April 2026 Update: Xbox Game Pass Essential Games List Revealed
Microsoft replaced Xbox Live Gold with Xbox Game Pass Core in 2023. The entry-level tier was renamed Xbox Game Pass Essential in October 2025.
The Essential plan offers a curated catalog separate from the main Game Pass library. It began with 36 paid titles and has expanded with regular updates.
What changed in the April 2026 update
Filmogaz.com confirms the April 2026 Update added two paid entries. DayZ (PC) and Warhammer: Vermintide 2 joined the Essential catalog on April 8, 2026.
Microsoft markets the tier as fully playable on both console and PC. The company also highlights unlimited cloud gaming and online multiplayer benefits.
Plan features and scope
Microsoft says the revamped Essential plan includes cloud gaming, online multiplayer, in-game benefits, and Rewards with Xbox. The company claims a curated catalog of 50+ titles playable on console and PC.
Standout inclusions list Hades, Cities: Skylines – Remastered, Stardew Valley, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. Some free-to-play games appear under Essential due to in-game benefits. This report focuses on paid games included with the service.
Full Xbox Game Pass Essential games list (as of April 8, 2026)
| Date | Game |
|---|---|
| September 14, 2023 | Among Us |
| September 14, 2023 | Astroneer |
| September 14, 2023 | Celeste |
| September 14, 2023 | Dead Cells |
| September 14, 2023 | Descenders |
| September 14, 2023 | Dishonored 2 |
| September 14, 2023 | DOOM Eternal Standard Edition |
| September 14, 2023 | Fable Anniversary |
| September 14, 2023 | Fallout 4 |
| September 14, 2023 | Fallout 76 |
| September 14, 2023 | Firewatch |
| September 14, 2023 | Forza Horizon 4 Standard Edition |
| September 14, 2023 | Gang Beasts |
| September 14, 2023 | Gears 5 Game of the Year Edition |
| September 14, 2023 | Golf With Your Friends |
| September 14, 2023 | Grounded |
| September 14, 2023 | Halo 5: Guardians |
| September 14, 2023 | Halo Wars 2 |
| September 14, 2023 | Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice |
| September 14, 2023 | Human Fall Flat |
| September 14, 2023 | Inside |
| September 14, 2023 | Limbo |
| September 14, 2023 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps |
| September 14, 2023 | Overcooked 2 |
| September 14, 2023 | Payday 2: Crimewave Edition |
| September 14, 2023 | PowerWash Simulator |
| September 14, 2023 | Psychonauts 2 |
| September 14, 2023 | Slay The Spire |
| September 14, 2023 | Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition |
| September 14, 2023 | Stardew Valley |
| September 14, 2023 | State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition |
| September 14, 2023 | Superliminal |
| September 14, 2023 | The Elder Scrolls Online |
| September 14, 2023 | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge |
| September 14, 2023 | Unpacking |
| September 14, 2023 | Vampire Survivors |
| December 6, 2023 | Chivalry 2 |
| December 6, 2023 | Totally Reliable Delivery Service |
| April 23, 2024 | Deep Rock Galactic |
| April 23, 2024 | Superhot: Mind Control Delete |
| April 23, 2024 | Wreckfest |
| August 21, 2024 | Cities: Skylines |
| August 21, 2024 | Control: Ultimate Edition |
| August 21, 2024 | SnowRunner |
| December 4, 2024 | Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled |
| December 4, 2024 | DayZ |
| December 4, 2024 | Goat Simulator |
| March 26, 2025 | Batman: Arkham Knight |
| March 26, 2025 | Monster Sanctuary |
| March 26, 2025 | Tunic |
| October 1, 2025 | Cities: Skylines – Remastered |
| October 1, 2025 | Disney Dreamlight Valley |
| October 1, 2025 | Hades |
| October 1, 2025 | Warhammer 40,000: Darktide |
| December 3, 2025 | Medieval Dynasty |
| December 3, 2025 | Stellaris |
| December 3, 2025 | World War Z |
| April 8, 2026 | DayZ (PC) |
| April 8, 2026 | Warhammer: Vermintide 2 |
Ongoing coverage
Filmogaz.com will update this guide as Microsoft adds titles. The Essential games list is evolving with each update.
Do you think this lineup is strong for an entry-level tier? Share your thoughts on the service and the games list revealed by Microsoft.
