First Two Xbox Game Pass Games Confirmed for January 2026

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Xbox Game Pass is starting to build its 2026 schedule, with the first two games for January already announced. Microsoft hasn’t shared the complete lineup yet, but these early reveals give subscribers a good preview of the games coming to both console and PC to start the new year.

Instead of starting the year with a huge, popular game, January’s announced titles show a focus on offering a diverse range of experiences. One game emphasizes storytelling and exploration, while the other is a more deliberate, strategic game. This suggests January will be a month for players who enjoy immersive and unique games, rather than big, flashy releases – at least based on what’s been revealed so far.

Confirmed January 2026 Xbox Game Pass Games

Xbox Game Pass is kicking off January with two distinct games. One is a narrative-focused science fiction adventure, while the other is a slower-paced strategy title. These early releases showcase the range of games subscribers can look forward to throughout the month, with more titles still to be announced.

MIO: Memories In Orbit (Console and PC, January 20)

In MIO: Memories In Orbit, you play as an android exploring a huge, deserted spaceship. This ship, once a marvel of technology designed to preserve life, is now falling apart and filled with malfunctioning robots. As you journey through connected areas, you’ll gain new skills to help you move around and fight, all while discovering the secrets behind the ship’s downfall.

This game focuses on creating a strong sense of place and telling its story through the world around you. You’ll move quickly and smoothly, but you’re also encouraged to take your time and explore. It’s a great single-player experience for Game Pass members, perfect for either long play sessions or shorter bursts. If you want to try it out, a demo is currently available on both Steam and Xbox.

Nova Roma (PC, January 22)

In Nova Roma, you’ll experience a unique city-building game focused on growth and long-term strategy. You start with a small Roman settlement and are responsible for managing resources, building up infrastructure, and keeping your citizens happy as your city develops. Your choices will affect everything from the economy to religious beliefs, so careful planning is essential for success.

Unlike fast-paced action games, Nova Roma is built for players who love to plan carefully and think strategically. It’s a slower, more thoughtful game where patience pays off, making it ideal for PC gamers who enjoy strategy and management titles. You can try a demo of the game now on Steam.

What This Means for Game Pass in January

These early indicators suggest Xbox Game Pass will start January 2026 with a careful strategy. Rather than releasing a big, blockbuster game right away, Microsoft seems to be focusing on offering a variety of unique and appealing games designed for different types of players.

Game Pass continues to offer games on both consoles and PCs, with some titles available on both, like MIO: Memories In Orbit, and others, such as Nova Roma, launching only on PC. This keeps a good balance across platforms and gives players plenty of options. We can expect more game announcements closer to the release date, and these initial reveals are probably just a preview of everything coming to Game Pass in January.

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2025-12-14 07:10