Xbox Game Pass Essential, formerly known as Xbox Game Pass Core, remains the primary entry point for Xbox online services. As of July 2026, the service includes access to online multiplayer, cloud gaming, and a rotating library of over 50 titles playable on both Xbox consoles and PC.
Recent Additions (July 2026)
Microsoft continues to update the catalog every six months. The following titles were added to the service recently:
- July 1, 2026: Costume Quest 2, Shadowrun: Returns, Shadowrun: Dragonfall, and Shadowrun: Hong Kong.
- July 16, 2026: The Bard's Tale Trilogy.
- July 22, 2026: Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy.
Games Departing the Service
Several titles have rotated out of the library during July 2026. Players should note the following departures:
- Golf With Your Friends: Left July 15, 2026.
- PowerWash Simulator: Left July 15, 2026.
- Stellaris: Console Edition: Left July 15, 2026.
- Celeste: Leaving July 31, 2026.
Full Library Overview
The current catalog focuses on a mix of indie hits and classic titles. Notable games currently available to subscribers include:
- Action & Adventure: Hades, DOOM Eternal, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, and Dishonored 2.
- Strategy & Simulation: Cities: Skylines – Remastered, Stardew Valley, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.
- Classic Titles: Fable Anniversary, Conker: Live and Reloaded, and Blinx: The Time Sweeper.
- Multiplayer-Focused: Among Us, Deep Rock Galactic, Gang Beasts, and DayZ.
Microsoft classifies certain free-to-play titles as part of the Essential benefits due to included in-game rewards, but the list above highlights the core paid titles included in the subscription.