Will 2026 start with a bang for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC members? We already know a few games confirmed for January 2026.
The year 2025 was marked by many upheavals for subscribers Xbox Game Pass. Between successive price increases and the overhaul of the service, Microsoft has begun a significant transformation of its service. Day one games, formerly accessible to all subscribers, are now reserved for specific packages, the offering of which has been extended to meet market requirements and, above all, the financial needs of the publisher. Microsoft still spoiled its players throughout the year, whether with in-house releases or those of its partners. As the year draws to a close, it’s already time to look to the future, and more specifically to January 2026, which looks promising for Xbox Game Pass members.
Two games confirmed for Xbox Game Pass January 2026
2026 promises to be a particularly difficult year for video games. The unmissable event of the year will undoubtedly be the release of GTA 6, but other titles will also try to do well. Crimson Desert, Resident Evil 9, 007 First Light, LEGO Batman… the publishers will pull out all the stops. On the Microsoft side, Forza Horizon 6 and Fable 4 will be among the big games to be released in the coming months. The schedule promises to be busy, and Xbox Game Pass subscribers will still be able to discover many new features as soon as they are released.
Microsoft is banking more than ever on its service, and we can expect some nice surprises throughout the year as publishers seem to have a few additional tricks up their sleeve. One thing is certain, however: January 2026 should start with a bang for Xbox Game Pass members. Two games have in fact already been confirmed for January 2026 and they both look promising.
MIO Memories in Orbit
We start with what could well be one of the first independent gems of early 2026. In MIO The Arche Chronicles, you play as an agile robot with extraordinary powers who has embarked on a quest to save a gigantic ship invaded by uncontrollable machines. This charming metroidvania will invite us to explore every corner of this labyrinthine ship, where every nook and cranny hides a mystery to unravel. The atmosphere is unique and this seemingly captivating adventure will be available to discover with Xbox Game Pass from January 20, 2026.
New Rome
The second Xbox Game Pass day one release for January 2026 is called Nova Roma. In this simulation and construction game, you play an urban planner tasked with restoring the grandeur of Rome, as the Empire teeters on the brink of decline. As the head of a growing city, you will have to find a balance between urban expansion, citizen satisfaction, preservation of natural resources and maintaining good relations with the gods, and much more. Nova Roma will be available upon release on Xbox Game Pass on January 22, 2026.
Source : Xbox
