Xbox Game Pass Adds Resident Evil 2 and Those Who Remain

Xbox Game Pass Catalog Expansion

Xbox Game Pass added two acclaimed horror games in the form of Resident Evil 2 and Those Who Remain to its sizable content library. This catalog expansion arrives mere days after the last Xbox Game Pass update introduced Super Mega Baseball 4 and We Happy Few.

Resident Evil 2 Steam promo screenshot Leon grappling with zombie and game logo

Microsoft's subscription library has been enjoying steady growth since the turn of the year. Aside from the two aforementioned titles, Xbox Game Pass also added Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Figment, Close to the Sun, and Hell Let Loose in the first half of January.

Those Who Remain Steam promo screenshot with game logo

Horror-Focused Xbox Game Pass Update

The latest Xbox Game Pass update that rolled out on January 16 is more horror-focused than most, comprising two deeply unsettling titles: Resident Evil 2 and Those Who Remain. The former requires no introduction for genre aficionados, not least because the Resident Evil 2 remake has been widely touted as one of the best horror games of 2019. Almost five years later, the game still boasts 'Overwhelmingly Positive' Steam reviews, based on nearly 100,000 user ratings.

Although Those Who Remain is a more niche offering of the two, that doesn't make it a less compelling proposition for horror fans. If anything, this is the potentially scarier half of the January 16 Xbox Game Pass additions due to its complete focus on exploration and ominous atmosphere. Developed by Oakland, California-based Camel 101, Those Who Remain was released for PC and consoles in mid-2020 to a mixed critical response, but a decent audience reception. The game nowadays boasts 'Mostly Positive' reviews on Steam and is a frequent recommendation for anyone seeking to delve into psychological horror with a penchant for the supernatural.

Upcoming Additions and Expectations

The Resident Evil 2 remake is the ninth game in the long-running franchise to make its way to Xbox Game Pass since Microsoft launched its subscription offering in mid-2017. However, it's also currently the only series installment available via the service, arriving almost two years after Resident Evil 7: Biohazard left Xbox Game Pass in May 2022. Based on Microsoft's existing track record of Capcom collaborations, fans can expect Resident Evil 2 to remain on Xbox Game Pass for at least a year.

Those Who Remain and Resident Evil 2 won't be the last January 2024 additions to Xbox Game Pass; Microsoft has already announced that Turnip Boy Robs a Bank and Go Mecha Ball will also be joining its subscription catalog on the 18th and 25th of January, respectively. More surprise releases before the end of the month aren't out of the question, either, given the company's extensive track record with such additions.