As the gaming calendar flips to 2025, Xbox Game Pass subscribers have plenty to look forward to. Microsoft’s subscription service is kicking off the year with a strong lineup of games spanning multiple genres, catering to both casual players and hardcore enthusiasts alike.
From narrative-driven adventures to pulse-pounding action titles, January 2025 already promises to set the stage for an exciting year in gaming.
With five titles confirmed to hit Xbox Game Pass in January, including day-one launches and returning favorites, let’s take a closer look at what’s coming to Xbox Series X|S and PC players.
January 2025 Xbox Game Pass Recap:
- Carrion – January 2
- Road 96 – January 7
- Eternal Strands – January 28
- Sniper Elite: Resistance – January 30
- Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector – January 31
Carrion: Unleash the Horror
Release Date: January 2
Game Pass Tier: Game Pass Standard
Developer: Phobia Game Studio
Starting the year with a bang, Carrion offers a chilling reverse-horror experience where players take on the role of a nightmarish creature. Unlike traditional horror games, Carrion flips the script by casting you as the monster, escaping from a facility filled with humans determined to stop you. Its gory, fast-paced gameplay and retro-inspired visuals make it a unique and unsettling addition to the Game Pass library.
“Carrion is a fascinating inversion of the horror genre. It’s gruesome yet clever, giving players control over chaos in a way that feels refreshingly new,” writes IGN’s review of the game.
For fans of horror, Carrion is a must-play and a great way to kick off January.
Road 96: The Journey Begins
Release Date: January 7
Game Pass Tier: Game Pass Standard, Ultimate, and PC Game Pass
Developer: DigixArt
Road 96 takes players on a procedurally generated road trip adventure where every decision shapes the story. Set in the summer of 1996, players must navigate their way out of an oppressive regime while meeting an unforgettable cast of characters. No two playthroughs are alike, offering a rich, replayable narrative experience.
Critics have praised Road 96 for its emotional depth and branching storytelling. GameSpot described it as “a poignant journey of escape and survival, where choices truly matter.”
If you enjoy games that combine storytelling, exploration, and decision-making, Road 96 should be on your radar.
Eternal Strands: Magic and Colossal Battles
Release Date: January 28
Game Pass Tier: TBA
Developer: Yellow Brick Games
Arriving as a day-one Game Pass title, Eternal Strands is an ambitious action-adventure RPG that promises magic, exploration, and epic battles. Players take on the role of Brynn, a young warrior wielding elemental powers to defend her world from massive creatures. The game’s lush environments and intense combat sequences make it one of January’s most anticipated additions.
Game director Mike Laidlaw, known for his work on Dragon Age, described Eternal Strands as “a love letter to fantasy fans who crave big battles and deep, meaningful exploration.”
With its engaging combat system and enchanting world, Eternal Strands is set to captivate fans of fantasy RPGs.
Sniper Elite: Resistance: Tactical Precision Returns
Release Date: January 30
Game Pass Tier: Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Developer: Rebellion
The latest entry in the Sniper Elite series, Sniper Elite: Resistance, delivers the franchise’s signature blend of stealth, tactical combat, and precision sniping. Set in war-torn France, players step into the boots of Special Operations Executive agent Harry Hawker, working alongside the French Resistance to thwart the enemy.
Fans of the series will appreciate the return of detailed kill-cam mechanics and the addition of new multiplayer modes supporting up to 16 players.
“Sniper Elite: Resistance refines what makes this franchise great — precise combat and immersive stealth gameplay,” said Game Informer in an early preview.
For those craving strategic gameplay, Sniper Elite: Resistance is a standout addition to Game Pass this month.
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector: A Sci-Fi Masterpiece
Release Date: January 31
Game Pass Tier: TBA
Developer: Jump Over The Age
Rounding out the month, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector continues the critically acclaimed sci-fi RPG saga. Set in the Starward Belt, players control an android fugitive seeking freedom from the powerful corporations that pursue them. Like its predecessor, Citizen Sleeper 2 offers deep role-playing mechanics, branching narratives, and a richly imagined world.
Polygon praised the original Citizen Sleeper for its “brilliant writing and captivating atmosphere,” and the sequel is expected to deliver even more.
Fans of narrative-driven RPGs and immersive sci-fi will find Citizen Sleeper 2 to be an unmissable experience.
Looking Ahead: More to Come in 2025
While January already sets a high bar, Xbox Game Pass subscribers have much more to anticipate in the months ahead. Major releases like Avowed (February 18), Doom: The Dark Ages, and the highly anticipated Fable reboot promise a packed year of blockbuster games. Additionally, exciting indie titles such as Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo and Little Rocket Lab will add variety to the lineup.
Final Thoughts
Xbox Game Pass is entering 2025 with a bang, delivering a stellar lineup of games that cater to diverse tastes. Whether you’re looking for intense action, narrative adventures, or strategic gameplay, January’s five confirmed titles offer something for everyone.
With even bigger releases on the horizon, Microsoft’s subscription service continues to solidify its reputation as the ultimate value for gamers. Stay tuned for more announcements, as 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Xbox Game Pass.
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