Game Pass Core, Which Rarely Adds More Games, Is Adding Three More Soon

Microsoft’s Game Pass Core is the reimagined version of Xbox Live Gold, launched in 2023 as the most affordable rung of the Game Pass membership ladder. While it grants access to online console multiplayer and a curated library of just over 50 Xbox games, the catalogue rarely changes compared to the more dynamic Standard and Ultimate tiers. That makes any addition to the Core lineup noteworthy, especially for budget‑minded players who want to expand their library without subscribing to the more expensive plans.

That’s why the announcement on September 16, 2025 caught our eye: Microsoft confirmed that on October 1 the Game Pass Core library will expand with three titles — Cities: Skylines – Remastered, Disney Dreamlight Valley and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. According to GameSpot’s report, the trio will be available to download and play at no extra cost beyond the monthly fee, joining a roster that has hovered around 50 titles and costs US$9.99 per month.

Game Pass Core rarely expands its lineup, so the addition of three titles is particularly notable. Unlike the Standard and Ultimate tiers that cycle games in and out every few weeks, the Core collection has hovered around 50 games since the service rebranded in September 2023. Microsoft positioned Core as the most affordable way to access online multiplayer, plus a curated library of hits like Forza Horizon 5, Doom Eternal and Halo 5. The library is meant to be stable and accessible, giving new subscribers a consistent catalogue without the fear of losing their favourites every month. This makes the upcoming refresh especially interesting for players who have long exhausted the existing selection.

First on the list is Cities: Skylines – Remastered, the 2023 enhanced version of the classic 2015 city‑builder. Those who owned the Xbox One edition could upgrade for free, but this will be the first time Core subscribers have access to the remaster. Cities: Skylines remains beloved for its deep simulation of urban planning — you are the mayor, city planner and traffic engineer all at once, balancing budgets while laying down roads, managing utilities and keeping citizens happy. The remastered edition improves performance and graphics on current consoles and includes expanded build space and refined controls, making the experience smoother on gamepad. It’s a compelling addition for strategy fans who want to test their urban planning chops without buying the remaster separately.

The second new arrival, Disney Dreamlight Valley, offers a very different kind of escapism. This life simulation adventure takes place in a charming world populated by iconic Disney and Pixar characters, from Mickey Mouse to Elsa and WALL•E. Players can customise their avatar, design and expand a homestead, cook recipes with Remy, and befriend villagers by completing quests and gift‑giving. Dreamlight Valley has drawn comparisons to Animal Crossing because it emphasises cosy routines and community‑building, but it also incorporates role‑playing elements as you restore order to a land plagued by Night Thorns. Regular seasonal updates introduce new features like equestrian activities and themed clothing, so there’s plenty to keep players coming back. For families or players who want a relaxing space to unwind, this addition widens the Core library’s genre diversity.

Rounding out the trio is Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, a four‑player co‑operative shooter from the makers of Vermintide. Set in the grim darkness of the far future, Darktide pits a squad of rejects against hordes of mutants and Chaos cultists in the hive city of Tertium. The game is notable for its visceral melee and ranged combat, weighty weapons and emphasis on class‑based teamwork. GameSpot’s review praised Darktide’s satisfying combat and the tension that builds as players push deeper into missions, calling it one of the better co‑op shooters of recent years. It’s heavier and bloodier than anything else in the Core catalogue, but that variety is exactly why its inclusion is exciting. If you haven’t had a chance to try Fatshark’s grim co‑op formula, now might be the perfect time to gather some friends and jump in.

It’s worth noting that these additions are exclusive to the Core plan for now. If you’re subscribed to the Standard or Ultimate tiers, October will bring even bigger names like Hades, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor. Those premium plans rotate games much more frequently, and they’re also where Game Pass day‑one releases like Starfield and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II appear. Still, Core’s refresh is part of a broader refresh of the Game Pass portfolio heading into the holiday season. Microsoft has also warned that some titles will leave the collection soon, so be sure to check the “Leaving soon” tab in the Xbox app if there are games you haven’t finished yet.

The Core tier is also the cheapest way to access Xbox’s online multiplayer on console without paying full price for Game Pass Ultimate. At US$9.99 per month (or around the same in local currencies), you get multiplayer plus a library that’s now a little more enticing. For budget‑conscious players who don’t care about day‑one releases or PC cloud streaming, Core offers a straightforward proposition: buy once, play forever — or at least until Microsoft refreshes the library again. For families, it’s also a way to ensure everyone can jump into Halo Infinite or Forza Horizon 5 online without purchasing multiple copies.

If you primarily play on PC, you may also have noticed that the Xbox app recently rolled out an aggregated library feature. It scans installed games from Steam, the Epic Games Store, Battle.net and other launchers and lists them alongside your Game Pass titles. That means you can launch everything from a single interface and keep track of your play history across storefronts, an important step as more Windows handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally hit the market. Cross-device play history and other quality-of-life improvements are coming later this month. These ecosystem upgrades demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to making Xbox services the glue that binds disparate libraries together, regardless of where you bought your games. You can view the full catalogue on the official Xbox Game Pass Core page.

Overall, the upcoming additions to Game Pass Core signal that Microsoft is paying attention to players who rely on the entry‑level tier. Cities: Skylines – Remastered brings strategic depth, Disney Dreamlight Valley offers wholesome escapism, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide injects a dose of gritty co‑op action. Combined with the recent improvements to the Xbox app and the promise of cross‑device syncing, there’s never been a better time to take another look at Game Pass if you’ve been on the fence. Whether you’re a city builder, life sim enthusiast or action fan, October’s refresh has something for everyone. So mark your calendars for October 1, and get ready to explore these worlds without paying extra.