Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Welcomes EA Sports UFC 5 and Diablo
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers gain access to two highly anticipated titles: EA Sports UFC 5 and Diablo, launching today, January 14th. These additions mark the culmination of Wave 1 for January 2025's Game Pass lineup. The inclusion of these games, released nearly 27 years apart, showcases the diverse gaming experiences offered by the service.
Diablo, a seminal hack-and-slash RPG, needs little introduction. Its impact on the genre is undeniable. Conversely, EA Sports UFC 5, the latest installment in the popular MMA franchise, arrived in October 2023.
While Microsoft prioritizes multi-platform titles, these additions are exceptions. Diablo is PC-exclusive, while EA Sports UFC 5 requires an Xbox Series X/S for local play. However, Xbox Cloud Gaming provides an alternative for Ultimate subscribers with sufficient internet speeds.
Activision Blizzard Titles on Xbox Game Pass
With Diablo's arrival, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now boasts 13 Activision Blizzard titles (considering trilogies as multiple games). This reflects an average of almost one new Activision Blizzard game added monthly since Microsoft's acquisition. While many more Activision Blizzard titles are anticipated, the addition rate is clearly accelerating.
Upcoming Xbox Game Pass Games
| Game | Date Added | Game Pass Tier(s) | Platform(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EA Sports UFC 5 | Jan 14 | Ultimate | Cloud, Series X/S | |
| Diablo | Jan 14 | Ultimate, PC | PC | |
| Eternal Strands | Jan 28 | Ultimate, PC | Cloud, PC, Series X/S | Day-one release. |
| Sniper Elite: Resistance | Jan 30 | Ultimate, PC | Cloud, Console, PC | Day-one release. |
| Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector | Jan 31 | Ultimate, PC | Cloud, PC, Series X/S | Day-one release. |
| Avowed | Feb 18 | Ultimate, PC | Cloud, PC, Series X/S | Day-one release. |
| Atomfall | Mar 27 | Ultimate, PC | Cloud, Console, PC | Day-one release. |
| Football Manager 25 | Mar ?? | Ultimate, PC | Cloud, Console, PC | Day-one release; exact date TBA. |
| Commandos: Origins | Mar ?? | Ultimate, PC | Cloud, Console, PC | Day-one release; exact date TBA. |
EA Sports UFC 5 and Diablo conclude Wave 1 of January 2025's additions. Wave 2 is anticipated soon, potentially on January 21st, aligning with Microsoft's usual Tuesday announcements.
Further announcements are expected before the January 23rd Xbox Developer Direct, which will feature Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, South of Midnight, and Doom: The Dark Ages – all confirmed day-one Xbox Game Pass Ultimate titles slated for 2025. Note that six games will leave the service on January 15th, including Insurgency: Sandstorm and Those Who Remain.
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