Xbox Game Pass just dropped its official Wave 1 lineup for April 2026, and it is one of the strongest months the service has delivered in a long time.
Xbox Game Pass April 2026 Wave 1 includes Hades 2, Replaced, Oblivion Remastered, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Planet Coaster 2, and several day-one indie releases. The lineup starts on April 8 and runs through April 23, with new games arriving across Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass tiers. Major highlights include Hades 2 on April 14, Oblivion Remastered on April 16, and Modern Warfare on April 17, making it one of the strongest Game Pass months of 2026 so far.
From a long-awaited roguelike sequel to a remastered RPG classic and a day-one cyberpunk platformer, this month has something for almost every type of gamer. Here is the full breakdown of every game coming to Game Pass in April 2026, when it arrives, and which tier you need to play it.
What Is Xbox Game Pass Wave 1?
Every month, Microsoft announces its Game Pass additions in two waves. Wave 1 covers the first half of the month, and Wave 2 follows later. The April 2026 Wave 1 lineup has just been officially confirmed, and it is packed.
April 8: Three Games Land on Day One of the Wave
The month kicks off with three additions hitting Game Pass at the same time.
DayZ, the well-known open-world survival game, finally arrives on PC Game Pass. It is available on Ultimate, Premium, Essential, and PC Game Pass tiers, making it one of the most accessible additions of the month.
Endless Legend 2 (Game Preview) joins Game Pass Premium on PC. If you are already on Ultimate or PC Game Pass, you have had access for a while, but Premium subscribers can now jump in too.
Also on April 8, Remedy’s FBC: Firebreak expands to Game Pass Premium across Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The co-op shooter from the makers of Control and Alan Wake has been well-received, and Premium members finally get their shot at it.
April 9 and 10: A Theme Park Builder and a Cozy Bookshop
Planet Coaster 2 arrives on April 9 for Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and PC subscribers across Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Frontier’s theme park management game is one of the best in the genre, and this is a great chance to try it without spending a penny extra.
On April 10, Tiny Bookshop joins the service. This charming management game puts you in charge of a small bookstore, and it lands on Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and PC across Cloud, Series X|S, Handheld, and PC. A perfect pick for players who want something relaxing.
April 13: Football Manager 26 Expands to Premium
Football Manager 26 and Football Manager 26 Console both join Game Pass Premium on April 13. The PC version and the console version (available on Cloud, Console, and PC) were already on Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Premium subscribers can now get in on the action ahead of the busy mid-month stretch.
April 14: The Biggest Day of the Wave
April 14 is the standout date of Wave 1, with three major titles landing on the same day.
Hades II, the sequel to one of the most acclaimed roguelikes ever made, officially joins Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass. It is available on Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC. The game brings improved visuals, a deeper combat system, better inventory management, and an expanded story. If you only play one game this month, make it this one.
Replaced also hits Game Pass on April 14 as a day-one launch. This cyberpunk action platformer from Sad Cat Studios has been years in the making, and it arrives with stunning pixel art visuals and combat that fans are comparing to the Batman: Arkham series. It is available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass across Cloud, Series X|S, and PC.
Rounding out April 14, The Thaumaturge joins Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and PC. This dark RPG set in early 20th century Warsaw offers a unique setting and a story-heavy experience that fans of narrative games will enjoy.
April 16: Oblivion Remastered Hits Premium and NHL 26 Arrives
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered expands to Game Pass Premium on April 16. It was already available on Ultimate and PC Game Pass, but Premium subscribers have been waiting for this one. One of the most beloved open-world RPGs ever made, now with a fresh coat of paint.
Also on April 16, EA Sports NHL 26 joins Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on Cloud and Xbox Series X|S. A solid addition for sports fans heading into the NHL playoffs season.
April 17: Call of Duty Modern Warfare Joins the Library
On April 17, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, the 2019 Infinity Ward soft reboot, joins Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and PC across Cloud, Console, and PC.
This is the game that relaunched the Call of Duty franchise and introduced Warzone to the world. It is a landmark title in the series, and having it on Game Pass makes it easy for new players to experience it without any extra cost.
April 21: Three More Games Including a Vampire Survivors Spin-Off
April 21 brings three additions to the service.
Little Rocket Lab and Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato both join Game Pass Premium on April 21, having already been on Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
The more exciting arrival is Vampire Crawlers, a day-one launch from the creators of Vampire Survivors. This one blends the auto-shooter formula with turn-based deckbuilding mechanics, and it lands on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass across Cloud, Series X|S, Handheld, and PC. It could be one of April’s biggest surprise hits.
April 23: Double Fine’s Kiln Launches Day One
Kiln, the latest from legendary developer Double Fine, makes its day-one debut on April 23. It joins Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass across Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC. Details on the game have built plenty of curiosity, and launching straight into Game Pass means there is zero risk in giving it a try.
Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass on April 15
Before you dive into all the new arrivals, take note of what is leaving the service on April 15.
GTA V, Ashen, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery, and Terra Invicta are all set to leave Game Pass mid-month. If any of these are on your backlog, you have a small window left to finish them.
Is April 2026 Worth It for Game Pass Subscribers?
In short, yes. Hades II alone would make April a good month. Add Oblivion Remastered expanding to Premium, a day-one Call of Duty classic, Replaced finally releasing, and a surprise indie in Vampire Crawlers, and you have one of the most well-rounded Game Pass months of the year so far.
Whether you are on Ultimate, Premium, or PC Game Pass, there is genuinely something worth playing every week in April.
Ready to Jump In?
If you are already a Game Pass subscriber, open your console or the Xbox app and start downloading. If you have been on the fence about joining, April 2026 is one of the best months to start.
Head over to Xbox.com to check the latest Game Pass membership deals and get access to all of this and hundreds more games today.
