A Defining Year for Xbox Game Pass
Few years in gaming history have underscored the value of Xbox Game Pass as strongly as 2025. The three highest-rated releases of the year all launched on the subscription service as day one titles, giving subscribers instant access to what critics and fans alike now consider the best of the best.
While the majority of the Game Pass catalog is filled with legacy titles and rotating third-party games, its ability to secure blockbuster releases at launch has become its defining feature. In contrast, PlayStation Plus has struggled to match the same level of high-profile debuts.
Subscribers don’t know how long these games will remain on Game Pass—none of them are first-party Xbox titles, meaning they’re not permanent fixtures. However, while available, players can purchase them with a 20% discount, making the service even more appealing.
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Let’s break down the three standout titles shaping 2025.
Hollow Knight: Silksong – A Long-Awaited Masterpiece
No surprise here: Hollow Knight: Silksong has taken the crown as the highest-rated release of 2025, sitting comfortably with a 93 on Metacritic. Developed by Team Cherry, the long-awaited sequel to 2017’s cult classic Hollow Knight has been one of the most anticipated indie titles in recent memory.
The metroidvania offers expanded combat mechanics, intricate world-building, and the same atmospheric design that made its predecessor legendary. For fans who have followed every teaser and delay over the years, its success feels like vindication. Within weeks of launch, millions of Game Pass subscribers had already explored its labyrinthine maps, proving its massive appeal.
For now, Silksong stands as the game to beat in 2025.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Stunning Debut
Before Silksong arrived, the crown belonged to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, another title that premiered directly on Game Pass. Developed by French studio Sandfall Interactive, this third-person, turn-based RPG surprised many with its polish and narrative depth—especially for a debut release.
Like Silksong, it currently holds a 93 on Metacritic, though slightly lower in average score, placing it just behind the metroidvania giant. The game blends cinematic storytelling with tactical combat, pulling inspiration from both Japanese RPGs and modern Western design.
Its success has catapulted Sandfall Interactive into the spotlight, making them one of the most exciting new studios of the decade.
Blue Prince – The Underdog of the Year
The third entry on the list is Blue Prince, a puzzle-adventure game developed by newcomer Dogubomb. Released in April, it earned a strong 92 on Metacritic, briefly holding the title of 2025’s highest-rated release before being overshadowed by Expedition 33 and Silksong.
Despite receiving less mainstream attention, Blue Prince remains a standout achievement. Its innovative mechanics, mysterious setting, and clever puzzle design have made it a critical darling. In most years, it would be a clear frontrunner for indie game of the year, but 2025 has proven to be unusually competitive.
Can Anything Top Them?
With heavyweights like Donkey Kong Bananza and Death Stranding 2 already released—and failing to dethrone the Game Pass trio—the year’s best games appear locked in. However, one potential challenger remains: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, set to release in December. Given the franchise’s track record, it could very well sneak in at the buzzer and claim the top spot.
Even if that happens, the dominance of Xbox Game Pass in 2025 is undeniable. Having the three best-reviewed games of the year available day one reinforces the service’s unique value proposition and its growing impact on the industry.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Game Pass is already lining up more high-profile day one releases for next year, suggesting that 2025’s momentum is only the beginning. For players, that means more opportunities to experience groundbreaking titles at launch without the full retail price.
For the industry, it signals a shift: subscription models are no longer a side perk—they’re shaping the future of how games are launched, discovered, and celebrated.
