Xbox Game Pass is widely celebrated as one of the best value subscription services in gaming, yet even its impressive library has some notable omissions. As we move into 2026, a selection of fan-favourite and critically acclaimed titles remain absent, much to the chagrin of subscribers. These are games that Microsoft has either never added to its Essential, Premium, or Ultimate tiers, or has removed from the catalogue in the past.
The Top Titles Gamers Want Added
Mirror Gaming has highlighted five must-play video games that would significantly enhance the Game Pass offering if Microsoft were to secure them. The list includes a mix of atmospheric adventures, cult classics, and recent award-winners that feel tailor-made for the service's diverse audience.
Vampyr and a Cult Classic Odyssey
First on the list is Vampyr, a dark action-RPG set in London during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. Players assume the role of Dr. Jonathan Reid, a physician newly turned into a vampire, who faces constant moral dilemmas between healing the city's citizens or preying on them for greater power. The game was praised for its ambitious storytelling and dense, gothic atmosphere, though some technical issues were noted at launch. Intriguingly, Vampyr was available on Xbox Game Pass but was removed in March 2020, and its return is highly anticipated by the community.
Another title deserving of a spotlight is Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. This post-apocalyptic adventure from Ninja Theory is a creative reimagining of the classic Chinese novel 'Journey to the West'. It combines platforming, staff-based combat, and a cinematic narrative. Despite underperforming commercially at release, it earned critical acclaim for its compelling character work and pioneering motion-capture performances. Adding it to Game Pass would introduce this hidden gem to a vast new audience.
Modern Masterpieces and Indie Darlings
No list of desired Game Pass additions would be complete without Alan Wake 2. Remedy Entertainment's sequel represents a bold shift into full survival horror, following two protagonists through a deeply unsettling psychological narrative. Its confident storytelling, striking visual style, and methodical combat were almost universally praised, with many deeming it one of the studio's finest works. While the original Alan Wake has featured on the service, the superior sequel remains conspicuously absent.
From the indie scene, Stray captured hearts worldwide by letting players explore a decaying cyberpunk city from the unique perspective of a stray cat. Its environmental storytelling, light puzzle-solving, and undeniable charm earned strong reviews. The fact that PlayStation Plus subscribers recently received it for free has only amplified calls for Xbox gamers to get the same opportunity through Game Pass.
Rounding out the selection is Deadzone: Rogue, a tight sci-fi roguelike shooter built for quick, repeatable runs through procedural levels. After an EMP event causes a space station's neural computer to go haywire, players awaken with no memory and must fight through rogue machines to recover their past and save Earth. Critics highlighted its snappy gunplay and high replayability, making it an ideal 'try-before-you-buy' candidate for the subscription service.
The Future of Game Pass
The continued evolution of Xbox Game Pass relies not just on blockbuster day-one releases like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, but also on curating a rich and varied library that includes acclaimed titles from all genres and eras. Adding these five games would address clear blind spots in the catalogue and deliver even greater value to subscribers. As the service competition heats up in 2026, fulfilling these fan requests could be a key move in maintaining Game Pass's position as the premier gaming subscription.
