The Best Xbox Game Pass Games to Play Right Now (October 2026)
From Gears of War: E-Day to hidden indie gems, these are the best games on Xbox Game Pass right now — plus what's arriving and what's about to leave.
Game Pass has hundreds of games, which is great — until you spend more time scrolling than playing. To save you the search, here are the games most worth your time right now, from brand-new blockbusters to smaller gems you may have missed.
New and hot this month
1. Gears of War: E-Day
The month's headline release arrived on Game Pass on day one. It's a prequel set on the first night of the Locust invasion, with critics praising its combat and darker tone. Read our review roundup.
2. Battlefield 6 (from October 13)
The best-selling game of 2025 joins Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on October 13, just as Season 5 brings new Las Vegas maps. If you want large-scale multiplayer battles, this is the one. Here's everything subscribers get.
3. Valor Mortis (from October 13)
A first-person soulslike — the tough, deliberate style of combat made famous by Dark Souls — arriving on Game Pass on its launch day. Early previews say it brings something genuinely fresh to the genre.
4. Echo Abyss
A time-loop metroidvania that's earning strong praise. If you enjoy exploring a map that slowly opens up as you gain new abilities, add it to your list.
5. Forever Ago (from October 8)
One of the newest arrivals, available with Xbox Play Anywhere, so you can play on both console and PC.
Great games you may have missed
6. Nine Sols
A beautifully hand-drawn action game with demanding, parry-focused combat inspired by Sekiro. One of the best metroidvanias of recent years.
7. Keeper
From Double Fine, the studio behind Psychonauts, Keeper is an unusual and artistic adventure with a heartfelt story. Perfect if you want something unlike anything else on the service.
8. Call of the Elder Gods
A Lovecraftian puzzle adventure and the sequel to Call of the Sea. At around six to eight hours, it's ideal for a weekend.
9. Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
Still one of the best kart racers around — great for quick sessions and even better with friends on the couch.
Leaving soon: play these now
Several big games are listed to leave Game Pass in early October, including Pacific Drive, A Plague Tale: Requiem and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. If they're still in your library, now is the time — and remember that Game Pass members usually get a discount if they want to buy a game before it leaves.
Tips to get more from Game Pass
- Check your plan: some games are only on certain tiers. Battlefield 6, for example, comes to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
- Use cloud gaming: with Ultimate, you can try many games instantly without waiting for a download.
- Look for Play Anywhere: these games let you continue the same save on Xbox and PC.
What are you playing on Game Pass right now? Share your hidden gems with us.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best new game on Xbox Game Pass right now?
Gears of War: E-Day, which launched on Game Pass on day one in October 2026 and has a Metacritic score of around 87–88.
When does Battlefield 6 come to Game Pass?
Battlefield 6 joins Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on October 13, 2026.
Which games are leaving Game Pass soon?
Pacific Drive, A Plague Tale: Requiem and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 were listed to leave Game Pass in early October 2026. Check the Game Pass app for current dates.
Sources: Xbox Wire, GameSpot, TrueAchievements, Pure Xbox. Images: Xbox.
