Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Adds New Open-World ARPG

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Summary

  • Atomfall is the newest addition to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
  • This day-one release is an open-world survival ARPG focused on exploration and investigation.
  • While Atomfall’s post-apocalyptic setting might seem reminiscent of Fallout, the game is more similar to STALKER and Metro Exodus.

In simple terms, the game “Atomfall” has been added to the collection available through the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. This marks the eighth and final addition to their service in March 2025, and it’s also the 29th new release for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate since the beginning of this year.

As a gamer, I can tell you that I’ve been diving into this captivating open-world survival game called Atomfall, which combines RPG elements and an emphasis on exploration like no other. This masterpiece is the brainchild of Rebellion Developments, a renowned British studio famed for their work on the Sniper Elite series.

On March 27 at 10am ET, Atomfall officially launched on PC and consoles, simultaneously joining Xbox Game Pass. Since it is a day-one release, Rebellion’s latest game can only be accessed through the PC Game Pass or the Ultimate tier of Microsoft’s subscription service at this time. Members with higher tiers of Xbox Game Pass could technically play it from March 24, provided they purchased the $24.99 Deluxe Edition Upgrade that granted early access for three days.

Upcoming Xbox Game Pass Games

Game Date Added Game Pass Tier(s) Platform(s) Notes
Atomfall Mar 27 Ultimate, PC Cloud, Console, PC Day-one release.
South of Midnight Apr 8 Ultimate, PC PC, Series X/S Day-one release.
Commandos: Origins Apr 9 Ultimate, PC Cloud, Console, PC Day-one release.
Descenders Next Apr 9 Ultimate, PC Cloud, Console, PC Day-one release.
Blue Prince Apr 10 Ultimate, PC, Standard Cloud, PC, Series X/S Day-one release.
Tempopo Apr 17 Ultimate, PC Cloud, Console, PC Day-one release.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Apr 24 Ultimate, PC PC, Series X/S Day-one release.
Revenge of the Savage Planet May 8 Ultimate, PC Cloud, Console, PC Day-one release.
DOOM: The Dark Ages May 15 Ultimate, PC PC, Series X/S Day-one release.
To A T May 28 Ultimate, PC PC, Series X/S Day-one release.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Jul 11 Ultimate, PC Console, PC Day-one release.

In the lead-up to its launch, the game Atomfall, with its post-apocalyptic 20th-century backdrop and first-person perspective, was often compared to Fallout. However, its gameplay is more reminiscent of STALKER than the well-known Fallout series. Unlike the open-world design of 3D Fallout games, Atomfall‘s world is divided into several large open environments by loading screens, resembling more the structure of Metro Exodus. The game offers a more narrative-driven experience, focusing on investigative tasks amidst periods of exploration, combat, and survival. In terms of RPG aspects, Atomfall primarily advances through equipment upgrades, but also includes skills that can be unlocked in various ways.

When Could Atomfall Reach Xbox Game Pass Standard?

On average, games released exclusively on Xbox Game Pass on their first day usually transition to the Standard tier somewhere between half a year and a year following their debut. This timeframe can vary significantly based on the overall licensing period of each game. Titles that stay on the service for just a year generally move to the Standard library after six months, while some might take a bit longer. Consequently, it’s possible that Atomfall could join Xbox Game Pass Standard as early as late September 2025.

For now, Microsoft’s subscription service boasts around six confirmed day-one games slated for April 2025, such as “South of Midnight”, “Commandos: Origins”, “Descenders Next”, and “Blue Prince”. However, before these arrive, Xbox Game Pass is set to part ways with ten titles on March 31. The anticipated official announcement regarding the April 2025 Wave 1 lineup for Xbox Game Pass is expected to surface around April 2.

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2025-03-27 17:06