Xbox Game Pass: A Must-Have for RPG Enthusiasts Now

As a dedicated PC gamer, I've always found the allure of Steam sales more than sufficient for my gaming needs. However, the recent surprise releases on Xbox Game Pass have finally piqued my interest. Yesterday's shadow-drop of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered by Bethesda and Virtuos directly onto Game Pass was a game-changer. Despite being a poorly kept secret, the reveal was nothing short of thrilling. And now, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33—the visually stunning debut from Sandfall Interactive, drawing inspiration from the JRPG greats—set to join the service tomorrow, I'm hooked. As a fervent RPG enthusiast, Microsoft, you've won me over.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Both Hit Game Pass This Week

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – 1 Month Membership – Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, Cloud Gaming Devices [Digital Code]

$19.99 at Amazon

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered was unveiled and released on April 22 for PC, consoles, and Game Pass. Like many, I spent the day downloading and the night immersed in its enchanting soundtrack. The remaster boasts new character models, refined combat interactions, and revamped visual effects. While Virtuos brought in over five new voice actors, they've cleverly retained the charm of the original's quirky dialogue. The base edition of the remaster is priced at $49.99, which includes the original DLCs, with a deluxe edition available for an additional $10.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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On the other hand, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 marks the eagerly anticipated debut from French studio Sandfall Interactive. Set to launch at midnight PST tonight in the U.S., it has already garnered a stellar 92 rating on Metacritic. IGN's 9/10 review lauded its narrative design, calling it "a true modern throwback." The game's sleek UI evokes the Persona series, and early gameplay footage reveals an exceptionally innovative turn-based combat system. The base edition is priced at $49.99, matching the Bethesda remaster.

While Expedition 33 was slated to be the highlight of April's Game Pass offerings, the unexpected arrival of Oblivion Remastered has cast a slight shadow over the indie game's debut. However, I see it as a win-win situation. Instead of shelling out $100 for both games, I opted for a $20 Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Now, the only dilemma is when I'll see the sun again.

Game Pass has been steadily adding 2025's most anticipated titles, including Blue Prince, South of Midnight, and Avowed, alongside timeless classics like GTA V and the entire Call of Duty series. Truly, there's something for everyone.

Game Pass Is a Ridiculously Good Deal Right Now

Game Pass Ultimate, starting at $19.99 per month, grants access to the complete Game Pass library across console, PC, and cloud gaming. The PC-only Game Pass is more budget-friendly at $9.99 per month. The Standard and Core tiers, priced at $14.99 and $9.99 per month respectively, do not include day-one releases. The last price adjustment for Game Pass occurred in July 2024, and given the caliber of these recent additions, another increase might be on the horizon.

Currently, there are no live deals for Game Pass, but securing a three-month subscription could shield you from potential future price hikes. For other gaming platforms, check out our comprehensive list of PS5, PC, and Switch deals. Also, don't miss out on the U.S. preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2, going live tonight.