As if sensing blood in the water, Microsoft went for the throat this December by announcing a killer lineup for the Xbox Game Pass to end the year.
Shortly after Sony revealed the PS Plus Essential lineup for December 2023, which wasn’t awful but not great either, the multi-trillion-dollar tech giant has announced that a plethora of games are joining its popular video game subscription service. Unlike previous months where new titles were gradually revealed, this time, Microsoft opted to announce the entire lineup at once. Among these additions, one game that stands out as a particularly significant inclusion is Remnant 2.
Remnant 2, developed by Gunfire Games and published by Gearbox Entertainment, is a third-person shooter that has a hint of Soulslike gameplay. It has been widely acclaimed for its engaging boss design, compelling storyline, as well as its integration of rougelite elements, making it one of the year’s standout titles, which is saying a lot. Its surprise release on Game Pass is a major boon for subscribers, offering them instant access to one of the year’s most talked-about games. The game’s predecessor, Remnant: From the Ashes, is also available on Game Pass, allowing players to explore the series’ origins.
The lineup for December is diverse, catering to a wide range of gaming preferences. Far Cry 6, an open-world adventure set in a fictional Caribbean island under the rule of a dictator played by Giancarlo Esposito, is also joining Game Pass. This Ubisoft title, released in 2021, is known for its expansive world and engaging narrative.
Goat Simulator 3, another notable addition, offers a unique gaming experience. The latest sequel to the popular Goat Simulator game is known for its humorous and unconventional gameplay, where players control a goat causing chaos in a simulated environment.
Two day-one releases are also making their way to Game Pass. SteamWorld Build, a steampunk city builder, offers a new take on the genre with its unique aesthetic and gameplay mechanics. While the Iron’s Hot, an adventure game centered around a blacksmith’s quest to become a master craftsman, promises an immersive and crafty experience.
The Game Pass Core library is also expanding with the addition of a pair of new games, Chivalry 2 and Totally Reliable Delivery Service. Chivalry 2 offers medieval battlefield experiences, while Totally Reliable Delivery Service is a comical physics-based multiplayer game.
This comprehensive lineup for December is not only a testament to the variety and quality that Xbox Game Pass offers but also highlights Microsoft’s commitment to providing value to its subscribers. With the service’s growing popularity and the addition of high-caliber titles like Remnant 2, it is evident that Xbox Game Pass is becoming an increasingly essential service for gamers.
As the gaming world eagerly awaits the new year, the Game Pass lineup for December offers a perfect mix of adventure, action, and unique gaming experiences. From battling through dark, post-apocalyptic worlds in Remnant 2 to exploring lush Caribbean islands in Far Cry 6, there’s plenty to keep gamers engaged throughout the holiday season.
Speaking of Far Cry, Ubisoft’s Far Cry-like take on James Cameron’s multi-billion-dollar cinematic franchise, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, is coming out on December 7.