I have to be honest with you. Usually, the end of January is a quiet time in the gaming world. We are all recovering from the holiday releases, our wallets are empty, and we are just trying to get through the winter gloom.
But I just looked at the latest Xbox Game Pass update for the second half of January, and my jaw hit the floor. Microsoft isn’t just adding “filler” content; they are dropping legitimate heavy hitters.
If you, like me, have been holding off on buying Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 because of the price tag, or if you’ve been curious about the weird genius of Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding, your patience has just paid off.
Here is my breakdown of what’s coming, what you absolutely need to play, and sadly, what we are losing.
The Big Headliners: Why I’m Excited
Let’s not beat around the bush. There are two games on this list that justify the subscription price all on their own.
1. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (January 29)
This is the big one. I remember playing the first Space Marine years ago and loving the sheer weight of it. You feel like a walking tank. The sequel took that formula and dialed it up to eleven.
Getting a AAA title of this caliber on Game Pass this relatively soon after launch is a massive win. If you enjoy visceral combat, hordes of alien enemies (Tyranids), and screaming “For the Emperor!” while revving a chainsword, you are going to lose your weekend to this. I know I will.
2. Death Stranding: Director’s Cut (January 21)
Okay, I know what some of you are thinking. “Ugu, isn’t that just a walking simulator?” Yes and no. It is a Hideo Kojima game, which means it’s confusing, beautiful, and deeply mechanical. The Director’s Cut adds new tools and missions that smooth out the early game frustration. If you have a Series X or a powerful PC, the graphics are absolutely stunning. It’s a polarizing game, but now that it’s “free” on the service, you have zero excuse not to try it.
The Hidden Gems: Don’t Sleep on These
While everyone is looking at the big titles, there are two others on this list that I personally recommend you check out.
- The Talos Principle 2 (January 27): If you liked Portal, this is non-negotiable. It’s a first-person puzzle game, but it’s also a deep philosophical dive into what it means to be human (even if you are a robot). The puzzles make you feel smart, and the story makes you feel existential dread. A perfect combo.
- Indika (February 2): This is a weird one, and I love weird. You play as a nun in an alternative version of 19th-century Russia who sets off on a journey with… the devil. It’s indie gaming at its finest—bizarre, artistic, and memorable.
The Complete Arrival List (Mark Your Calendars)
I’ve organized the list by date so you can plan your downloads. Here is exactly when you can start playing:
January 21
- Death Stranding: Director’s Cut (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X/S)
- RoadCraft (PC)
- Ninja Gaiden Ragebound (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X/S)
January 27
- The Talos Principle 2 (PC, Xbox Series X/S)
January 28
- Anno: Mutationem (Cloud, PC, Console)
- Drop Duchy (Cloud, PC, Console)
January 29
- MySims: Cozy Bundle (PC)
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X/S) – Highlight of the month!
February 2
- Indika (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X/S)
February 3
- Final Fantasy II (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X/S) – A classic pixel remaster.
The Bad News: What’s Leaving on January 30
It’s the circle of life. To make room for the new blood, some games have to go. You have until January 30 to finish these or buy them with your Game Pass discount (usually 20% off).
- Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (This hurts if you were in the middle of it!)
- Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap
- Shady Part of Me
- Starbound
- Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders
- Paw Patrol World
My Final Take
Microsoft is clearly trying to keep the momentum high in early 2026. Adding Space Marine 2 is a statement. It tells us that Game Pass isn’t just for indie games and old back-catalog titles anymore; it’s a place for current, blockbuster hits.
My SSD is already crying for mercy, but I’m definitely clearing space for the Tyranid invasion.
Which one are you downloading first? Are you going to deliver packages in Death Stranding or purge heretics in Space Marine 2? Let me know in the comments!
