Xbox Game Pass January 2026 WAVE 2 Lineup Adds 8 Titles Including Death Stranding and Space Marine II

Xbox Game Pass has officially revealed its 2nd WAVE of January 2026 titles.

Image credit: Xbox Wire

The highlight of this wave is undoubtedly Death Stranding Director’s Cut, which arrives on January 21 across Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. Hideo Kojima’s polarizing masterpiece continues to spark debate years after its original release, but its arrival on Game Pass ensures more players can experience the unique “strand” gameplay. Built around deliberate traversal, cinematic storytelling, and a hauntingly atmospheric world, the game remains one of the most distinctive titles in modern gaming.

January 21 also brings two very different experiences alongside Kojima’s epic. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound revives the classic franchise in a side-scrolling format, developed by The Game Kitchen in collaboration with Dotemu. Known for their work on Blasphemous, the team has crafted a fast-paced hack-and-slash adventure that rewards precision and skill. Fans of retro-inspired action games will find plenty to love here.

On the same day, RoadCraft lands on Game Pass, offering a slower but equally engaging simulation experience. Developed by Saber Interactive, the game tasks players with rebuilding disaster-stricken environments using heavy machinery. Whether solo or in co-op, it’s a satisfying evolution of the MudRunner formula.

On January 27, puzzle enthusiasts can look forward to The Talos Principle 2. Croteam’s philosophical first-person puzzler expands on the original with deeper narrative themes and more intricate challenges. Widely praised as one of the best puzzle games of recent years, its arrival on Game Pass is a treat for players who enjoy thoughtful gameplay mixed with existential storytelling.

January 28 adds even more variety with two new titles. Anno: Mutationem blends cyberpunk aesthetics with action RPG mechanics, offering fluid combat and stylish exploration in a neon-lit world. Meanwhile, Drop Duchy introduces a creative roguelite hybrid that fuses block-dropping mechanics with deck-building and kingdom management.

Closing out the month on January 29 are two very different releases. MySims: Cozy Bundle brings back nostalgic charm with remastered versions of MySims and MySims Kingdom. Perfect for younger audiences or those seeking a relaxing experience, the bundle emphasizes creativity, town-building, and quirky character interactions.

On the other end of the spectrum, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II delivers brutal third-person action. Saber Interactive’s sequel has been praised for its visceral combat and faithful Warhammer atmosphere. It’s definitely my top choice from the list.

Here’s a quick rundown of the second wave of January titles:

• Death Stranding Director’s Cut – January 21 (Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass)

• RoadCraft – January 21 (Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass)

• Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound – January 21 (Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass)

• The Talos Principle 2 – January 27 (Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass)

• Anno: Mutationem – January 28 (Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass)

• Drop Duchy – January 28 (Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass)

• MySims: Cozy Bundle – January 29 (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass)

• Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II – January 29 (Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass)

Beyond these additions, Xbox also highlighted a few extras. Quarantine Zone: The Last Checkpoint is already available on PC Game Pass, offering a tense survival experience where players manage a checkpoint during a zombie outbreak. Meanwhile, Grounded 2 fans can expect the Garden update on January 27, introducing a new biome filled with fresh areas to explore.

Of course, not everything is staying. Several titles are leaving Game Pass on January 31, including:

• Shady Part of Me (Cloud, PC, and Console)Cataclismo (PC)

• Starbound (Cloud, PC, and Console)

• Lonely Mountains Snow Riders (Cloud, PC, and Console)

• Paw Patrol World (Cloud, PC, and Console)

• Citizen Sleeper 2 Starward Vector (Cloud, PC, and Console)

• Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap (Cloud, PC, and Console)

Players who want to keep these games can purchase them at a 20% discount before they exit the library.

Looking slightly ahead, February kicks off with Indika on February 2, a surreal adventure set in an alternative 19th-century Russia, followed by Final Fantasy II on February 3, a remastered 2D classic that continues Square Enix’s push to bring its legendary RPGs to modern platforms.

With the Xbox Developer Direct scheduled for January 22, which promises updates on Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation, the service is clearly positioning itself for a strong year ahead.