Top Three Xbox Games on Game Pass That I Would Have Purchased at Full Cost
Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft's popular subscription service, continues to deliver a diverse range of games to its subscribers. Among the latest additions are three standout titles: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Planet of Lana, and Rematch.
First up, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a surprise hit of 2025, is arguably the most compelling game of the year. Set in a dark fantasy interpretation of France, the game tells the story of the people of Lumiere who embark on an annual expedition to destroy the Paintress. The game's combat, reminiscent of Super Mario RPG, features a real-time dodge, parry, and attack system.
Next, Planet of Lana, a cinematic 2D puzzle-platformer, has captivated players for the longest time in recent years. In this game, you play as a girl named Lana whose fictional home planet is invaded by sinister alien machines. The gameplay is a mix of platforming, light puzzling, and stealth sequences, with Mui, Lana's cat-like pet, who you can command around levels. A sequel to Planet of Lana has been recently announced for 2026, making now the perfect time to jump in.
Lastly, Rematch, developed by the independent studio Sloclap, is a multiplayer football game that offers a unique twist on the traditional rules of the sport. Players control only one player in the team, making positioning off the ball crucial. The game is more interested in spectacular individual moments than in realistically simulating the game of football.
While information about the developers of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Planet of Lana was not found in the provided search results, it's clear that these games, along with Rematch, are must-plays for any Xbox Game Pass subscriber.
Planet of Lana's world, Ghibli-inspired sci-fi, takes about five hours to complete, making it an ideal game for a weekend playthrough. On the other hand, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 starts bleak and gets darker, with excellent writing and huge twists along the way.
In addition to these new releases, Xbox Game Pass offers access to a variety of games, including first-party games from Microsoft. Whether you're a fan of action-packed adventures, puzzling platformers, or unique sports games, there's something for everyone on Xbox Game Pass.
