Gears of War: E-Day and Minecraft Dungeons 2 Headline Xbox Game Pass September 2026 Additions

Microsoft continues to modify its Xbox Game Pass service as the company tries to get a handle on how expensive it is. The company said that in November it will eliminate the unlimited cloud gaming perk that comes with a subscription and instead limit the number of hours based on the membership level. Rumors circulated on Monday claiming other changes were coming to the service, including the removal of Day 1 games, an ad-supported tier and a decrease in subscription costs. Microsoft didn’t confirm or deny the rumors, only saying it didn’t “have any changes to announce today or plans that have been finalized.”

September’s Xbox Game Pass lineup has some heavy hitters coming in at the end of the month and at the start of October. Gears of War: E-Day, a prequel to the series, is the biggest title coming to the Xbox platform before Grand Theft Auto 6‘s release on Nov. 19. Microsoft, like every other game publisher, hopes to get its big guns out before the gaming world is completely taken over by the next GTA game.

Xbox Game Pass, a CNET Editors’ Choice award pick, offers a wide selection of games you can play on your Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One and PC or mobile device for as little as $10 per month. With a subscription to the higher-tiered Game Pass Ultimate ($23 per month), you can access hundreds of games, including new ones the day they’re released, each month. 

Here are all the games Xbox is bringing to Game Pass in September.

RuneScape: Dragonwilds 

Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and PC Game Pass subscribers can play on Sept. 15.

Dragons have returned to the forgotten land of Ashenfall, leaving players to survive in a dangerous new wilderness. Gather resources, craft equipment, build a home and develop your skills as you explore the continent and uncover the secrets behind the Dragon Queen.

Kernel Hearts

Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play on Sept. 17.

This anime-style action RPG combines fast-paced combat with roguelike progression and optional co-op. Choose from four characters with distinct abilities and playstyles as you climb the Tower of Babel, developing your skills and learning more about your companions along the way.

Dune: Awakening 

Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and PC Game Pass subscribers can play on Sept. 22.

Set on the harsh desert world of Arrakis, Dune: Awakening blends survival mechanics with open-world exploration and RPG elements. Gather resources, build your base, craft equipment and uncover a cinematic story as you attempt to survive on one of the most unforgiving planets in the universe.

Well Dweller

Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play on Sept. 22.

This dark fairy tale adventure puts you in control of Glimmer, a tiny bird armed with nothing more than a matchstick. Explore a troubled kingdom, meet its unusual inhabitants, battle dangerous creatures and navigate a sprawling Metroidvania world as you try to save Glimmer’s family from a wicked queen.

Mad King Redemption 

Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play on Sept. 23.

This 2.5D beat ’em up combines classic arcade-style fighting with roguelite progression, meaning each run offers something different. Fight through waves of corrupted enemies, build up your character and attempt to break the Mad King free from his growing insanity.

Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play on Sept. 29.

This sequel sends players beyond the familiar Minecraft world and into the mysterious Sift. Team up with friends to battle new enemies, explore unfamiliar environments and collect gear that can be customized to suit your play style as you prepare for increasingly difficult challenges.

Gears of War: E-Day

Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play on Oct. 6.

Set 14 years before the original Gears of War, this prequel follows Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago as the Locust Horde launches its devastating first attack. The campaign explores the beginning of the conflict that would define the series, putting you in the middle of humanity’s fight for survival.

Other games coming to Xbox Game Pass

Those are some of the games Microsoft is bringing to Xbox Game Pass soon, but the company is adding more this month. Here are the other games you can try soon.

• Marvel Cosmic Invasion: Coming to Game Pass Premium on Sept. 16. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
• Planet of Lana 2: Coming to Game Pass Premium on Sept. 16. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
• Routine: Coming to Game Pass Premium on Sept. 16. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
• Ultimate Sheep Raccoon: Coming to Game Pass Premium on Sept. 16. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6: Coming to Game Pass Premium on Sept. 25. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
• Keeper: Coming to Game Pass Premium on Oct. 2. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Games leaving Game Pass soon

While Microsoft is adding those games to different Game Pass tiers, the company is removing eight others on Sept. 30. You still have time to play these games for the first time, or finish your campaign, before you have to buy them separately, but you should hurry.

• Atomfall
• Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light
• Little Nightmares 2 Enhanced Edition
• Little Rocket Lab
• Sifu
• SOPA Tale of the Stolen Potato
• Sworn
• Terminull Brigade

For more on Xbox, learn what other titles you can play, plus read our Xbox Game Pass review and discover which Game Pass plan is right for you.