Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass has had a tremendous 2021 that saw the release of a number of high profile day one releases hit the platform. This included everything from multiplatform, third-party games like Outriders to Xbox-published titles like the recently released Psychonauts 2. Microsoft is looking to keep the Xbox Game Pass momentum going strong to close out 2021, and it's doing so with a triple threat of games scheduled to release about one month apart in October, November, and December.
The Xbox Game Pass triple threat of games consists of three big budget, triple-A titles that are day one Xbox Game Pass releases. Two of them are Xbox-published and Xbox console exclusive games, whereas another is a highly-anticipated third-party release. These games should go a long way in keeping people subscribed to Xbox Game Pass, not to mention potentially bring in new Game Pass subscribers as well.
Of course, these three games will be bolstered by the many other titles that Microsoft is bringing to Xbox Game Pass in the next few months. And while Xbox Game Pass loses games occasionally, it definitely adds more titles than it removes, so that there is consistently well over 100 games for Game Pass subscribers to try at any given time.
With that in mind, here are the three big games coming to Xbox Game Pass in October, November, and December that subscribers should definitely be keeping an eye on.
Back 4 Blood (October 12)
The Left 4 Dead games were hugely popular when they first released, but the franchise has been dormant for well over a decade now with no sign of life. Original Left 4 Dead developer Turtle Rock Studios is taking it upon itself to fill the Left 4 Dead-shaped void in everyone's life with Back 4 Blood, a co-op zombie shooter that is clearly a spiritual successor to the Left 4 Dead franchise, complete with special zombies, player-controlled monsters, and all kinds of over-the-top action.
Zombie-slaying fans had the chance to try the Back 4 Blood beta earlier this year, and while there were some issues, the general consensus seems to be the game the game is a faithful progression of the Left 4 Dead formula. Those on the fence can try the game without paying full price thanks to Xbox Game Pass, as Back 4 Blood is hitting Microsoft's popular subscription service on the same day that it comes out.
Forza Horizon 5 (November 9)
If anyone is wondering why so many fans are excited for Playground Games' take on Fable, they just need to play the Forza Horizon games to figure it out. With the Xbox console exclusive Forza Horizon games, Playground Games has consistently hit out of the park, delivering one critically-acclaimed open world racer after another. Next up is Forza Horizon 5, which has potential to be the best Forza Horizon game yet.
Forza Horizon 5 marks the Horizon series' next-generation debut, taking players to a gorgeous open world Mexico. Forza Horizon 5 is a visual stunner, especially on Xbox Series X, with gameplay videos showing that the game is going to be one of the most visually-impressive titles on Xbox when it comes out. What's even better than getting to play a high-quality racing game is being able to do so without paying more than Xbox Game Pass subscription.
Halo Infinite (December 8)
Xbox's biggest new release this holiday season is Halo Infinite, the latest installment in Microsoft's flagship first-person shooter franchise. Originally slated for release alongside the Xbox Series X console itself last year, Microsoft made the tough call to delay Halo Infinite's release date, with the game now set to launch on December 8 across PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Halo Infinite is potentially a system-selling game for Xbox, as the Halo brand is one of the most recognizable in the entire industry. Halo Infinite is looking to be the last Halo game that fans will need for a long while, embracing a live service model that will see numerous seasons of new content released, expanding greatly on what's made available to fans at launch.
When Halo Infinite does launch, it will be missing some important features that are expected to come in early 2022. Namely, Halo Infinite's campaign will not have co-op at launch and the Forge mode won't be available either. This is definitely disappointing news for those that enjoy those features in Halo, so it will be interesting to see how fans react when the game launches in December.
While Halo Infinite will be missing some fan favorite modes when it launches, it is still bringing plenty to the table. Halo Infinite's campaign looks to be the franchise's most ambitious yet, and there's been plenty of praise given to the multiplayer so far. Whether or not it lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but Xbox Game Pass subscribers will find out in a couple of months from now.