Xbox game pass: a spring flood of titles, including call of duty
April is shaping up to be a month of heavy lifting for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, with a staggering number of titles joining the service throughout the month. While Microsoft has long touted the value of its subscription model, this influx of high-profile games, including a surprise entry from Activision’s Call of Duty franchise, suggests a renewed push to solidify Game Pass’s position in the increasingly competitive gaming landscape.
Early april: a steady stream of additions
The action kicks off swiftly, starting April 8th. PC players will be among the first to benefit, with the arrival of DayZ, a title that despite its age, continues to draw a dedicated player base. Alongside it, Endless Legend 2 and FBC: Firebreak, both already available on other tiers, are expanding their reach within the Game Pass ecosystem. Planet Coaster 2 follows closely on April 9th, promising theme park management thrills across multiple platforms. The smaller, but no less intriguing, Tiny Bookshop arrives on April 10th, offering a charming indie experience.
Football fans, too, will see action with the simultaneous arrival of Football Manager 26 for both PC and console on April 13th. But the real excitement builds as we approach mid-April, culminating in the arrival of Hades II on April 14th – a long-awaited sequel that’s generating considerable buzz. The day also sees Replaced and The Thaumaturge join the lineup, adding further depth and variety.
The big guns: oblivion and call of duty
April 16th brings a nostalgic wave with the remastered edition of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, a title that remains fondly remembered by legions of RPG fans. Alongside it, EA Sports NHL 26 arrives, catering to hockey enthusiasts. But the true bombshell comes on April 17th: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, the 2019 reboot that revitalized the franchise and launched the Warzone phenomenon, is now available on Game Pass. The inclusion of this blockbuster title is a significant coup for Microsoft, potentially attracting a wave of new subscribers.
Beyond the headlines: a diverse selection
The latter half of April continues the trend of diverse additions, with titles like Little Rocket Lab and Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato adding quirky charm. Vampire Crawlers and Kiln offer fresh indie experiences, demonstrating Game Pass’s commitment to supporting smaller developers. However, it’s not all good news – several titles, including Ashen, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, and crucially, Grand Theft Auto V, will be departing the service on April 15th, reminding players that the Game Pass carousel keeps turning.
The addition of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is a clear signal of Microsoft’s intent to aggressively compete in the subscription gaming market, and April’s lineup is a powerful demonstration of the value Game Pass now offers.