbox experience and a great way to save money on games. The biggest benefit is playing new Xbox games as soon as they come out without paying extra. Recently, Call of Duty has been a major draw, letting players easily try the game or just enjoy the story mode.

We’ve gathered a list of standout Xbox Game Pass games from 2025. These titles really benefited from being on the service, with one even earning the title of Game of the Year.

5) Rematch

I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed Rematch! It’s a soccer game, but honestly, it feels more like Rocket League than traditional soccer. It’s super arcade-y with crazy trick shots, clever teamwork, and these arena walls you can bounce the ball off of for some strategic plays. It’s basically Rocket League without the cars, which is hilarious! I had a ton of fun with it, and it was definitely one of the best games to come to Xbox Game Pass this year. Seriously, if you haven’t tried it, you should – it’s especially great with friends!

4) Grounded 2

Grounded 2 came as a real shock to players. The original Grounded, a popular survival game from Obsidian released in 2022, received regular updates. Because these types of games are constantly evolving, a full sequel wasn’t expected. However, Obsidian surprised everyone by announcing Grounded 2 in June and launching it just a month later in July. Many players were able to jump in immediately thanks to its availability on Xbox Game Pass at no additional cost.

3) The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

I was so surprised and excited when The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered just dropped out of nowhere earlier this year! Bethesda kept everything totally under wraps, and then announced and released it on the same day for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. It was amazing! As an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, I could jump right back into this all-time classic – or experience it for the first time – with updated graphics. It’s easily one of the best RPGs ever made, and getting it through Game Pass made it even better!

2) Hollow Knight: Silksong

Xbox made a smart decision by getting involved with Hollow Knight: Silksong early on. Back in 2022, they announced it would be available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers on its release day. Although the game took three years to finally launch, it was met with widespread acclaim. Offering it through Game Pass not only delighted existing fans by providing free access, but also introduced the game to a new audience. This was a particularly successful move for Xbox, and likely benefited the game’s developer, Team Cherry, financially as well.

1) Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Xbox made another smart move by including Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in its Game Pass lineup. Microsoft recognized the potential of this RPG before it launched and ensured it was available to subscribers from day one. While the game likely would have been successful regardless, being on Game Pass probably boosted its popularity and positive word-of-mouth significantly. Even though Xbox didn’t develop the game themselves, they can likely take some small credit for Expedition 33‘s success at The Game Awards. Including it in Game Pass was a particularly effective marketing strategy for the game.

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2025-12-22 23:40