The Best Xbox Game Pass Titles to Clear Your Backlog Over the Holidays
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Looking for something to play over the holiday break? Polygon has rounded up the best Xbox Game Pass titles to dive into right now, from quick action hits like Hades to massive RPGs like Metaphor: ReFantazio.
Holiday breaks give players the rare block of uninterrupted time needed to finally tackle major titles or revisit established favorites. Xbox Game Pass continues to anchor itself as an essential subscription service for this exact reason, offering a massive library that spans both recent blockbusters and enduring classics across console, PC, and cloud streaming. Polygon recently highlighted a strong mix of experiences on the platform tailored for the seasonal downtime, ranging from quick action loops to massive, hundreds-of-hours role-playing journeys.
For players needing flexibility, Supergiant Games' Hades remains an elite pick. Its signature approximately one-hour run structure makes it ideal for squeezing in gameplay between family obligations or diving into extended couch sessions. Meanwhile, players looking to lose themselves in a sprawling narrative can dive into Atlus's Metaphor: ReFantazio, which brings the acclaimed style of the Persona franchise into a politically charged fantasy election setting. Remedy Entertainment's Control is also readily available for anyone wanting to experience a moody, atmospheric masterpiece before the studio's upcoming slate takes over feeds next year.
Co-op and multiplayer sessions also take center stage during family visits, and Game Pass offers easy entry points for playing together. Gears of War: Reloaded serves up straightforward, nostalgic third-person shooter action for local co-op, while even unexpected inclusions like the polarizing Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 campaign can find a second life as mindless, late-night fun when played alongside friends. As digital libraries expand and subscriptions dictate how many modern gamers discover new titles, curating a holiday playlist from existing subscriptions remains one of the best ways to unplug and unwind.
Tags: Xbox Game Pass, Polygon, Holiday Gaming, RPG, Co-op
Original article: Polygon