As the new year commences, Xbox Game Pass subscribers are set to receive a significant refresh of their gaming library, with a diverse array of titles arriving throughout January 2024. This month’s additions are headlined by two major entries: Ubisoft’s sprawling Viking epic, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and Capcom’s acclaimed horror masterpiece, Resident Evil 2. These high-profile inclusions underscore Microsoft’s continued strategy of bolstering the subscription service with both popular open-world adventures and genre-defining experiences, aiming to maintain Game Pass’s competitive edge in the evolving landscape of digital entertainment.
The influx of new games begins promptly, with a steady stream of releases scheduled across the first half of the month, ensuring a continuous refresh for players. However, as is the cyclical nature of subscription services, several prominent titles are also slated for removal, including the perennial best-seller Grand Theft Auto V and two beloved JRPG entries, Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden. This dynamic ebb and flow of content is a fundamental characteristic of Game Pass, requiring subscribers to plan their gaming schedules accordingly to fully capitalize on the rotating library.
Chronology of January 2024 Game Pass Additions
The month’s offerings kick off with a blend of atmospheric thrillers, intense shooters, and unique indie experiences, catering to a wide spectrum of player preferences.
Already Available: Close to the Sun
Subscribers can immediately delve into Close to the Sun, a first-person adventure title that became available at the start of January. Developed by Storm in a Teacup and originally released in 2019, this game plunges players into an alternate 19th century aboard the Helios, a massive research vessel built by Nikola Tesla for the world’s greatest scientific minds. The game draws clear inspiration from the narrative-driven, atmospheric exploration of titles like BioShock, combining elements of horror, mystery, and an intriguing art deco aesthetic. Critics, upon its initial release, largely commended Close to the Sun for its strong narrative, compelling atmosphere, and intricate world-building, earning a respectable 75 on Metacritic for its Xbox One version. While some reviews noted occasional pacing issues or linearity, the overall consensus highlighted its success in crafting an immersive and suspenseful experience, making it an ideal choice for players seeking a story-rich, less combat-focused journey.
January 4: Hell Let Loose
Marking the first major addition of the new year, Hell Let Loose arrives on January 4. This World War II-themed tactical first-person shooter, developed by Black Matter and published by Team17, distinguishes itself from conventional arcade shooters by emphasizing realism, large-scale combat, and strategic teamwork. Players engage in massive 50 vs. 50 battles across sprawling, historically accurate maps, meticulously recreated from real-world battlefields. The game features a unique resource-based strategic layer, where commanders manage supply lines and deploy assets, directly influencing the flow of battle. Hell Let Loose demands significant cooperation and communication among players, who can choose from various roles including infantry, tank crews, and support units, each with distinct responsibilities. Its commitment to a hardcore, authentic World War II experience resonated strongly with critics, who awarded it an impressive Metascore of 84. Reviewers lauded its intense combat, detailed environments, and the rewarding experience it offers to those willing to embrace its steep learning curve and team-oriented gameplay. Its inclusion on Game Pass introduces a significant multiplayer experience that caters to a niche audience seeking a more strategic and less forgiving battlefield.
January 9: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Figment
January 9 is a dual-release day, featuring both a AAA blockbuster and a charming indie title.
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Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: This entry represents one of the largest games joining the Game Pass library this month. Released in 2020 by Ubisoft, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla transports players to the brutal and beautiful world of the 9th-century Viking Age. Players assume the role of Eivor, a fierce Viking raider, leading their clan from Norway to the fertile lands of Anglo-Saxon England. The game expands upon the action RPG elements introduced in Origins and Odyssey, featuring a vast open world ripe for exploration, complex narrative choices, robust combat mechanics, and a robust settlement-building system that allows players to establish and grow their Viking home. While it received generally favorable reviews, with critics often praising its expansive world, engaging narrative, and satisfying combat, some also noted its immense scope could lead to repetition or bloat over its extensive playtime. Destructoid, for instance, gave it an "Okay" rating, acknowledging its strengths while pointing out areas for refinement. Despite varying critical nuances, Valhalla has been a commercial success for Ubisoft, solidifying its place as a significant chapter in the long-running Assassin’s Creed franchise, and its arrival on Game Pass offers subscribers hundreds of hours of content.
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Figment: Alongside Valhalla, subscribers can explore the whimsical world of Figment. Developed by Bedtime Digital Games and initially released in 2018, this indie action-adventure game stands out with its unique hand-drawn art style, musical boss battles, and a narrative that delves into the human mind. Players take on the role of Dusty, the mind’s former courage, and his optimistic companion Piper, as they journey through the various districts of the mind to confront nightmares that have emerged. The game blends puzzle-solving, light combat, and a distinct soundtrack where environmental elements and even enemies contribute to the musical score. Figment was largely well-received by critics, who praised its imaginative world design, clever puzzles, and innovative use of music as a gameplay element. Its positive reception highlighted its creativity and heartfelt storytelling, making it a delightful addition for players looking for something visually and audibly distinctive.
January 11: Super Mega Baseball 4, We Happy Few, and Resident Evil 2
Mid-month brings another packed day, notably featuring one of the most anticipated additions.
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Super Mega Baseball 4: Arriving via EA Play, Super Mega Baseball 4 offers an arcade-style take on America’s pastime. Developed by Metalhead Software, this iteration builds upon the series’ reputation for accessible yet deep baseball gameplay. It strikes a balance between simplified controls and strategic depth, allowing both newcomers and seasoned players to enjoy the sport. This version introduces a roster of over 200 legendary baseball players, alongside the series’ signature customizable fictional characters, adding a nostalgic layer to the gameplay. Critics have consistently praised the Super Mega Baseball series for its engaging mechanics, charming aesthetics, and robust customization options, with each subsequent title refining the formula. It serves as an excellent alternative to more simulation-heavy titles like MLB The Show, offering a more immediate and fun experience for Game Pass subscribers.
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We Happy Few: Making a return to the Game Pass library on January 11 is We Happy Few. Developed by Compulsion Games and set in a retro-futuristic, drug-addled 1960s England, this game presents a dystopian narrative where citizens are forced to consume a hallucinogenic drug called "Joy" to maintain a blissful ignorance of their grim reality. Players take on the roles of three different characters, each attempting to escape the oppressive town of Wellington Wells. The game combines survival elements, crafting, stealth, and moral choices within its unique setting. While its initial release in 2018 faced mixed reception due to some mechanical inconsistencies, subsequent updates and patches have refined the experience, allowing its distinctive art style, dark humor, and thought-provoking themes to shine through. Its return to Game Pass offers a second chance for players who might have overlooked its initial run or are interested in experiencing its improved state.
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Resident Evil 2: The undeniable highlight of the January 11 lineup, and arguably the entire month, is the arrival of Resident Evil 2. Capcom’s 2019 remake of the classic 1998 survival horror title was met with universal critical acclaim, revitalizing the franchise and setting a new benchmark for remakes. The game meticulously rebuilds the terrifying Raccoon City police station and surrounding areas with stunning modern graphics, an over-the-shoulder camera perspective, and refined gameplay mechanics, while faithfully retaining the oppressive atmosphere and intricate puzzle design of the original. Players navigate the horrors as either rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy or college student Claire Redfield, each with their own distinct campaigns and story paths. Critics, including Destructoid’s Chris Carter who deemed it "superb," lauded its masterful blend of tension, action, gore, and puzzle-solving. Its arrival on Game Pass is a significant addition, offering subscribers a chance to experience one of the most highly regarded horror games of the generation, a title that significantly contributed to Capcom’s recent resurgence and redefined expectations for modern survival horror.
January 16: Those Who Remain
The final announced addition for January is Those Who Remain, arriving on January 16. This psychological horror game, developed by Camel 101, places players in the shoes of Edward Turner, a man wrestling with his inner demons while navigating the eerie town of Dormont. The game primarily focuses on atmospheric tension, puzzles, and a unique light-and-dark mechanic, where staying in the dark for too long can lead to sinister consequences. Upon its release, Those Who Remain received middling reviews, with critics often citing its compelling premise and unsettling atmosphere as strengths, but also pointing to issues with pacing, clunky mechanics, and a story that didn’t always fully capitalize on its potential. Given the simultaneous presence of the critically lauded Resident Evil 2 in the Game Pass library this month, some players might find Those Who Remain a less compelling option, though it still offers a distinct horror experience for those who appreciate its specific brand of psychological terror and exploration.
Notable Departures from the Game Pass Library
While the influx of new content is exciting, January also marks the departure of several significant titles, a standard operating procedure for subscription services that regularly refresh their offerings to make room for new experiences and manage licensing agreements. Subscribers are advised to complete these games before their removal dates.
January 5: Grand Theft Auto V
One of the most impactful removals this month is Grand Theft Auto V, which leaves Game Pass on January 5. Rockstar Games’ magnum opus, initially released in 2013, has achieved unprecedented commercial success, selling over 190 million copies worldwide and consistently remaining one of the best-selling games of all time. Its departure is significant due to its enduring popularity, expansive open world, compelling narrative featuring three interwoven protagonists, and the massive, continuously updated ecosystem of Grand Theft Auto Online. The game’s inclusion on Game Pass has periodically drawn new players into its vibrant Los Santos setting, and its removal means subscribers will no longer have access to its acclaimed single-player campaign or the immensely popular online component without purchasing the game outright. This removal, while expected for a title of its stature and age, highlights the temporary nature of even the most iconic games within a subscription model.
January 15: Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden
Mid-January also sees the departure of two highly regarded Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs): Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden. These titles, developed by Atlus, are celebrated for their unique blend of high school social simulation, deep character development, compelling narratives, and stylish turn-based combat. The Persona series, a spin-off of the larger Shin Megami Tensei franchise, has garnered a dedicated global fanbase for its mature themes, intricate social links, and distinctive aesthetic.
- Persona 3 Portable, originally released on the PlayStation Portable in 2009 (and later ported to modern platforms in January 2023), introduced significant gameplay enhancements and the option to play as a female protagonist, offering a fresh perspective on its poignant story of life, death, and self-discovery.
- Persona 4 Golden, an enhanced port of the 2008 PlayStation 2 title, arrived on the PlayStation Vita in 2012 (and later PC in 2020, then modern consoles in January 2023). It tells a captivating murder mystery set in a rural Japanese town, focusing on themes of truth, friendship, and confronting one’s inner self.
The simultaneous removal of both these critically acclaimed JRPGs, which have only recently become widely accessible on modern platforms, is a notable loss for Game Pass subscribers who appreciate the genre. Their inclusion had been a major draw for many, showcasing Microsoft’s effort to diversify its library with niche but beloved titles. Their departure underscores the necessity for subscribers to prioritize games they wish to play, especially those from third-party publishers with specific licensing windows.
Broader Context and Implications for Game Pass
The January 2024 Game Pass lineup exemplifies Microsoft’s ongoing strategy for its flagship subscription service. By consistently integrating a mix of AAA blockbusters, critically acclaimed indies, and high-quality remakes, Microsoft aims to provide continuous value to its growing subscriber base across console, PC, and cloud gaming platforms. The inclusion of titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Resident Evil 2 immediately boosts the service’s perceived value, offering access to hundreds of hours of premium gaming experiences that would otherwise cost a significant sum individually. This strategy not only attracts new subscribers but also retains existing ones by ensuring a fresh and engaging library.
The rotation of games, while sometimes disappointing for players who miss out on beloved titles, is an inherent part of the subscription model. It allows Game Pass to continually cycle new content, manage licensing costs, and prevent library stagnation. For publishers and developers, having their games on Game Pass offers a massive potential audience, often leading to increased player engagement, renewed interest in older titles, and sometimes even a boost in sales after a game leaves the service. For instance, the exposure for indie titles like Figment and Close to the Sun on Game Pass can be transformative, bringing them to a much larger audience than they might otherwise reach.
From a competitive standpoint, these additions reinforce Game Pass’s position against rival services like PlayStation Plus. Microsoft’s commitment to day-one releases (though not featured prominently this specific month’s list, it’s a core Game Pass strategy) and a diverse, high-quality back catalog continues to be a major differentiator. The service’s tiered structure (Console Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Ultimate) caters to different player needs, offering flexibility and broad accessibility.
The implications for subscribers are clear: Game Pass remains a compelling value proposition, offering an ever-evolving library for a fixed monthly fee. However, the transient nature of the library necessitates a proactive approach to gaming. Players interested in specific titles, particularly those from third-party publishers, are encouraged to play them promptly upon their arrival to avoid disappointment when they eventually cycle out. The January 2024 additions and removals are a microcosm of the larger Game Pass ecosystem, showcasing its dynamic nature and Microsoft’s continued efforts to curate a library that caters to a broad and diverse global gaming community. This month’s lineup, with its blend of epic adventures, terrifying horrors, and unique indie gems, sets a promising tone for the year ahead in the realm of gaming subscriptions.