If you’re an Xbox Game Pass subscriber on any tier, Wargaming’s free-to play titles across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Xbox on PC will soon begin to offer you new benefits.

Over the next 12 months, Wargaming will add exclusive in-game benefits for Game Pass subscribers to World of Warships, World of Warships: Legends, World of Tanks Modern Armor, World of Tanks Blitz and even the upcoming World of Tanks: Heat.  

Today, we can reveal the benefits coming to World of Warships for Xbox on PC on April 9:

Welcome Pack for all players:

• 7x WoWS Premium Account Days
• 1x Xbox Tileflage (ship camouflage)

Weekly Missions and weekly reward

• 7x “Credits +40% Expendible bonuses
• 7x “Ship XP +200%” Expendable bonuses
• 7x “Commander XP +200%” Expendable bonuses
• 7x “Free XP +600%” Expendable bonuses

One-off Welcome Pack for New Players

• 1 battle = 100,000 Credits
• 3 battles = 1x Xbox Container  
• 3 battles = 1x Xbox Tileflage (ship camouflage) + 3-day Avrora ship rental 
• 3 battles = 1x Japanese Commander (6 Skill Points) & 1x USA Commander (6 Skill Points)
• 3 battles = 2x Italian Destroyers Container & 2x Always Courageous Container
• 5 battles = 12,000 Free XP
• 5 battles = 1x Xbox Tileflage (ship camouflage) + 3-day Agincourt ship rental
• 5 battles = 1x Italian Destroyers Container & 1x Always Courageous Container
• 5 battles = 2x Xbox Container  
• 5 battles = 15,000 coal
• 5 battles = 1 day of WOWS Premium Account
• 10 battles + 3 days of WOWS Premium Account
• 10 battles = 1x Supercontainer
• 15 battles = 1x Xbox Tileflage (ship camouflage)
• Final Reward = 1,000 Doubloons

Here’s a brief overview of all the Wargaming titles you can expect benefits from in the months ahead:

World of Warships (Xbox on PC)

Immerse yourself in thrilling naval battles and assemble an armada of over 600 ships from the first half of the 20th century — from stealthy destroyers to gigantic battleships. Change the look of your ship, choose upgrades to suit your play style, and go into battle with other players!

World of Warships: Legends (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC)

World of Warships: Legends is a free-to-play online naval shooter with fast-paced combat, easy-to-learn gameplay, and cross-progression between consoles, mobile, and PC. Victory is earned through strategic play, smart positioning, and coordinated teamwork. As a Captain, you can choose from more than 600 historically inspired warships, including legendary vessels from WWII such as Yamato, USS Iowa, Bismarck, and many more.

World of Tanks Modern Armor (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One)

World of Tanks Modern Armor puts you in command of over 1,000 modern and legendary tanks. Challenge yourself in 15v15 tactical team battles. Choose to fight in Cold War or World War II settings – each offering its own roster of vehicles and historical themes for you to experience. Explore detailed maps, PvE and PvP events and challenges, inspired by real-world theaters of war.

World of Tanks Blitz (Xbox on PC)

World of Tanks Blitz is a free-to-play online 7v7 tank shooter built around fast-paced battles that usually last 5 to 7 minutes. Play solo or team up with a friend, choose from hundreds of vehicles inspired by both historic designs and more unusual experimental machines, and enjoy smooth performance even on modest hardware.

World of Tanks: Heat (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC)

The upcoming brand new Wargaming title, World of Tanks: Heat, launching later this year, pits you as an Agent, specially trained and uniquely equipped to pilot mighty war machines tailored to your playstyle. Your mission? Dominate fast-paced battles in objective-based modes that reward coordination, timing, and mechanical skill across immersive arenas crafted for high-stakes strategy and tactics.

Stay tuned to Wargaming’s social channels and Xbox Wire for more information on the many in-game benefits coming to subscribers this year.

I’m thrilled to reveal the Xbox version of Ascend to Zero, a time-bending action roguelike from Flyway Games that was part of last week’s Xbox Partner Preview broadcast.

Let’s start with a question: what would it actually feel like to stop time in the heat of battle? That single idea is where Ascend to Zero began — and it’s the thread that runs through everything we’ve built.

A Prototype Born from One Small Question

Ascend to Zero started with a very small moment. I was playing a survival roguelike when enemies swarmed in from every direction, cutting off every possible escape route. In that instant, one thought crossed my mind: “What if I could stop time, just for a second?”

A few days later, I revisited the idea and started building a small prototype. Less about grand design, more about answering one question: “Would this actually be fun?” In chasing an answer, I had an important realization — the act of freezing time and letting it flow again creates a strategic “turn” inside a real-time action game.

I combined that with a structure I’d always loved from Inflation RPG: explosive growth packed within limited opportunities. That’s how the first prototype ofAscend to Zero came together.

The Fun, Shaped by Player Voices

It didn’t take long to hit the limits of building alone. I started by asking friends and colleagues to play, and the ones who saw the potential in this game joined the team one by one. From there, testing gradually expanded to the community, and we paid close attention to what players loved and what frustrated them.

The loudest feedback was about the thrill of growth. Players wanted more powerful gear and systems that let them push that gear to its limits. We responded by introducing equipment sets beyond the mythic tier, over 200 new items, and three brand-new enhancement systems.

Many players responded positively to the time-bending concept, and we received a lot of feedback describing the game loop as addictive. At the same time, we noticed that some players were dropping off in the early game before fully grasping what made it fun, and that was something we couldn’t ignore.

After a lot of internal discussion, we made a decision: don’t make players wait for the best parts. We redesigned the early experience from the ground up so that players could feel what makes Ascend to Zero special from the moment they start: time-bending and explosive progression.

Save the World in 30 Seconds

All of which leads us to the final game you’ll soon be able to play. It’s 2225, and humanity has been brought to extinction by a mechanical invasion. As the last survivor, you’ll travel back in time to rewrite that fate.

You have just 30 seconds — but with the power to stop time in your hands, you can turn the tide of any battle, striking down powerful enemies to keep reclaiming time yourself. Not passive survival, but an active breakthrough, that’s the core experience Ascend to Zero is built to deliver.

A New Kind of Action Roguelike

Ascend to Zero is the result of years of development and testing, and it goes beyond the roguelike formula. Stats inflate at a staggering pace, and the satisfaction of watching your numbers climb by orders of magnitude delivers an RPG-style sense of accomplishment that most roguelikes simply can’t match.

Layer on top of that the spectacular skill effects cascading across a high-quality pixel art world, fast-paced combat, and strategic gear choices that demand a decision at every turn — every run you complete makes the next one richer. Every challenge builds toward something stronger.

A Small Start, and What It Became

Ascend to Zero began with that single question: “What would it feel like to stop time in the heat of battle?” That small idea was shaped by our team and refined through the feedback of countless players, growing into something far more exciting than where it started. I believe this is the power of indie games. New ideas always start small — but that smallness can sharpen them into something more focused, more distinct, and more fun.

Ascend to Zero launches July 13, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC and Xbox Cloud. It will be an Xbox Play Anywhere title and available day one with Xbox Game Pass. Add it to your wishlist now, and get ready to bend time to save the world.

Ascend to ZERO

Flyway Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

[Game Overview] Ascend to ZERO is a time-bending roguelike where you have the power to manipulate time and fight your way to the top. Play as unique avatars, wield powerful weapons and items, and experience fast-paced progression as your build evolves with every run. [Story] In the year 22XX, humanity built a vast underground Time Lab to master time travel. However, when the portal to the future finally opened, it wasn't hope that greeted them—only despair. A legion of unidentified mechanical monsters poured through the portal, laying waste to civilization. To prevent the impending apocalypse, humanity created the “Chrono Child”—the only being capable of traveling back through time. The mechanical legion raided the lab on the day of her awakening—as if they had foreseen her birth. In a desperate attempt, the lab's director cast the “Chrono Child” into a rift in time to save her from the invading machines. Now stranded in a ruined future with her memories fragmented, she stands as the last survivor. With the help of a mysterious aide, she must embark on a journey back through time to defeat the monsters and restore a shattered world.

To celebrate Xbox’s 25th anniversary, Xbox and Fanta are teaming up for a collaboration that not only features the games you love but also rewards you with brand new in-game content for those same titles. Starting in April, fans will be able to purchase a special-edition collection of Fanta cans and bottles, featuring packaging inspired by some of gaming’s most legendary franchises.

Each can or bottle in the collection is taken over by fan-favorite characters from Halo, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Forza Horizon 6, and Diablo IV, turning them into a vibrant collectible for fans of both gaming and Fanta.

But the collaboration doesn’t stop there. Alongside the collection, Fanta is introducing a brand-new special edition flavor, Fanta Crimson.

Turn Every Fanta into an Xbox Adventure

Starting in April, fans can scan the QR codes on the special-edition Fanta packaging to unlock Xbox-themed interactive challenges.

Players will have the chance to jump into three never-before-played Fanta Rewards Chest challenges: Extract the Cargo, Survive the Sweep, and Shatter the Spell. By completing these challenges, fans can enter to win prizes – like a ROG Xbox Ally, Xbox Series S – 1TB, Xbox Wireless Controller and one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (new subscribers only). Players can also redeem Xbox in-game rewards, including items like:

• Halo: Campaign Evolved – The Master Chief’s Fantastic Spartan Armor [Redeemable beginning at launch]
• World of Warcraft – Fantastical Goblin Waveshredder Mount and more WoW rewards
• Call of Duty: Warzone and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 – Tactical Orange Calling Card and 1-Hour 2XP Level Token 
• Diablo IV – Citron Whirl Town Portal
• Forza Horizon 6 – 1966 Toyota Sports 800 Fanta Edition [Redeemable beginning at launch]

Xbox and Fanta Bring an Immersive Diablo IV Fan Experience to Los Angeles

From May 22–25, Xbox and Fanta are transforming the AMC at The Grove in Los Angeles into an interactive experience, inspired by the world of Sanctuary. Upon entering, players will find themselves face-to-face with Mephisto, who has cast a spell over the Fanta Rewards Chest, locking away the prizes.

Fans will have the chance to win prizes, including:

• A BlizzCon experience in Anaheim, California
• A prize package featuring an Xbox Series S console, Xbox Wireless Controllers, and more
• A ROG Xbox Ally
• Downloadable game codes

A Celebration of Gaming and Flavor

With legendary characters taking over Fanta packaging and interactive challenges waiting behind every QR code, the collaboration asks fans how far they will go for the delicious taste of Fanta.

Whether you’re racing through Tokyo City in Forza Horizon 6, dungeon crawling in Diablo IV, exploring Azeroth in World of Warcraft, dropping into the action in Call of Duty, or suiting up with the Master Chief in Halo, the special-edition collection celebrates the passion players share for gaming.

The collection will be available at retailers worldwide and online while supplies last, so grab a can, scan the code, and get ready to play. Wanta Fanta? Come and get it.

Editor’s Note: Updated the rewards image above.

It’s time for another look at the future of gaming – Xbox Games Showcase 2026 will air on Sunday, June 7, starting at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK time. It will be followed immediately by a deep-dive into the return of one of Xbox’s most legendary franchises in the form of Gears of War: E-Day Direct.

We’ll begin the day with our annual Xbox Games Showcase, including first gameplay looks and huge news on upcoming titles from our first-party studios across the Xbox family, as well as our third-party partners around the globe – from the biggest franchises to soon-to-be indie darlings.

Immediately following Showcase, we’ll go even deeper on one of the games coming later this year, directly from the team behind the Gears franchise, The Coalition Studio. Gears of War: E-Day Direct will take players into the start of Emergence Day, offering new details, gameplay and insights about the hugely anticipated origin story to the Gears of War saga.

To help celebrate the Xbox 25th anniversary, we’re excited to bring back Xbox FanFest at Showcase. This year’s experience will include a look back at the last 25 years, alongside a forward view of what’s next. Enter for your chance to win free tickets to attend here: https://www.xbox.com/fanfest (No purchase necessary. Open to legal U.S. residents 18+. Ends 4/12/26. Official Rules).

You’ll be able to enjoy our June 7 double feature through a variety of outlets, in over 40 languages, as well as American Sign Language, British Sign Language and English Audio Descriptions. These include (but won’t be limited to):

• YouTube.com/Xbox
• Twitch.tv/Xbox
• Twitch.tv/XboxASL
• Facebook.com/Xbox

Airtime for the Xbox Games Showcase followed by Gears of War: E-Day Direct in local time zones:

• PDT: June 7, 10am
• EDT: June 7, 1pm
• BST: June 7, 6pm
• CEST: June 7, 7pm
• JST: June 8, 2am
• AEST: June 8, 3am

The double feature also kicks off a week’s worth of coverage here on Xbox Wire, the Official Xbox Podcast, and the Xbox YouTube channel, featuring updates, extra details, and deep-dives on many of the games you’ll see in the show.

Join us on June 7 for the Xbox Games Showcase followed by Gears of War: E-Day Direct. Be sure to check back here on Xbox Wire for more information and tune-in details ahead of the show.

The THQ Nordic & Nine Rocks teams are excited to announce that we’re bringing gaming’s most authentic hunting simulator – Way of the Hunter 2 – to Xbox Series X|S.

Over the past several years our teams have worked closely together with our active and dedicated community of simulation hunters to create the ultimate hunting game. We’ve asked questions through polls and surveys, we’ve introduced new weapons, gear, and equipment, and we’ve worked with a variety of brand partners to bring our players a world-class hunting experience.

So, what’s new in Way of the Hunter 2? The team at Nine Rocks made a conscious decision to move the game to Unreal Engine 5. It wasn’t easy – it was a huge strategic step, but we believe building the game in UE5 will allow it to be serviced at the highest possible quality for years to come. Using this engine allows the team to implement previously impossible improvements and ideas that the community’s been craving. Things like deeper systemic features, visual fidelity, world simulation improvements, and expanded gameplay possibilities are made possible with our new technical foundation.

Beyond engine improvements, we’re also bringing the most requested feature – an American foxhound hunting dog – to the table. Your new hunting companion is trained for blood tracking, even in dense terrain. Your pup knows basic commands, like sit, heel, and track, and the more time you spend bonding with it, the more obedient and better trained it becomes. We feel that the addition of a hunting dog will allow the player to track blood trails authentically and realistically, while mitigating tedious searches when the trail goes cold.

Additionally, we’ve added new hunting gear, to make your hunts even more efficient and effective. We’ve included backpacks to help expand your inventory on longer trips, calls, blinds, and decoys for duck hunting. We’ve also added a tent to facilitate fast travel, wait out harsh weather, or simply to set up camp for the night.

Let’s also take a moment to talk about your new hunting ground in New Laurentia, Canada. You’re joining a family-owned hunting reserve, Hearth and Hunt, where you’ll help restore the reserve to its former glory and turn it into the ultimate hunting getaway. In the initial phase of the game, you’ll meet four NPCs who will guide you and give you structured missions that will take you all over the map and push you to your limits. If you’d rather set out on your own to roam the vast Canadian forests and river valleys, you can also pass your time free hunting. You’ll have over 30 species to explore, including moose, elk, bears, bison, rabbits, and turkeys. You’ll also be equipped with every hunter’s dream lodge, where its vast halls are just waiting to be filled with trophies from your expeditions. Your lodge is perched in a beautiful river valley and comes equipped with a sturdy truck for traversing the vast areas of the map.

All of this and more is coming soon to Xbox Series X|S in Way of the Hunter 2. Wishlist Now!

Way of the Hunter 2

THQ Nordic

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Explore the vast outdoors of North America in this next level open world hunting game. Feel the thrill of the hunt and keep an eye out for the wild and wonderous species that are roaming the Canadian wilderness. Hunt and display big game like Moose, Elk, Bears or Bison as well as, smaller animals like Rabbits, Turkeys and various other birds. As the ultimate hunting simulator, Way of the Hunter 2's goal is to become the most authentic and advanced virtual hunting experience. Building upon our previous experience, invaluable player feedback, and countless iterations this game will start as the foundation for many updates, expansions and a true long-term support. With over 10 different real-world brand partners, from hunting rifle manufacturers to high-tech equipment and precision optics, our commitment to realistically simulating your favorite hunting gear guarantees ultimate in-game immersion. As the new hunter in town, you are recruited to take on a series of unique challenges that span two breathtaking environments and introduce you to a cast of memorable NPCs. In New Laurentia, you’ll team up with a skilled dog trainer and assist the former warden as you uncover the mystery behind the unusual behavior of the local moose population. Features: Hunting Dog: Bring your loyal hunting companion to support you while you hunt and track game.. It can search for animal signs, locate blood trails, and track down wounded animals. Your dog will learn and improve with constant exercise and training. Shot review: Our improved bullet camera lets you break down every shot with precision. Analyze trajectory, speed, angle, placement, and more — learn how to make the perfect shot, every time. Hunting Lodge: Welcome to the Hunting Lodge — your ultimate hub for adventure. Plan your next hunt, showcase hard-earned trophies, and unlock powerful upgrades to build the hunting paradise of your dreams. Each map features its own Lodge, unique to that territory. High Tech Equipment: High end gear will amplify your instincts — delivering the most immersive and realistic hunting experience with improved night vision and next level hunting reserve monitoring for managing your habitats.

The enhanced Dying Light: The Beast Restored Land brings new ways to play Dying Light: The Beast. From the game-changing Restored Land experience, through the One Life option to the mayhem of Roadkill Rallies, we introduced a range of features that allow players to rediscover the game by their own rules and their own pace. One of the most interesting ones are the 36 new quest encounters that appear throughout the game’s narrative.

These are memorable events placed along quest paths, designed to add depth to the narrative and the world. Each of them is a small, self-contained story that players can understand by observing the environment, the scene that unfolds in front of them and also by discovering additional notes on the spot.

We wanted to make the journey between main quest moments more engaging by introducing distinctive, individual situations. Each one answers a simple question: what just happened here? Players can piece it together through what they see and what they find.

Another goal was to show more interaction between the inhabitants of the game world, so it feels alive rather than waiting for the player.

These situations can be observed from a distance or joined or interrupted by a player at any point. We made sure that multiple events can appear across different routes, and that they show up randomly. This means players can come across different situations in unexpected moments, sometimes even during more casual exploration, and the scenes that they’ll encounter might be different during the first playthrough and NewGame+ runs.

The ideas for these narrative moments came from the state of the world and its progression. We brainstormed what could naturally happen in the story and what kinds of situations would fit best, what additional stories could reflect what is happening in the world around players. For example, Baron’s people expand their control by setting up new outposts to capture Kyle Crane and monitor the Town Hall group, while survivors respond by taking matters into their own hands and disrupting those efforts.

Another example is a Chimera transport heading to laboratory research that ends in an accident, with Baron’s people trying to regain control as the creature escapes. In a different situation, a convoy carrying supplies is ambushed by another hostile group attempting to seize resources. These moments reflect ongoing tensions in the world and add context without being part of a main quest.

Designing these moments required careful placement within the story. We had to ensure they support the pacing and emotional flow of the main quests. We started small, but seeing how players react to them in internal playtests we quickly decided they needed to stand out a little bit more. We expanded their scope and scale, strengthened the environmental storytelling, and added notes for players to find. With these new quest encounters, every playthrough feels a little different and more personal – reinforcing the idea of ‘Your Survival, Your Rules’.

Dying Light: The Beast Restored Land is a new, enhanced version of the game that includes the base game, new major content, and all previously released updates and improvements in one package. It’s a free upgrade for existing players, available now.

Dying Light: The Beast Restored Land Deluxe Edition

Techland

☆☆☆☆☆ 1936

★★★★★

$69.99 $52.49

Get it now

Take your Dying Light: The Beast experience to another level with the Deluxe Edition. You'll receive the Official Soundtrack, wallpapers, and the Castor Woods Prepper Bundle, as well as a detailed tourist map that highlights locations worth exploring.

A special agent active in South Town, Blue Mary has just closed another case and is finally ready for a well-earned break—until news of Geese’s legacy and the Sacred Scrolls forces a sudden change of plans. Answering the call of duty, she revs up her motorbike and dives back into action, her inescapable Command Sambo at the ready. Foes beware—once you’re caught in her grasp, all you can do is pray you make it out in one piece.

First introduced in 1995’s Fatal Fury 3: Road to the Final Victory, the ever-iconic Blue Mary stands out for her powerful combination of physical strength and Commando Sambo mastery. Dominate your opponents with a wide range of grappling techniques—from precise, technical throws to devastating submission holds—in high-intensity, adrenaline-fueled battles that only City of the Wolves can deliver.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key techniques that define Blue Mary’s strength.

Spin Fall

• Leaps forward and attacks with an aerial axe kick.
• Useful as an approach tool from mid-range, and can evade low-profile attacks while jumping in.
• Strong / REV versions: Can follow up with M. Spider on hit for additional damage.

Straight Slicer

• Slides forward quickly toward the opponent to attack.
• Effective for surprise attacks from mid-range and can slip under attacks thanks to its low profile.
• A versatile approach option—use it wisely to close distance.

Vertical Arrow

• Jumps upward while delivering a rising diagonal kick.
• Functions as an anti-air to intercept opponents trying to jump in. Use it to control space and maintain your preferred range.
• REV version: Causes a ground bounce, allowing further damage with REV Accel follow-ups.

Real Counter

• Evades an incoming attack in place.
• Can be followed up with Backdrop Real, allowing you to dodge and immediately grab the opponent for a counterattack.
• Great for reading wake-up attacks and punishing accordingly—experiment to find strong setups.

Quick Step

• A fast step used to quickly close in or create distance.
• Can cancel into various special moves, enabling combo extensions and sustained pressure.
• Only one follow-up is allowed per step.
• Use it to stay unpredictable—bait close-range attempts, reposition, then retaliate.
• From forward-moving Quick Step: A, you can use the command grab M. Arrest to catch opponents off guard.

Legends Unleashed!

The Legend Edition includes the base game along with Season Pass 1 and Season Pass 2, granting access to all existing fighters as well as every new Season 2 character as they are released. It’s the perfect package for both newcomers and longtime fans to fully experience the world of Fatal Fury.

Two mystery characters are still waiting to be revealed—so you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.

Stay tuned for more updates and surprises!

FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves – Legend Edition

SNK CORPORATION

☆☆☆☆☆ 111

★★★★★

$49.99

Get it now

Season Pass 2 is also available for individual purchase. Make sure you have the correct product at checkout. * FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves is only available in this Legend Edition format. * There are no plans at this time to sell the base game and Season Pass 1 individually. Contents Base game Season Pass 1 – Andy Bogard – Ken, additional stage – Joe Higashi – Chun-Li – Mr. Big, additional stage Season Pass 2 – DLC Character 1 "Kim Jae Hoon", additional stage (Available Now) – DLC Character 2 "Nightmare Geese" (Available Now) – DLC Character 3 "Blue Mary", additional stage (Available Now) – DLC Character 4 "Wolfgang Krauser" (April 2026) – DLC Character 5 "???" (May 2026) – DLC Character 6 "???" (June 2026) – Additional stages * Release date estimates are current at the time of publication.

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance

Crystal Dynamics

☆☆☆☆☆ 2

★★★★★

$19.99

Get it now

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance – March 31
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is a fast, 2D action platformer built around vertical movement, fluid combat, and skill-driven play. Nosgoth’s dark fantasy world is brought to life through animated cut scenes and beautifully crafted pixel art gameplay. Each level filled with environmental challenges and puzzles that flow seamlessly into combat. Fly, fight, and unravel the past in a world of collapsing kingdoms, haunted ruins, and shattered timelines.

Super Meat Boy 3D

Headup

☆☆☆☆☆ 17

★★★★★

$24.99

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Super Meat Boy 3D – March 31
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Super Meat Boy 3D is a tough as nails platformer where you play as an animated cube of meat who’s trying to save his girlfriend (who happens to be made of bandages) from an evil fetus in a jar wearing a tux – IN 3D! Our meaty hero will leap from walls, over seas of buzz saws, through crumbling caves and pools of old trash sacrificing his own well-being to save his damsel in distress

Darwin's Paradox!

KONAMI

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$24.99

Pre-order

Darwin’s Paradox – April 2

Embark on a grand adventure worthy of a true animated movie with Darwin, an octopus as charming as he is clever, ripped from the ocean and trapped in a massive and mysterious industrial complex. With his extraordinary intelligence and incredible abilities – swimming, camouflage, and many other fascinating skills – help him overcome the most formidable traps and dangers in this captivating platformer, adventure, and puzzle game. Pre-order Darwin’s Paradox! today and unlock two exclusive skins—Psyched and Dotted—available only as a pre-order bonus. Suit up in style as Darwin sets off to save the world!

GRIME II

Kwalee

☆☆☆☆☆ 1

★★★★★

$27.99 $23.79

Get it now

Grime II – March 31
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Become a stealer of forms in Grime II, the sequel to 2021’s acclaimed action-adventure metroidvania. You are a Formless – an art mimic, absorbing creatures and summoning molds in their shape. Venture into a new and mysterious land in the Grime universe, where danger and wonder await around every corner. Use your surroundings in tandem with your summoned molds to overcome deadly enemies and epic bosses, all the while exploring a deep world full of diverse cultures and characters.

JokerJack

Stardom Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 2

★★★★★

$9.99

Get it now

JokerJack – March 31

JokerJack is a hypnotically additive deckbuilder that takes the classic game of 21 and cranks it to the breaking point. Forget everything you know about playing it safe; here, “busting” is just a missed opportunity for a massive multiplier. Combine the fundamentals of Blackjack with a growing collection of over 60 unique Joker cards to create game-breaking synergies. Whether you’re adding flat chips for every Face card played or triggering an exponential Multiplier for hitting exactly 21, your goal is simple: reach the target score, survive the Blind, and keep the run alive.

NubiaPhobia

Sometimes You – FZCO

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99 $7.99

Get it now

Xbox One X Enhanced

NubiaPhobia – March 31

Solve the wacky point & click puzzles filled with horror and humor. Break the witch’s curse on your home as you explore five distinct regions, each hiding a sacred key to unlock the village chest.

Zoo Orbs (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Zoo Orbs – April 1
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In Zoo Orbs, adorable animals gently fall into containers full of personality, waiting for the perfect fusion. Combine two identical little creatures to create bigger and even more charming versions, advancing step by step until you reach the impressive Whale. With relaxing physics-based gameplay, each level invites you to slow down, plan every drop, and discover delightful combinations. Containers change shape, challenges become more engaging, and every decision influences the final outcome.

Clean Up Earth

Magic Pockets SAS

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Clean Up Earth – April 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

A relaxing co-op restoration game where you vacuum waste, rebuild ecosystems, and watch nature return in real time. Play solo, with friends, or in online multiplayer sessions with up to 25 players. Community gameplay can help support real environmental initiatives with no extra spending required.

Go! Go! Mister Chickums

Headup Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Go! Go! Mister Chickums – April 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Oh no! That sneaky Grabbo has stolen all of Mister Chickums’ precious eggs! This misdeed cannot remain unpunished: Get out there and help the poor chick to regain his rightful property and give the culprit a well-deserved spanking! And if you ever get stuck, invite your best friend to play the role of Fritz, Mister Chickums’ BFF, to assist you in the hunt for the lost eggs!

Morkull Ascend to the Gods

Pdpartid@games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99 $13.49

Pre-order

Morkull Ascend to the Gods – April 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Morkull Ascend to the Gods is a 2D action video game focused on boss battles, once again taking control of the charismatic God of Death: Morkull. Set in the original world of Morkull Ragast’s Rage, locked up and aware that he is in a new video game, you must help him escape so that he can carry out his evil plans for the world and rule by subjecting everyone to his will (yes, including you). You will feel the power and bear the weight of being the God of Death and Darkness. A select series of battles against other henchmen, minions, and Gods that make up the Olympus of the Kingdom of Midaldus await you.

PULMO (Xbox Series X|S)

Sometimes You – FZCO

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99 $7.99

Pre-order

Pulmo – April 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Pulmo is the ideological continuation of Alveole and the second part in a trilogy about the human journey. Our project explores human behavior in a society where everyone will find their own meanings. Your goal is to change the environment around you to influence people’s behavior by solving spatial puzzles. The crowd in the game acts according to its own rules, sometimes helping, sometimes interfering, but always reacting to your actions.

Sunset Motel

RockGame S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Sunset Motel – April 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Step into the enchanting world of the Sunset Motel! A place where weary travelers find rest, joy, and unforgettable memories. In this unique simulation, you’ll breathe new life into neglected rooms and make sure every guest leaves with a smile.

Grab 50 Coins

Misc.261

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Grab 50 Coins – April 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Your goal is to Grab 50 Coins and reach the exit before the spikes crush you! The door will not reveal itself until you Grab 50 Coins! Time your movements correctly as you’ll face spikes, platforms, and holes in the level! Don’t worry if you miss a few – there are always more than 50 in each level!

Inkling Cats : Beneath the dreams

Brainium Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Inkling Cats: Beneath the Dreams – April 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Dive into Inkling Cats, an explosive and colorful roguelike RPG adventure where every game is unique. Play solo or with friends in local co-op mode with up to three players. You’ll venture through the pages of an enchanted book, battling a myriad of unique monsters and formidable bosses. Discover mysterious items, upgrades, and magical cards, combining them to unlock infinite synergies and unique powers every time you play. The precious ink drops you collect are key to your survival: use them wisely to trade, acquire extraordinary items, and upgrade your equipment. Every strategic decision could change the course of your adventure!

Manafinder

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Manafinder – April 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Manafinder is a RPG with rich exploration, nostalgic turn-based combat, and original pixel art. In a vast and untapped world, powerful wild beasts roam the dangerous lands. A community of survivors known as the exiles depends on heroes like Lambda to obtain the power of manastones to keep their civilization safe. Fight your way against ferocious beasts and other enemies in the quest for manastones as you define the fate of the exiled!

Mini Trains

QubicGames S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Mini Trains – April 3
Xbox Play Anywhere

Mini Trains transports you to a cozy playroom with the best tabletop railway set ever, packed with 40 different layouts. You will be challenged to build tracks in situations that become increasingly puzzling. Use your logic, imagination, and engineering skills to safely lead the trains to their final destination. And of course, you get to sit in the driver’s cab and blow the whistle!

Owlen and the Whispering Woods

EpiXR Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Pre-order

Owlen and the Whispering Woods – April 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Begin a heartfelt journey through enchanted forests where magic lingers in every branch and shadow. As a small owl guided by gentle spirits, you soar above glowing marshes, whispering trees, and ancient groves. Your purpose is to restore balance by flying through magical circles that awaken plants, revive wildlife, and breathe life back into forgotten woodlands.

To Farm Lands: Sowing Fields (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

To Farm Lands: Sowing Fields – April 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Get ready to return to the farm in a relaxing puzzle that will win your heart. In To Farm Lands: Sowing Fields, adorable animals in unique shapes await your strategic touch to perfectly fill each grid. Explore 30 new levels across 3 charming biomes, where every stage brings a gentle and clever challenge. With no time limits and no pressure, you can play at your own pace, testing combinations, rotating pieces and finding the perfect fit in total calm.

Editor’s Note: Removed an erroneous title.

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!

Keeper

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Keeper – October 17
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

From Lee Petty and Double Fine Productions, Keeper is a beautiful and surreal otherworldly adventure, and a story told without words. On an island in a long-lost sea, a forgotten lighthouse stands dormant in the shadow of a distant mountain peak. As withering tendrils spread and coalesce, it awakens. Taken with a mysterious sense of purpose and joined by a spirited seabird, it embarks upon a heartening tale of unlikely companionship, an odyssey of mystifying metamorphosis, and an unexpected journey towards the center of the island, into realms beyond understanding.

NASCAR 25

iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations, LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$59.99

Pre-order

NASCAR 25 – October 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

With a physics model tuned by the experts, and based on real world feedback from actual NASCAR drivers and race teams, you’ll be immersed in the sights and sounds of race day like never before. From Quick Race, Championship, Multiplayer, or Career, the combinations of tracks, cars, and experiences will keep you coming back for more. Work your way from your backyard shop in ARCA Menards series all the way through a multi-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion in Career Mode and show the world what you’re made of. It’s the NASCAR game you’ve been waiting and asking for! Welcome to NASCAR 25! Pre-Order and receive 5,000 Career Bonus Dollars, 3 Cover Driver Paint Schemes, and 500 Career Rep Points.

BALL x PIT

Devolver Digital

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Ball x Pit – October 15
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Ball x Pit is a fast-paced fantasy roguelite where heroes must find the balls to plunge deeper into a seemingly bottomless pit of monsters. Develop arcane ammunition and resources in pursuit of treasure, recruiting additional heroes to aid you in your perilous quest.

Ember Knights : Heroes of the Nexus Edition

Twin Sails Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Ember Knights: Heroes of the Nexus Edition – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In this fast-paced action rogue-lite, play as Ember Knights, the last spark of hope of a universe in turmoil. Praxis, the mad sorcerer, has syphoned the life out of the Ember Tree and fled through the Prime Worlds spreading corruption in his path. In solo or co-op (up to 4 players), use powerful weapons and skills to hack and slash deadly hordes, defeat epic bosses, free the decaying Prime Worlds and restore energy to the Ember Tree!

Decision: Red Daze

Nordcurrent Labs

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Decision: Red Daze – October 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The Dust Bowl, once a “thriving” society of corrupt politicians, rich property barons and everyday people who work for them “100% willingly,” has been overtaken by a mysterious phenomenon only known by survivors as the Red Daze. As the illness takes hold of the survivors and turns them into crazed and EXTREMELY dangerous mutated creatures, the world’s governments are running around like headless chickens. It falls to the few who remain to fend off the monsters in hopes of finding a way to eradicate the Red Daze once and for all.

Paint Path (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Paint Path – October 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In Paint Path, every step is a brushstroke. This pixel-art puzzle puts you in control of a walking canvas that must cross hexagonal maps to reach the right painters. The atmosphere is charming and relaxing, with sound design tied to each painting action, creating a cozy and artistic experience.

Captain Tideborne and the Siren's Call

Synnergy Circle Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Captain Tideborne and the Siren’s Call – October 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

In this retro-inspired 2D platformer with pixel art charm, you’ll join Melissa Tideborne—a bold pirate chasing a childhood memory and the mystery of mermaids. Explore a sunken dungeon filled with deadly traps, lurking creatures and hidden treasures. Your stamina is always draining—every step, swim and second counts. Will Melissa find the mermaid at the end of the dungeon, or will the siren’s call become her last lullaby?

DETECTIVE – The Test

JanduSoft

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.69 $7.75

Pre-order

Detective – The Test – October 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Do you have what it takes to be a great detective? In Detective – The Test, you will face three intriguing cases where only your observation skills and logical thinking will lead you to the truth. Explore crime scenes, analyze the connections between the people involved, and answer key questions: Who is the victim? Who is the culprit? When did the crime take place? There are no easy clues or shortcuts, only you and your deduction skills. Take notes, connect the dots, and uncover the truth in three distinct locations.

Kotenok

Eastasiasoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Kotenok – October 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Pounce with precision as a pixel art kitty in retro platforming style! Play as a lost kitten in a dangerous forest! Master tight platforming controls, sprint, pounce, and double-jump through 50 tricky stages filled with spikes, enemies, and clever puzzles. Explore vibrant pixel-art worlds, bounce on mushrooms, outsmart foes, and hunt for hidden collectibles. Can you guide this frisky feline home? A charming love letter to classic platformers!

One Military Camp

Abylight Studios

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

One Military Camp – October 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

An evil maniac has conquered all territories in the region, except one. The world’s last hope resides in an old military camp located in this peaceful land. Bring it back to its former glory, to recruit and train a brave group of fighters to push back the evil forces. Face the challenge of building a military camp, keeping an eye on the resources and logistics. Place the buildings efficiently, hire the staff that will keep everything running and set up the training courses. Build defenses, because the enemy will send spies and drones to try to sabotage your camp.

Rabbiman Adventures

Israchem LTD

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Rabbiman Adventures – October 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Ready for a true adventure? Imagine you’re traveling through time and space, where there’s always something new and amazing waiting for you. There are colorful locations, hidden routes, devious villains, magical items, and exciting puzzles to solve at each level. Your wits and ingenuity will be your best allies in unravelling the mysteries of this magical world and reaching the end.

STARBITES

IKINAGAMES

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Starbites – October 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Starbites is a story-driven RPG where you meet various companions and strengthen your partner mecha while adventuring on the devastated planet Bitter in the aftermath of the space war. You will become the debris collector Lukida in Delight City, collecting spaceship parts and relics, and embark on an adventure with the laid-back and kind drinker Gwen-Dol and the calm engineer Badger, who supports the Lukida and Gwen-Dol duo. Will Lukida reach the truth at the end of the universe?

Blood West

New Blood Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Blood West – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Weird West legends meet eldritch horror in Blood West, an immersive stealth FPS. Become the Undead Gunslinger, doomed to roam the barren lands until he manages to purge their curse, freeing his soul. 3 varied scenarios, perk-based character progression, and 20+ hours of gameplay await you!

Bumblebee – Spooky Nights

EpiXR Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$11.99

Pre-order

Bumblebee – Spooky Nights – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X

On your quest to find a beautiful new home you will discover distant places, friendly animals, and amazing and dangerous habitats. You are a tiny bee in a giant environment and move continuously forward. You are free to fly wherever you want and explore the level to your heart’s desire. After you have played around a little and enjoyed the sensation of flying, you start to discover the nearby areas and hidden secrets.

The Cabin Factory

Feardemic

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

The Cabin Factory – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Welcome to The Cabin Factory! You’re now a newly hired Cabin Inspector – congratulations! Your job is simple: inspect the cabins and determine whether or not they are haunted. Step into the anomaly-hunting experience, inspired by liminal spaces and psychological horror walking simulators,

Cookie’s Trails (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Cookie’s Trails – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Cookie’s Trails is a cozy tactical puzzle set in a post-apocalyptic world with a sweet twist. The player guides a friendly hamster survivor through zombie-filled trails, collecting baseball bats and medical kits to safely reach the camp. Combining strategy, charm, and a unique atmosphere, Cookie’s Trails is the perfect choice for fans of challenging and personality-filled puzzles.

Deathless. The Hero Quest

Fulqrum Publishing Ltd.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Deathless: The Hero Quest – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In Deathless, elements of a collectible card game, roguelike, and turn-based strategy combine seamlessly. Build a unique deck of cards, discover unusual relics, and defeat legendary bosses. Embark on the journey of each of the four heroes, unravel a web of intrigue, and protect the beautiful world of Belosvet.

The Elf on the Shelf®: Christmas Heroes

Outright Games Ltd.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$39.99

Pre-order

The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Do you believe in Christmas magic? You’ll need every bit to help Santa save Christmas! Dash, swing, and leap through training to become an “official Scout Elf!” Pick your most festive outfit and spread cheer as you explore every room, dodge obstacles, and add sparkle to each corner of the home. This season, pledge to make things merry and bright. Are you ready to be a Christmas Hero?

Infinos

PIXELHEART

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$4.99 $3.99

Pre-order

Infinos – October 16

Infinos is a pixel art side-scrolling shoot ’em up that pays tribute to the golden age of arcade shooters while offering fast-paced, modern gameplay. Take control of the Fauria, a powerful one-of-a-kind fighter ship, and face an overwhelming alien invasion threatening to destroy your entire civilization.

Infinos 2

PIXELHEART

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$4.99 $3.99

Pre-order

Infinos 2 – October 16

Infinos 2 is a 2D horizontal shoot ’em up crafted as a loving tribute to the golden age of Japanese arcade classics. Pixel-perfect art, relentless action and tight, accessible mechanics combine to deliver an experience that’s instantly engaging yet rewards mastery. Each level unfolds a unique setting, fresh enemies and bosses with intricate attack patterns.

KAKU – Ancient Seal

Microids

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$29.99

Pre-order

Kaku – Ancient Seal – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Play as Kaku, a lonely young boy living in the snowy mountains, suddenly thrust into a legendary adventure by a forgotten prophecy. Guided by this ancient prophecy and accompanied by Piggy, your loyal and surprisingly helpful flying pig, Kaku is the only one who can restore balance to the world. Explore forgotten continents, brave the challenges of the Ruins, face titanic foes, and uncover the mysteries of the Creator Saga in a journey as epic as it is personal.

Sokobear Winter

Bad Minions, Little Giant

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Sokobear Winter – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Adjust the temperature and relax in the spa! Sokobear Winter is a relaxing puzzle game with 40 cozy levels to warm up your day! Push the logs into the correct spots to raise the spa’s temperature to perfection. But beware: blocks of ice block your path and must be broken before you can move forward. Challenge yourself to complete each stage with the fewest moves and in the shortest time possible.

Adrenaline Rampage

Games Harbor

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

Pre-order

Adrenaline Rampage – October 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Adrenaline Rampage is a platformer roguelite set in a dark, sci-fi world where you play as a soldier with up to 5 weapons to fight techno-zombies. Choose characters and skills to rush through the space city, kill ugly bosses and survive.

AQUADREAM

YUME GAME STUDIO

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

AquaDream – October 17

AquaDream is a cozy underwater adventure that blends puzzle-solving with exploration. Players control a small anglerfish, navigating the depths of a mysterious ocean. Each world introduces new mechanics, gradually increasing the challenge while maintaining an immersive, dreamlike atmosphere. With its beautiful pixel art, intuitive gameplay, and a rewarding sense of discovery, AquaDream offers an experience that is both relaxing and engaging—perfect for players who enjoy exploring and taking on cleverly designed levels.

Ball Blast

QubicGames S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Ball Blast – October 17
Xbox Play Anywhere

A wild rain of bouncing rocks crashes down – move fast, blast faster! Every rock has a number – hit it that many times and boom! It splits into two rocks with half the number and double the speed, turning the field into fast-moving chaos! Play solo or with a friend for double firepower. Beat hundreds of levels, survive endless waves, and climb the world leaderboard!

Bit ESC

Essssam

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Bit Esc – October 17

Break free from the system as Bit in this action/adventure platformer where you and set out to escape from the tyrannic OS. Gaining your freedom, though, might not be as clear-cut as it seems…

Blaster Force 3000

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Blaster Force 3000 – October 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Dive into retro FPS action where every level brings a new challenge! Battle relentless aliens in dark cellars, ancient castle halls, and the vastness of space. You’ll need to adapt to the environment and enemies on the fly. Explore hidden areas, rack up as many points as possible, and put your reflexes and aiming skills to the test!

Frobbutt 3D

Sweet Bread Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Frobbutt 3D – October 17

Frobbut 3D is a 3D platformer about a goofy frog finally departing from his home to explore the land! Run, jump, flip and bounce across 5 big open levels searching every nook and cranny for valuable gems! Be creative with your movement abilities to reach the highest mountains and traverse the most dangerous paths to collect every treasure you can find.

Kamikaze Lassplanes

Crunching Koalas

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Kamikaze Lassplanes – October 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Kamikaze Lassplanes is a brand new mix of Visual Novel and SHMUP with crucial story-branching decisions that lead to different gameplay and story outcomes, both for war, romance, and the protagonists’ fate. Meet and fall for Alba Trossé and Hannah Brandenburg, charismatic Lassplanes who transform into deadly war planes you pilot. Face the Imperial fleet together in challenging arcade shoot-’em-up encounters and discover the secret behind their mysterious origin.

Lumo 2

Numskull Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Lumo 2 – October 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The isometric icon is back in the sequel to 2016’s arcade-adventure hit, Lumo. Experience a brand-new adventure of shifting dimensions and new perspectives, with gameplay that never stops evolving. Rewind the cassette and fall head over heels into a love letter to the trailblazing days of early ‘80s & ‘90s British videogames. Hunt for collectibles, and vault through portals – some even flip the script, morphing into wild genre twists that’ll keep you on your toes.

Ping Pong Up

Super Power Up Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$6.99 $5.59

Pre-order

Ping Pong Up – October 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Feel the tension of the big match breaking through the screen. In Ping Pong Up, your reflexes and precision will be the key to success. Play face to face with up to 4 friends or against the AI.

Racing Champions

Revulo Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Racing Champions – October 17

Experience the rush of motorsport in a unique blend of simulation and arcade racing, crafted with passion by true racing enthusiasts. With gameplay that’s easy to jump into, but rewards precision and mastery, this game invites you to chase that flawless lap again and again. Test your skills against a range of AI difficulties in single-player mode, or bring the competition home with local multiplayer to race head-to-head with friends.

Space Elite Force – Reloaded

Rising Moon Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Space Elite Force – Reloaded – October 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Gear up for an intergalactic thrill ride! Space Elite Force is a frenzied space-shooter packed with weapon customization and epic boss battles. Take command of your ship and fight for the survival of humanity!

Super Hero Demolition

Entity3 Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Super Hero Demolition – October 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Suit up and wreck everything in your path in Super Hero Demolition—an explosive, pixel-packed game where destruction is just the beginning. You’re a super-powered wrecking machine on a mission to smash everything down to the last pixel. Run out of energy and your run ends. You’ll start over—but with all your upgrades intact. Smash harder, last longer, and earn faster every time you play.

Tiny Arctic Hero

Desert Water Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Tiny Arctic Hero – October 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Tiny Arctic Hero is a cozy sokoban puzzle game about a clever little penguin who was taken by mysterious aliens to participate in their logic experiments. Solve puzzles, outsmart the alien tech and guide this brave Arctic Hero back home!

With decades of rich storytelling across comics and television, a dynamic roster of charismatic heroes and villains, and a universe packed with superpowered beings wielding brutal and diverse abilities, it was only a matter of time before “Invincible” made the leap to video games.

Now, several months after Invincible VS’ reveal during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 in June, Skybound’s first in-house game development studio, Quarter Up, has been steadily unveiling a lineup of playable characters for Invincible VS, the 3v3 tag fighting game, and the latest addition is sure to be a fan-favorite surprise.

Recently, during Quarter Up’s developer livestream, which featured an appearance from
“Invincible” co-creator Robert Kirkman, the team revealed that intelligence agent and Director of the Global Defence Agency, Cecil Stedman, has joined the Invincible VS roster as a playable character.

A fan-favorite from the “Invincible” TV series and comic, Cecil has been one of the most requested playable characters. Pragmatic and driven, Cecil is willing to do whatever it takes to save the world, even when that means crossing a line. Decades of espionage experience and near-limitless resources fuel Cecil’s mission, and he refuses to let anyone – enemy or ally – stand in his way.

While he’s been behind the desk for a long time, he’s more than happy to dust off those old bones and get his hands dirty back on the battlefield. Usually heard as a voice in Mark’s earpiece, Cecil enters the fight in Invincible VS with specialized weapons, including plasma pistols, projectile launchers and grenades to keep opponents at a distance.

His ranged gameplay style is paired with tactical combat, allowing him to play cat and mouse with enemies. Cecil can also summon a limitless supply of ReAnimen for backup; his access to The Hammer, a massive orbital laser, makes him a devastating force on the battlefield.

Cecil joins a growing lineup of fan-favorite superheroes in Invincible VS, including Mark Grayson (Invincible), Atom Eve, Bulletproof, Thula, Rex Splode, Battle Beast, and Omni-Man. Unlike the others, Cecil doesn’t rely on superhuman powers – instead he brings a tactical edge to the battlefield with a masterfully engineered arsenal of classic weapons, proving that timeless tech can go toe-to-toe with raw power.

Look for Invincible VS to launch in 2026 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud as an Xbox Play Anywhere title. Players can register for an upcoming Invincible VS Closed Alpha later this year here.

Find out more by following Invincible VS on Instagram, X (formally Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, and online at InvincibleVS.com. Add Invincible VS to your wish list on the Microsoft Store below.

Invincible VS

Skybound Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Invincible VS is a brutal superhero 3v3 tag fighting game set in the Invincible universe, where you can battle to the death as a team of fan-favorite characters in iconic locations. Unleash bone-breaking combos through fast combat and smart defensive tactics to leave a trail of blood and destruction. Land vicious Super moves and Ultimates to leave your opponents in a mess of blood. Invincible VS features a variety of game modes including a captivating cinematic story mode with an original narrative from a writer of the animated series. Jump into Arcade and battle with your team, hone your combos in Training mode, and test your skills against the world in competitive and casual multiplayer. Show, comic fans, and fighting game lovers will experience unparalleled heroic brutality, where every earth-shattering blow will leave you feeling… Invincible. This is the debut title from the newly formed Quarter Up—the first in-house studio at Skybound—led by former members of the core Killer Instinct (2013) dev team.

Wizard101 has made its way to Xbox! While we’re eager to welcome new students into Ravenwood Academy, we know that starting such a massive adventure with so much history can feel a bit daunting. So, consider this article your first lesson: the 101 of Wizard101 to help you get started in the Spiral.

Choosing the Right School of Magic

There are 7 classes in the game, known as schools. The school you choose at the very beginning of the game will shape your style and the rest of your journey to come. Each school has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, as well as special spells and even pets.

Understanding the Art of the Duel

Now that you’ve selected a school that fits your desired style, it’s time to ready yourself for combat! At its heart, Wizard101 is a turn-based deckbuilding MMORPG. Your success will largely depend on how you build your spell deck, whether you’re fighting solo or with friends, and if you have a bit of luck on your side.

Only 7 spells will be initially drawn from your deck during combat, so constructing a deck that will allow you to get the right cards at the right time is instrumental. Overloading your deck may result in you not getting helpful cards when you need them, but packing too few cards could mean you don’t have enough spells to finish the fight. It’s a delicate balance!

Constructing Your Spell Deck

There are 3 main types of spell sources: regular spells, treasure cards, and item/pet cards.

• Regular spells are standard spells that you unlock on your adventure either through your professor or through quests. They get added to the “main” section of your spell deck.
• Item/pet cards are spells that come from equipped items and pets. They appear in a specific section below your “main” spell deck. You can choose which pet/item cards you’d like to appear in battle by clicking on them.
• Treasure Cards are single use spells that have a dedicated section in your spell deck. Once you use one during battle, it’s gone forever. You’ll need to continuously replenish your Treasure Cards if you find yourself using them often.

When it comes to spell deck strategy, we often find that less is more. It’s very common for new players to get excited and add as many spells to their deck as possible, but that makes it very difficult to fight battles effectively. For example, if you’re at full health, pulling heal card after heal card extends the battle length and doesn’t help you in that specific moment. Packing heal spells is fantastic idea, but make sure you’re keeping a good ratio in mind.

Don’t be afraid to leave some spots empty too … especially as you continue to level up and have access to larger decks!

How Combat Works

Walking up to any enemy will automatically trigger combat to begin. Once the combat starts, you’ll see a 30-second timer and 7 drawn cards from your spell deck. If you’re happy with those cards, amazing! If you’re not, you can always discard any undesired cards to make space for new cards to appear the following round. Discarding a spell also lets you draw a Treasure Card, if you added any to your deck beforehand. A max of 7 cards will always be shown at any given time whether they are normal spells or Treasure Cards.

When you’re ready to cast a spell, select it and choose which enemy (or ally) you want to play it on. You can also pass if you’d prefer to wait or if you don’t have enough pips to cast the spell you want. Pips are the energy/power you use to cast spells.

Once all players have selected a spell, the round plays out in a turn-based fashion where the spell cards are brought to life through whimsical animations. After all spells have been cast, the next planning phase commences with another 30-second timer. This continues until either you defeat all the enemies, or the enemies defeat you.

Helpful Tips for New Wizards

• Speaking of efficient traveling, utilize the Mark and Recall for locations that you know you’ll need to visit again. You’ll save yourself a lot of walking and time!

• The Bazaar is an incredible resource for obtaining good gear, especially early on. Check it frequently throughout your adventures to see if anything there provides better stats than what you currently have.

• The pet system is robust and can be overwhelming at first, but training a pet can come in handy extremely quickly. You never know when a pet spell might just save you in battle!

• When in doubt? Team-up! If you’re ever stuck on a particular dungeon or boss, you can ask for help through the Team-Up feature. This allows other players in the game to see that you need assistance and come running to your aid.

There’s so much more to explore in Wizard101, but hopefully you have a good understanding of the basics! We’re grateful to everyone who has played our magical MMO the last 17 years, and we can’t wait to see what the next 17 bring … this time on console!

Wizard101

KingsIsle Entertainment, gamigo group

☆☆☆☆☆ 311

★★★★★

Get it now

Unleash your inner magic and prepare to unravel the mysteries surrounding a death professor gone rogue. Darkness threatens to engulf the Spiral as you master powerful spells, explore over 22 whimsical worlds, and team-up with friends in this nostalgic wizard turn-based deckbuilding MMORPG.

Today, all of us at Little Sewing Machine are thrilled to share five details about our upcoming horror-platformer Bye Sweet Carole that make us feel proud. This is a game born from passion, nostalgia, and four years of hand-crafted artistry. We hope that you will like playing it as much as we loved making it.

So, let’s get into it!

Every Frame Is Hand-Crafted

Bye Sweet Carole is our love letter to the golden age of animation and the emotional resonance of childhood classics. Every single frame is drawn by hand by us – no shortcuts, no cut-out, no automation, no AI.

Over three years, our team meticulously animated each movement, expression and eerie twist. We wanted to create a visual style that channels the lush, expressive worlds of Don Bluth, from “The Secret of NIMH” to the legendary Dragon’s Lair saga, and traditionally animated Disney masterpieces like “Snow White” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

We hope that our visual style will hit a bit of that nostalgia – the feeling of old times, old movies, watching cartoons when we were kids. A way to transport back in time, using our memories and mind as a time machine. We hope that players will feel that when they play our story and I hope they’ll see and appreciate the little details in our animations that we poured our hearts into.

Childhood Wonder Meets Unsettling Horror

At first glance, Bye Sweet Carole might look like a whimsical fairy tale: birds flutter, gowns billow, and Lana, our protagonist, wanders through painted environments that echo forgotten animated reels. But beneath the surface lies something darker.

Inspired by the quiet terror of childhood classics like “The Fox and the Hound,” “The Secret of NIMH” and “Courage the Cowardly Dog,” our horror doesn’t rely on gore or shock. Instead, it disrupts comfort zones, turning familiar spaces into sites of unease. We hope that players will like the slow burn and discover a fantasy land that is not as picture perfect as the surface might suggest. It’s always the things that are below the surface that show the true overall self, isn’t it!

A Story Rooted in History

Bye Sweet Carole is more than a game: it’s a narrative experience that delves into complex, human themes. It explores issues such as emancipation, human rights, loneliness and loss. Through Lana’s journey, we also touch on the impact of bullying and the silence of a society struggling to confront its own injustices.

Rather than presenting Lana as a damsel in distress, we’ve shaped her as a resilient protagonist whose story reflects the quiet strength of those who dare to challenge the status quo. Her path is a tribute to the voices often overlooked that have inspired us to tell stories that go beyond entertainment and speak to the heart of social change.

A Fusion of Gameplay Genres

Bye Sweet Carole blends multiple gameplay styles into an experience of its own. You’ll find platforming, puzzle-solving, exploration and hide-and-seek mechanics woven throughout the journey. This genre fusion is designed to keep players engaged and surprised, constantly shifting between curiosity and caution, giving a feeling of wonder and adventure. We want you to explore the world together with Lana, through her wide-open eyes.

A Modern Homage to ‘90s Adventure Games

We drew inspiration from the spirit of ‘90s adventure titles like Dragon’s Lair, Another World, Clock Tower and Heart of Darkness, but also some unforgettable masterpieces of the 2000s such as Haunting Ground, Detention and the hardly discussed Rule of Rose. But we didn’t stop at nostalgia. We wanted to breathe new life into familiar formats. Bye Sweet Carole is our way of honoring the past while delivering something fresh, emotionally resonant and visually unforgettable.

Thank you so much for reading and spending these few moments with us! We hope that Bye Sweet Carole has piqued your interest — it’s available today on Xbox Series X|S.

Bye Sweet Carole

Maximum Entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆ 3

★★★★★

$24.99 $19.99

Get it now

Step into Corolla… Immerse yourself in a world where the warmth of hand-drawn animation meets a rich story steeped in horror. From Chris Darril (Remothered series), Bye Sweet Carole invites you on a haunting journey full of secrets. Once Upon a Time… Set in early 20th Century England, as the suffrage movement begins to reshape society, young Lana Benton searches for her missing friend, Carole Simmons. Her path leads her through Bunny Hall orphanage and on to the mysterious kingdom of Corolla, a place controlled by the sinister Mr. Kyn, the ruthless owl Velenia, and swarms of ravenous tar bunnies. Caught between two worlds, Lana must find a way to survive and uncover the dark truth behind Carole's disappearance. Key Features: A heartfelt love letter to the precious classic animated films of our childhood and the evergreen old school adventures of the 90s. Explore the eerie corridors of Bunny Hall and the fantastical world of Corolla, each filled with secrets and dangers. Meet a cast of memorable characters: from the kind Mr. Baesie to the ominous owl Velenia and the menacing Mr. Kyn. Investigate through puzzle solving, sneaking around deathly enemies, and overcoming platforming challenges. Transform into a rabbit and use your forms to escape the threats of Bunny Hall and Corolla.