From pottery brawls to vampire deck-builders and a legendary Final Fantasy, the second wave of April 2026 additions to Xbox Game Pass is a masterclass in delightful surprises. This mid-month refresh, officially revealed on Xbox Wire, builds on the heavy hitters of Wave 1 with a wonderfully eclectic mix. Our breakdown covers every incoming title, highlights the crucial Day One launches, and sounds the final alarm for the ten games departing at month's end.
The Headliners: Spotlight on Major Day-One Arrivals
The crown jewels of any Game Pass wave are its Day One releases, and Wave 2 delivers a compelling and diverse trio.
Leading the charge is Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors, arriving on April 21. This isn't just another survivor-like; it's a full genre pivot into deck-building. Launching simultaneously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, it represents a bold evolution for the phenomenon, asking players to strategize with cards rather than simply survive a bullet hell. Its Day One status is a major win for subscribers, offering immediate access to the next chapter of a modern indie legend.
On April 23, the whimsical chaos of Double Fine arrives with Kiln. Described as a pottery-based party brawler, this title promises the studio's signature blend of quirky charm and inventive gameplay. The premise—settling disputes through ceramic combat—is built for uniquely chaotic social gaming. Its launch into Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass continues the strong partnership between Xbox and the storied developer, bringing their latest creative experiment directly to the subscription forefront.
Rounding out the major launches is Don't Nod's Aphelion on April 28. Marking the narrative-focused studio's "first human story in space," this sci-fi survival adventure is a significant departure into a more austere, interstellar setting. For fans of rich storytelling and atmospheric exploration, its Day One debut on Ultimate and PC Game Pass is a notable event, providing risk-free access to an ambitious new saga.
This wave also includes two more experimental Day One offerings in the Game Preview program: the PC-only strategy title Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era and the physics-based Sledding Game, both arriving on April 30. These previews highlight Game Pass's role as a platform for discovery and development feedback.
A Diverse Catalog: From Pottery to Potatoes
Beyond the headliners, Wave 2 fleshes out the catalog with a range of experiences catering to niche interests and established genres.
The wave begins on April 21 with two additions via Game Pass Premium: the precision puzzle-platforming of Little Rocket Lab and the charming, narrative-driven adventure Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato. The latter, playable on cloud, console, handheld, and PC, exemplifies the kind of smaller, heartfelt title that thrives on the service.
For those seeking intensity, the brutally fast-paced FPS Trepang2 joins on April 29 (via Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass), offering a shot of pure adrenaline. Following on April 30, TerraTech Legion brings vehicle combat and building to Ultimate and PC subscribers, satisfying the itch for creative destruction. This spread of titles—from tranquil puzzles to vehicular warfare—demonstrates the service's ability to cater to virtually any mood.
A Legend Returns: Final Fantasy V Joins the Roster
In a move that will thrill classic RPG enthusiasts, Final Fantasy V is scheduled to join the service on May 5. Available across Cloud, Console, and PC for Ultimate and Premium subscribers, this addition continues Square Enix's steady commitment to bringing its iconic franchise to Game Pass.
While not a Day One release for the service, the arrival of this beloved entry is a major acquisition. It reinforces the value proposition for JRPG fans and completes another piece of the Final Fantasy puzzle within the subscription library, following the earlier additions of its numbered predecessors.
Final Call: Games Leaving Game Pass on April 30
With new arrivals comes the inevitable departure of other titles. Ten games will be removed from Game Pass on Wednesday, April 30, 2026. Subscribers should prioritize their playtime for the following standouts:
- Citizen Sleeper (Cloud, Console, PC): A critically acclaimed narrative RPG set on a desperate space station.
- Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 (Cloud, Console, PC): The definitive arena fighter for Dragon Ball fans.
- Hunt Showdown 1896 (Cloud, Console, PC): The tense, atmospheric extraction shooter set in a supernatural Victorian era.
The full list of departing titles is:
- Citizen Sleeper (Cloud, Console, PC)
- Creatures of Ava (Cloud, Console, PC)
- Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 (Cloud, Console, PC)
- Endless Legend 2 (PC)
- Goat Simulator (Cloud, Console)
- Goat Simulator Remastered (Cloud, Console, PC)
- Hunt Showdown 1896 (Cloud, Console, PC)
- NHL 24 (EA Play) (Cloud, Console)
- Revenge of the Savage Planet (Cloud, Console, PC)
Now is the time to use the "Play Later" list as a checklist or to dive into any of these experiences for one last playthrough before they exit the service.
This second wave for April 2026 perfectly encapsulates the Game Pass philosophy. It’s a curated selection where a reflective sci-fi adventure from Don't Nod sits alongside Double Fine's ceramic combat and the strategic depths of a Final Fantasy classic. The true strength of the subscription lies in this boundless variety, encouraging discovery across genres. To maximize your membership, dive into the new curiosities that intrigue you and save your progress in any departing favorites—the clock runs out on April 30.
Tags: Xbox Game Pass, Game Pass April 2026, New Games, Day One Game Pass, Games Leaving Game Pass
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