"Xbox Game Pass: A Must-Have for RPG Enthusiasts"

Having dabbled with Xbox in my early gaming days, I eventually made the full transition to PC gaming, where the frequent Steam sales have typically sufficed for my new game cravings. While I knew about Xbox Game Pass and its occasional big-name game offerings, it never seemed compelling enough for me—until yesterday.

Bethesda and Virtuos stunned everyone by shadow-dropping The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered directly onto Game Pass. Although it was a poorly kept secret, the reveal was still mind-blowing. Tomorrow, Game Pass will also feature Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the highly anticipated debut from Sandfall Interactive, which draws inspiration from the greats of JRPGs. As a die-hard RPG fan, I must admit: Microsoft, you've finally won me over.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Both Hit Game Pass This Week

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – 1 Month Membership – Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, Cloud Gaming Devices [Digital Code]

$19.99 at Amazon

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered was unveiled and released on PC, consoles, and Game Pass on April 22. Like many others, I spent most of the day downloading the game and the night reveling in its enchanting music. The highlights of this near-remake include updated character models, enhanced combat interactions, and remastered visual effects. While more than five new voice actors were brought on board, Virtuos wisely retained the charm of the original's quirky dialogue. The base edition of the remaster is priced at $49.99, which includes the original DLCs, with a deluxe edition available for an additional $10.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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On the other hand, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 marks the long-awaited debut from the French studio Sandfall Interactive. Set to launch at midnight PST tonight in the U.S., it boasts an impressive 92 rating on Metacritic, with IGN's 9/10 review lauding its story design and describing it as "a true modern throwback." The game's stylish user interface echoes the Persona series, and early gameplay footage showcases one of the most innovative turn-based combat systems I've encountered. The base edition is priced at the same $49.99 as the Bethesda remaster.

While Expedition 33 was poised to headline April's Game Pass lineup, the surprise release of Oblivion Remastered has cast a bit of a shadow over the indie game's debut. However, from my perspective, we're getting two exceptional games, and Game Pass makes it easier on the wallet to enjoy both. Instead of shelling out $100 for two new games, I opted for a $20 Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Now, the only question is when I'll see the light of day again.

Plenty more of 2025's biggest titles have recently joined the service, including Blue Prince, South of Midnight, and Avowed, along with mainstay classics like GTA V and the entire Call of Duty lineup. Truly, there's something for everyone.

Game Pass Is a Ridiculously Good Deal Right Now

Game Pass Ultimate starts at $19.99/month, providing access to the full Game Pass library across console, PC, and cloud gaming. The PC-only Game Pass is more budget-friendly at $9.99/month. The Standard and Core subscription tiers are priced at $14.99/month and $9.99/month, respectively, though they don't include day one releases. The last price increase for Game Pass was in July 2024, and given these blockbuster game launches, I wouldn't be surprised if we see another hike later this year.

While there aren't any live Game Pass deals at the moment, you can secure a three-month subscription to potentially avoid any future price increases. For deals on other platforms, check out our roundup of PS5, PC, and Switch deals. Speaking of which, U.S. preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 go live tonight.