Game Pass Day One Gems: The 2024 Must-Plays
Xbox Game Pass continues to be an absolute treasure trove for gamers, and 2024 has been a year overflowing with incredible Day One releases.
No matter your taste, there’s something here to capture your imagination, with a ton of games that landed on Xbox consoles, Day One on Game Pass.
Join us as we explore some of the must-play Xbox titles that have graced the Game Pass service this year, showcasing the breadth and quality of experiences available to subscribers. We’ll let you know what to play on Game Pass.
Let’s dive into the absolute gems that were released on Game Pass through 2024…
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Adventure Awaits!
First up, we’ve got Indiana Jones and the Great Circle! And yes, it took home the big 5/5 from us.
A love letter to the classic films, with whip-cracking action, globe-trotting escapades, and brain-teasing puzzles, Indy’s virtual adventure is nothing short of a must play.
Troy Baker absolutely nails it as Indy, and the visuals are stunning. It’s a thrilling ride that’ll have you muttering that “It belongs in a museum!“.
Check out our full review here: https://www.thexboxhub.com/indiana-jones-and-the-great-circle-review/
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Epic Journeys and Viking Sagas
Next, prepare to be blown away by Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II! (another with a 5/5 score).
This one takes everything that made the original Hellblade great and cranks it up to eleven.
The visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5 are jaw-dropping, the audio is incredibly immersive, and the story is a masterpiece.
If you haven’t already, get ready for an emotional and unforgettable journey into Viking lore.
Read our full thoughts here: https://www.thexboxhub.com/senuas-saga-hellblade-ii-review/
Persona 3 Reload
Return to a Classic, Reloaded
Calling all RPG fans!
Persona 3 Reload is a stunning remake of a beloved classic. It’s got the same captivating story and addictive combat, but with a fresh coat of paint and some seriously stylish presentation.
Should you be a Persona fan, then you should be diving back into the Dark Hour and experiencing this gem in a whole new light.
Our 5/5 review has all the details: https://www.thexboxhub.com/persona-3-reload-review/
Botany Manor
Cozy Vibes and Botanical Puzzles
Looking for something a bit more relaxed?
You’ve found it with this one as Botany Manor on Game Pass is a delightful blend of puzzles and cozy vibes. We can’t tell you how much we love the feels it delivers.
You’ll play as a Victorian botanist tending to rare plants and uncovering the secrets of a charming manor. It’s a unique and satisfying experience that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Read more about it here: https://www.thexboxhub.com/botany-manor-review/
Brotato
Spudtacular Auto-Shooting Action
Get ready for some seriously spudtacular action with Brotato!
This is a quirky auto-shooter that lets you play as a potato battling waves of enemies. It’s simple to pick up but surprisingly strategic, with tons of unlockable characters and weapons.
Prepare for endless fun with this charming and addictive gem. It’s very nearly good enough to give Vampire Survivors a run for its money. And any game that can get close to the genre leader most definitely deserves a look.
Our review has the lowdown: https://www.thexboxhub.com/brotato-review/
Wildfrost
Deck-Building with a Frosty Twist
A late entry, Wildfrost from Chucklefish is a delightful roguelike deck-builder that’ll chill you to the bone (in a good way!).
It comes complete with unique card mechanics and a charming art style, offering up a fresh take on the genre. But there are also Pets, Charms and more to enjoy as well.
Build your deck, strategise your moves, and conquer the frosty challenges that await.
Check out our full review here: https://www.thexboxhub.com/wildfrost-review/
Nine Sols
Metroidvania Mastery
Prepare for a challenge with Nine Sols, a stunning Metroidvania inspired by Sekiro.
Its intricate world, beautiful art style, and demanding combat will put your skills to the test. If you’re up for the challenge, this Game Pass Day One gem is an absolute must-play.
Read our full review for all the details: https://www.thexboxhub.com/nine-sols-review/
Flock
Feathered Friends and Cozy Adventures
Take to the skies and gather your, um, flock in Flock, a charming and visually stunning cozy game.
Fly high and you’ll discover the opportunity to explore a vibrant world, collect adorable creatures, and soar through the skies with your feathered friends.
It’s a heartwarming and relaxing experience that’s perfect for escaping the everyday.
Read our review here: https://www.thexboxhub.com/flock-review/
HUMANITY
Puzzle Your Way Through Humanity
Perhaps it’s better in VR (and don’t we love HUMANITY on PSVR2), but seeing as we don’t have that option on Xbox, we’ll have to make do with the standard edition.
HUMANITY is a unique puzzle game that’ll have you thinking outside the box (and guiding hordes of humans!). You play as a glowing Shiba Inu, leading our followers through intricate levels filled with obstacles and challenges.
It’s a thought-provoking and surprisingly addictive experience.
Our review has all the details: https://www.thexboxhub.com/humanity-review/
Octopath Traveler II
Eight Tales, One Epic Adventure
Embark on an epic journey with Octopath Traveler II, a JRPG masterpiece with eight unique characters and captivating storylines. And yes, if you liked the original Octopath Traveler, you’re going to absolutely love this one.
With its classic turn-based combat, stunning visuals, and unforgettable characters, this game is a must-play for RPG fans.
Read our full review here: https://www.thexboxhub.com/octopath-traveler-ii-review/
Still Wakes the Deep
Horror Awaits on the High Seas
Brace yourself for a chilling adventure in Still Wakes the Deep, a first-person horror game set on a desolate oil rig.
For us, the immersive atmosphere drew us in. But then, some strong storytelling, and terrifying encounters just sealed the deal.
Whatever your gaming preferences, Still Wakes the Deep will keep you on the edge of your seat.
So says our full review: https://www.thexboxhub.com/still-wakes-the-deep-review/
Tchia
Island Adventures and Soul-Jumping Fun
Us Xbox and Game Pass players may have had to wait for the launch of Tchia, having first released on other formats, but when it dropped, it dropped BIG.
A game that lets us explore a beautiful archipelago inspired by New Caledonia, Tchia, is a captivating open-world adventure.
Expect to enjoy a unique soul-jumping mechanic, charming characters, and vibrant world. There’s no doubt that Tchia offers a delightful and memorable experience.
Read our full review: https://www.thexboxhub.com/tchia-review/
Harold Halibut
A Stop-Motion Masterpiece
Dive into the enchanting world of Harold Halibut, a stop-motion masterpiece that’s been years in the making.
With its heartwarming story, quirky characters, and visually stunning underwater world, this game is a testament to the power of creativity and patience.
Read our full review here: https://www.thexboxhub.com/harold-halibut-review/
Honorable Mentions
Of course, these are just a few of the amazing Day One releases that have graced Game Pass in 2024. Whilst they may not have quite wowed us like we had hoped (hi, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2), other notable Day One titles include:
Game Pass: A Gamer’s Paradise
2024 has been a phenomenal year for Game Pass, showcasing the incredible value and diversity that the service offers, no matter whether you play on Xbox or PC. And these Day One debutants prove just that, with a good few of them so good that they made the cut in our full Xbox Games of the Year 2024 list.
But with a constant stream of high-quality releases spanning various genres, there’s truly been something for everyone. What have you been firing your Xbox up and playing through Game Pass? Let us know in the comments.
