Xbox Game Pass continues to expand its library of games with both old and brand-new titles. Not only does every title released by Xbox Game Studios arrive day one on Game Pass, but so do a growing collection of third-party titles and indies.
It seems like almost every week Xbox announces more third-party titles launching day one on Game Pass. Some are heavy-hitting titles, meanwhile others are lesser-known. A few major third-party games have already been announced for 2022, some with concrete release dates, and more are sure to follow as the year goes on.
Total War: Warhammer 3 – February 17
The latest entry in the massive Total War franchise is set to launch this February. Fans will be brought back to the world of Warhammer for the conclusion of the Total War trilogy, in which players get to manage massive armies in the Warhammer universe and send them off to destroy their enemies. It is set to be one of the largest Total War games to date by combining all three Total War: Warhammer campaign maps into one giant game through free post-launch DLC. There is not long of a wait, as the game is expected to launch February 17 on Xbox Game Pass for PC.
Two Point Campus – May 17
In 2018, Two Point Studios released Two Point Hospital, a spiritual successor to the hospital management game Theme Hospital. Now Two Point returns, but this time it will be bringing players to college. Two Point Campus will task players with constructing their own university, managing the day-to-day operations, and providing students with the best - or worst - education they can get. Management game fans should be busy when Two Point Campus launches day one on Game Pass for console and PC on May 17.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chernobyl – December 8
The long-awaited fourth title in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R franchise is almost here. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is set to blend first-person shooter gameplay with immersive simulator mechanics and horror, similar to games like Metro Exodus. The game looks impressive, so for fans who aren't used to horror experiences it may be a good idea to play with the lights on. After a 13-year wait and recent delays, the game will finally release December 8 on Game Pass for console and PC.
A Plague Tale: Requiem – 2022
Players can embark on an adventure in a brutal, twisted world with the upcoming sequel to A Plague Tale: Innocence.A Plague Tale: Requiem will continue the story of Amicia and Hugo as they traverse a world twisted by supernatural forces. The game will bring players to brand-new regions and cities as they fight to survive and learn more about Hugo’s curse. The game is set to launch sometime in 2022 on Game Pass.
Atomic Heart - 2022
Atomic Heart is a brand-new IP from developer Mundfish. The game is set in a world where the Soviet Union has experienced a technological revolution, and the player must battle against its malfunctioning robots. They will be exploring a vast open world and uncovering the mystery of why the robots are broken. The game is set to launch sometime in 2022 on Game Pass, and hopefully it turns out to be as much fun as some early trailers suggest.
Sniper Elite 5 – 2022
The next title in the Sniper Elite franchise is set to launch sometime in 2022. Players will once again be put in the shoes of Lt. Karl Fairburne during World War 2, tasked with completing covert sniping operations. While there has not been much gameplay released, fans can expect more sniping mayhem with slow-motion mechanics. Game Pass subscribers will be able to get their hands on the coming sequel day one.
Slime Rancher 2 – 2022
Sometimes all people want to do is sit back, relax, and play a calming game. If Slime Rancher 2 is anything like the first game, it should give fans the chance to do just that. Developed by Monomi Park, Slime Rancher puts players in the shoes of Beatrix LeBeau as they traverse a beautifully stylized world in search of slimes. With a trusty Vacpack by their side, players will be capturing all sorts of slimes and building their own ranch. They will have to uncover the mysteries of this region and be prepared for everything the slimes can throw at them when this game launches later this year.
Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery – 2022
While it may not be everyone's cup of tea Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery might just surprise people. It will combine all three Frog Detective games into one package: The Haunted Island, The Case of the Invisible Wizard, and the Corruption at Cowboy County. Players are a frog detective who must solve crimes in simple but hilarious situations. The first two mysteries are already available on Steam for anyone who wants to try them out before the collection hits Xbox Game Pass.
