Summary
Xbox Game Pass Ultimatehas addedSTALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl. This highly anticipated immersive sim is the seventh new title to reachXbox Game Passin November 2024.
Much like the first threeSTALKERgames, released between 2007 and 2009,STALKER 2is a genre hybrid that combines elements of immersive sims, first-person shooters, RPGs, and survival horror games. Ukrainian studio GSC Game World announced the first iteration of the project in 2009 and canceled it three years later. The game then restarted development circa 2018, with initial plans to launch in 2022. Six years and four major delays later,STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobylis finally here, having arrived at 8am PST / 11am ET on November 20.
EarlySTALKER 2reviews are mostly positive, with critics praising the game for its immersive open world, compelling story, and unforgiving gameplay. Technical issues are the most common complaint among reviewers, particularly on PC, where they are reportedly more prevalent than on Xbox consoles. The current critical consensus is hence very much in line with how the first threeSTALKERgames were received at launch, suggesting that this long-awaited sequel will be celebrated in all its Eurojank glory.
Xbox Game Pass Standard Adds 2 More Titles
Ahead ofSTALKER 2’s release, two other titles have been added to the Standard tier of Xbox Game Pass on November 20. One of them isLittle Kitty, Big City, a family-friendly open-world adventure that’s been available on Microsoft’s subscription service since May 2024. The other is restaurant management gamePlateUp, which originally made its way to Xbox Game Pass back in February 2024.
Available on PC GP and XGP Ultimate since May 2024.
Available on PC GP and XGP Ultimate since Feb 2024.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Cloud, PC, Series X/S
Day-one release.
Moving forward, Microsoft has so far confirmed two moretitles that will be coming to Xbox Game Pass in the second half of November2024. The first of those isNine Sols, which is scheduled to arrive on November 26. The critically acclaimed metroidvania will be followed by RTSAliens: Dark Descenta day later.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the highest tier of Microsoft’s flagship game subscription service that offers over 100 game titles that you can play with a single purchase, making it one of the most outstanding value propositions of the Xbox ecosystem to date.
