10 Overlooked Xbox Game Pass Gems You Need To Play

Xbox Game Pass has a huge library of games, and some truly excellent titles often fly under the radar compared to the biggest, most popular releases. The service is always updating, with Microsoft regularly adding and removing games based on your subscription tier. Recently, for instance, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers got to play Winter Burrow as soon as it came out.

However, losing games like Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler 2 is a noticeable loss for the service. Despite this, Xbox Game Pass continues to add a large number of new games each month, and they’ve even hinted at their plans for 2026. With so many additions, it’s easy to overlook some of the fantastic hidden gems already available in the catalog.

Indiana Jones & The Great Circle

The 2025 Game Was Quickly Forgotten After Its Release

Despite being a large-scale, high-quality game, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle often gets overlooked in the Xbox Game Pass library. Many subscribers, including myself, don’t even remember it’s included, which is a shame considering how good the game is. It’s one of the best Indiana Jones experiences you can have outside of the movies.

Our review of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle gives it a 9 out of 10. We loved how well it captures the spirit of the films and Steven Spielberg’s original vision, plus the game looks fantastic and Troy Baker does a great job as Indiana Jones. It’s easily one of the best games currently available on Xbox Game Pass, despite not getting as much hype as some others.

Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus

Destroy Nazis In This Fast-Paced Shooter

Many Xbox Game Pass subscribers might not realize just how good Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus is, possibly because it’s an older game. Developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda, this award-winning shooter is truly excellent and deserves to be played. It’s one of the best shooting games available on Game Pass, and since Microsoft now owns it, it’s unlikely to leave the service anytime soon.

The game puts you back in the shoes of BJ Blazkowicz as he fights to liberate the United States from the Nazis. It’s a high-energy, action-packed shooter similar to the DOOM series. If you’re new to the series, I suggest playing the games in this order: Wolfenstein: The New Order, Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus, Wolfenstein: The Old Blood, and Wolfenstein: Youngblood – all of which you can find on Xbox Game Pass.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War

This Award-Winning Game Was Created By Ubisoft

I recently stumbled across a game on Xbox Game Pass called Valiant Hearts: The Great War, and it’s seriously good. It’s made by Ubisoft and set during World War I. You follow the stories of four characters as they try to help a German soldier make it through the war. It’s a side-scrolling adventure game with a lot of puzzles, but honestly, the story is what really grabbed me. It’s a really powerful narrative experience.

Valiant Hearts is a truly special game, and it even won awards for its story and positive impact at The Game Awards 2014. It’s a hidden gem available through the subscription service, but be warned – it’s a very emotional experience and might make you cry! It’s definitely worth playing at least once.

1000xResist

One Of 2024’s Best Games May Go Unnoticed In The Xbox Game Pass Catalog

The game 1000xResist recently became available on Xbox Game Pass, and I strongly suggest giving it a try if you have a Premium subscription or higher. While it didn’t receive a lot of marketing, many consider this indie game to be one of the best releases of 2024.

When it became available on Game Pass, more people started discovering 1000xResist. Though it’s not widely known, the game received several award nominations and could have been a Game of the Year contender if it had reached a larger audience. While the gameplay is fairly simple, focusing on the story, it’s a truly memorable narrative that will stay with you long after you finish playing.

Stardew Valley

Even The Essential Tier Has Access To This Legendary Life-Sim

Many consider Stardew Valley to be the most popular farming and life simulation game ever made, and it’s great news for Xbox Game Pass subscribers! While you might know the game – unlike the lesser-known 1000xResist – you may not realize it’s included with all Game Pass tiers, even the basic Essential plan.

Despite being available for years, Stardew Valley doesn’t always get mentioned as a must-play game on Game Pass, even though it’s incredibly popular. If you’ve never tried it, or are looking to play again, it’s worth remembering that this wonderful farming and life simulation game – where you can build a farm, make friends in town, and even find romance – is included with your Game Pass subscription.

Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire

This CRPG Can Be Great To Play After Baldur’s Gate 3

If you enjoy fantasy role-playing games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire is an excellent choice, and it’s included with Xbox Game Pass. Similar to Baldur’s Gate 3, Pillars of Eternity 2 features a lot of conversation as you explore the game world and discover its lore and characters. Deadfire offers a unique nautical experience, letting you sail between islands on your ship and even participate in naval battles.

This role-playing game is packed with content and features a fantastic voice cast, including well-known actors like Matt Mercer and Laura Bailey. It also has an official partnership with Critical Role, letting you play as members of the Vox Machina group. If you’re a fan of the Pillars of Eternity series, or are interested in the upcoming game Avowed, this CRPG is worth exploring, as they are all connected.

Immortals Fenyx Rising

This Game Is Perfect For Zelda: BotW Fans

If you enjoyed Zelda: Breath of the Wild (which is only available on Nintendo consoles), Immortals Fenyx Rising on Xbox Game Pass offers a similar experience. While it doesn’t have quite the same depth as Zelda, it’s still a really fun game. Developed by Ubisoft, Immortals Fenyx Rising is an open-world adventure set on the Golden Isle, a beautiful land inspired by Greek mythology and its gods.

I love that I get to create my own version of Fenyx and build them up however I want – customizing their skills to tackle the world and all the monsters in it. There’s a ton to do, seriously – endless battles and puzzles to figure out. And honestly, it’s hilarious! The story is super light-hearted and funny, and it’s easily one of the best new games Ubisoft has put out in ages.

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon

The Ubisoft Spinoff Is One Of The Best In The Series

I was so excited when Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon was added to Xbox Game Pass last month! It’s a really fun Ubisoft game, and if you have a membership, you definitely need to check it out. It’s basically a hilarious parody of 80s action movies. You play as Rex “Power” Colt, and you’ve got all these awesome weapons and even cybernetic abilities to help you try to escape this crazy island. It’s a blast!

Despite facing numerous challenges, including the fearsome Blood Dragon, this game delivers the signature humor of the Far Cry series, but with an even more over-the-top and absurd tone thanks to its unique dystopian, sci-fi, and synthwave world. If you enjoy engaging shooters with a lighthearted story, this hidden gem is well worth checking out on Game Pass.

Unpacking

Cry Your Eyes Out With This Award-Winning Indie Game

If you’re looking for a relaxing and touching game on Xbox Game Pass, don’t miss Unpacking. This award-winning indie game, made by Witch Beam and published by Humble Bundle, first came out in 2021. You play by unpacking boxes and arranging belongings in different homes, following the story of someone settling into new spaces.

Although Unpacking doesn’t have characters or spoken words, it beautifully tells the story of someone growing up. You’ll be amazed at how you begin to understand what’s happening in her life at different times, simply by looking at her belongings and how she arranges them in each room.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4

Play These Remakes With Brand-New Features

The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 collection offers a fantastic value, bringing together remakes of the classic 2001 and 2002 games. Developed by Iron Galaxy, it lets players experience these beloved titles with updated graphics and gameplay. Plus, it includes exciting new content like fresh pro and guest skaters.

As a big fan of the original games, I’ve been having a blast with the remake – there’s so much to do! It’s a little frustrating that it doesn’t seem to get the spotlight it deserves within the Game Pass library, even though people who have played it really like it. It just proves how many amazing games can get lost in the shuffle on Xbox Game Pass.

2025-12-01 00:35