- Xbox Game Pass delivered many hits last year, and the service is back with exciting games in January 2026.
- This month is set to deliver Death Stranding 2 and Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, among other titles.
- Games like Paw Patrol World and Starbound are also leaving the service soon.
Microsoft continues to bring one hit after another to Xbox Game Pass. Following major releases like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Black Ops 7 last year, the service is heading into 2026 with a strong first month.
The titles coming to the service as part of January’s second wave were announced recently, and they are sure to be enticing for a large group of gamers.
Why it matters: 2026 is set to be a huge year for Xbox in general, and January is only the beginning.
Why Everyone Is So Excited
It’s no secret that millions of PC and Xbox gamers enjoy the benefits of Microsoft’s subscription service each month.
The latest selection of games practically offers something for everyone, including fans of high-octane shooters and those fond of slower narrative games. Let’s also keep in mind the backlog of titles available on the service already.
For those who have yet to try the titles coming this month, I strongly suggest you buy Xbox Game Pass.
Titles Coming To Game Pass
The following games will join the service as part of Wave 2:
- Death Stranding Director’s Cut – January 21
- Ninja Gaiden Ragebound – January 21
- The Talos Principle 2 – January 27
- Anno: Mutationem – January 28
- Drop Duchy – January 28
- MySims: Cozy Bundle – January 29
- Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 – January 29
- Final Fantasy II – February 3
What makes this list such a big deal is the presence of Death Stranding and Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2.
Although its sequel is not available on Xbox, Death Stranding brings the classic Hideo Kojima experience to Microsoft’s subscription service. The game was released on Xbox just over a year ago in late 2024, introducing it to a whole new audience.
With Game Pass now in the mix, the Death Stranding IP could grow a whole lot more popular, and this could serve as the perfect introduction if Death Stranding 2 arrives on PC later this year.
Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 was also lauded in 2024 for delivering a very old-school third-person shooter campaign reminiscent of Xbox 360 era shooter games. In particular, the game received praise for its visceral feel and hectic combat.
I enjoyed a lot of what Space Marine 2 offered, and I recommend it to anyone feeling nostalgic about the Xbox 360 era of gaming.
Games Leaving The Service
As always, certain games are set to rotate out of the service. By the end of the month, the following games will no longer be available:
- Shady Part of Me
- Starbound
- Lonely Mountains Snow Riders
- Paw Patrol World
- Citizen Sleeper 2 Starward Vector
- Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap
In the coming months, the likes of Gears of War: E-Day, Halo: Campaign Evolved, and Forza Horizon 6 will also launch on the service. Needless to say, it will be worth keeping an eye out for the service this year.
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[Senior News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than 5 years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.
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