Xbox Game Pass Lineup for May 2026: New & Leaving Games

May 2026 is going to be a huge month for Xbox fans. From massive day-one launches like Forza Horizon 6 and DOOM: The Dark Ages to exciting indie experiences and multiplayer adventures, the latest Xbox Game Pass lineup is packed with variety for console and PC gamers.

Xbox Game Pass May 2026 lineup mixes blockbuster day-one releases with indie gems and classics, perfect for racing fans, survival explorers, and RPG lovers. With updates rolling out weekly, subscribers get non-stop value from open-world adventures to intense shooters—think high-speed races in Forza Horizon 6

Microsoft continues to strengthen Xbox Game Pass with major first-party releases, day-one launches, indie gems, co-op games, and story-driven experiences. Whether you enjoy open-world racing games, FPS combat, survival adventures, or relaxing indie titles, May’s lineup has something for everyone.

At the same time, a few games are leaving the service this month, so subscribers should finish them before they disappear from the library.

According to official Xbox announcements and multiple gaming reports, several major titles are arriving during May 2026, while five games are confirmed to leave on May 15.

Xbox Game Pass Tiers (2026)- Updated

Xbox Game Pass has grown into a full family of subscription options, and Microsoft recently added a brand-new entry-level tier that’s making waves — especially for Discord users. Here’s a clear breakdown of all the current tiers so you can pick the right one for your gaming style and budget.

Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition (New Tier)

This is the freshest addition to the lineup, launched in partnership with Discord. It’s designed as an easy, low-commitment way for new players to jump into Game Pass without a big investment.

Price: Included free with Discord Nitro subscription ($9.99/month or $99.99/year) — no extra cost for Nitro members.

What You Get:

Access to 50+ downloadable games on PC and console (titles like Fallout 4, Stardew Valley, Deep Rock Galactic, Grounded, Overcooked 2, and more).
10 hours of Xbox Cloud Gaming per month.
Xbox Rewards program support.
Perfect for casual gamers, Discord users who already chat with friends, or anyone testing the waters.

If you’re already paying for Discord Nitro, this Starter Edition basically gives you a solid mini Game Pass library at no additional charge.

A smart move by Microsoft Xbox and Discord to bring more gamers into the ecosystem.

Other Main Xbox Game Pass Tiers

Xbox Game Pass Essential (formerly Core) — Great for console owners who want online multiplayer and a rotating selection of games.
Xbox Game Pass Premium (formerly Standard) — Bigger library focused on console play.
PC Game Pass — Best for PC-only gamers, includes EA Play.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate — The full premium experience: day-one releases, cloud gaming on phones/TVs, console + PC access, and the largest library.

Xbox Game Pass Wave 1 Lineup for May 2026

Final Fantasy V (Pixel Remaster)

Developer Name: Square Enix
Platforms: Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Added on: May 5, 2026
Game Pass Tier Name: Game Pass Ultimate / PC Game Pass
Genre: Role-Playing Game (JRPG)

Final Fantasy V still feels surprisingly fresh even after all these years. The job system is the real highlight here because it lets you experiment with different character builds and playstyles. The Pixel Remaster version keeps the classic charm alive while making the visuals and soundtrack cleaner for modern players. It’s the kind of RPG that slowly pulls you into its world the longer you play.

Ben 10 Power Trip

Developer Name: PHL Collective
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming
Added on: May 6, 2026 (returning title)
Game Pass Tier Name: Game Pass Premium / Ultimate / PC Game Pass
Genre: Action-Adventure (3D platformer with open-world elements)

Jumping back into Ben 10: Power Trip feels like putting on that old Omnitrix again as a kid. You run around pretty European towns and countryside smashing bad guys by switching between a bunch of cool aliens, solving simple puzzles, and just causing fun chaos. It’s short and straightforward, perfect for a chill afternoon where you don’t have to think too hard.

Descenders Next

Developer Name: RageSquid
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Cloud
Added on: May 6, 2026
Game Pass Tier Name: Game Pass Premium / Ultimate / PC Game Pass
Genre: Extreme Sports / Roguelike Racing

Descenders Next has that “just one more run” feeling that’s hard to stop once you get into it. Every downhill track feels unpredictable, and pulling off clean tricks while trying not to wipe out keeps the gameplay exciting. The fast movement and smooth controls make it really satisfying, especially when you finally land a risky run perfectly. It’s chaotic in a fun way without ever feeling too serious.

Wheel World

Developer Name: Messhof
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Cloud
Added on: May 6, 2026
Game Pass Tier Name: Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Genre: Open-World Cycling Adventure

Wheel World gives off a calm and peaceful vibe that feels very different from most racing games. Riding through colorful environments while slowly upgrading your bike becomes oddly relaxing after a while. The game is less about competition and more about enjoying the journey, discovering new paths, and getting lost in the world for a few hours. It feels simple on the surface, but that chill atmosphere is what makes it memorable.

Wildgate

Developer Name: Moonshot Games (Dreamhaven)
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (Cloud supported)
Added on: May 6, 2026
Game Pass Tier Name: Game Pass Premium / Ultimate
Genre: PvPvE Multiplayer Shooter (Space Crew Combat)

Wildgate feels like pure multiplayer chaos in space, but in a good way. One moment your team is exploring abandoned ships, and the next everything turns into a messy firefight with explosions everywhere. The mix of teamwork, ship combat, and unpredictable encounters keeps matches feeling fresh. It’s the type of game that becomes much more fun when played with friends on voice chat.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

Developer Name: Leenzee
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (Cloud supported)
Added on: May 6, 2026
Game Pass Tier Name: Game Pass Premium / Ultimate / PC Game Pass
Genre: Soulslike Action RPG

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers puts you in a haunting Ming Dynasty world where every fight feels desperate and personal. It has a heavy and mysterious atmosphere right from the beginning. The combat is tough, but every victory feels rewarding once you start learning enemy patterns and timing your attacks properly. What really stands out is the dark fantasy world inspired by Chinese folklore, which gives the game its own identity instead of feeling like another Souls clone. It can be frustrating at times, but that challenge is also what makes it satisfying.

Mixtape

Developer Name: Beethoven & Dinosaur
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (Cloud supported)
Added on: May 7, 2026
Game Pass Tier Name: Game Pass Ultimate / PC Game Pass
Genre: Narrative Adventure

Mixtape feels like stepping back into those awkward, magical last nights of high school. You follow three friends chasing one final adventure filled with 90s vibes, killer music, and random mischief that somehow hits right in the feels. The game captures those late-teen memories of music, friendships, and random adventures that stay in your head for years. Its mix of storytelling, stylish visuals, and small gameplay moments makes everything feel personal instead of overly dramatic. It’s one of those games that’s more about the vibe and emotions than pure action.

Outbound

Developer Name: Square Glade Games
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (Cloud supported)
Added on: May 11, 2026
Game Pass Tier Name: Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Genre: Cozy Open-World Crafting & Exploration

Outbound has a very peaceful and laid-back feel that makes it easy to sink hours into without even noticing. Driving around in your customizable camper van, gathering resources, and building your little mobile setup feels surprisingly cozy. The game doesn’t try to rush you, which honestly becomes part of its charm. It’s more about enjoying quiet exploration and creating your own relaxing routine on the road.

Black Jacket

Developer Name: Mi’pu’mi Games
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (Cloud supported)
Added on: May 12, 2026
Game Pass Tier Name: Game Pass Ultimate / PC Game Pass
Genre: Roguelite Deckbuilder (Blackjack-inspired)

Black Jacket takes the simple idea of blackjack and turns it into something dark, tense, and surprisingly addictive. Every match feels risky because one bad move can completely ruin a strong run. The creepy atmosphere and strange characters make the whole experience feel different from a normal card game. Even if you are not usually into deckbuilders, this one has a style that pulls you in pretty quickly.

Call of the Elder Gods

Developer Name: Out of the Blue Games
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (Cloud supported)
Added on: May 12, 2026
Game Pass Tier Name: Game Pass Ultimate / PC Game Pass
Genre: Narrative Puzzle Adventure (Lovecraftian)

Call of the Elder Gods pulls you into a haunting Lovecraft-inspired journey that mixes clever puzzles with a deeply personal story about grief and family. Exploring strange places, uncovering secrets, and hearing unsettling sounds in the background creates a constant feeling that something is wrong. The story keeps pulling you deeper the more you play, especially if you enjoy mystery-heavy horror games. It’s creepy in a smart way rather than just relying on jump scares.

Elite Dangerous

Developer Name: Frontier Developments
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC (Cloud supported)
Added on: May 12, 2026
Game Pass Tier Name: Game Pass Ultimate / Premium
Genre: Space Simulation / Open-World Sandbox

Elite Dangerous can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand its systems, the game becomes incredibly immersive. Flying through deep space, trading between stations, or simply drifting past planets gives a real sense of scale that very few games manage to capture. There’s a quiet loneliness to the experience that actually adds to the atmosphere. It’s the kind of game where you create your own stories instead of following a straight path.

Doom: The Dark Ages

Developer Name: id Software
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (Cloud supported)
Added on: May 14, 2026 (Premium) / May 15, 2025 (Ultimate)
Game Pass Tier Name: Game Pass Premium / Ultimate / PC Game Pass
Genre: First-Person Shooter

Doom: The Dark Ages is pure chaotic glory — ripping through medieval hell armies with that signature over-the-top violence that never gets old. The medieval setting adds a completely different flavor to the chaos, especially when you are smashing through demons with shields and massive weapons. Combat still stays insanely fast, but there’s a raw aggression to every fight that makes it hard to put down. It honestly feels like pure adrenaline from start to finish.

Subnautica 2

Developer Name: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Cloud
Added on: May 14, 2026
Game Pass Tier Name: Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Genre: Survival Adventure

Subnautica 2 brings back that same feeling of curiosity and fear that made the first game special. Exploring deep underwater areas looks beautiful at first, but the moment strange sounds start echoing around you, the tension kicks in instantly. Building bases and surviving with friends adds a fresh layer to the experience as well. It’s relaxing, unsettling, and addictive all at the same time.

Forza Horizon 6

Developer Name: Playground Games
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Cloud
Added on: May 19, 2026
Game Pass Tier Name: Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Genre: Open-World Racing

Forza Horizon 6 feels like a road trip made for car lovers. Cruising through Japan-inspired roads, neon-lit cities, and mountain routes looks absolutely stunning, especially during weather changes and night drives. The game balances arcade fun with smooth handling so well that even casual players can enjoy it instantly. Whether you are racing seriously or just driving around aimlessly, it always feels rewarding.

Source: XBOX GAME PASS OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass in May 2026

Microsoft Xbox has also confirmed several games leaving Xbox Game Pass on May 15, 2026. Subscribers who want to complete these games should play them before removal.

Game Name	Game Pass Tier	Platforms
Planet of Lana	Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass	Xbox Series X\|S, Xbox One, PC, Cloud
Galacticare	Game Pass Ultimate	Xbox Series X\|S, PC, Cloud
Go Mecha Ball	Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass	Xbox Series X\|S, PC, Cloud
Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo	Game Pass Ultimate	Xbox Series X\|S, PC
PAW Patrol Rescue Wheels: Championship	Game Pass Essential, Ultimate	Xbox One, Xbox Series X\|S, PC