Xbox has just dropped the latest update for Game Pass, and it is, to use a technical term “absolutely stacked”. From the neon-soaked streets of Tokyo to the literal depths of hell, there is enough here to keep your console humming until the winter frost sets in.
The Big Hitters: Japan Awaits and Hell Beckons
The absolute gem for this month is Forza Horizon 6, arriving 19 May. This time, the festival is heading to Japan. With over 550 cars and a world designed to showcase the breathtaking landscapes of the archipelago, it is easily the series’ most ambitious outing. If you cannot wait, the Premium Upgrade lets you jump into the driver’s seat as early as 15 May. Just try to keep the drifting to the virtual streets, please.
For those who prefer their adventures a little more… visceral, DOOM: The Dark Ages lands on 14 May. This prequel takes us back to the Slayer’s medieval origins. It is dark, it is sinister, and is a great way to relieve some workday stress.
A Dose of Nostalgia and Narrative
If you are after something that pulls at the heartstrings rather than ripping out demon hearts, Mixtape (7 May) is one to watch. It is a coming-of-age story that captures the bittersweet mischief of adolescence through a perfectly curated soundtrack. It feels like a love letter to those of us who grew up making actual cassette tapes, and the art style is nothing short of gorgeous.
Speaking of style, Black Jacket (12 May) offers a “painterly, pitch-black” take on blackjack. Set in a purgatorial card game where souls are the currency, it is the only time we will officially encourage you to cheat.
Survival of the Fittest (and Wettest)
Fans of the deep blue should prepare to hold their breath for Subnautica 2, hitting Game Preview on 14 May. This sequel introduces 4-player co-op, meaning you no longer have to face those terrifying leviathans alone, now you can hear your friends scream in real-time.
For those who prefer life on land, Outbound (11 May) offers a much cosier survival experience. You get to build a sustainable home on wheels, source energy from the sun, and live off-grid. It is essentially the “van life” dream, minus the actual cramped living quarters and lack of a shower.
Don’t Forget the Classics
Available right now is Final Fantasy V, bringing those iconic crystals and Chocobos to your screen. It’s a nice reminder of where the RPG genre began before things got quite so complicated.
We also see the arrival of Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, a brutal souls-like set in the Ming Dynasty, and Wheel World, a cosmic biking adventure that is far more high-stakes than your average Sunday cycle.
The Bittersweet Goodbye
As always, the “Great Game Pass Migration” continues. We are losing five titles on 15 May, including Planet of Lana and Galacticare. If these have been sitting in your “play later” pile, consider this your final boarding call. You can still grab them at a 20% discount if you want to keep them forever, which is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
