25 Must-Play Game Pass Gems You Can’t Miss in 2025
The 25 Best Games to Dive into on Game Pass Right Now
If you’re subscribed to Xbox or PC Game Pass, 2025 is shaping up to be a golden year for gaming. With a steady stream of fresh releases and a solid back catalog, there’s never been a better time to explore what Microsoft’s flagship service has to offer. From blockbuster RPGs like Avowed and The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered to indie hits such as Blue Prince, Game Pass is packed with gems for every type of player.
- Discover standout new releases and timeless classics on Game Pass
- Explore a variety of genres, from RPGs and city builders to rhythm games and action-adventures
- Get quick insights into why these 25 games are must-plays in 2025
The Power of Variety on Game Pass
Game Pass keeps impressing by delivering original titles and maintaining an impressive lineup that spans decades. Whether it’s the legendary Diablo and StarCraft or epic series like Assassin’s Creed, Grand Theft Auto 5, Fallout, and Halo, there’s something for everyone. The Polygon team curated this list to highlight the best games that truly stand out, ensuring a mix of genres and experiences.
Highlights From the List
The Alters offers a fascinating sci-fi adventure centered on cloning and survival, filled with tough moral choices and resource management that will keep you hooked. It’s a great example of the unique experiences Game Pass brings from ambitious mid-sized studios. 
Avowed is a must-play RPG by Obsidian Entertainment that captures the essence of classic role-playing with a compelling story, striking art, and polished combat. It’s a perfect fit for those craving a medium-scale hit in a market dominated by mega-franchises. 
If you’re into indie puzzles, Blue Prince is an architectural roguelike mystery that rewrites the rules of exploration and luck in a constantly shifting mansion. It’s a deep, captivating experience that keeps pulling you back. 
For city-building fans, Cities: Skylines remains the pinnacle of urban micromanagement, praised even by real city planners for its realistic approach to the chaos of city life. It’s available on both Xbox and PC, making it accessible for everyone. 
If you prefer tabletop-style RPGs, Citizen Sleeper sets you in a space station caught in corporate collapse, blending dice-rolling mechanics with rich storytelling and impactful character interactions. 
More Must-Play Games on Game Pass
– Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 brings a French RPG flair with turn-based combat and a haunting story set in a steampunk-inspired Paris. 
– Cocoon is a beautifully paced puzzle adventure from the creators behind Limbo and Inside, exploring abstract pocket universes. 
– Control offers a mind-bending third-person shooter experience inside a paranormal building full of secrets and supernatural threats. 
– Diablo 4 has been revitalized by its Loot Reborn update, making it more rewarding and engaging than ever before. 
– Doom (2016) delivers fast-paced, brutal action with a killer soundtrack, perfect for fans of classic shooters. 
– Fallout: New Vegas is the standout Fallout experience, blending sharp writing with a darkly humorous post-apocalyptic world. 
– Forza Horizon 5 lets you race through a vibrant Mexico with stunning visuals and unparalleled freedom behind the wheel. 
– Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a treasure trove of classic first-person shooters with multiple ways to enjoy solo or multiplayer. 
– Hi-Fi Rush combines rhythm with action in a colorful, energetic world that’s accessible for all skill levels. 
– Indiana Jones and the Great Circle surprises with its first-person take on the iconic adventurer, blending puzzles, stealth, and immersive sim elements. 
– Inscryption is a genre-bending roguelite card game that constantly shifts your expectations in a creepy, unforgettable way. 
– Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess mixes hack-and-slash action with tower defense and traditional folklore for a unique experience. 
– Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders offers a chill yet challenging skiing adventure with satisfying controls and beautiful environments. 
– Octopath Traveler 2 delivers classic turn-based RPG gameplay with stunning HD-2D visuals and a rich, dark narrative. 
– Pentiment immerses you in 16th-century Europe with striking manuscript-inspired art and a gripping story full of intrigue. 
Card and Indie Gems Worth Your Time
One of the best card games on Game Pass is Slay the Spire, where deck-building meets roguelike strategy in an addictive mix that challenges your creativity every run.
For a laid-back farming sim, Stardew Valley remains a fan favorite, letting you cultivate your farm, befriend villagers, and unwind in a charming rural setting. 
If you’re after classic arcade brawling fun, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge perfectly balances retro vibes with modern features like online play and side quests. 
Lastly, Vampire Survivors is a simple yet addictive bullet hell game that rewards skill and strategic item choices, making every run feel fresh. 
We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie is a wild, quirky sequel to the cult classic, where rolling up bizarre objects is as joyful as ever, complete with a fantastic soundtrack. 
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Whether you’re into sprawling RPGs, quick indie hits, or classic shooters, Game Pass in 2025 has you covered. Dive in and discover your next favorite game!
