Xbox Game Pass January 2026 Lineup Revealed: Star Wars Outlaws and Resident Evil Village Lead the Charge

The new year has begun, and with it comes a fresh injection of digital adventures for subscribers. Microsoft has officially unveiled the first wave of titles joining Xbox Game Pass in January 2026, setting a formidable precedent for the year ahead. This initial announcement, made on January 6, is headlined by two major AAA titles that have defined their respective genres, supported by a robust mix of day-one launches and celebrated classics. From the lawless outer rim of the Star Wars galaxy to the gothic horrors of a European village, the service is offering a powerful start to 2026. This article breaks down every confirmed addition, highlights the titles you need to play before they depart, and explores what Microsoft’s “first wave” promise could mean for the rest of the month.

The Headliners: Major Franchises Hit Game Pass

The cornerstone of this announcement is the arrival of two titans from iconic franchises, delivering immense value and signaling Microsoft’s continued commitment to blockbuster content.

First, on January 13, the open-world scoundrel fantasy Star Wars Outlaws from Ubisoft arrives. This title, which lets players step into the boots of aspiring outlaw Kay Vess, will be available to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. Its inclusion is a major coup, offering access to a massive, narrative-driven Star Wars experience without the upfront purchase price following its successful launch period.

Following closely on January 20 is the critically acclaimed survival horror masterpiece, Resident Evil Village from Capcom. This entry, which continued the franchise's successful first-person revival, brings its chilling tale of lycans, vampires, and a very tall lady to the service. It will have broader availability, coming to Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass tiers. The addition of such a high-profile, genre-defining title underscores the service's role as a comprehensive library, capable of satisfying fans of sprawling action-adventures and tense, atmospheric horror alike.

The strategic placement of these two games within weeks of each other demonstrates a clear intent: to kick off the year with undeniable subscriber value and maintain engagement with premium, critically lauded content.

The Supporting Cast: Notable Additions and Day-One Launches

Beyond the headliners, January’s first wave is rounded out by a diverse set of games that showcase the variety inherent to Game Pass.

The lineup begins immediately with Brews & Bastards, available from January 6 for Ultimate, Premium, and PC subscribers. This quirky management sim tasks players with running a fantasy tavern while fending off unruly patrons, blending strategy with a unique charm. Following on January 7 is a notable tier-exclusive: Atomfall from Rebellion (developers of the Sniper Elite series). This post-apocalyptic survival game will be available exclusively for the Game Pass Premium tier, a clear example of using high-profile content to incentivize the top subscription level.

RPG fans receive a treat on January 8 with the arrival of the Final Fantasy (Pixel Remaster) collection, bringing the meticulously restored classics to Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass. Finally, a key day-one release arrives on January 20: MIO: Memories in Orbit. This anticipated title, a narrative-driven puzzle adventure set on a decaying space station, will launch directly into the catalog for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers, continuing Microsoft’s strategy of providing immediate access to new experiences as part of the subscription.

This supporting cast, from indie projects to remastered legends and day-one launches, ensures there is something for every type of player, reinforcing Game Pass’s identity as a multifaceted gaming hub.

Games Leaving the Service in January

As is standard with the service’s content rotation, several titles are scheduled for removal. Subscribers have until January 15, 2026, to finish their adventures in the following games:

• Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
• Neon White
• Road 96
• The Ascent
• The Grinch Christmas Adventures

This list serves as a timely reminder for players to prioritize any unfinished playthroughs or consider using their subscriber discount to purchase these games permanently before they exit the catalog. This cycle of arrivals and departures is fundamental to keeping the library dynamic and refreshed, though it always requires a degree of strategic planning from the community.

Tier Availability and the "First Wave" Promise

This month’s announcements provide a clear snapshot of Microsoft’s tiered strategy. The standard PC Game Pass and flagship Game Pass Ultimate (which includes console, PC, and cloud access) tiers receive the majority of content, including the headliners. The Game Pass Premium tier, however, gets a distinct advantage with the exclusive early access to Atomfall, demonstrating a continued effort to differentiate the highest-priced offering with unique, desirable content.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the official announcement is Microsoft’s note that this is only the "first wave" of January 2026 additions. This phrasing has become a hallmark of their communications and reliably signals that more games will be confirmed for the latter half of the month. It builds anticipation and allows the company to stagger major reveals. Historically, second waves have included surprise indie hits or additional titles from Microsoft's first-party studios, suggesting there may still be a major announcement to come. Given the strength of this initial wave—featuring two AAA giants—the promise of a second wave suggests January could be one of the most packed months in recent memory.

Microsoft has decisively set the tone for 2026 with a January Game Pass wave that balances galactic-scale blockbusters with curated diversity. The arrivals of Star Wars Outlaws and Resident Evil Village alone represent a tremendous value proposition, while the supporting titles and the strategic use of tier-exclusives like Atomfall showcase a refined content strategy. Subscribers now face the enjoyable dilemma of managing their time between exploring new worlds and bidding farewell to departing favorites before January 15. With the promise of more to come, January 2026 is shaping up to be a month where Game Pass proves, once again, to be an essential pillar of the gaming landscape.