I’ve to be trustworthy with you. Normally, the tip of January is a quiet time within the gaming world. We’re all recovering from the vacation releases, our wallets are empty, and we’re simply attempting to get via the winter gloom.
However I simply regarded on the newest Xbox Recreation Go replace for the second half of January, and my jaw hit the ground. Microsoft isn’t simply including “filler” content material; they’re dropping respectable heavy hitters.
For those who, like me, have been holding off on shopping for Warhammer 40,000: Area Marine 2 due to the value tag, or should you’ve been curious in regards to the bizarre genius of Hideo Kojima’s Dying Stranding, your persistence has simply paid off.
Right here is my breakdown of what’s coming, what you completely have to play, and sadly, what we’re shedding.
The Huge Headliners: Why I’m Excited
Let’s not beat across the bush. There are two video games on this listing that justify the subscription worth all on their very own.
1. Warhammer 40,000: Area Marine 2 (January 29)
That is the massive one. I bear in mind taking part in the primary Area Marine years in the past and loving the sheer weight of it. You’re feeling like a strolling tank. The sequel took that method and dialed it as much as eleven.
Getting a AAA title of this caliber on Recreation Go this comparatively quickly after launch is an enormous win. For those who get pleasure from visceral fight, hordes of alien enemies (Tyranids), and screaming “For the Emperor!” whereas revving a chainsword, you will lose your weekend to this. I do know I’ll.
2. Dying Stranding: Director’s Lower (January 21)
Okay, I do know what a few of you might be considering. “Ugu, isn’t that only a strolling simulator?” Sure and no. It’s a Hideo Kojima recreation, which implies it’s complicated, lovely, and deeply mechanical. The Director’s Lower provides new instruments and missions that clean out the early recreation frustration. If in case you have a Sequence X or a robust PC, the graphics are completely beautiful. It’s a polarizing recreation, however now that it’s “free” on the service, you’ve got zero excuse to not attempt it.
The Hidden Gems: Don’t Sleep on These
Whereas everyone seems to be trying on the large titles, there are two others on this listing that I personally suggest you take a look at.
The Talos Precept 2 (January 27): For those who appreciated Portal, that is non-negotiable. It’s a first-person puzzle recreation, nevertheless it’s additionally a deep philosophical dive into what it means to be human (even in case you are a robotic). The puzzles make you are feeling good, and the story makes you are feeling existential dread. An ideal combo.Indika (February 2): This can be a bizarre one, and I like bizarre. You play as a nun in another model of Nineteenth-century Russia who units off on a journey with… the satan. It’s indie gaming at its best—weird, creative, and memorable.
The Full Arrival Record (Mark Your Calendars)
I’ve organized the listing by date so you’ll be able to plan your downloads. Right here is strictly when you can begin taking part in:
January 21
Dying Stranding: Director’s Lower (Cloud, PC, Xbox Sequence X/S)RoadCraft (PC)Ninja Gaiden Ragebound (Cloud, PC, Xbox Sequence X/S)
January 27
The Talos Precept 2 (PC, Xbox Sequence X/S)
January 28
Anno: Mutationem (Cloud, PC, Console)Drop Duchy (Cloud, PC, Console)
January 29
MySims: Cozy Bundle (PC)Warhammer 40,000: Area Marine 2 (Cloud, PC, Xbox Sequence X/S) – Spotlight of the month!
February 2
Indika (Cloud, PC, Xbox Sequence X/S)
February 3
Last Fantasy II (Cloud, PC, Xbox Sequence X/S) – A traditional pixel remaster.
The Dangerous Information: What’s Leaving on January 30
It’s the circle of life. To make room for the brand new blood, some video games must go. You’ve gotten till January 30 to complete these or purchase them along with your Recreation Go low cost (often 20% off).
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (This hurts should you had been in the course of it!)Orcs Should Die! DeathtrapShady A part of MeStarboundLonely Mountains: Snow RidersPaw Patrol World
My Last Take
Microsoft is clearly attempting to maintain the momentum excessive in early 2026. Including Area Marine 2 is a press release. It tells us that Recreation Go isn’t only for indie video games and outdated back-catalog titles anymore; it’s a spot for present, blockbuster hits.
My SSD is already crying for mercy, however I’m undoubtedly clearing area for the Tyranid invasion.
Which one are you downloading first? Are you going to ship packages in Dying Stranding or purge heretics in Area Marine 2? Let me know within the feedback!
