Halloween isn’t quite here yet, but Microsoft is already putting plenty of treats in the pumpkin-shaped baskets of Xbox Game Pass subscribers. There are some major releases coming on day one to Xbox Game Pass this month, as well as a set of interesting indie games. The additions should keep you busy in the lull ahead of the holiday season, at least if your backlog isn’t already bustling with brilliant games thanks to an absurdly strong year for Xbox Game Pass. If you’re looking to dig into some great new games this October, read on to check out our recommendations for this month and find out about every game coming to the Xbox Game Pass service in October 2021.
Skatebird (Cloud, Console and PC)
Cute little birds can shred. Or so say Glass Bottom Games, the creators of Skatebird. This riff on the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater formula is all about making friends through killer kickflips and luxurious lines. Household objects and offices have been shrunk down to size so that our avian friend can tear through the place, stringing together gnarly combos and unlocking cool clothing to deck out your Skatebird. With a “low-fi birb hop” soundtrack, it’s hard to ignore the allure of this adorable indie.
The Procession to Cavalry (Cloud, Console and PC)
From solo developer Joe Richardson (The Preposterous Awesomeness of Everything, Four Last Things), The Procession to Cavalry is another fantastic Monty Python-inspired adventure game that leverages renaissance art and combines it with intricate animations to create a journey that is singular and extremely funny. If you want a total palate cleanser and plenty of giggles, you can work through this one over the course of a few days and leave it feeling really refreshed.
Sable (Cloud, Console and PC)
Inspired by the artwork of Moebius and Studio Ghibli, Sable has been in the works for many years and is finally out and available on Xbox Game Pass right now. Developed by Shedworks, this coming-of-age story is soundtracked by Japanese Breakfast and follows the titular Sable as they explore a stunning world on their hoverbike, solving puzzles and getting very lost in the rich atmosphere.
Superliminal (Cloud, Console and PC)
If you enjoyed games like Portal and Quantum Conundrum, you need to check out this remarkable puzzler with a mind-boggling twist. Superliminal is all about warping the scale of objects by moving around them and changing their depth, which lets you turn tiny boxes and assets into gorgeous worlds. If you can handle how fuzzy it makes your brain feel, you’ll be in for a challenging and surprisingly heartfelt adventure.
Every game coming to Xbox Game Pass in October
- The Procession to Calvary (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 7
- Visage (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 7
- Back 4 Blood (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 12
- Destiny 2: Beyond Light (PC) – October 12
- Ring of Pain (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 14
- The Riftbreaker (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – October 14
- The Good Life (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 15
