October 2021 is shaping up to be a great month for Xbox Game Pass, with a number of day-one releases and more added to the service. The games this month cover a variety of genres and gameplay styles, so subscribers will have plenty to choose from. So far, nine games have been confirmed for the month, and Xbox Game Pass may still have more to announce down the line.
Some highly anticipated games like Age of Empires 4 will be day-one additions to Game Pass. For those trying to get into the Halloween spirit, games like Echo Generation should be a must for Game Pass holders. Once again, Xbox Game Pass seems to be proving its worth the monthly subscription fee.
Phoenix Point: Behemoth Edition
The console version of Phoenix Point is available now on Game Pass, including its four DLC expansions. Phoenix Point was conceived as a spiritual successor to the X-COM series, which was originally created by the same developer, Snapshot Games. Phoenix Point is a strategy game with turn-based action that takes place in 2047. Players will battle against Lovecraftian, John Carpenter-esque aliens that have invaded Earth.
Back 4 Blood
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Back 4 Blood is due to be released October 12, and will be a day-one addition to Game Pass. This is intended to be a spiritual successor to the hugely popular Left 4 Dead franchise, and comes after developer Turtle Rock Studios split from Valve, which still owns the rights to Left 4 Dead. Players can expect the same collaborative gameplay fighting against hordes of monsters, which are implied to be infected with an alien parasite.
The Riftbreaker
Another day-one release, The Riftbreaker will come to Game Pass on October 14. This is a base-building strategy game with action and RPG elements. The campaign mode follows Captain Ashley S. Nowak, who explores the far reaches of the Milky Way galaxy in order to set up human colonies on alien planets. Players will have to deal with alien flora, creatures, and weather events by using cutting-edge technology, including a personal Mecha Suit and a two-way portal to bring Earth colonists there.
The Good Life
Deadly Premonitions fans can rejoice as SWERY's next game is a day-one Game Pass release coming on October 15. The Good Life follows Naomi, a photographer from New York who arrives in the mysterious British town of Rainy Woods. The game will have a variety of different tasks needed to discover the mysteries of Rainy Woods, and players can play as a human, cat, or dog. It promises to be as strange and interesting as Deadly Premonition, and has been long-awaited after some development set backs.
Into the Pit
Into the Pit arrives on Xbox Game Pass on October 19. This fantasy game has players use spells and magic to explore monster-ridden castles. Into the Pit promises to be a Bloodborne-styled fast-paced FPS rogue-lite. Developed by Nullpoint Games, the playable character is a mystic searching for their cousin in the Gothic-styled village in the grips of a supernatural event. As a rogue-lite, players can expect to die a lot while mastering the mechanics of this game, and the fast pacing should keep action and shooter fans engaged.
Echo Generation
Developed by Cococucumber during the pandemic, Echo Generation features a supernatural mystery in Maple Town. Cococucumber promises a heartwarming, nostalgic, and spooky journey in this game with turn-based combat. For anyone that wants to enjoy the Halloween season but can't face horror games, this game may be a great pick. Gameplay is focused on quests and exploration, while the story is driven by unique and compelling characters.
Moonglow Bay
Moonglow Bay is yet another Game Pass day-one release, coming out on October 26 following a slight delay. This is a wholesome fishing RPG with a 1980s aesthetic. Moonglow Bay will be a relaxing, slice-of-life experience based entirely on fishing. Players will also get to cook up their catches and get to know other characters around the bay. The game has a co-op mode featuring the protagonist's daughter, and its developer promises there will be plenty to explore.
Age of Empires 4
Developed by Relic Entertainment, the fourth main entry in the Age of Empires franchise will be another day-one release for Game Pass, coming out October 28. The real-time strategy gameplay will mirror previous Age of Empires games, and Age of Empires 4 is set during the Middle Ages. Civilizations available in this game include the Abbassid Dynasty, the Holy Roman Empire, the Dehli Sultanate, and more. The Age of Empires series is known for its historic themes and addicting gameplay, which is sure to feature in this upcoming title too.
Bassmaster Fishing 2022
Finally, Bassmaster Fishing 2022 will be joining Game Pass on October 28. This means two fishing sims are joining the service this month, but they are stylistically different. While Moonglow Bay has a cutesy aesthetic, Bassmaster Fishing 2022 will be a faithful virtual Bassmaster tournament for avid fishing fans.
Xbox may release even more games this month, while some will be leaving Game Pass, but the nine games announced for October so far feature a good range of styles. Echo Generation, Back 4 Blood, and The Good Life will all be suitable picks for Halloween, while strategy fans will surely be eager to pick up Age of Empires 4. Fishing fans are in particular luck this month with Xbox Game Pass adding two fishing sims, though Moonglow Bay may have a wider appeal due to its idyllic atmosphere.