Following Microsoft's transition from Xbox Live Gold to Xbox Game Pass Core, and its subsequent rebrand to Xbox Game Pass Essential subscribers have access to a continuously updated library of titles separate from the main Game Pass catalog.

Microsoft includes a curated catalog of over 50 games playable across both console and PC, alongside unlimited cloud gaming, online multiplayer, and rewards. Below is the complete list of paid titles included in the Xbox Game Pass Essential program as of November 2026, alongside notable additions and departures.

Xbox Game Pass Essential Games List

Date Added Game
September 14, 2023Among Us
September 14, 2023Astroneer
September 14, 2023Celeste (Left on July 31, 2026)
September 14, 2023Dead Cells (Left on September 15, 2026)
September 14, 2023Descenders
September 14, 2023Dishonored 2
September 14, 2023DOOM Eternal Standard Edition
September 14, 2023Fable Anniversary
September 14, 2023Fallout 4
September 14, 2023Fallout 76
September 14, 2023Firewatch (Left on August 15, 2026)
September 14, 2023Forza Horizon 4 (Delisted in December 2024)
September 14, 2023Gang Beasts
September 14, 2023Gears 5 Game of the Year Edition
September 14, 2023Golf With Your Friends (Left on July 15, 2026)
September 14, 2023Grounded
September 14, 2023Halo 5: Guardians
September 14, 2023Halo Wars 2
September 14, 2023Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
September 14, 2023Human Fall Flat
September 14, 2023Inside
September 14, 2023Limbo
September 14, 2023Ori and the Will of the Wisps
September 14, 2023Overcooked 2
September 14, 2023Payday 2: Crimewave Edition (Left on June 30, 2026)
September 14, 2023PowerWash Simulator (Left on July 15, 2026)
September 14, 2023Psychonauts 2
September 14, 2023Slay The Spire (Left on May 31, 2026)
September 14, 2023Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition (Left on September 15, 2026)
September 14, 2023Stardew Valley
September 14, 2023State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition
September 14, 2023Superliminal (Left on September 15, 2026)
September 14, 2023The Elder Scrolls Online
September 14, 2023TMNT: Shredder's Revenge (Left on June 15, 2026)
September 14, 2023Unpacking (Left on June 30, 2026)
September 14, 2023Vampire Survivors
December 6, 2023Chivalry 2
December 6, 2023Totally Reliable Delivery Service
April 23, 2024Deep Rock Galactic (Left on October 31, 2026)
April 23, 2024Superhot: Mind Control Delete
April 23, 2024Wreckfest (Leaving on November 15, 2026)
August 21, 2024Cities: Skylines
August 21, 2024Control: Ultimate Edition
August 21, 2024SnowRunner
December 4, 2024Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
December 4, 2024DayZ
December 4, 2024Goat Simulator (Left on April 30, 2026)
March 26, 2025Batman: Arkham Knight
March 26, 2025Monster Sanctuary
March 26, 2025Tunic
October 1, 2025Cities: Skylines - Remastered
October 1, 2025Disney Dreamlight Valley
October 1, 2025Hades
October 1, 2025Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
December 3, 2025Medieval Dynasty
December 3, 2025Stellaris (Left on July 15, 2026)
December 3, 2025World War Z
April 8, 2026DayZ (PC)
April 8, 2026Warhammer: Vermintide 2
May 8, 2026Blinx: The Time Sweeper
May 8, 2026Jetpac Refuelled
May 8, 2026Perfect Dark Zero
May 8, 2026Kameo: Elements of Power
May 8, 2026Stacking
May 8, 2026Iron Brigade
May 8, 2026Massive Chalice
May 8, 2026Neon Abyss (Left on August 31, 2026)
May 8, 2026Max: The Curse of Brotherhood
June 2026Full Throttle Remastered (Left on October 31, 2026)
July 1, 2026Costume Quest 2
July 1, 2026Shadowrun: Returns
July 1, 2026Shadowrun: Dragonfall
July 1, 2026Shadowrun: Hong Kong
July 16, 2026The Bard's Tale Trilogy
July 22, 2026Conker: Live and Reloaded
July 22, 2026Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
July 22, 2026Fuzion Frenzy
September 11, 2026No Man's Sky
September 11, 2026theHunter: Call of the Wild

Platform Accessibility and Cloud Play

Microsoft maintains that all Xbox Game Pass Essential library titles are fully playable across both console and PC hardware. Additionally, subscribers gain unlimited cloud gaming access, letting players stream supported titles directly to compatible devices of their choice.