Xbox Game Pass is widely celebrated as one of the best value subscription services in gaming, yet even this extensive library has its notable omissions. As we move into 2026, several acclaimed and fan-requested titles remain frustratingly unavailable on the service's Essential, Premium, or Ultimate tiers.
The Notable Absentees From The Game Pass Library
While the service regularly features blockbuster day-one releases like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, a selection of must-play games continue to be overlooked. These are either titles Microsoft has never added or, in some cases, games that were removed from the catalogue to the disappointment of players. Adding these would significantly enhance the offering for subscribers.
Vampyr: A Haunting Choice in Plague-Ridden London
First on the list is Vampyr, an action RPG set in 1918 London during the Spanish flu pandemic. Players assume the role of Dr. Jonathan Reid, a physician transformed into a vampire who faces a constant moral dilemma: heal the city's citizens or prey upon them to gain supernatural power. The game was praised for its ambitious storytelling, dense gothic atmosphere, and Souls-inspired combat, though some technical issues were noted at launch. It previously featured on Xbox Game Pass but was removed in March 2020, and its return is highly anticipated by the community.
Deadzone: Rogue & Enslaved: A Cult Classic Duo
Next is the sci-fi roguelike shooter Deadzone: Rogue. Its design of fast-paced runs, procedurally generated levels, and constant progression seems perfectly suited for Game Pass. The plot involves awakening on a space station after a catastrophic EMP event, with players fighting rogue machines to reclaim their memory and prevent a disaster. Critics highlighted its snappy gunplay and high replay value.
Another standout is Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, a post-apocalyptic adaptation of the classic Chinese novel by developer Ninja Theory. Despite underwhelming sales, it earned critical acclaim for its compelling character work, cinematic storytelling, and innovative motion-capture performances. Adding this cult classic to the service would introduce it to a vast new audience.
Alan Wake 2 & Stray: Modern Masterpieces
The survival horror sequel Alan Wake 2 represents a bold evolution for Remedy Entertainment. Following two protagonists through a dense, psychological narrative, it was widely lauded for its confident storytelling, striking visual style, and methodical combat. Many consider it a more complete experience than its predecessor, which has been on the service before, making its absence from Game Pass particularly conspicuous.
Finally, there's the charming adventure game Stray, where players explore a decaying cybercity from the perspective of a stray cat. Its beautiful environmental storytelling, light puzzles, and unique premise won strong reviews. PlayStation Plus subscribers recently received it, sparking calls for Xbox gamers to get equal access to this delightful experience.
A Stronger Library for Subscribers
Including these five diverse titles—spanning horror, action-adventure, roguelike, and narrative-driven genres—would address clear gaps in the Game Pass catalogue. Each game offers a distinct and highly-rated experience that would provide tremendous value and variety for members. As the service evolves in 2026, the addition of such fan-requested games would be a major win for the gaming community and solidify Game Pass's position as the premier gaming subscription.
