Xbox Game Pass Lineup Gets AAA Boost: Watch Dogs Legion and F1 24 Headline New Additions

Xbox Game Pass subscribers are in for a treat as Microsoft has just unveiled the next wave of games heading to the service, and this time, it's packing some serious AAA firepower. The upcoming lineup is headlined by two major titles: Watch Dogs: Legion and EA Sports F1 24, both promising high production values and diverse gameplay experiences. Adding to the mix is Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, an RPG that, while not carrying the AAA label, is still expected to deliver a substantial and engaging experience in its own right.

Arriving on February 25th is Watch Dogs: Legion, the latest installment in Ubisoft’s open-world hacking series. Game Pass subscribers will soon be able to dive into its near-future, dystopian London setting and experience its unique "play as anyone" mechanic. While Legion aimed for innovation with this ambitious feature, critical reception was somewhat divided. It earned praise for its concept and scope, but some reviewers pointed to limitations in character depth and a somewhat repetitive mission structure as drawbacks. Nevertheless, its inclusion in Game Pass offers a readily accessible opportunity for subscribers to explore this distinctive title and form their own opinions.

For racing fans, February 20th marks the arrival of EA Sports F1 24 on Game Pass. The latest iteration in the long-running F1 series, F1 24 is known for its focus on realistic driving physics, enhanced career modes designed for deeper player investment, and featuring all the official teams and drivers from the current Formula 1 season. The game has garnered a solid 72 Metascore on Metacritic, and boasts over 9,000 "Mostly Positive" user reviews on Steam, suggesting a positive reception from both critics and players. It’s worth noting that access to F1 24 will be available to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers specifically, as it will be incorporated into the EA Play library which is bundled with those tiers.

Completing the trio of new additions is Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. Developed by Owlcat Games, known for their work in the CRPG genre, Rogue Trader is also set to launch on Game Pass on February 20th. This title stands out as the first CRPG set within the expansive Warhammer 40K universe, promising a rich narrative experience characterized by turn-based combat, deep and established lore drawn from the tabletop game, and significant role-playing mechanics. Players can expect a story-driven adventure with impactful choices and consequences that are hallmarks of the CRPG genre, set against the grim and gothic backdrop of Warhammer 40,000.

It's also worth a quick reminder that Avowed, another notable title, recently became available on Xbox Game Pass, launching earlier today.

This influx of titles, especially the addition of two AAA heavyweights and a promising RPG, signals a strong start to the Game Pass lineup for this period and provides subscribers with a diverse range of gaming experiences to jump into.

Source(s): Xbox Wire