As April 2025 winds down, Xbox Game Pass is delivering a second wave of titles that blends high-profile blockbusters with innovative indies, ensuring subscribers have plenty to explore. Announced on April 15, 2025, this lineup, spanning late April into early May, showcases the service’s strength in offering diverse gaming experiences. From the day-one launch of a highly anticipated RPG to the return of a cultural juggernaut, the Wave 2 rollout is poised to keep players engaged across Cloud, Console, and PC platforms.
The standout title is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a debut RPG from Sandfall Interactive, set to launch on April 24 for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Inspired by Belle Époque France, this turn-based RPG with real-time mechanics follows a group of Expeditioners on a desperate mission to confront the Paintress, a mysterious entity who erases people based on the number she paints in the sky. Featuring a star-studded voice cast including Charlie Cox and Ben Starr, the game has drawn early praise for its innovative combat and striking visuals, with some previews likening it to Final Fantasy VII for its potential impact. Its day-one availability underscores Xbox’s commitment to bringing fresh, ambitious titles to subscribers.
Another heavy hitter is Grand Theft Auto V, which returned to Game Pass on April 15 across Cloud, Console, and PC for all subscription tiers. This marks the game’s fourth stint on the service in five years, now including the Enhanced Edition for PC players, a first for any PC subscription platform. Its enduring popularity, driven by the sprawling open world of Los Santos and the ever-evolving Grand Theft Auto Online, makes it a major draw for both new and returning players awaiting news on Grand Theft Auto VI.
For action fans, Towerborne’s Game Preview arrives on April 29 for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Developed by Stoic, this action RPG set in the ruins of a monster-infested world casts players as Aces, warriors defending the Belfry with spirit companions. Its cooperative focus and vibrant art style promise a dynamic addition to the lineup. Meanwhile, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) joins on May 1 for Ultimate and PC Game Pass, continuing the slow integration of Activision Blizzard titles, while Far Cry 4 rounds out the month on April 30, offering open-world chaos in the Himalayas.
Indie gems shine brightly in this wave, with Tempopo launching on April 17 for Cloud, Console, and PC on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. From Witch Beam, the team behind Unpacking, this charming puzzle game tasks players with rescuing musical flowers across sky islands, blending rhythmic challenges with a whimsical aesthetic. Neon White, a 2022 cult favorite, hits Game Pass Standard for consoles on April 16, delivering a lightning-fast shooter-puzzler hybrid with a distinctive anime-inspired flair. Its addictive time-trial gameplay has earned it comparisons to Hotline Miami, making it a must-play for speedrunners. Dredge, a horror-fishing adventure, also arrives on May 6, adding a haunting nautical twist to the catalog.
Other notable additions include SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game on April 16, a physics-based open-world romp through Bikini Bottom, and Crime Scene Cleaner on April 17, a quirky sim where players tidy up mob messes. Anno 1800 joins on May 1, offering deep city-building strategy. However, subscribers should note that six titles, including Sniper Elite 5 and Thirsty Suitors, will exit the service on April 30, so it’s wise to wrap up any playthroughs before then.
This Wave 2 lineup, complemented by earlier April additions like South of Midnight and Borderlands 3, highlights Xbox Game Pass’s value, especially for Ultimate subscribers who gain access to day-one releases like Clair Obscur. Social media buzz on platforms like X reflects the excitement, with fans praising the service’s packed 2025 slate, including upcoming titles like Doom: The Dark Ages. As Xbox continues to bolster its subscription model, this diverse roster ensures there’s something for every gamer, from epic adventures to cozy puzzles.
