Xbox Game Pass expands its January 2026 lineup with four major titles: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, Death Stranding, the Sims 25th Birthday Bundle, and MySims Cozy Bundle. All arrive between Jan 21 and Feb 3, giving subscribers fresh multiplayer shooters, narrative-driven adventures, and classic simulation experiences. The additions reinforce Game Pass as a leading console subscription for both hardcore and casual gamers.
New Games Joining Xbox Game Pass in January 2026
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II
The long‑awaited sequel to the 2011 third‑person shooter brings visceral melee combat and large‑scale sci‑fi warfare to the service, offering both solo and multiplayer modes.
Death Stranding
Kojima Productions’ genre‑defying adventure arrives on Game Pass for the first time, delivering a narrative‑driven, open‑world experience that emphasizes exploration and connection.
The Sims 25th Birthday Bundle (PC)
Celebrating a quarter‑century of life simulation, this bundle includes the original The Sims and The Sims 2 re‑releases via EA Play, accessible through the Xbox PC app.
MySims Cozy Bundle
A family‑friendly collection of relaxed MySims titles, added to the “Play List” portion of Game Pass for easy, low‑pressure gameplay.
Why Xbox Game Pass Is Growing Faster Than Ever
Microsoft’s subscription strategy focuses on shifting revenue from one‑off purchases to recurring income. By securing high‑profile, premium‑priced titles such as Space Marine II and Death Stranding, the service attracts core gamers while the Sims bundle expands appeal to casual players.
What This Means for Subscribers
- Immediate variety: Fresh shooters, story‑rich adventures, and classic simulations at no extra cost.
- Regular updates: A two‑week rollout keeps the library dynamic and reduces content fatigue.
- Cross‑subscription value: EA Play content is bundled into Game Pass Ultimate, enhancing perceived value.
Business Impact of the New Additions
Securing Space Marine II, a franchise traditionally tied to exclusive deals, demonstrates Microsoft’s growing negotiating clout. The integration of EA Play titles under the Ultimate tier simplifies the user experience and creates a “sticky” ecosystem that lowers churn risk.
Looking Ahead to February 2026
While details remain under wraps, the pattern suggests the next wave will blend new releases, classic re‑releases, and indie titles, maintaining a balanced library that keeps Xbox Game Pass positioned as the most comprehensive console subscription on the market.
