Microsoft unveiled the first Xbox Game Pass arrivals for November 2025. The first wave centers on a massive day one hit plus a string of indie and midtier releases. Subscribers on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass gain early access across cloud, console, and PC. Pro gamer Alex reads the list like a pro scouting new tactics for live streams. Alex plans a Black Ops 7 campaign run on November 14. Alex also slots Dead Static Drive for a horror night on November 5. The lineup reflects partnerships across studios and publishers, including links back to Microsoft moves and ecosystem strategy. The month opens with varied genres, from survival horror to cozy exploration and high end shooters. A recent Game Pass price increase altered subscription math for many players. Subscribers should review tier changes before November hits. For a full view of the announcements and context, readers may consult the official Game Pass Wave 1 lineup summary and a roundup of new Xbox Game Pass arrivals. This first wave sets the tone for a busy month and shows how Microsoft stacks offerings across cloud and console services.
Xbox Game Pass November 2025 Wave 1 Lineup Overview
Microsoft revealed eleven titles for Wave 1. The list mixes day one drops with timed additions on cloud, console, and PC. Subscribers should note platform and tier details before planning play sessions.
- Dead Static Drive — November 5, Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, Cloud Console PC
- Sniper Elite: Resistance — November 5, available on Game Pass Premium, Cloud Console PC
- Egging On — November 6, day one on Ultimate and PC Game Pass, Cloud PC and Xbox Series X|S
- Whiskerwood — November 6, PC on Ultimate and PC Game Pass
- Voidtrain — November 7, across Ultimate PC Game Pass and Game Pass Premium
- Great God Grove — November 11, across Ultimate PC Game Pass and Premium
- Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris — November 11, Ultimate PC Game Pass and Premium
- Pigeon Simulator — November 11, day one on Ultimate and PC Game Pass
- Relic Hunters Legend — November 12, across Ultimate PC Game Pass and Premium
- Winter Burrow — November 12, day one on Ultimate and PC Game Pass
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 — November 14, day one for Ultimate and PC Game Pass on Cloud Console PC
Key insight, the early November window favors indie variety before the blockbuster mid month release.
Why Black Ops 7 Day One Matters For Subscribers
Activision brings Black Ops 7 to Game Pass on day one. The title launches across cloud, console, and PC for Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. This move shifts launch dynamics for franchise players and streamers.
- Instant access to a major shooter on release date
- Cross play options improve match pools
- Streaming ready thanks to cloud availability
- Competitive players receive a platform for ranked runs
Alex expects higher match volume and fresh meta to analyze on day two of live streams.
Indie Highlights And Early November Surprises
Indies anchor the opening week with tone shifts and creative risks. Dead Static Drive defines the batch with eerie vibes and 1980s road horror. Other indie picks deliver co op and experimental systems for short sessions or marathon runs.
- Dead Static Drive, described as “Grand Theft Cthulhu”, blends road trip horror with weird fiction
- Pigeon Simulator, a day one novelty with silly physics for quick streams
- Egging On, short burst matches suited for practice and clips
Alex plans a horror night with Dead Static Drive followed by a quick Voidtrain session for variety.
How The New Tiers And Price Changes Affect Your Play
Microsoft updated Game Pass tiers and pricing this year. The rebrand moves some content into new Premium and Essential labels. Ultimate and PC Game Pass names remain. Subscribers should review which tier holds their preferred titles.
- Review subscription tier before November purchases
- Day one releases often live on Ultimate and PC Game Pass
- Premium holds certain cloud enabled releases
- Buy discounts remain, save up to 20 percent on leaving titles
For practical advice on value and subscription choices consult a detailed breakdown of the Xbox Game Pass subscriptions and strategy notes on the Game Pass strategy page.
Games Leaving Game Pass Mid November
Some titles exit the service on November 15. The departures include long running favorites and a timed exclusive whose removal sparked feedback from the community. Make a purchase decision if you want to keep specific games in your library.
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Heart of Chernobyl leaves on November 15
- Frostpunk leaves on November 15
- Football Manager 2024 and Console Edition exit on November 15
- Blacksmith Master and Spirittea also depart
Alex flagged S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 removal as a moment to buy if replay value matters for long term collection.
Publisher Partners And The Long Term Value Of Game Pass
Microsoft works with many partners to stock Game Pass libraries. Bethesda remains a key contributor for single player catalog additions. Activision delivers day one AAA access. Electronic Arts and Ubisoft bring sports and live service titles. Mojang and Rare supply franchise content for recurring play. These relationships influence how you plan play calendars and purchases.
- Bethesda powers single player offers
- Activision supplies high profile launches
- Electronic Arts adds live service and sports options
- Ubisoft supplies open world and co op experiences
- Mojang and Rare support family friendly and sandbox play
For broader context on library management and cloud delivery read analysis of the Microsoft Xbox game library and pieces on Xbox cloud gaming.
Which games in Wave 1 are day one on Game Pass
Dead Static Drive, Egging On, Whiskerwood, Pigeon Simulator, Winter Burrow, and Call of Duty Black Ops 7 launch on day one for eligible tiers. Confirm tier names before download.
Which tier gets Black Ops 7 on release
Black Ops 7 arrives for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass across cloud, console, and PC on November 14.
How to keep a game that leaves Game Pass
Buy the title through the store to keep it. Subscribers save up to 20 percent during the removal window.
Why did subscriptions change this year
Microsoft rebranded some tiers and adjusted prices to reflect new packaging. Review your plan and compare value against play habits.