While Xbox Game Pass weathered a turbulent conclusion to 2025—marked by price adjustments that had many questioning its “best value in gaming” status—the service has staged an impressive comeback in early 2026. Following a high-octane January, February has maintained that momentum with a curated selection of titles that cater to blockbuster fans and indie aficionados alike.
For this week’s highlights, we are focusing on three standout experiences: a visually breathtaking sci-fi epic, a legendary open-world RPG, and a socially conscious heist thriller that breaks new ground in storytelling.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Admittedly, I arrived late to this particular party, but Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is a genuine revelation. Set within James Cameron’s sprawling cinematic universe, this 2023 release may follow the familiar Ubisoft open-world blueprint, but it is elevated by staggering production values and unmatched immersion. The game brilliantly captures the physicality of being a Na’vi; the player’s height, speed, and agility make you feel like a formidable force of nature rather than a standard protagonist. Exploring the bioluminescent forests is a sensory delight, especially now that a recent update allows players to toggle between the original first-person view and a new third-person perspective. —Ari Notis
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Complete Edition
There are certain games so profound that you actively avoid the credits simply because you aren’t ready for the journey to end. For me, that magnum opus is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. CD Projekt Red’s masterpiece remains the pinnacle of RPG storytelling, offering a world dripping with moral ambiguity and rich character development. Despite my obsession with Geralt’s world, I’ve held off on the Blood and Wine expansion, treating it like a fine wine to be uncorked only when I truly need an escape. However, with fresh rumors circulating about potential new content on the horizon, now is the perfect moment to return to the Continent. Whether you are a series veteran or a newcomer curious about the hype, the game’s sophisticated writing and tactical monster hunting are as compelling as ever. —Austin Manchester
Relooted
February has been a busy month for gamers, yet Relooted has emerged as perhaps the most intellectually stimulating addition to the Game Pass library. This 2D heist adventure blends intricate puzzle-solving with kinetic parkour mechanics, but its thematic core is what truly sets it apart. The narrative follows a specialized team dedicated to reclaiming stolen African artifacts from Western museums and private galleries. Wrapped in a vibrant Africanfuturist aesthetic, the game serves as both a high-stakes thriller and a poignant exploration of historical decolonization. It is a rare title that manages to educate as much as it entertains, making it an essential play regardless of how large your current backlog may be. —Giovannia Colantonio
Source: Polygon
