(You’ve got a free weekend, a stocked fridge, and zero plans—except, of course, diving into some killer games. But with hundreds of titles on Xbox Game Pass, where do you even start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.)
This week’s Game Pass additions bring a sci-fi horror thriller, a mind-bending puzzle adventure, and a relaxing indie gem—perfect for whatever mood you’re in. Here are the three best new Xbox Game Pass games to play this weekend before your Sunday-night existential dread kicks in.
1. “Still Wakes the Deep” – A Terrifying Scottish Oil Rig Nightmare
(Available on: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Cloud | Genre: Horror | Playtime: ~6 hours)
Why You Should Play It:
- “The Thing” meets “Alien: Isolation” – You’re trapped on a collapsing oil rig in the 1970s, with something lurking in the shadows.
- No combat, just pure dread – Run, hide, and pray as an ordinary electrician fighting for survival.
- Gorgeous, immersive atmosphere – The Scottish voice acting and brutal North Sea setting make this feel painfully real.
Perfect for: Horror fans who miss P.T.-style psychological terror.
2. “Manor Lords” – A Medieval City Builder That Feels Alive
(Available on: Xbox Series X|S, PC | Genre: Strategy/Sim | Playtime: “Just one more hour…”)
Why You Should Play It:
- The most realistic medieval city builder yet – Villages grow organically, peasants live their lives, and battles are chaotic and brutal.
- No boring grids – Roads curve naturally, houses expand based on need, and weather affects everything.
- Deep but not overwhelming – Easy to learn, hard to master (and extremely addictive).
Perfect for: Fans of Age of Empires who always wanted more realism.
3. “Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising” – A Charming Prequel to a Modern JRPG Classic
(Available on: Xbox One, Series X|S, PC, Cloud | Genre: Action RPG | Playtime: ~15 hours)
Why You Should Play It:
- A bite-sized intro to the Eiyuden Chronicle universe – Sets up the upcoming Hundred Heroes (from the creators of Suikoden).
- Fast-paced, satisfying combat – Mix of platforming, dungeon crawling, and town-building.
- Cozy vibes – Bright visuals, quirky characters, and a surprisingly deep crafting system.
Perfect for: JRPG lovers who want something light but engaging.
Honorable Mention: “Orcs Must Die! 3” (Cloud & Console)
If you’re in the mood for chaotic tower defense, this just hit Game Pass. Nothing beats roasting orcs with fire traps.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Play First?
- Want scares? → Still Wakes the Deep
- Want strategy? → Manor Lords
- Want charm? → Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising
All three are weekend-sized (no 100-hour slogs here), so why not try them all?
🔥 What’s Your Weekend Game Pass Pick?
- Survival horror?
- Medieval empire-building?
- JRPG nostalgia?
Let us know—and happy gaming! 🎮
📌 Follow for more Game Pass recommendations every week!
(Note: All games are available now on Xbox Game Pass. Play them before they potentially leave the service!)
TL;DR for the Time-Strapped Gamer
✅ Still Wakes the Deep – Claustrophobic horror on an oil rig.
✅ Manor Lords – The best medieval city builder in years.
✅ Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising – A cozy JRPG appetizer.
Now go forth and conquer (or hide in fear). 😈