Xbox Live Gold gets players access to online multiplayer, but one of its other main perks is access to free games every month. Typically Xbox gives away two free games through the Games with Gold program - two for Xbox One and two for Xbox 360. The Xbox free Games with Gold for March 2021 don't break away from that pattern, with Microsoft confirming the free games on offer for next month.
From March 1 to March 31, Xbox One owners can claim Warface: Breakout. Warface: Breakout is an online PvP shooter with live service elements. Then from March 16 to April 15, Xbox Live Gold subscribers on Xbox One can claim VALA: Vicious Attack Llama Apocalpyse. VALA is a local co-op twin stick shooter where players use mechs to fight zombified llamas. Upon to four players can join in on the action, and it also supports Xbox Play Anywhere, so subscribers can play it on PC as well if they so desire.
On the Xbox 360 side of things, subscribers can download Metal Slug 3 for free from March 1 to March 15. Metal Slug 3 is a classic-style run and gun arcade shooter that originally released in 2000 before being ported to more modern consoles.
And finally, Xbox Live Gold subscribers can claim the Xbox 360 game Port Royale 3 from March 16 through March 31. Port Royale 3 earned mixed reviews when it launched in 2012, with criticism aimed at its graphics and slow pace. It will be interesting to see if modern gamers have a different opinion of the game once they try it out on March 16.
While Xbox Live Gold subscribers wait for their chance to download the free Games with Gold for March 2021, there's still time to snag February's free games as well. They include Resident Evil HD Remaster and Dandara on Xbox One, with Lost Planet 2 being the still-available Xbox 360 offering. The free Games with Gold for February 2021 also included Gears 5, which essentially served as the Xbox Series X free game due to the game having a next-gen upgrade available.
So far, reaction to the Xbox free Games with Gold for March 2021 has been largely negative. The dislikes are on track to overtake the likes on the YouTube video announcing the lineup, with many fans upset with the offerings. It seems clear that Xbox is saving the best content for its Game Pass service, so one has to wonder if the rumors about Xbox Live Gold being phased out will ever come to fruition.