The primary reason to sign up for Microsoft's Xbox Live Gold service is to play online multiplayer games, but there's an extra perk to keep in mind as well. Not only does one's Xbox Live Gold subscription let them play online multiplayer games, but it also gives users access to free Xbox 360 and Xbox One games every month. Usually, Xbox Live Gold subscribers are treated to two 360 games and two Xbox One games, though there are some months when extra games are thrown into the mix.
It seems May 2022 is one of those months, as Microsoft has seemingly made an extra game free for Xbox Live Gold subscribers to claim as part of the free Games with Gold for May 2022. The bonus game is Orcs Must Die, a tower defense game that originally released in 2011 for Xbox Live Arcade to mostly positive reviews. It's completely free for Xbox Live Gold subscribers to claim right now, so those interested should check it out while they still can.
It's entirely possible that Orcs Must Die was added to the Xbox free Games with Gold lineup by accident and will be removed. This happened not too long ago, when Microsoft accidentally made three extra games free for Xbox Live Gold subscribers before quickly removing them. Since there was no announcement associated with Orcs Must Die being free for Xbox Live Gold subscribers, it's probable that it too was added accidentally and will likely be removed from the lineup sooner rather than later.
Xbox Free Games With Gold for May 2022
- Yoku's Island Express (May 1 - May 31)
- The Inner World - The Last Wind Monk - (May 16 - June 15)
- Hydro Thunder Hurricane (May 1 - May 15)
- Viva Pinata: Party Animals (May 16 - May 31)
- Orcs Must Die
Xbox Live Gold subscribers that manage to claim Orcs Must Die before its likely removal will have had a pretty strong May 2022, all things considered. While none of the Xbox free Games with Gold games for May 2022 are all that high profile, there are some solid games in the lineup.
Yoku's Island Express, for example, is a well-reviewed game that combines platforming and pinball mechanics to great effect. The Inner World - The Last Wind Monk is another well-reviewed game, though it will scratch a different itch as a point-and-click adventure title. Hydro Thunder Hurricane is no longer up for grabs, but subscribers have until the end of the month to claim Viva Pinata: Party Animals if they're interested.