Xbox Game Pass April 2025: Wave 1

Xbox is about to turn your gaming world upside down with a killer Game Pass lineup that'll have players scrambling to clear their schedules. This month's roster is packed with heavy hitters and unexpected gems that are set to dominate your screens.

The first wave hits on April 3, and it's coming in hot. Gamers can expect a lineup that's got something for everyone – from pulse-pounding action to mind-bending adventures. We're talking about titles that aren't just games, but full-blown experiences that'll keep you glued to your console.

Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition

• Developer: Gearbox Software

• Publisher: 2K Games

• Genre: First-Person Shooter, Looter Shooter

• Platforms: Cloud, Console, and PC

The legendary looter-shooter returns in its most complete form, offering players an explosive galaxy-spanning adventure. Four unique Vault Hunters battle against the Calypso Twins in a world packed with billions of weapons and non-stop action. Players can expect a perfect blend of intense combat, hilarious writing, and endless customization that has made Borderlands a beloved franchise.

• Every single DLC ever released

• Four completely different character classes

• Enough weapons to arm a small country

• Multiplayer that'll destroy friendships (in the best way)

A non-stop action shooter perfect for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate players. Blast through colorful alien worlds, collecting increasingly ridiculous weapons that define the rogue trader style of loot hunting. Each character offers a completely different playstyle, ensuring Xbox Series X and PC gamers never get bored.

• Time to Complete: 80-100 hours

• Achievement Difficulty: 4/10

The ultimate challenge for Game Pass core members. Requires mastering all four character classes, collecting every legendary weapon, and conquering maximum difficulty modes.

South of Midnight

• Developer: Compulsion Games

• Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

• Genre: Action-Adventure, Folklore

• Platforms:Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S

A mesmerizing journey into the supernatural heart of the Deep South that blends magical realism with a deeply personal narrative. Players discover a world where reality bends and ancient mysteries come to life, exploring a landscape where magic and myth intertwine. The game promises a unique adventure that challenges players to unravel a story more complex than the environment itself.

• A Deep South setting that's more alive than most game worlds

• Supernatural elements that'll make you check over your shoulder

• Magical abilities that aren't just combat tricks

• A narrative that promises more twists than a backroad

A narrative-focused adventure ideal for single-player Game Pass enthusiasts. Explore a mystical world where reality shifts, perfect for players seeking something beyond traditional Xbox games.

As South of Midnight is an upcoming title, the full details of its achievement system are not yet known. Players will need to wait for the game's release to understand the true scope of completing this supernatural adventure. The game promises a deep narrative experience with multiple story branches, but the specific challenges of achieving 100% completion remain a mystery until the game launches.

Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition

• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

• Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment

• Genre: Action RPG, Hack and Slash

• Platforms:Console and PC

The ultimate demon-slaying experience returns, offering players a chance to battle through the dark world of Sanctuary with unprecedented depth and intensity. Choose from seven unique character classes and face the fallen angel Malthael in an epic struggle that defines action RPG gameplay. With the Reaper of Souls expansion, players get the most comprehensive Diablo experience ever created.

• Complete Diablo III experience with Reaper of Souls expansion

• Seven unique character classes

• Endless character customization

• Seasonal challenges and leaderboards

An intense action RPG that showcases why Game Pass is the ultimate gaming subscription. Dive into endless demon-slaying action across Xbox and PC platforms.

• Time to 100%: 80-150 hours

• Difficulty Rating: 6/10

The ultimate challenge for hardcore Game Pass players, requiring mastery of multiple character classes and highest difficulty levels.

Commandos: Origins

• Developer: Mimimi Games

• Publisher: THQ Nordic

• Genre: Real-Time Tactical Strategy

• Platforms: Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S

A triumphant return to tactical strategy gaming set in the intense backdrop of World War II. Players command an elite group of specialized soldiers, each with unique skills that must be carefully deployed to complete seemingly impossible missions. This game challenges players to think strategically, using stealth, timing, and precise planning to overcome overwhelming odds.

• Tactical World War II missions

• Stealth-based gameplay

• Unique character-driven strategy

• Challenging mission design

A methodical strategy game that proves Game Pass offers more than just action titles. Perfect for players seeking thoughtful, tactical gameplay.

• Time to 100%: 70-90 hours

• Difficulty Rating: 7/10

Challenges players to complete missions with perfect stealth, minimal casualties, and discover all hidden objectives. Requires precise tactical planning, understanding each character's unique abilities, and mastering complex mission scenarios.

Blue Prince

• Developer: Dogubomb Inc.

• Publisher: Raw Fury

• Genre: Adventure, Puzzle

• Platforms: Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S

An intriguing indie title that promises to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling and game design. Early previews suggest a unique blend of artistic expression and innovative gameplay that defies traditional genre classifications. Players can expect a game that challenges perceptions and offers a fresh, creative approach to interactive entertainment.

• Innovative game mechanics

• Artistic visual style

• Narrative-driven experience

• Unique puzzle-solving approach

Limited information is available, but early previews showcases the diversity of Xbox Game Pass offerings, blending artistic expression with innovative gameplay. Expect a title that prioritizes artistic expression and innovative gameplay mechanics.

Too early to assess. Players will need to wait for the game's release to understand its full scope and achievement system.

Hunt: Showdown 1896

• Developer: Crytek

• Publisher: Crytek

• Genre: Multiplayer Tactical Shooter, Survival Horror

• Platforms: PC

A brutal multiplayer experience that reimagines the western genre through a supernatural lens. Set in an alternate 1896, players become bounty hunters tracking mythical creatures in high-stakes matches that blend survival horror with tactical shooting. Every match is a tense encounter where survival is never guaranteed, and players must outmaneuver both monstrous creatures and other ruthless hunters.

• Intense PvPvE gameplay

• Supernatural western setting

• Unique hunter progression system

• High-stakes bounty hunting matches

Hunt: Showdown delivers a uniquely tense multiplayer experience that goes far beyond traditional shooter mechanics. Players enter matches as hunters seeking supernatural bounties, navigating a richly detailed, nightmarish version of the Old West. The gameplay is a delicate balance of careful tracking, strategic positioning, and explosive combat, where a single mistake can mean losing everything you've gained.

• Time to 100%: 100-150 hours

• Difficulty Rating: 8/10

Hunt: Showdown represents a true test of skill and persistence. Players must master multiple hunter classes, climb through intricate progression systems, and survive countless brutal matches that demand both tactical thinking and lightning-fast reflexes. The achievement path requires players to excel in various gameplay styles, from stealthy tracking to intense combat, and fully explore the game's complex progression and reward systems.

Still Wakes the Deep

• Developer: The Chinese Room

• Publisher: Secret Mode

• Genre: Narrative Horror, Psychological Thriller

• Platforms:Xbox Series X|S

A heart-stopping narrative horror experience set on an isolated North Sea oil rig that descends into unimaginable terror. Players step into the shoes of a protagonist caught in a nightmare scenario where an unexplained supernatural event transforms a routine offshore work environment into a claustrophobic landscape of psychological horror. The game promises an intense, story-driven experience that explores isolation, fear, and the unknown in a meticulously crafted environment.

• Immersive narrative-driven horror experience

• Claustrophobic North Sea oil rig setting

• Psychological tension without traditional combat

• Atmospheric storytelling from acclaimed developers

Still Wakes the Deep offers a uniquely immersive horror experience that prioritizes narrative and environmental storytelling over traditional action mechanics. Players must navigate the increasingly nightmarish confines of an offshore oil rig, solving environmental puzzles and uncovering the terrifying mystery that has transformed the platform.

• Time to 100%: 8-10 hours

• Difficulty Rating: 2/10

Still Wakes the Deep requires a thorough exploration of the oil rig, uncovering every narrative detail and environmental story element. Players must carefully investigate every corner, collect all optional story fragments, and navigate the increasingly horrific environment with precision. The relatively short playtime makes full completion more accessible, but the game's psychological intensity ensures a memorable and challenging experience.

Wargroove 2

• Developer: Chucklefish

• Publisher: Chucklefish

• Genre: Turn-Based Tactical Strategy

• Platforms: Console

The beloved tactical strategy game returns with an enhanced sequel that expands on the charming and deeply strategic gameplay of its predecessor. Wargroove 2 offers players a vibrant world of tactical combat where each unit, commander, and battle feels like a carefully choreographed chess match with a whimsical twist. Players will command diverse armies, engage in complex strategic battles, and explore a rich world filled with unique characters and challenging missions.

• Advanced turn-based tactical combat

• Multiple unique campaigns

• Robust map editor

• Multiplayer and single-player modes

• Expanded unit and commander roster

Wargroove 2 elevates turn-based strategy to an art form, offering players a deeply nuanced tactical experience wrapped in a charming, colorful package. Each battle becomes a complex puzzle of positioning, unit management, and strategic thinking, where a single move can turn the tide of an entire conflict.

• Time to 100%: 40-60 hours

• Difficulty Rating: 8/10

Wargroove 2 demands mastery of multiple game modes and strategic approaches. Players must complete all campaign missions, challenge themselves in the most difficult difficulty settings, unlock every unit and commander, and potentially create and perfect their own custom maps. The achievement path requires not just tactical skill, but also creativity and a deep understanding of the game's intricate mechanics.

All You Need is Help

• Developer: Indie Collective

• Publisher: Q-Games

• Genre: Puzzle, Comedy Adventure

• Platforms: Console

A wildly inventive puzzle game that turns the concept of helping others into a hilariously complicated challenge. Players navigate through a series of increasingly absurd scenarios where seemingly simple tasks become elaborate, laugh-out-loud puzzle experiences. The game transforms mundane assistance into a comedic problem-solving adventure that tests both player creativity and sense of humor.

• Uniquely challenging puzzle mechanics

• Comedic narrative-driven gameplay

• Increasingly complex helping scenarios

• Witty and unexpected problem-solving

All You Need is Help transforms the act of helping into a delightfully complex puzzle experience that constantly subverts player expectations. Each level presents seemingly straightforward assistance tasks that quickly spiral into elaborate, logic-defying challenges. Players must think outside the box, using creativity and lateral thinking to solve increasingly ridiculous scenarios.

• Time to 100%: 10-20 hours

• Difficulty Rating: 3/10

Achieving full completion requires mastering every bizarre puzzle scenario and uncovering all potential solution paths. Players must explore multiple approaches to each challenge, potentially replaying levels to discover every possible way of providing 'help'. The achievement path demands both creative problem-solving and a willingness to embrace the game's absurdist humor.

Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass April 15

• Botany Manor - Botanical puzzle adventure

• Coral Island - Tropical farming simulator

• Harold Halibut - Unique stop-motion narrative game

• Homestead Arcana - Magical farming experience

• Kona - Mysterious winter survival game

• Orcs Must Die! 3 - Frantic tower defense action

• Turbo Golf Racing - Rocket-powered golf racing

While every Game Pass lineup has its strengths, April 2025 feels particularly special. It's not just a collection of games, but a curated experience that shows Microsoft's understanding of diverse gaming tastes. From the explosive action of Borderlands 3 to the mysterious narrative of South of Midnight, there's something here for virtually every type of gamer.