The December update sees both the Premium and Essential tiers receiving fresh blood. While the names may have shifted – the $9.99-per-month tier, formerly known as Premium, was renamed XGP Essential this past October – the core value proposition remains: a curated library of games available at your fingertips.
The Essential tier, now boasting a catalog of 10 titles added throughout 2025, continues to impress. Microsoft seems committed to making this entry-level option a compelling choice, offering a diverse range of experiences.
Recent additions to Xbox Game Pass Essential include titles like Medieval Dynasty, Stellaris, and World War Z: Aftermath. These additions follow earlier heavy hitters such as Batman: Arkham Knight, Monster Sanctuary, and the critically acclaimed Tunic, which landed on the service back in March.
What’s particularly noteworthy is Microsoft’s approach to the Essential library. While they’ve stated that the selection won’t be permanently fixed, the expectation is that titles added to this tier will enjoy a longer lifespan on the service, generally exceeding a year. This provides a sense of stability and allows players ample time to explore the included games.
The Full List of 2025 Additions to Xbox Game Pass Essential:
- Batman: Arkham Knight (Mar 26)
- Monster Sanctuary (Mar 26)
- Tunic (Mar 26)
- Cities: Skylines – Remastered (Oct 1)
- Disney Dreamlight Valley (Oct 1)
- Hades (Oct 1)
- Warhammer 40,000: Darktide (Oct 1)
- Medieval Dynasty (Dec 3)
- Stellaris (Dec 3)
- World War Z: Aftermath (Dec 3)
For those willing to shell out a bit more, the Premium tier also sees some interesting additions. Monster Train 2 and Spray Paint Simulator have both joined the ranks, offering distinct experiences that cater to different tastes.
Monster Train 2 delivers a strategic deck-building roguelike experience, challenging players to defend a train carrying the heart of hell. Spray Paint Simulator, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed and creative outlet, allowing players to unleash their inner artist in a virtual environment.
The momentum doesn’t stop here. Eight more titles are confirmed to be joining the Xbox Game Pass lineup before the end of December, promising even more value for subscribers.
As Xbox Game Pass continues to evolve, it’s clear that Microsoft is committed to providing a diverse and compelling library of games for its subscribers. With regular updates and a mix of AAA titles and indie gems, the service remains a strong contender in the ever-expanding world of gaming subscriptions. The future of gaming might just be in the cloud, and Xbox Game Pass is leading the charge.
