Xbox Game Pass February 2023: Bizarro shooter Atomic Heart leads a diverse lineup

Microsoft has announced the latest games for Xbox Game Pass, and it’s a varied mix to say the least.

Arguably the most exciting title to join the Xbox Game Pass lineup this month is the Soviet-era shooter Atomic Heart, which will be coming to the service on Tuesday, February 21st, the day of the game’s release. If you’re anything like me, Atomic Heart has been on your radar since the Xbox E3 2021 presentation. It featured a trailer that immediately hooked me with its bizarre presentation and clear Bioshock inspirations – and that absolutely pounding Eurobeat tune.

The February 2023 Xbox Game Pass titles have been revealed on the Xbox Wire blog, and there’s something for everyone – so if the weird and wonderful Atomic Heart isn’t doing it for you, there’s something else almost certainly will becomes.

First up is Madden NFL 23, EA’s newest Handegg simulator, out today, February 9th, just in time for the Super Bowl this Sunday, February 12th. If American football doesn’t capture your imagination, then SD Gundam Battle Alliance anime RPG is coming to Xbox Game Pass on the same day. This multiplayer title lets you blow up your friends as Super Deformed versions of classic Gundam mechs from the franchise’s 43-year history.

For those who like their RPGs with far less anime flair, Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord arrives five days after SD Gundam’s landing on Xbox Game Pass on Tuesday 14th February. This acclaimed migration-era game blends strategy and RPG elements to create a powerful blend.

There is strategy on the battlefield, then there is strategy in managing a city. Cities: Skylines – Remastered joins Game Pass on Wednesday, February 15th. This spiritual successor to SimCity was first launched in 2015, and the new remaster improves graphical performance and includes an increase in the size of cities players can build.

Finally, Shadow Warrior 3: Definitive Edition is out on Thursday, February 16th, which is a solid time if you’re playing without dialogue. It’s a fast-paced shooter that combines melee combat with a large arsenal of weapons. What makes Shadow Warrior 3 interesting compared to its predecessors are the new movement options such as grappling hooks and air dash.

Xbox game Pass February 2023 free games

Here’s the full Xbox Game Pass lineup for February 2023:

• Madden NFL 23 – February 9th (Console and PC via EA Play)

• SD Gundam Battle Alliance – February 9th (Console, PC and Cloud)

• Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord – February 14th (Console, PC and Cloud)

• Cities: skylines

• besiege (Game Preview) (Cloud, Console and PC)
• CrossfireX (cloud and console)
• infernax (Cloud, Console and PC)
• Recompile (Cloud, Console and PC)
• Skul: The Hero Killer (Cloud, Console and PC)
• The last children on earth (Cloud, Console and PC)

• Remastered – February 15th (Xbox Series X|S and Cloud)

• Shadow Warrior 3: Definitive Edition – February 16th (Console, PC and Cloud)

• Atomic Heart – February 21 (Console, PC and Cloud)

Retires from Xbox Game Pass February 2023

As always, when we welcome a new wave of games, we say goodbye to another bunch. If you’re particularly upset that one of these titles is leaving Xbox Game Pass this month, you can use your member discount to purchase it for 20% and it’ll stay in your library forever! The following six games are leaving Game Pass on Wednesday, February 15:

• Defeat (Game Preview) (Cloud, Console and PC)
• CrossfireX (cloud and console)
• Infernax (Cloud, Console and PC)
• Recompile (Cloud, Console and PC)
• Skul: The Hero Slayer (Cloud, Console and PC)
• The last children on earth (Cloud, Console and PC)