3 new Xbox Game Pass games to play this weekend (January 17-19)

By Tomas Franzese Published January 17, 2025

Key art for Diablo 1. — Blizzard Entertainment

While Xbox Game Pass is off to a slow start in 2025, some new games have come to the subscription service this week. Namely, a classic Blizzard game that revolutionized the loot-driven RPG space, Diablo, got added to PC Game Pass a few months after the early Starcraft games did. Meanwhile, console Game Pass Ultimate subscribers got access to the latest EA Sports UFC games. Those two games, plus an enjoyable early access game that recently became available to Game Pass Standard subscribers, are worth your while this weekend.

Diablo

Diablo – Opening Cinematic

The original Diablo was a very important one for Blizzard Entertainment. It was the studio’s first big success after Warcraft, proving Blizzard wasn’t a one-trick pony and kick-started another franchise that’s still ongoing today. On top of that, it also played a large role in popularizing loot-driven RPGs with procedurally generated content and online multiplayer gaming as a whole. Although it’s dated by modern standards, Diablo is an important piece of video game history worth revisiting today. Hopefully, Diablo II: Resurrected and Diablo III will make their way to the Game Pass soon so the whole franchise can be played on Microsoft’s gaming subscription service.

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Diablo is now available on PC through PC Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

EA Sports UFC 5

UFC 5 Official Reveal Trailer

While Diablo is the kind of hardcore PC RPG that requires hours of commitment, EA Sports UFC 5 offers some pick-up-and-play sports gaming fun. It’s an officially licensed mixed martial arts game and is notable for getting a mature rating because the switch to the Frostbite engine meant EA Vancouver could more realistically render blood and other injuries during fights. If you enjoy watching real-life UFC matches and playing fighting games like Tekken 8, you’ll probably be interested to see how EA Sports UFC 5 merges the actual sport with 3D fighting game mechanics.

EA Sports UFC 5 is now available through Xbox Cloud Gaming or on Xbox Series X/S with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription. It’s also on PS5.

Lightyear Frontier

Lightyear Frontier Launch Trailer

I want to spotlight one of the farming sims that joined the Game Pass Standard catalog earlier in the month. That game is Lightyear Frontier, which launched into Game Pass when it entered Xbox Game Preview last March. Lightyear Frontier features mechanics you’d expect from a cooperative farming sim, but the big twist is that players can do all that while controlling giant mechs. Lightyear Frontier has a pulpy sci-fi feel that allows it to stand out in such a crowded space and keeps improving with each new update. Now, Game Pass Standard subscribers can also follow Lightyear Frontier’s journey as it approaches a 1.0 release.

Lightyear Frontier is now playable on Xbox Series X/S for Game Pass standard subscribers. It’s also in early access on PC.

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A former Gaming Staff Writer at Digital Trends, Tomas Franzese now reports on and reviews the latest releases and exciting…

Gaming

3 Xbox Game Pass games to play this weekend (February 28-March 2)

A battle in pillars of eternity.

February was a big month for Xbox fans. Game Pass subscribers got one of the year's first major RPGs with Avowed, plus Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii and Monster Hunter Wilds arriving in the last seven days of the month. That's a lot of games, and March is not slowing down with the amount of upcoming Xbox Series X games to look forward to. If you're not still digging deep into one of these big titles but want something that scratches the same itch or could be the perfect lead-in to some upcoming video games in March, check out these Game Pass games this weekend.
Pillars of Eternity
Pillars of Eternity Release Trailer

Avowed isn't the longest RPG but does a great job showcasing a slice of this fantasy world. There was no requirement to play either of the Pillars of Eternity games to understand the plot of that game, but if you want to get a broader vision of the world and lore then now is the perfect time to check out the first game in the series. Now, Pillars of Eternity is an isometric RPG in the style of Baldur's Gate and not a third-person RPG, so if that style of game doesn't suit you then this might not be the best option. However, if you loved the role-playing aspects of Avowed then this game will blow you away with the depth of its choices and options and is one of the best examples of a modern isometric RPG.

Gaming

3 new Xbox Game Pass games to play this weekend (February 21-23)

Kai fights a Xaurip in Avowed.

Xbox made it clear that there are a ton of upcoming Xbox Series X games in 2025 that Game Pass subscribers will be itching to play. That lineup starts in earnest right now in February but will continue on with great games like South of Midnight and Doom: The Dark Ages in the coming months. If that wasn't enough, the third-party games hitting Game Pass are excellent games in their own right. If you need something new to play this weekend, these are the obvious choices on Game Pass.
Avowed
Avowed - Official Launch Trailer

Those who paid a bit extra have already been enjoying Avowed as we did, but now all Game Pass subscribers at the Ultimate or PC tier can get in on the action. Set in the same universe as the Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed is a deep RPG that blows all of Obsidian's past efforts out of the water. The game is full of dynamic choices, flexible combat, and compelling quests and characters. Rather than attempting to be as wide as something like Skyrim, Avowed keeps its scope more focused but gives much more depth to everything. This is one of the first must-play games of the year, no doubt.

Gaming

3 Xbox Game Pass games to play this weekend (February 14-16)

Key art for Age of Mythology: Retold.

Not only is it Valentine's Day weekend, but we're also on the verge of Xbox's first major release of the year with Avowed. Those with early access can already start playing it, but the rest of us waiting for it to be added to Game Pass will need to wait a few more days. With that upcoming Xbox Series X game in mind, as well as the holiday being a perfect excuse to recommend a great game for couples, we picked out some gems for you to enjoy this weekend. As always, we made sure to offer a nice diverse selection of genres to give you plenty of options but you can't go wrong downloading any of these games this weekend.
Overcooked! 2
Overcooked 2: Announcement Trailer

You don't need to be in any kind of relationship to enjoy Overcooked! 2, but it is a game you will want to play in co-op. Technically it is a game you could play on your own, but that removes the chaotic energy of trying to coordinate and synergize with your partners in situations designed to be as inefficient as possible. Because the game uses such simple controls and a concept that most people will be able to grasp quickly, this is a fantastic game to introduce new gamers to as well. There are a ton of levels, and going for the high scores on each one is a real test of teamwork, but even just jumping in for a fun party night with Overcooked! 2 is satisfying.

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