Microsoft is once again delivering a packed lineup of releases for May, with several major titles launching directly into Xbox Game Pass and others offering long-awaited updates or sneak peeks. From stealth action and strategy games to brutal Soulslike entries and underwater exploration, there’s a strong mix this month for every kind of player.
Splitgate 2 Open Beta Headlines the Month
One of the most notable drops comes in the form of Splitgate 2, whose open beta kicks off on May 22. Available for all Xbox console owners, it brings full crossplay support, 15 new maps, 25 weapons, and over 10 game modes. Players can expect large-scale maps like Drought and Fracture for 24-player onslaught modes, plus the debut of the Borealis Energy Carbine. The beta is expected to run until full launch, which suggests the complete version may be closer than expected.
Wuchang, Tainted Grail, and Imperial Lead RPG Charge
Soulslike fans should take note of Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, arriving day one on Xbox Game Pass on July 24. Set in a dark, plague-ridden version of the Ming Dynasty, players will control a diseased pirate warrior exploring corrupted lands. Drawing comparisons to Wolong: Fallen Dynasty, it promises to deliver challenging combat, skill upgrades, and plenty of grotesque enemies.
Meanwhile, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon finally lands on Xbox this month. The PC version has already impressed with its eerie reimagining of Arthurian legend. Described as a Skyrim-style experience, this dark fantasy RPG offers free-form progression and an atmosphere steeped in decay.
Also launching soon is Imperial, a sci-fi action RPG set on an alien planet filled with ancient secrets and technology. Despite its fantasy look, it leans into science fiction themes and stands out for its richly detailed worldbuilding.
Game Pass Expands with Economics and Against the Storm
Released quietly last week, Economics blends city-building with roguelike mechanics. Players lead gnomes on resource-gathering runs through enchanted caves, returning with supplies to grow their above-ground settlements. With turn-based combat and randomized runs, it delivers tactical depth in a whimsical package.
Another highlight is Against the Storm, arriving on Xbox Game Pass for consoles on June 26. The city-builder, formerly a PC exclusive, challenges players to build and maintain thriving towns within a deadly storm-prone forest. It introduces unique gameplay elements such as species-specific preferences and rotating building selections to encourage adaptation each session.
Hidden Gems and Indie Surprises
Beyond the big hitters, several indie games are making waves this May. No Sun to Worship looks like a spiritual successor to Splinter Cell, offering post-apocalyptic stealth gameplay with a unique aesthetic. Meanwhile, Eternal Evil brings hardcore survival horror to Xbox Series consoles, invoking the golden era of the genre with gory dismemberment and limited resources.
Void Breaker—a single-developer roguelike FPS—is shaping up to be a 2025 standout with telekinesis, environmental destruction, and striking visuals. From the same creator of The Entropy Center, it aims to push genre boundaries in both gameplay and design.
Also revealed recently is Ready or Not, a tactical SWAT shooter long awaited by Xbox players. With a reputation for intense realism and massive popularity on Steam, it’s now confirmed to launch this summer at $44.99.
Racing Games, Platformers, and More
The racing genre is also getting love this month. Project Motor Racing is coming later this year with licensed vehicles, dynamic weather, and deep simulation features. Meanwhile, Formula Legends goes the opposite route, offering a more arcade-style F1 experience inspired by New Star GP and Art of Rally.
Fans of retro-inspired platformers can look forward to Dusk Fade, a 2026 release from Weird Beluga Studios. Set in a clockpunk world, it blends fast-paced action with early-2000s nostalgia. Speedrunners 2: King of Speed, also launching in 2026, seeks to recapture the chaotic racing energy of the original hit with upgraded visuals and mechanics.
Lastly, Subnautica 2 revealed its first gameplay footage this week. Though still slated for 2025, the underwater survival sequel showed off new biomes, cooperative base building, and returning elements that fans will recognize. It’s another title expected to launch on Game Pass.
