February’s first wave of Xbox Game Pass has arrived, and the difference is immediately noticeable. After January’s disappointing showing with only one day-one release across both waves, Xbox has come roaring back with an impressive five day-one titles headlining this drop including the highly anticipated High on Life 2. Combined with substantial backlog additions like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, this is the type of Game Pass wave subscribers have been waiting for in 2026.
The Headliners
High on Life 2 (February 13)
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
The sequel to Squanch Games’ irreverent FPS arrives day one on Xbox Game Pass. An intergalactic conspiracy threatens humanity’s existence, and it’s up to you to save your favorite species (humans, obviously) by teaming up with a diverse cast of talking alien guns. Shoot, stab, and skate your way through exotic locales across the galaxy as you take down the bad guys. With the original game finding massive success on Game Pass, the sequel brings more of that signature crude humor, creative gunplay, a skateboard, and outlandish sci-fi adventure that made the first game a cult hit.
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (Available Now)
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
Goro Majima takes center stage in this over-the-top pirate adventure. After losing his memory, the ex-yakuza reinvents himself as a pirate captain on the open sea. Embark on a modern-day pirate adventure featuring combat on both land and sea as Majima and his crew hunt for lost memories and legendary treasure. The Like A Dragon series continues to push boundaries with increasingly wild premises, and this entry might be the most audacious yet.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance (February 13)
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
This story-driven open-world RPG immerses players in an epic adventure set in the Holy Roman Empire. Avenge your parents’ death as you battle invading forces, undertake game-changing quests, and make influential choices that shape the world around you. Explore majestic castles, deep forests, thriving villages, and countless other realistic medieval settings across Bohemia. With Kingdom Come: Deliverance II already released and earning a Game of the Year 2025 nomination, now’s the perfect time to experience where it all began and understand why this unique take on historically accurate medieval combat and survival captured critics’ and players’ hearts.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (February 17)
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Ubisoft’s first-person action-adventure game brings players to the never-before-seen Western Frontier of Pandora. You play as a Na’vi who was abducted and trained by the militaristic RDA corporation, only to be freed fifteen years later as a stranger in your own birthplace. Reconnect with your lost heritage, discover what it means to be Na’vi, and join other clans to protect Pandora from the RDA. The recent third-person camera update gives players a whole new perspective to experience Pandora’s stunning environments.
Madden NFL 26 (February 5)
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
EA Sports’ latest football simulation arrives on Xbox Game Pass, featuring new gameplay mechanics and features across Franchise, Superstar, and Ultimate Team modes. Shape your roster, chase championships, and define your football legacy. Game Pass subscribers can also claim a Supercharge Pack through March 6, making this an excellent time to jump into the 2026 NFL season.
Relooted (February 10)
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
This African futurist heist game arrives day one on Xbox Game Pass with a bold premise: reclaim real African artifacts from Western museums. Recruit crew members, plan your escape routes, acquire the precious cargo, and make your getaway as quickly as possible. With its unique cultural perspective and stealth-action gameplay, Relooted offers a fresh take on the heist genre while exploring themes of cultural heritage and repatriation.
BlazBlue Entropy Effect X (February 12)
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
A roguelite action game set in the BlazBlue universe launches day one on Xbox Game Pass. Featuring striking 2D visuals, stylish fast-paced combat, and precise responsive controls, this is a departure from the traditional fighting game roots of the franchise. The roguelite structure ensures every run feels different while maintaining that signature BlazBlue polish and style.
Roadside Research (Game Preview) (February 12)
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Aliens have landed on Earth… to run a gas station. This day-one Game Preview title lets you play solo or with up to four players as you perform “human tasks” to blend in. Scan, steal, and test various methods on customers while they stop by, gathering data without raising the suspicion meter too high and risking a visit from government officials. It’s a quirky social deduction game with a hilariously absurd premise.
Starsand Island (February 12)
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Return to the tranquil embrace of Starsand Island in this day-one cozy life sim. Spend slow-paced days bonding with adorable capybaras, cats, and dogs, savor the thrill of bountiful fishing, explore the mystical Moonlit Forest, or simply soak in the island’s untouched beauty. For those seeking a peaceful gaming experience away from action and competition, Starsand Island offers the perfect escape.
Additional Games
- Avowed (February 17)
Game Pass Premium - Final Fantasy II (Available Now)
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass - Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels: Championship (February 5)
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass - A Game About Digging A Hole (Available Now)
Available on Xbox One Consoles - Indika (Available Now)
Game Pass Premium
Notable Updates
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 02 (February 5) – New threats, weapons, maps, and Ranked Play
- Monster Train 2 (Available Now) – Free update featuring the return of the Wurmkin clan
- The First Descendant (February 5) – New episode featuring Descendant “Dia” with exclusive Game Pass benefits
- Rainbow Six Siege (Available Now) – S.I. Banner 2026 charm and exclusive cosmetics
Games Leaving February 15
This list is actually pretty barren, which is nice to see. For the dozens of players still playing this, get as much playtime as you can before it leaves the service:
- Madden NFL 24
Final Thoughts — This Is What We’ve Been Waiting For
February’s first wave represents exactly what Game Pass subscribers hoped to see after January’s lackluster performance. Five day-one releases—High on Life 2, Relooted, BlazBlue Entropy Effect X, Roadside Research, and Starsand Island—anchor a lineup that also delivers substantial backlog value with titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. This is the type of drop that justifies the premium pricing.
If the second wave maintains even half this momentum, February will be well worth the price of admission. Strong day-one releases combined with quality backlog additions create a service that feels essential rather than supplementary. If Xbox can maintain this level of quality and quantity going forward, the concerns raised in January will quickly become distant memories. More months like this, please.
