Microsoft’s Game Pass boasts an impressive library of games, offering something for everyone, from the latest releases to cherished classics. With so many options available, it’s easy to overlook some standout titles. To assist in your game discovery, we’ve curated a list of hidden gems on Game Pass that are playable on both PC and Xbox.
Arcade Paradise
Nosebleed Interactive’s Arcade Paradise presents a unique challenge: can you transform your father’s struggling laundromat into a bustling arcade? Beneath the surface lies a narrative that drives your progression, but the true highlight is the collection of engaging arcade games. Unlike simplistic mini-games found elsewhere, each arcade machine boasts thoughtful design and depth. Players can unlock an impressive 35 arcade games, with additional titles available through downloadable content.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
Before Konami’s re-release of the original Suikoden games in 2025, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes served as a spiritual successor. Developed with the creative influence of Yoshitaka Murayama, the game’s narrative resonates with the essence of classic JRPGs. Featuring a large cast of potential party members and tense turn-based battles, Hundred Heroes immerses players in a politically charged plot that keeps them engaged throughout their journey.
Neon Abyss
The 2D roguelike shooter genre is brimming with options, yet Neon Abyss offers a distinct experience worth exploring. Players dive into chaotic levels, acquiring new weapons, characters, and power-ups while battling through waves of enemies, all set to an energetic soundtrack. The game’s core experience is exciting on its own, but the reasonably priced DLC enhances the fun for enthusiasts who want even more content.
Jade Empire: Special Edition
Jade Empire is a captivating RPG that caters not only to genre fans but also to gamers who typically shy away from role-playing games. Bioware’s offering serves as a bridge between its earlier title, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and the action-driven Mass Effect series. Players upgrade their martial arts skills in a fantastical world inspired by ancient China, engaging in battles against various adversaries, including warriors and mythical creatures.
Road 96
Setting itself apart from traditional adventure games, Road 96 shifts the focus from the player character to the intricate world and diverse cast within it. Set in a dystopian regime during an election year, players embody various teenagers striving to cross the border into a presumably freer society. The game’s non-linear approach encourages experimentation, allowing choices to shape outcomes, resulting in a captivating experience that rewards its unique pacing and style.
Super Mega Baseball 4
Typically, sports games fall into two categories: realistic simulations like Madden or imaginative arcade games such as NBA Jam. Super Mega Baseball 4 adeptly merges both styles, appealing to hardcore fans and casual players alike. Now under the EA umbrella, this iteration introduces real-life MLB legends alongside its beloved fictional characters. The game features an adjustable difficulty system, catering to various skill levels, and offers extensive customization options, allowing players to modify teams, players, and leagues.
Jusant
Focusing on a singular mechanic, Jusant excels in simulating the experience of mountain climbing. Designed by Don’t Nod, the game revolves around scaling a tower to uncover its mysteries. Players must use trigger buttons as hands to navigate ledges while managing stamina, all while contending with fantastical elements that can alter gravity. Though it may not have garnered widespread acclaim, it’s an engaging title for those seeking a contemplative gaming experience.
Sunset Overdrive
Before the release of the acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man, Insomniac developed Sunset Overdrive—a vibrant, fast-paced adventure. Players find themselves as the last hope against a mutant horde spawned from an energy drink, racing through a lively city filled with imaginative challenges and exploration opportunities. While the game’s pace might sometimes hinder thorough exploration, the thrilling gameplay keeps it engaging throughout.
Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Despite being the sequel to a beloved RPG, Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom may not receive the recognition it deserves today. Although it was widely praised upon release, its legacy seems to fade, making it a suitable addition to this list. While players aren’t required to have played the first game, the sequel retains much of the original’s spirit and charm. The action-oriented gameplay shifts slightly from its predecessor, yet it maintains a whimsical atmosphere complemented by a captivating soundtrack.
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank
Rounding out the selection is Turnip Boy Robs a Bank, a charming sequel to Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion. Maintaining its quirky characters and wild lore, this installment diverges towards a roguelike and Metroidvania style of gameplay. Players guide Turnip Boy through a heist, aiming to maximize loot collection before the police intervene. As you progress, earned upgrades enhance your capabilities, ensuring each run becomes more exciting.
If you feel you’ve exhausted the offerings on Microsoft’s Game Pass, these hidden gems are sure to provide hours of entertainment. Given the platform’s evolving library, be sure to stay alert for more thrilling titles in the future.
