The festive season has arrived, bringing the welcome reprieve of school closures and holiday leave. For many, this translates to a rare, golden opportunity to finally chip away at a gaming backlog. While Xbox Game Pass is currently showcasing some of 2025’s most anticipated titles, the subscription library remains a treasure trove of past gems waiting to be rediscovered or experienced for the first time.
Our curated recommendations for this holiday stretch feature a diverse array of standout titles available on the service, ensuring there is a digital escape for every type of player. Here are the premier Xbox Game Pass titles to immerse yourself in over the break.
Hades
There is no better time to revisit a modern masterpiece—or experience a “Greatest of All Time” contender for the first time—than during a winter hiatus. Whether you have entire days to lose to the underworld or merely a stolen hour between family gatherings, Hades fits perfectly into any schedule. A successful escape attempt typically spans an hour, though newcomers will likely struggle to even bypass Megaera, the first formidable gatekeeper. There is a reason this title was a 2020 Game of the Year darling and its sequel commanded similar reverence in 2025; its loop of narrative progression and frantic combat is simply unparalleled. —Austin Manchester
Control
Never underestimate the creative prowess of Remedy Entertainment. While this year’s FBC: Firebreak may have polarized the fanbase, it wasn’t long ago that Alan Wake 2 dominated the critical landscape. Following the electric reception of the Control Resonant announcement at the 2025 Game Awards, the Finnish studio is clearly gearing up for another major milestone. If you overlooked the original release, Control is available on Game Pass in all its brutalist, paranormal glory. It is the ideal atmospheric mystery to unravel during the quiet cold of the holidays. —Ari Notis
Metaphor: ReFantazio
If your end-of-year schedule is wide open, you likely desire a sprawling epic to lose yourself in. Look no further than Metaphor: ReFantazio. Developed by the visionaries at Atlus, this award-winning RPG adapts the addictive social and temporal mechanics of the Persona series to a high-fantasy setting. Rather than navigating high school drama, you are thrust into a high-stakes political race following the assassination of the King. This blend of tactical turn-based combat, striking art direction, and sophisticated storytelling makes it a definitive RPG of the decade. It’s a fantastic follow-up for those still chasing the high of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. —Giovanni Colantonio
Gears of War: Reloaded
Does the holiday season have you feeling particularly nostalgic? If you need a straightforward, visceral experience to share with a visiting relative or a younger sibling, Gears of War: Reloaded is the ultimate pick. This remaster revitalizes the quintessential cover-based shooter, centered on grit, brotherhood, and sawing through alien threats. The Gears franchise is fundamentally designed for cooperation, so hand over a second controller and settle into some classic couch co-op mayhem. —Austin Manchester
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
We’re well aware of the discourse—the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 campaign faced significant backlash upon arrival. Driven by a sense of morbid curiosity, I finally dove in. While there are certainly questionable design choices, such as the forced matchmaking and loot systems, there is an undeniable core of entertainment here. When playing co-op with friends or even strangers, it transforms into a high-octane “junk food” gaming experience. After a long year, sometimes the best holiday gift is simply switching off your brain and enjoying the spectacle. —Ari Notis
Source: Polygon
