November 2020 is a huge month of gaming, with next-gen consoles launching and major triple-A games releasing just in time for the holiday season. But whether you're sticking with your Xbox One for now of upgrading to the Series X, Game Pass subscribers will still have access to an incredible library of games, one that continues to grow.
This month, Game Pass is getting a variety of great titles, including an indie masterpiece and an action-adventure survival game with nearly 1,000 hours of content. Whether you're playing on console, PC or Android, there's something to enjoy.
Celeste
Coming to Console, PC and Android on November 5
One of the best indie games of the current generation, Celeste is a challenging and emotionally moving platformer with accessibility options that allow players of any skill level to experience this must-play title. Players control protagonist Madeline as she survives her journey up Celeste Mountain, overcoming obstacles but pushing forward in the face of her struggles.
What makes Celeste so great, aside from solid gameplay, is the way it masterfully blends its mechanics with story about living with mental illness. Celeste's anxiety is handled in a sensitive and authentic manner that's neither trivializing nor heavy-handed. While most 2D platformers focus on gameplay over story, Celeste doesn't choose between one or the other, instead letting players empathize with the titular character and making success that much sweeter.
Comanche
Coming to PC on November 5
After several months in early access on Steam, this helicopter shooter will be on Game Pass for PC when it launches. Comanche features a single-player campaign in which players can take part in a global conflict with massive consequences set in the near future. There's also multiplayer, where teams of four pilots can compete in intense fights.
Deep Rock Galactic
Coming to Console, PC and Android on November 5
After two years in early access, Deep Rock Galactic launched on PC in May. Now, the co-op first-person shooter is coming to Game Pass, where it will be also be available on Xbox consoles and Android. In it, one to four players control space Dwarves, each with a specialized class. The Dwarves must complete a variety of missions and take on alien monsters while exploring the procedurally-generated caves of Hoxxes IV.
Eastshade
Coming to Console, PC and Android on November 5
In this indie adventure game, you play as a traveling painter exploring the island of Eastshade. In between capturing the island's beauty on your canvas, you'll befriend the locals, learning about and helping them when they need it. You'll also be able to discover the island's secrets and see how your actions affect the world. Eastshade is a beautiful, peaceful game that's perfect for those looking for a calming adventure with no combat.
Knights and Bikes
Coming to Console and PC on November 5
An action-adventure title made for one or two players, Knights and Bikes is a coming of age story set in 1980s Britain. It follows Nessa and Demelza, two young girls exploring and ancient island. The game captures its protagonists' youthful innocence as they solve puzzles and face enemies with things like frisbees and water balloons, using the powers of friendship and imagination to save the island.
Gears Tactics
Coming to Console and Android on November 10
After launching on PC back in April, Gears Tactics will finally be available for console and mobile players on the same day the Series X launches. The Gears of War spinoff takes the style of that series and combines it with the turn-based tactics gameplay that fans of games like X-COM will appreciate. Though it has been available on Game Pass for PC for months, this is an opportunity for even more players to enjoy this critically acclaimed title.
Planet Coaster: Console Edition
Coming to Console and Android on November 10
After years as a PC exclusive, console and mobile players will finally be able to play Planet Coaster: Console Edition, the spiritual successor to Roller Coaster Tycoon. Planet Coaster allows players to build the parks of their dreams. Like in previous games, players can design roller coasters and other attractions, alter the terrain and scenery, and keep guests happy, but this game adds even more features and updates the graphics for modern audiences.
Tetris Effect: Connected
Coming to Console and PC on November 10
A modern spin on the classic game, Tetris Effect is an immersive reinvention of what Tetris is. Connected adds even more excitement with new co-op and competitive modes you can play locally or online. With stunning, colorful visuals and a variety of modes and stages to enjoy, Tetris Effect Connected is an incredible twist on one of the best puzzle games of all time.
Final Fantasy VIII Remastered
Coming to Console and PC on November 12
Another installment in the iconic Final Fantasy franchise is joining Game Pass this month, allowing even more player to access the underrated 1999 title. Final Fantasy VIII has long been overshadowed by FFVII and FFIX, games that have received more attention over the years for their stories and characters. Final Fantasy VIII follows a group of young mercenaries who must take on a sorceress from the future who threatens the flow of time itself. The remaster includes some quality of life options, such as battle assist modes, a game speed boost and the ability to turn off random encounters.
GONNER2
Coming to Android on November 12
Currently available on Game Pass for console and PC, GONNER2 is coming to Android after launching last month. In this platforming shooter, players control Ikk as he travels through procedurally generated levels to help Death. The game's strange world is full of secrets and mysteries, as well as heads, guns and upgrades. In addition to a wild, fast-paced single player mode, there's also local co-op for those who want to explore Death's lair together.
Streets of Rogue
Coming to PC on November 12
Described as "a rogue-lite about player choice, freedom, and anarchic fun," Streets of Rogue combines a multitude of elements from different genres. It combines procedurally generated levels often used for dungeon crawlers but sets the game in a city with AI-controlled residents living their normal lives. Players have different options for taking on missions, meaning you can truly make the experience your own.
Ark: Survival Evolved: Explorer's Edition
Coming to Console, PC and Android on November 17
While Ark: Survival Evolved is already part of Game Pass, the game's three expansion packs add even more content to this action title about surviving in an open world full of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. In total, these add around 900 hours of content to the game, meaning there's plenty for new and returning players to enjoy.
Explorer's Edition adds Scorched Earth, Aberration, and Extinction, each of which can also be downloaded separately. Scorched Earth adds a desert map, new resources and 10 new real and fictional creatures. Aberration has an underground/alien theme, adding a new map, 15 new creatures and items like climbing hooks and glider suits to help players navigate the terrain. Finally, Extinction is a dystopian-themed pack where the Earth and various creatures have been corrupted by "Element." It also adds player versus environment events and massive, powerful Titans to take on.
Halo MCC: Halo 4
Coming to PC on November 17
The final chapter of The Master Chief Collection is joining the compilation (and Game Pass) this month. Halo 4 again follow the cybernetically enhanced super solider and Cortana as they explore an ancient planet and encounter various threats. The complete Master Chief Collection will hopefully hold fans over until Halo Infinite, which is scheduled to launch sometime next year after being delayed.
River City Girls
Coming to Console, PC and Android on November 19
The beat 'em up takes brawler gameplay of classic titles like River City Ransom with a modern twist: this time, its the boyfriends who need to be rescued. Kyoko and Misako must fight their ways through enemies, gaining new skills, weapons and power-ups along the way. There's also two player co-op for those who want to enjoy this retro-style rumble together.
Star Renegades
Coming to Console and Android on November 19
This rogue-lite strategy RPG offers an exciting sci-fi adventure focused on fighting for survival in a procedurally generated world. In Star Renegades, the heroes must take on the Imperium in tactical turn-based battles over the course of generations. Each playthrough is unique, as the game generated new enemies and bosses as you play, forcing you to find new ways to outwit your foes.
Leaving Soon
Like every month, there are also some games leaving Game Pass in November. Four games will leave on November 16, all of them currently available for console and PC: Darksiders III, Munchkin, The Talos Principle and Tracks: The Train Set Game. As always, you'll get a 20 percent membership discount if you decide to purchase any of them while they're still part of Game Pass.