What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold has lived a tumultuous life, providing a wide assortment of free modern and classic Xbox games to subscribers for years.
• Now, the service is finally coming to an end, thanks to Xbox Live Gold being replaced by Xbox Game Pass Core.
• Xbox has revealed the final two games being offered through Games with Gold with Blue Fire and Inertial Drift.
• While both decent games, the Xbox community has been expressing disappointment in how the service is being brought to a close.

Ah, Xbox Games with Gold. A perk offered through Microsoft's online multiplayer subscription, Xbox Live Gold, Games with Gold has been providing free modern and classic Xbox games to players for years. For a long while, though, the service has been besotted with widespread complaints about the quality and quantity of offered games, with many claiming the service was better off sunsetted in favor of the more exciting Xbox Game Pass.

Well, it's finally happening. Xbox Live Gold is being replaced by the basic Xbox Game Pass Core tier on Sept. 14, 2023, and Xbox Games with Gold is shutting its doors forever on Sept. 1. On Thursday, Microsoft announced the final two Xbox games being offered through Games with Gold throughout the month of August. Here they are, with a combined value of $39.99 and 2,000 Gamerscore.

• Blue Fire — Available Aug. 1 to Aug. 31, 2023
• Inertial Drift — Available Aug. 1 to Aug. 31, 2023

Both Blue Fire and Inertial Drift are decent, well-liked games according to player reviews. The former is a Zelda-like 3D platformer and the latter a twin-stick arcade drifting game. While these are both solid games and will likely make plenty of players happy, the Xbox community has still reacted to the announced games with a good degree of ire, criticizing Xbox for closing out Games with Gold "not with a bang, but with a whisper."

Xbox Games with Gold has earned these complaints for years, especially when it's compared to Sony's PlayStation Plus catalog and its regular addition of high-quality, high-profile free game additions. It's undeniable that Xbox Live Gold and its Games with Gold perk has taken a backseat to the more exciting, better-value Xbox Game Pass service and its rotating roster of hundreds of great titles. Still, it would've been nice to see Microsoft usurp expectations for one final hoorah for Games with Gold, like a full set of four titles featuring a good mix of indie, older AAA, and even first-party Xbox games.

Either way, Xbox Games with Gold is coming to an end. On Sept. 14, Xbox Game Pass Core will take its place, and will include a curated collection of over 25 Xbox games (with more added over time) in addition to online multiplayer on Xbox consoles. For those who need the best overall value and features, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes online multiplayer, Xbox and PC Game Pass for access to many of the best Xbox games, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and exclusive perks every single month.

Windows Central's take

The closure of Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Games with Gold feels like the end of an era. I've redeemed a lot of excellent titles from the Games with Gold service over the years, and there are still games currently installed on my Xbox that I intend to play in the future. It's sad to see it go, but I recognize the inevitability of the change in light of the success and achievements of Xbox Game Pass.

Still, I can't help but feel like Microsoft has suddenly reduced the value of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which included all Games with Gold releases, just as the service is hit with a marginal price increase. It would've been nice for something to replace Games with Gold on Microsoft's highest-end subscription service, since the entire Xbox Game Pass Core library is already a part of the wider Xbox Game Pass catalog.

It also would've been fun for Microsoft to truly end Games with Gold with a bang, rather than a somber continuation of what we've been seeing from the service for a long time. At least the final titles seem to be good, fun indie games for those interested, but Xbox Games with Gold is dying as it lived — quietly.

What you need to know

• Xbox's Games with Gold gives subscribers a handful of free Xbox games every month.
• The free titles for June 2023 have been revealed, with two beloved indie games comprising the list.
• Adios is a short, powerful narrative adventure, while The Vale: Shadow of the Crown is an innovate audio-only RPG.
• Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to claim both games for free in June.

It's no secret that Xbox's maligned Games with Gold service has earned next to no positive feedback from the community in recent months and years, but that may be about to change (at least for players who love creative indie games).

Xbox has just revealed the titles heading to Xbox Games with Gold in June 2023, and it's two genuinely amazing and critically acclaimed indie games. The announcement comes shortly after Xbox announced the new games heading to Xbox Game Pass in the next few weeks, which also included a solid list of games for players to explore. Here are the two games coming to Games with Gold this month, with a combined value of $37.98 and 2,000 Gamerscore:

• Adios — June 1 to June 30, 2023
• The Vale: Shadow of the Crown — June 16 to July 15, 2023

Adios is a very short, incredibly well-written narrative adventure game with an emotional story, and it's sure to move some players to tears during its brief span. The Vale: Shadow of the Crown is a unique and innovative RPG with no visuals — That's right, the entire game is just audio, and is pushed forward with its excellent voice acting and writing quality. Both of these indie games are beloved by critics and players alike.

In case you missed it, a lot more is happening this month as well. Diablo 4 is almost here, and you can now read our full Diablo 4 review praising the game for its industry-defining campaign, stunning visuals dripping with gore and viscera, and aggressively addictive gameplay. We also praised Street Fighter 6 in our review, which is guaranteed to attract the vast hordes of fighting games fans. Both titles are absolutely some of the best Xbox games coming out this year.

Minecraft's 1.20 "Trails & Tales" update is arriving on June 7, 2023, and Microsoft is hosting its massive and highly anticipated Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase on June 11. There's clearly a lot to look forward to in June already, but maybe we can all find time to play the two great games coming to us via Xbox Games with Gold.

If you want to add these Games with Gold titles to your library, you'll need to be subscribed to Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes the former service in addition to Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Windows Central's take

Some will still likely complain that there are no big-name, big-budget games on the docket for this month's Xbox Games with Gold, but those who adore creative indie games will have a blast with what's on offer here. I loved Adios; I unfortunately forgot about The Vale: Shadow of the Crown, but this is a fantastic reminder and an even better opportunity to finally play it myself.

As long as Xbox continues to offer interesting, high-quality titles through Games with Gold, I honestly don't care if it's the latest and greatest "AAA" games or not. I like playing good games, and this month delivers that. I'm happy.

What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold is a part of Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and gives subscribers free games every month.
• Xbox has announced the Games with Gold coming to players in May 2023, and only two are on the list this time around.
• In honor of Star Wars Day on May 4, Xbox Games with Gold will include Star Wars Episode 1 Racer.
• The second game will be Hoa, a well-received puzzle-platforming adventure.

Xbox Games with Gold is an aging part of the Xbox ecosystem, giving many Xbox subscribers access to a handful of free games every single month. The quality of these games has come under fire from the Xbox community for years, now, but the program has continued as is.

April is drawing to a close, not in a drizzle but in an explosion of new game releases like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Age of Wonders 4. With April's conclusion comes the arrival of May, and a new announcement from Xbox on the titles being offered through Xbox Games with Gold next month. There are only two games this time, but both seem to be well-received by players, and one is actually thematically appropriate for the month of May.

• Star Wars Episode 1 Racer — Available from May 1 to May 31
• Hoa — Available from May 16 to June 15

May 4 is Star Wars Day, so it's nice to see Xbox Games with Gold offer a free Star Wars game to celebrate it, even if it's an aging classic all the way back from 1999. The other game is Hoa, a beautiful, 2D puzzle-platformer that seems to be loved by its players, aside from those encountering a load screen bug. Neither games are high profile additions to the service or count among our best Xbox games, but both titles are sure to make plenty of Xbox players happy.

In other news, Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will also be able to enjoy some Free Play Days. From Thursday, April 27 until Sunday, April 30, 2023, subscribers can play games like Crusader Kings 3, Hell Let Loose, Leap, and Don't Starve Together. Crusader Kings 3 is a critically-acclaimed grand strategy game that absolutely deserves your attention, but it is also already available through Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.

What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold grants Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers free games every month.
• The titles for April 2023 have been revealed, and includes exactly two games.
• Out of Space Couch Edition and Peaky Blinders: Mastermind will be available to claim throughout April and the beginning of May.
• In other news, this weekend's Free Play Days include Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition on Xbox.

Xbox has generally been going from win to win with its community, lately, but one aspect of the expansive gaming ecosystem that continues to struggle to escape criticism is Xbox Games with Gold. The service, included within Xbox Live Gold, grants players free titles every month. However, the quality and quantity of these games in recent years has repeatedly drawn ire from players.

Xbox Games with Gold is continuing for another month, and Xbox has revealed the games included for April 2023. Unfortunately, there are only two games on offer for subscribers this month, worth a combined $34.98 and 2,000 Gamerscore in value. The games include:

• Out of Space Couch Edition — April 1 to April 30, 2023
• Peaky Blinders: Mastermind — April 16 to May 15, 2023

Out of Space at least looks like a fun, creative game to play locally with friends and family, but neither game is well-known and is unlikely to help Games with Gold's tarnished reputation. Additionally, the service is back down to two games in April, after offering a third free game in March. Overall, Microsoft is making it clear how the majority of its resources is focused on the rapidly evolving Xbox Game Pass, which continues to score a wide variety of high-profile, day one additions.

If you're looking for something to play in April as an Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, there may be another option. Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition for Xbox, a truly amazing console port and one of the best Xbox Game Pass games you can play, will be completely free-to-play starting later today and until mid-Sunday, April 2.

That's right, AoE2 is a part of this weekend's Xbox Free Play Days, which lets gamers play any of four games to their heart's content during the period. Embr and Journey to the Savage Planet are included, but Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition is definitely the highlight of this weekend. If you love the game after playing, you can buy it with a 10-20% discount (depending on the edition) or continue playing through Xbox and PC Game Pass.

Windows Central's take

I've enjoyed several games offered through Xbox Games with Gold over the years, including the adorable Calico, but it has been a while since the service has offered any worthwhile titles that have drawn my attention. Many of these offered games may actually be just fine, and there have been some indie gems included in Games with Gold, but the service is sorely lacking high-profile titles that convince subscribers of its value.

Xbox Game Pass is far superior when considering the sheer level of choice it offers subscribers; the more time passes, the less Xbox Games with Gold feels like it needs to exist next to its shinier, more value-driven sibling.

What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold is a perk of Xbox Live Gold, and offers a selection of free games every month.
• The service has been heavily and consistently criticized by the community for its lackluster offerings.
• Back in October, Microsoft also reduced the number of free games a month from four to just two.
• The Games with Gold for March 2023, and actually includes three Xbox games with decent reception from players.

Over the last few years, Xbox Games with Gold has increasingly fallen out of favor with the Xbox community versus other services like Xbox Game Pass, with good reason. Xbox has now revealed the selection of titles being offered through Games with Gold for March 2023, and the number has actually increased from two to three games.

Back in Oct. 2022, Xbox reduced the number of monthly Games with Gold from four to only two, after dropping all Xbox 360 and original Xbox games from the service. Now, at least for the next month, Xbox Games with Gold is increasing its monthly offerings from two to three Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S titles. None of the included games in March are "AAA" or even high profile, but all three appear to be decently reviewed by Xbox gamers in the Microsoft Store.

The three games offer 3,230 in possible Gamerscore and a combined $85.97 in value. The games include:

• Trüberbrook: March 1 to March 31
• Sudden Strike 4 — Complete Collection: March 1 to March 31
• Lamentum: March 16 to April 15

Xbox's Games with Gold for the month of March are unlikely to sway community opinion of the much-maligned service, especially as Xbox Game Pass continues to aggressively expand with a plethora of incredible new titles. The list of best Xbox Game Pass games is packed with modern blockbusters and classic hits in every genre, with something for every player. Still, it's good to see the service at least partially undo the massive reduction in monthly titles.

Xbox players who want the best of everything should look no further than Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes all the Game Pass titles for Xbox and Windows PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Xbox Live Gold for online multiplayer. Yes, that means Xbox Games with Gold is included as well.

What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold is a part of Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, giving subscribers free games every month.
• For years, now, the service has been heavily criticized by the community for its lackluster offerings.
• Xbox has just revealed the lineup for December 2022, and Xbox gamers are expressing their disappointment.
• With just Colt Canyon and Bladed Fury, Xbox Games with Gold continues to be Microsoft's least-loved service.

Xbox recently made the decision to remove backward compatible games from Xbox Games with Gold — the service that provides Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers with free games every month — and reduced the number of monthly titles from four to two, further reducing the value of this much-maligned Xbox service. The gaming brand has just announced the Xbox Games with Gold for December, and it's continuing to elicit negative responses and feedback from the community.

Xbox Games with Gold for December 2022 includes Colt Canyon from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31, 2022, and Bladed Fury from Dec. 16, 2022 to Jan. 15, 2023. The two games offer $34.98 and 2,000 Gamerscore in value, although they do little to improve the value prospect of the Games with Gold service as a whole. While Colt Canyon does seem to be a nice 2D pixel art western shoot-em-up, it fails to reverse public opinion on the service, and Bladed Fury seems to be eliciting even fewer positive reactions.

Every month, Xbox Games with Gold earns the ire of Xbox gamers with its lackluster offerings, further accentuated by Xbox's lack of response to feedback or criticism. Notable community and industry figures like Klobrille and Colteastwood have joined in the mostly one-sided discussion, building on months of perpetual frustration and disappointment in what was once a gem at the center of Xbox's services.

It's not necessarily a surprise to see Xbox Games with Gold sit abandoned on the cold, lifeless backburner when you see the constant attention and investment that Xbox Game Pass receives. With hundreds of the most amazing Xbox games and more added every month, Xbox Game Pass is commonly pointed to as the greatest value in the gaming industry. Microsoft is trapped between taking value away from Xbox Live Gold (included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) by shuttering its Games with Gold perk, or potentially harming Xbox Game Pass by pouring more resources into its archaic predecessor.

When PlayStation Plus continues to offer relevant titles, critically-acclaimed indie games, and even AAA hits month after month, however, it's obvious that something needs to change for Xbox Games with Gold. Many have called for Microsoft to do away with Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Games with Gold entirely, building on Microsoft's move to remove the Xbox Live Gold requirement to play free-to-play multiplayer games. Unfortunately, that's not likely to happen as long as Xbox Live Gold continues to be a sizeable chunk of Xbox's income (or until the majority of Xbox Live Gold subscribers are on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate).

Some have suggested that Microsoft pivot Games with Gold to instead highlight select Xbox Game Pass titles every month, allowing Xbox Live Gold subscribers to sample the service, and hopefully convincing them to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This solution would take value away from existing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, however, with no real gain for those already invested in Microsoft's flagship service.

Others say Microsoft should simply improve the quality of games in the service, although it's undoubtedly difficult for Microsoft to convince developers to give their games away for free when Xbox Game Pass continues to be such a tantalizing proposition for them.

It's obvious that something needs to give for Xbox Games with Gold, as it continues to be one of the largest black spots on Xbox's rapidly improving reputation in the industry. The service is locked in the past, overshadowed by competitors and Microsoft's own Xbox Game Pass service, and is a constant reminder that Xbox Live Gold is an unnecessary paywall to play online and is a service that has long lost its shine.

What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold is a free perk included with Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions.
• It grants subscribers access to two free games a month, although it used to provide four.
• The Xbox Games with Gold lineup for Nov. 2022 includes the HD Remaster of Praetorians and Dead End Job.

Everybody's favorite and most valuable gaming add-on, Xbox Games with Gold, is returning with another shining month packed with brilliant titles. Or, rather, Xbox has taken the wraps off the two Xbox One-era games being offered for free to players with an Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

Xbox Games with Gold officially removed original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles from the service in October, so players shouldn't be too surprised by the inclusion of only two Xbox One games in Xbox Games with Gold for Nov. 2022. Subscribers will be able to obtain Praetorians HD Remaster and Dead End Job throughout the next month, which add up to a combined value of $37 and 2,000 Gamerscore.

Out of the two games, Praetorians is probably the title that will interest prospective players the most. The HD remaster and console port of the 2003 PC real-time strategy seems to be well-liked by its pool of players, and may provide hours of RTS fun. Dead End Job is a humorous couch co-op action game with a colorful art style. Both games can be added to your library for free solely for having an Xbox Live Gold subscription.

Of course, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also includes Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Games with Gold, while also granting access to hundreds of the best Xbox and PC Game Pass titles. Microsoft's flagship gaming subscription is undeniably a better value than its online-centric counterpart, and it gains more titles all the time. As Xbox Live Gold continues to rest on the backburner for Microsoft, Xbox Game Pass grabs all the attention and headlines.

What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold is an ongoing subscription perk that grants free games to players every month.
• With Microsoft removing original Xbox and Xbox 360 games from the service, its future was unclear.
• On Thursday, Xbox revealed that Xbox Games with Gold will now only feature two Xbox One-era games each month.
• October's lineup includes Windbound and Bomber Crew, which are worth a combined $45 and 2,000 Gamerscore.

Xbox Games with Gold has long been heavily criticized for its lackluster offerings month after month, but September's lineup announcement left the future of the service shrouded in mystery. Now the veil has been lifted, and subscribers are already leveling fresh criticism at the much-maligned service for the changes that have been wrought.

Sept. 2022 was the last month that Xbox intended to offer either original Xbox or Xbox 360 titles in Xbox Games with Gold, which historically made up half of the service's four free games each month. Now that Xbox Games with Gold for Oct. 2022 have been revealed, it's clear that Xbox isn't intending to offer additional Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S games to compensate for the departed classics. Instead, it appears that subscribers will now be able to redeem only two modern Xbox games each month.

This month, the free games include Windbound, which will be available from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31, 2022, and Bomber Crew Deluxe Edition, which will be available from Oct. 16 to Nov. 15, 2022. The two titles combined are worth approximately $45 and contain 2,000 Gamerscore worth of Achievements. As always, Xbox Games with Gold is offered as an additional perk included in the Xbox Live Gold service, with redeemed games being available to play for as long as you're subscribers.

As always, players who are seeking more value from their gaming service, especially when it comes to available games to play through that service, should instead turn to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Microsoft's premiere service includes Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Games with Gold, on top of the very best titles of Xbox and PC Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and exclusive perks every month. Xbox Game Pass contains hundreds of high-quality games, with more added every month.

What you need to know

• For years, Xbox Games with Gold has provided four free original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One titles a month to subscribers.
• The lineup for Sept. 2022 has been revealed, and will be the last month Xbox 360 games are included.
• Next month, subscribers will be able to add the legendary Portal 2 to their collection.
• Gods Will Fall, Double Kick Heroes, and Thrillville are also included in September's Games with Gold.

Xbox Games with Gold hasn't been considered the most interesting or exciting Microsoft gaming service by many for a long while, but it has been relatively consistent. Every month, two Xbox One and two original Xbox or Xbox 360 games are offered for free to Xbox Live Gold subscribers. The revealed lineup for Sept. 2022 continues this trend, although things are set to change with the following month of October.

Xbox Games with Gold for Sept. 2022 includes an additional four titles for subscribers to add to their library, with a quoted $67 in combined value, and 3,000 Gamerscore up for Achievement hunters to grab. The four titles include:

• Gods Will Fall, available from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30, 2022
• Thrillville, available from Sept. 1 to Sept. 15, 2022
• Portal 2, available from Sept. 16 to Sept. 30, 2022
• Double Kick Heroes, available from Sept. 16 to Oct. 15, 2022

The headlining title this month certainly appears to be Portal 2, a legendary puzzle platformer that still holds up all these years later. It's fitting, then, that Portal 2 is among the final Xbox 360 titles slated to be offered on the service, as Xbox Games with Gold will stop offering older-generation games starting in October. It's unclear if Microsoft will begin offering four newer Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S games a month, next month, or simply downsize to two. All redeemed older Xbox games will remain available to players in their libraries even without an Xbox Live Gold subscription.

Players seeking superior value and more games to play should be looking past Xbox Live Gold and its lackluster Games with Gold service toward Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Microsoft's flagship subscription service includes access to Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Games with Gold, Xbox Perks with Ultimate, Xbox and PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, all at one monthly cost. That means access to hundreds of amazing games across platforms, with a far more compelling lineup than Microsoft has offered in Games with Gold in recent months.

What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold provides four free Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Xbox 360 games to subscribers every month.
• On Thursday, the company revealed the four titles heading to Games with Gold in Aug. 2022.
• The lineup includes games like Calico, Saints Row 2, ScourgeBringer, and Monaco: What's Yours is Mine.
• In case you missed it, Games with Gold will stop offering Xbox 360 titles beginning in Oct. 2022.

The value of Xbox Games with Gold is still questioned by the Xbox community every month, but that isn't stopping Microsoft from rolling out a fresh lineup of free titles at the end of each cycle. On Thursday, the company revealed what's coming to Xbox Games with Gold in Aug. 2022, including an intriguing indie title and the return of a classic to the service.

Xbox Games with Gold for Aug. 2022 includes the usual dispersal of games, split between two Xbox One and two Xbox 360 titles. Throughout the next month, players will be able to add all four of these games to their library for free. This time around, the offered titles amount to a combined value of $54 and 3,400 Gamerscore. The four games include:

• Saint's Row 2, available from Aug. 1 to Aug. 15, 2022
• Calico, available from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31, 2022
• Monaco: What's Yours is Mine, available from Aug. 16 to Aug. 31, 2022
• ScourgeBringer, available from Aug. 16 to Sept. 15, 2022

The headlining title in the Xbox Games with Gold roster seems to be Saints Row 2, an epic open-world action game originally released for the Xbox 360 and a predecessor to the upcoming Saints Row reboot. That being said, Saints Row 2 was already offered on the service a few years ago, so some subscribers may already have the game in their library. Calico also looks like an intriguing indie game for those who may be interested in a relaxing, adorable cat cafe adventure.

In case you missed it, Microsoft announced in July that Xbox Games with Gold will no longer offer Xbox 360 titles beginning in Oct. 2022. The reasons cited for the change come down to a dwindling supply of compelling backward-compatible games that can be offered through the service. All Xbox 360 games that have been redeemed through Games with Gold are permanent additions to players' libraries, however, even without an Xbox Live Gold subscription. 

The still-vital Xbox Live Gold service, which houses Games with Gold, has "lost its spark" over the last few years, with its value no longer being obvious. Microsoft's more ambitious Xbox Game Pass subscription, which grants access to hundreds of incredible games, has certainly stolen the thunder from Microsoft's aging online multiplayer service.

If you want access to it all, there's no better solution than Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes full access to Xbox Live Gold and Games with Gold, Xbox and PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming for console-level gaming while on the move.

For episode 72 of Xbox Chaturdays, we'll be joined once again by Ainsley Bowden of Seasoned Gaming. We'll be diving into the titles coming to Xbox Game Pass in July, E3's big comeback plans, our impressions of the revamped showing for Skull and Bones, notable changes to Games with Gold, the Game of the Year 2022 discourse, and so much more.

If you're excited about catching up on all the biggest gaming news of the week, tune into Xbox Chaturdays live every Saturday at 12 p.m. ET!

What is Xbox Chaturdays? 

Xbox Chaturdays is our weekly Windows Central Gaming podcast. Every Saturday, we sit down with various Xbox developers, enthusiasts, and industry figures to chat about all things Xbox. We designed our show to provide exciting and engaging content for Xbox and PC players, highlighting what we love about gaming. There's always something fun to chat about from the best games on Xbox Game Pass to the titles we can't wait to play.

With Xbox Chaturdays, we've built up a pretty incredible audience of live viewers who consistently keeps the show fresh and exciting with questions. Our show promotes community interaction, and we strive to immerse our viewers in the experience. If you haven't caught an episode before, head on over to the Windows Central Gaming YouTube channel to watch past episodes or on all your favorite podcast services including Spotify, iTunes, and Google Podcasts.

What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold is a feature for Xbox Live Gold subscribers, providing free monthly games that subscribers can redeem and keep, similar to Sony's PlayStation Plus. 
• Over the last several years, Xbox 360 games have been a part of the service, alongside Xbox One titles and occasional original Xbox games.
• Microsoft shared that starting in October 2022, Xbox 360 games will no longer be part of Games with Gold.

Xbox Games with Gold is getting a fairly big change in the coming months, as Xbox 360 games will no longer be included in the monthly free games.

Microsoft shared on Tuesday via emails to Xbox Live Gold subscribers that starting in October 2022, Xbox 360 games will no longer be included in Games with Gold. The reason behind this change is that Microsoft has reached the limit of what games can be added to the service for players.

Xbox Games with Gold began in July 2013, bringing two free Xbox 360 games for Xbox Live Gold subscribers to redeem and play at no extra cost, similar to one of the benefits in Sony's PlayStation Plus service. A year later, Xbox One games were also added into the service. 

Microsoft has focused on providing backward compatible Xbox 360 games in its monthly offerings, occasionally including an original Xbox title from time to time. While these older titles will no longer be included in the near future, Microsoft has stated that players continue to be able to download any games they redeemed. 

Due a difference in how the service was set up, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games redeemed through Games with Gold can continue to be played even when someone is no longer subscribed to Xbox Live Gold. Any redeemed Xbox One games, however, can only be played while someone is a subscriber. 

Xbox Live Gold is currently available standalone or in a bundle with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which also included Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, EA Play, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

What you need to know

• Xbox Live Gold includes the Games with Gold perk, which offers four free games to subscribers every month.
• Xbox has revealed the Games with Gold for July 2022, with two Xbox One and two Xbox 360 titles in the lineup.
• Beasts of Maravilla Island, Relicta, Thrillville: Off the Rails, and Torchlight are all included this month.
• The lineup has a total value of $55 and a combined Gamerscore of 3,200.

In an attempt to inject additional value into its Xbox Live Gold online multiplayer subscription, Microsoft offers four free games a month to subscribers in the form of Xbox Games with Gold. The value of the offerings has seemingly declined over the years, according to the wider Xbox community, and Xbox Live Gold itself is under scrutiny regarding its relevancy in an evolving industry.

Still, Xbox has just revealed the Xbox Games with Gold for July 2022, continuing to give players the opportunity to add up to four new games to their libraries free of charge. This month, the four games total up to $55 in value, with 3,200 potential Gamerscore from Achievements between them. The four games include:

• Beasts of Maravilla Island, available from July 1 to July 31, 2022
• Thrillville: Off the Rails, available from July 1 to July 15, 2022
• Torchlight, available from July 16 to July 31, 2022
• Relicta, available from July 16 to Aug. 15, 2022

For many, the most interesting game on this list may be the critically-acclaimed hack-and-slash action-RPG Torchlight. Of course, that's only if you didn't add Torchlight to your library the last time it was offered through Xbox Games with Gold, as it's a returning title to the service.

While the value Xbox Live Gold has continued to be controversial among Xbox players, the value of its sibling service, Xbox Game Pass, continues to rise as more and more games join its impressive library. Fortunately, it's easy to obtain both and more with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Microsoft's ultimate gaming subscription includes Xbox Live Gold and its Games with Gold perk, as well as all the best Xbox Game Pass games across Xbox, PC, and even the cloud with Xbox Cloud Gaming. The value of the service is practically undeniable for many, and it certainly aims to offer more for your money than Xbox Live Gold and its monthly free games.

What you need to know

• Microsoft shared the May 2022 Games with Gold.
• Games with Gold brings four games every month for Xbox Live Gold subscribers.
• Games with Gold titles are regularly criticized for being much older or irrelevant titles.

Every month, Microsoft shares four new games that are added to Xbox Games with Gold, a monthly drop of games for anyone subscribed to Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

With Xbox Live Gold, which is included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, players continue to get four new games every month. The games are often seen as weaker titles when compared to what's included in the growing Xbox Game Pass library. As shared on Xbox Wire, here's the four games coming in May 2022:

• Yoku's Island Express: Available May 1 to 31
• The Inner World – The Last Wind Monk: Available May 16 to June 15
• Hydro Thunder Hurricane: Available May 1 to 15
• Viva Piñata Party Animals: Available May 16 to 31

If you have an active membership, you'll want to grab your games during the window of time mentioned above for each particular game.

Xbox Game Pass, which is also bundled into Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, is by contrast widely seen as a must-own for Xbox players. In addition to a library of third-party titles, Xbox Game Pass gets day one titles from Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also includes PC Game Pass, EA Play, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, making it the best option for anyone interested in getting every gaming subscription possible across the Xbox ecosystem.

What you need to know

• Games with Gold is a complimentary service included within Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
• The service provides four free Xbox games to subscribers a month, and has been criticized for lack of quality or big-name offerings.
• Microsoft has now revealed the four games heading to Xbox Games with Gold in April 2022.
• Totaling approximately $75 in value and 3,200 Gamerscore, April's offerings include titles like Another Sight and Hue.

Every month, Microsoft rewards Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers with a selection of four free games from the Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox catalog of available games. However, the Xbox Games with Gold service often feels unwanted by subscribers, thanks to the seemingly lackluster offerings announced every month. Nevertheless, Microsoft has unveiled the four new games heading to Games with Gold in April 2022.

Xbox Games with Gold in April 2022 follows a familiar formula by offering two Xbox One-era and two Xbox 360-era games. Any players subscribed to Xbox Live Gold can add the four games to their library for free over the course of April, and play them for as long as they're subscribed. This month, Xbox is offering four games valuing approximately $75 and 3,200 Gamerscore in total. The four games include:

• Outpost Kaloki X: Available from April 1 until April 15
• Another Sight: Available from April 1 until April 30
• MX vs ATV Alive: Available from April 16 until April 30
• Hue: Available from April 16 until May 15

It's no wonder Xbox Games with Gold have fallen in popularity, when you compare the aging service to the constantly evolving and growing library offered by Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft adds new games to Xbox Game Pass all the time, including day-one launches from indie developers, Xbox Game Studios, and more.

With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you gain access to all of the best Xbox Game Pass games through Xbox and PC Game Pass, mobile streaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming, exclusive perks, and all the benefits offered from Xbox Live Gold (including Xbox Games with Gold!). With all of this included, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate makes a case for itself as the best value in gaming, and makes many in the community feel Xbox Games with Gold is lackluster in comparison.

What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold is a service that provides four free games a month to Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
• The service has been criticized heavily by the Xbox community in recent years for lackluster game offerings.
• Microsft has just revealed the games heading to Xbox Games with Gold in Feb. 2022.
• Titles include Broken Sword 5: The Serpent's Curse, Aerial_Knight's Never Yield, Hydrophobia, and Band of Bugs.

Xbox Games with Gold is an oft-maligned service available to Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, and provides four free games every month. The titles can include Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles, and usually enjoys a decent variety of genres. As we near the end of January, Microsoft has taken the wraps off the four free games heading to Xbox Games with Gold in Feb. 2022.

February's Xbox Games with Gold aren't liable to excite large swathes of the Xbox community, but it is additional value for Xbox Live Gold subscribers that enjoy these games or trying new ones. The games on offer this month amount to a $56 value and offer a combined 2,400 Gamerscore in Achievements. The four games include:

• Broken Sword 5: The Serpent's Curse: Available from Feb. 1 until Feb. 28.
• Hydrophobia: Available from Feb. 1 until Feb. 15.
• Band of Bugs: Available from Feb. 15 until Feb. 28.
• Aerial_Knight's Never Yield: Available from Feb. 16 until March. 15.

Xbox Games with Gold has fallen from favor in recent memory thanks to a decline in perceived value from the Xbox community. Thankfully, Xbox Game Pass is considered one of the best values in all of gaming, providing access to hundreds of high-quality games, with more added to Xbox Game Pass all the time.

If you pay a little more for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you gain access to the hundreds of games in Xbox and PC Game Pass, including many of the best Xbox games, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Xbox Live Gold. This means Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also includes Xbox Games with Gold.

What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold is a special offer that gives Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Members access to four free games every month.
• During January 2022, NeuroVoider, Aground, Radiant Silvergun, and Space Invaders Infinity Gene will be free to download for Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Members.

One of the perks of subscribing to Microsoft's Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate services is the opportunity to download four free games every month with the Xbox Games with Gold special offers. To ring in the new year, Microsoft has announced the lineup for January 2022's Xbox Games with Gold.

Below is the list of games announced for Xbox Games with Gold in Jan. 2022:

• For the entirety of January (Jan 1. to Jan 31.), Xbox users will be able to freely download NeuroVoider, an intense, cooperative, twin-stick shooter set in a cyberpunk world.
• Between Jan. 16 and Feb. 15, Aground will be available to download for free. This is a retro-style, survival game where you go from exploring ancient lands and hunting dragons to traveling into the vast reaches of space.
• Between Jan. 1 and Jan. 15, Xbox users can download Radiant Silvergun for free. This is a classic arcade shoot-em-up from the 1990s that got re-released on the Xbox 360 in 2011 and eventually onto modern Xbox consoles via Xbox Backwards Compatibility.
• From January 16-31, Xbox users can download Space Invaders Infinity Gene, a re-imagining of the iconic arcade space shooter, Space Invaders. This game offers over 140 levels to blast enemies in, new power-ups to play with, and stunning new visuals which give the classic Space Invaders aesthetic a modern make-over.

These free games are just one of the many features of being a member of Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. You can play with your friends on online multiplayer across Xbox consoles, PC and the Cloud, play Xbox games on mobile devices via Xbox Cloud Gaming, gain free access to hundreds of the best Xbox games for a limited time with Xbox Game Pass and much more.

All these benefits are available for Xbox users who subscribe to either Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Xbox Live Gold subscriptions cost $9.99 a month for home consoles and Xbox Games Pass Ultimate subscriptions cost $14.99 a month for home consoles and PC.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has unveiled the latest lineup for its Games with Gold program, available via its Xbox Live Gold subscription.
• The Escapists 2, Tropico 5 – Penultimate Edition, Orcs Must Die!, and Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet are all set to join the service, marking the last offering for the year.
• You get the usual offering of two Xbox 360 Games and two Xbox One titles with the subscription.

Xbox Live Gold has been dwarfed following the explosive growth of Xbox Game Pass, but the free games are still something fans can look forward to every month. Microsoft's usual promise of two Xbox 360 games and two Xbox One games continues, and with the last games for 2021 now here, the offering is very modest.

Microsoft has announced the four games that will be ready to download for Xbox Live Gold users on their respective dates. Below is a breakdown of when you can grab the games you're looking for.

The Escapists 2 for Xbox One will be available for the whole month of December (Dec. 1 - Dec. 31), while Tropico 5 – Penultimate Edition will be available from the middle of December until the middle of January (Dec. 15 - Jan. 15, 2022. Orcs Must Die! for Xbox 360 will be available for the first half of December (Dec. 1 - Dec. 15), and lastly, Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet will be available from the second half of December (Dec. 16 - Dec. 31) on the console. The two titles are also playable on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles via backward compatibility.

Xbox Live Gold subscriptions start at $9.99 per month on Xbox consoles, while also available via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions, available from $15 per month on console and PC.

What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold gifts four free games a month to Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
• The selection for Oct. 2021 has been revealed, and includes a couple classic gems and some newer futuristic titles.
• Castlevania: Harmony of Despair and Resident Evil Code: Veronica X likely headline this month's free Games with Gold.
• Aaero, an intense and beautiful rhythm runner, is also a well-reviewed addition to Xbox Games with Gold.

Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can take advantage of another round of Xbox Games with Gold, as Microsoft has just unveiled the four games heading to the service throughout October. From classic horror to modern rhythm action, Xbox Games with Gold has a little something for everyone this month, and looks to offer a solid selection to partakers.

Xbox Games with Gold for Oct. 2021 clock in at a reported combined value of $74.96, with up to 3,200 potential Gamerscore between the bunch. The month kicks off with Aaero, a critically-acclaimed rhythm-based runner set in a futuristic world, which will be available from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31. Simultaneously, Castlevania: Harmony of Despair joins the service from Oct. 1 and leaves on Oct. 15. Then, players will be able to pick up another Xbox 360 gem with Resident Evil Code: Veronica X being available from Oct. 16 until Oct. 31. Finally, Xbox Games with Gold ends with open-world adventure Hover being available from Oct. 16 until Nov. 15.

Xbox Games with Gold is still a great program for anyone lacking new games to play, but the quality has arguably continued to dwindle over the last few years, according to community feedback. Fortunately, this is offset by the incredible value offered by Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which is currently considered one of the best deals in gaming.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes Games with Gold benefits, on top of Xbox Game Pass for consoles and PC, Xbox Live Gold for multiplayer, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. If you're looking for a reason to be interested in Xbox Game Pass, the best games on the service is a great place to start.

What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold is an ongoing program that gifts four free games a month to Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
• The games are of varying levels of quality, and the service in general has steadily declined in popularity over recent years.
• The Xbox Games with Gold for September have finally been revealed, showing four fresh games heading to subscribers.
• The selection includes Warhammer: Chaosbane, Mulaka, Zone of the Enders, and Samurai Showdown II.

Another month is drawing to a close, and Xbox has taken to the internet to announce Sept. 2021's batch of Xbox Games with Gold. The four games, which will be offered for free to Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, continue the long-running program that has recently fallen out of favor with the Xbox community due to its inconsistent quality. Still, four free games are four free games, and this month's selection may excite you.

The Xbox Games with Gold for Sept. 2021 are purportedly worth a combined value of $100 and 4,000 in Gamerscore, and starts with Warhammer: Chaosbane from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30. Zone of the Enders HD Collection, an Xbox 360 title, will be available from Sept. 1 until Sept. 15. Samurai Showdown II picks up where Zone of the Enders leaves off, and will be available from Sept. 16 until Sept. 30. Finally, Mulaka will be available from Sept. 16 until Oct. 15.

If you're seeking the best value proposition that includes Xbox Games with Gold, you should definitely consider Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This subscription service includes the online multiplayer benefits of Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Games with Gold, Xbox Game Pass for both consoles and PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Xbox Game Pass includes hundreds of high-quality games, and the best Xbox Game Pass games are some of the best games of the last few years.

What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold is one of the perks included for Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
• The service offers four free games to subscribers every single month, although often of lackluster quality.
• The Xbox Games with Gold for August have been revealed, and include titles like Darksiders III, Yooka-Laylee, Lost Planet 3, and Garou: Mark of the Wolves.
• The highlight of this month seems to be Darksiders III, which is a well-reviewed action-RPG from a few years ago.

As July draws to a close, it's time for the next round of free Xbox games. Microsoft has taken the wraps off the Xbox Games with Gold for Aug. 2021, and the selection may actually be pretty solid for players, especially action-RPG fans. The four free games offered to Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers every month are often met with disappointment due to a dwindling overall quality, often accused of being driven by a new focus on the superior value service: Xbox Game Pass.

Still, players can add up to four new games to their library every single month just for being subscribed to Xbox Live Gold, and the selection for Aug. has been revealed.

The Xbox Games with Gold for Aug. 2021 are reportedly worth a combined $130 in value and 3,200 in Gamerscore. Players can redeem Lost Planet 3 from Aug. 1 to Aug. 15, Darksiders III from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31, Garou: Mark of the Wolves from Aug. 16 to Aug. 31, and Yooka-Laylee from Aug. 16 to Sept. 15.

If you want the best of everything at the greatest value, your safest bet is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. On monthly subscription includes Xbox Live Gold (including Games with Gold), Xbox Game Pass for PC and consoles, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. If you want to see why Xbox Game Pass is worth your attention, be sure to check out our list of best Xbox Game Pass games and all the new games coming to Xbox Game Pass.

What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold gives players a few free games each month as part of their Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
• For July 2021, Xbox is offering four games: Planet Alpha, Rock of Ages 3: Make and Break, Conker: Live and Reloaded and finally, Midway Arcade Origins.
• Many Xbox players continue to call for improvements to Xbox Live Gold, such as better free games, or a removal of the service altogether.

Microsoft unveiled the monthly lineup of titles being offered with Xbox Games with Gold today via Xbox Wire. The standout is easily Conker: Live and Reloaded, a crass adventure from the developers at Rare since before the team was ever part of Xbox Game Studios. The other games being offered are Planet Alpha, Rock of Ages 3: Make and Break and Midway Arcade Origins.

Xbox Game Pass continues to be the main focus for Microsoft's monthly offering, with the games offered through Games with Gold being notably older. Xbox Live Gold has seen changes this year, with the service no longer being required in order to enjoy free-to-play multiplayer titles online.

Xbox Live Gold is bundled into Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which also includes Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Game Pass for PC, EA Play and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Xbox Cloud Gaming recently expanded, with a browser-based option now available on Windows 10 and Apple devices, with 1080p 60 FPS streaming available now that the server blades are powered by Xbox Series X hardware.

What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold is a perk included in Xbox Live Gold that nets players four free games every single month.
• The Xbox Games with Gold for June 2021 has been revealed, and includes games like Injustice: Gods Among Us and The King's Bird.
• Recently, the program has come under fire for a lackluster selection of free games, with old or obscure games dominating.
• There have been calls from Xbox players to shelve Xbox Games with Gold in favor of the superior and more value-driven Xbox Game Pass service.

As we near the end of May, Microsoft has unveiled the Xbox Games with Gold for June 2021. The four free games being offered through the Xbox Live Gold program (also included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) will likely disappoint many players, but plenty of people should also be able to find something they love here. Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Games with Gold both have experienced a shift in perception in recent years as Xbox Game Pass continues to dominate the value wars, but you can still add these four titles to your games library over the next month.

Xbox Games with Gold for June include four games worth a combined $80 and 3,200 Gamerscore, with the headlining game absolutely being the Xbox 360 backward compatible version of Injustice: Gods Among Us. The month will begin with The Kings Bird from June 1 to June 30 and NeoGeo Battle Coliseum from June 1 to June 15. Then, Shadows: Awakening will be available from June 16 to July 15, with Injustice: Gods Among Us from June 16 to June 30.

In our Xbox Live Gold review, it became clear that the outlook for the service wasn't the same as when it made its groundbreaking debut. Recent changes to Xbox Live Gold like the removal of the free-to-play multiplayer paywall, the middling offers from Xbox Games with Gold, and the rise of the value-driven and all-around-superior Xbox Game Pass Ultimate insinuate that Xbox Live Gold isn't going to be around forever anymore. While many players may still appreciate the free games they earn every month with Xbox Games with Gold, lots of vocal players have made it clear they wouldn't mind this shift.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is certainly one of the best values in gaming right now, with access to hundreds of high-quality games across Xbox and PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Games with Gold, and exclusive perks all included in one monthly subscription. If you're still not sold, be sure to check out some of the best Xbox Game Pass games, and all the new games coming to Xbox Game Pass.

What you need to know

• Xbox Games with Gold is a service through Xbox Live Gold that offers up to four free games every month.
• The Xbox Games with Gold for May, 2021 have been revealed, and the offering is slightly mediocre like usual.
• Players will be able to redeem for games like Armello, LEGO Batman, Dungeons 3, and Tropico 4.
• Xbox free-to-play games recently dropped their Xbox Live Gold requirement for online multiplayer, making Xbox Live Gold even less useful.

As we near the end of an incredibly busy April, Xbox has revealed the upcoming Xbox Games with Gold for May. If you didn't already know, Xbox Games with Gold is a service included in Xbox Live Gold, and includes a revolving roster of four free games for subscribers to redeem from month to month for free. While it's great to constantly get access to new titles for as long as you have Xbox Live Gold, the quality of the free games has fallen in recent months. Your excitement for May's Xbox Games with Gold will likely depend on your love for older titles.

Xbox Games with Gold for May, 2021 include four games worth a total of $80 and 4,000 Gamerscore. The month will start with Armello, which will be available from May 1 to May 31. Then you'll have LEGO Batman, the Xbox 360 game, which will be available from May 1 to May 15. Next is Dungeons 3 from May 16 to June 15. Finally, Xbox Games with Gold for May ends with Tropico 4, available from May 16 to May 31.

Xbox Live Gold is still necessary if you play a lot of premium online multiplayer games, but Xbox Live Gold has been changing. Recently, Xbox dropped the Xbox Live Gold requirement to play free-to-play games online, making the service less valuable to some players. If you don't play multiplayer games or stick to free-to-play, you should instead consider Xbox Game Pass, which gives you access to hundreds of high-quality games.

Still need Xbox Live Gold? Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes Xbox Game Pass for consoles and PC, Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Games with Gold, and Xbox Cloud Gaming all in one cost-effective subscription.

If you're still not sold, you can check out some of the best games on Xbox Game Pass for a look at some of the best that's already included. We also keep a list of all the games coming to and leaving from Xbox Game Pass, so you can see what's happening with Xbox Game Pass.

What you need to know

• Xbox Live Gold is an online subscription service from Microsoft, which also includes four free games a month through Games with Gold.
• Xbox has just revealed the four games coming to Xbox Games with Gold in April, and the list is just okay.
• Games with Gold has come under fire in recent years for lackluster offering month-to-month.
• In April, 2021, Xbox Games with Gold will include Vikings: Wolves of Midgard, Truck Racing Championship, Dark Void, and Hard Corps: Uprising.

April is almost here, and Xbox is starting off the month by revealing the Xbox Games with Gold for April. Xbox Games with Gold is a revolving collection of four free games that subscribers can redeem every single month. This month's selection closely mirrors previous months for Xbox Games with Gold, with the four available games being smaller titles. You can check out the announcement trailer below.

The four free games included with Xbox Games with Gold in April include Vikings: Wolves of Midgard from April 1 to April 30, Dark Void from April 1 to April 15, Truck Racing Championship from April 16 to May 15, and Hard Corps: Uprising from April 16 to April 30. The four games are worth a combined $130 and 3,200 in Gamerscore.

If you subscribe to Xbox Live Gold for online multiplayer, then Xbox Games with Gold is included in that subscription. However, the best way to get it all on Xbox is through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This monthly subscription includes Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Games with Gold, Xbox Game Pass for consoles and PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

There's no better value in gaming, and the catalog available in Xbox Game Pass more than makes up for disappointing offerings through Xbox Games with Gold. Don't believe me? Check out our list of games coming and leaving soon from Xbox Game Pass for the rundown.

If you're looking for something new to play, you should check out our list of best games for Xbox, which includes the top heavy-hitters that have come to Xbox in recent years.

What you need to know

• Xbox Live Gold gives subscribers four free games every month, ranging from OG Xbox titles to Xbox One games.
• The games being offered in the month of January have been unveiled, including titles like Little Nightmares and Dead Rising.
• There are two Xbox One, one Xbox 360, and one Xbox game worth a combined $79.96 and 3,000 Xbox Gamerscore.
• Xbox Games with Gold has been criticized for a lessening quality in titles, accredited to the rise of Xbox Game Pass.

As we near the end of December (and 2020 in general), Microsoft has revealed the upcoming Xbox Games with Gold for January, four games that will be offered for free to Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. All four games will be compatible with the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One family of consoles, and will start to be available for subscribers to redeem in January. The games are worth a combined $79.96 in value and 3,000 in Gamerscore.

The four games that are on offer with January's Xbox Games with Gold include Little Nightmares, Dead Rising, The King of Fighters XIII, and Breakdown. Little Nightmares will become available starting January 1, 2020 and until January 31, while the King of Fighters XIII will be available from January 1 to January 15. Dead Rising will become available starting January 16 and until February 15, while Breakdown will only be available from January 16 to January 31.

Any Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to claim these games and add them to their library.

The best way to get Xbox Live Gold is absolutely through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. For just a little bit more than a base Xbox Live Gold subscription, you gain access to hundreds of games through Xbox Game Pass, Xbox gaming on your phone through Xbox Cloud Gaming (Project xCloud), exclusive in-game perks and offers, and you still get to claim you four free games every single month.

With the amount of money you save on games by subscribing to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you'll have enough to invest in one of the Best Headsets for Xbox Series X|S to level-up your audio experience and become more immersed in your games.

What you need to know

• Xbox Live Gold is a monthly subscription service that lets you play online multiplayer on your Xbox console.
• It also includes the Games with Gold perks, which gives subscribers up to four free games every month.
• In December, the free titles will consist of games like Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell and Bleed 2.
• The games have a combined value of 3,200 Gamerscore for all the Achievement hunters.

Everyone is getting into the holiday spirit, and that means it's time for a new batch of Games with Gold through Xbox Live Gold. Xbox Games with Gold for December includes four titles worth a combined $74.96 and 3,200 Gamerscore, and will all be compatible with the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, and Xbox One. You have to be subscribed to Xbox Live Gold to redeem the games, but Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers have access to Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Game Pass for PC and console, and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Project xCloud) in one subscription.

All four of these games will be available throughout the month of December and can be redeemed and played by anyone who has an Xbox Live Gold subscription. The first game that will be available is Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell, an Xbox 360 title, from December 1, 2020, to December 15. Then you have the Raven Remastered, which will be available from December 1 to December 31. Next is Stacking, another Xbox 360 title, which will be available from December 16 to December 31. Finally, there's Bleed 2, which will be available from December 16 to January 15.

The best way to get in on Games with Gold is definitely through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, one of the best values in gaming, which is currently on sale for a 3-month subscription. If you're looking to upgrade your gaming experience, consider one of the Best Headsets for Xbox Series X|S for the greatest in gaming audio, or one of the Best Controllers for Xbox Series X|S, to ensure you're as competitive as possible.

Xbox

Main

• What is Xbox Game Pass?
• Best 4K TVs for Xbox Series X and S
• Must-buy Xbox One Headsets
• Our Favorite Xbox One Wireless Headsets
• Best Upcoming Xbox Games for 2021
• Xbox One X vs. Xbox Series S

What you need to know

• Xbox Live Gold allows you to play online with people from all around the world on you Xbox console.
• One of the perks of Xbox Live Gold is Games with Gold, which nets players four free games every month.
• This month, the free games include titles like Aragami: Shadow Edition and Lego Indiana Jones.
• The combined games are worth 3,000 Gamerscore, for Achievement hunters looking for their next score.

November is almost upon us, marking the end of spooky season, and that means a new group of Games with Gold through Xbox Live Gold. The Xbox Games with Gold for November include four titles worth $84.96, with a combined 3,000 Gamerscore, and will all be compatible with Xbox One or the upcoming Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to redeem these games throughout the month of November, and play them as long as they have an Xbox Live Gold subscription.

The first game to be offered is Aragami: Shadow Edition, an Xbox One title that's available starting November 1, 2020 until November 30, 2020. Next we have Full Spectrum Warrior, an original Xbox game that's available starting November 1 until November 15. Then you'll be able to grab Lego Indiana Jones, and Xbox 360 game from the popular Lego franchise, which will be available starting November 16 until November 30. Finally, November's Games with Gold ends with Swimsanity!, another Xbox One title that will be available starting November 16, all the way until December 15.

What you need to know

• Xbox Live Gold gives players access to online multiplayer and in-store discounts, but also nets you four free Xbox titles every month with Games with Gold.
• Xbox Games with Gold for October, 2020 have been announced, and there may be some interesting titles here for some players.
• Costume Quest is the standout this month, an Xbox 360 title that enjoys backwards compatibility with both Xbox 360 and Xbox One consoles.

For years, subscribers to Xbox Live Gold have been able to claim up to four free games every single month, which is how young me started up their growing Xbox games collection. The Xbox Games with Gold for the month of October have just been announced, including two Xbox One titles, an Xbox 360 title, and an original Xbox game that combine to total $71.96 in value and 3,000 available gamerscore for Achievement hunters to persue. Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes Gold and tons of other perks, can claim these games starting October 1 and throughout the rest of the month.

The first game that will be available is Slayaway Camp: Butcher's Cut, which will be available starting October 1 all the way until October 31 on Xbox One (but is still claimable on Xbox 360). Maid of Sker is the second Xbox One title, and will become available starting October 16 all the way until November 15. We also have Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy, an original Xbox title that will be available starting October 1, until October 15.

The highlight of this month's Games with Gold, however, is probably Costume Quest, which will become available starting October 16 until October 31, and is an Xbox 360 title. You can play Costume Quest on Xbox One, Xbox 360, and the upcoming Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S using backwards compatible, and is still a great and enjoyable game.

Xbox

Main

• What is Xbox Game Pass?
• Best 4K TVs for Xbox Series X and S
• Must-buy Xbox One Headsets
• Our Favorite Xbox One Wireless Headsets
• Best Upcoming Xbox Games for 2021
• Xbox One X vs. Xbox Series S

What you need to know

• Xbox Live Gold subscribers gain access to four free games every month, from every Xbox generation.
• The Games with Gold for the month of September have just been revealed, and there are some interesting games.
• The headliner is definitely Tom Clancy's the Division, which is an older but still appealing looter shooter from Ubisoft.
• There's also de Blob 2, the Book of Unwritten Tales 2, and Armed and Dangerous.

Subscribers to Xbox Live Gold are gifted four free games from Microsoft every single month, with titles ranging from little-heard of indie games to older "AAA" games. The free games can also come from every generation of Xbox, and even include original Xbox games, and is a great way for players to slowly build up their library of Xbox Games. The Xbox Games with Gold for September have been revealed by Xbox, and it's a decent list of games.

The headliner this month is definitely Tom Clancy's the Division, which is an older shooter looter from Ubisoft that built up a substantial following of loyal players, and was succeeded by the Division 2. The Division will be available the entire month of September for Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.

The other games are de Blob 2, which will be available from September 1 to September 15, Armed and Dangerous, which will be available from September 16 to September 30, and the Book of Unwritten Tales 2, which will be available from September 16 to October 15.

The best Xbox value is definitely Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which bundles Xbox Live Gold (including its monthly free games) and Xbox Game Pass for both console and PC, which features over 100 games in a subscription-style package, starting as low as $1 a month.

What you need to know

• Every month Microsoft gives Xbox Live Gold members four free games.
• In July, you can download titles like WRC 8.
• You need an active Xbox Live Gold subscription to access Xbox One games, Xbox 360 titles are yours forever.
• You can purchase Xbox Live Gold subscription through the Microsoft Store.

Today, Microsoft announced July 2020's free Games with Gold for Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners. Starting on July 1, WRC 8 FIA World Rally Championship and Dunk Lords will be free with the subscription. Then, on July 16, Saints Row 2 and Juju can be downloaded at no cost. You need an active Xbox Live membership to play the Xbox One games, but the Xbox 360 or original Xbox titles are yours to keep after you redeem them once. It doesn't matter if you're still an Xbox Live Gold subscriber.

Out of all of these, WRC 8 and Saints Row 2 stand out the most. They're great experiences even after all these years. Be sure to get them for free when they're free through Xbox Live Gold.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate bundles Xbox Game Pass for Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass for PC, and Xbox Live Gold into one package. The monthly subscription fee goes up to $15 a month, but you gain access to over two hundred games instantaneously.

Xbox

Main

• What is Xbox Game Pass?
• Best 4K TVs for Xbox Series X and S
• Must-buy Xbox One Headsets
• Our Favorite Xbox One Wireless Headsets
• Best Upcoming Xbox Games for 2021
• Xbox One X vs. Xbox Series S

What you need to know

• Every month Microsoft gives Xbox Live Gold members four free games.
• In June, you can download titles like Shantae and the Pirate's Curse.
• You need an active Xbox Live Gold subscription to access Xbox One games, Xbox 360 titles are yours forever.
• You can purchase Xbox Live Gold subscription through the Microsoft Store.

Today, Microsoft announced June 2020's free Games with Gold for Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners. Starting on June 1, Destroy All Humans! and Shantae and the Pirate's Curse will be free with the subscription. Then, on June 16, Coffee Talk and Sine Mora can be downloaded at no cost. You need an active Xbox Live membership to play the Xbox One games, but the Xbox 360 or original Xbox titles are yours to keep after you redeem them once. It doesn't matter if you're still an Xbox Live Gold subscriber.

All of these are great games, but we're partial to Shantae and the Pirate's Curse. It's just a fantastic platformer you'll love. It's challenging and there are tons of missions. Keep in mind that Destroy All Humans! is the original Xbox game and to the upcoming remake.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate bundles Xbox Game Pass for Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass for PC, and Xbox Live Gold into one package. The monthly subscription fee goes up to $15 a month, but you gain access to over two hundred games instantaneously.

What you need to know

• Every month Microsoft gives Xbox Live Gold members four free games.
• In May, you can download titles like Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr.
• You need an active Xbox Live Gold subscription to access Xbox One games, Xbox 360 titles are yours forever.
• You can purchase Xbox Live Gold subscription through Amazon.

Today, Microsoft announced May 2020's free Games with Gold for Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners. Starting on May 1, V-Rally 4 and Sensible World of Soccer will be free with the subscription. Then, on May 16, Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr and Overlord II can be downloaded at no cost. You need an active Xbox Live membership to play the Xbox One games, but the Xbox 360 or original Xbox titles are yours to keep after you redeem them once. It doesn't matter if you're still an Xbox Live Gold subscriber.

All of these are great games, but we're partial to Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr. It's just a fantastic Diablo-like game you'll love. It's challenging and there are tons of missions. V-Rally 4 offers a great simulation experience. Sensible World of Soccer is also surprisingly addictive. Lastly, Overlord II is the cult classic everyone loved on Xbox 360.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate bundles Xbox Game Pass for Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass for PC, and Xbox Live Gold into one package. The monthly subscription fee goes up to $15 a month, but you gain access to over two hundred games instantaneously.

What you need to know

• Every month Microsoft gives Xbox Live Gold members four free games.
• In February, you can download titles like Call of Cthulhu.
• You need an active Xbox Live Gold subscription to access Xbox One games, Xbox 360 titles are yours forever.
• You can purchase Xbox Live Gold subscription through Amazon.

Today, Microsoft announced February 2020's free Games with Gold for Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners. Starting on February 1, TT Isle of Man and Fable Heroes will be free with the subscription. Then, on February 16, Call of Cthulhu and Star Wars: Battlefront can be downloaded at no cost. You need an active Xbox Live membership to play the Xbox One games, but the Xbox 360 or original Xbox titles are yours to keep after you redeem them once. It doesn't matter if you're still an Xbox Live Gold subscriber.

You can read about the games below.

Call of Cthulhu

Fable Heroes

Star Wars: Battlefront

TT Isle of Man

All of these are great games, but we're partial to the original Star Wars: Battlefront. It's just fantastic!

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate bundles Xbox Game Pass for Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass for PC, and Xbox Live Gold into one package. The monthly subscription fee goes up to $15 a month, but you gain access to over two hundred games instantaneously.

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Today, Microsoft announced March's free Games with Gold for Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners. Starting on March 1, Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion and Star Wars: Republic Commando will be free with the subscription. Then, on March 16, Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance can be downloaded at no cost. You need an active Xbox Live membership to play the Xbox One games, but the original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles are yours to keep after you redeem them once. It doesn't matter if you're still an Xbox Live Gold subscriber.

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Adventrue Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion

Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion is based on the popular Cartoon Network series and is surprisingly an open-world adventure rendered in a unique way. Just like South Park: The Stick of Truth, it looks like you're playing through an animated series.

Star Wars: Republic Commando

Star Wars: Republic Commando is one of the best first-person shooters which was an original Xbox console exclusive. The game still looks great even to this day, and if you're in shock as to how terrible EA's management of the franchise has been, then you're in luck! Star Wars: Republic Commando introduced many important new features which revolutionized the genre.

Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2

Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is a lot of fun with friends or family. It's a third-person shooter but you can play as either plants or zombies. The visuals look like a Pixar film and there is a lot of content. I hope a sequel is announced soon!

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Lastly, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a hack-and-slash experience from PlatinumGames, the makers of Bayonetta and the cancelled Scalebound. It forgoes stealth and focuses on brutal attacks. The change of pace works in the Metal Gear Solid Universe, and critics loved the experience when it launched a few years ago.

Be sure to download all four of these games next month because many of them are great experiences. Out of all of these, we would recommend playing Star Wars: Republic Commando because it's an incredible title that holds up even to this day.

Today, Microsoft announced February's free Games with Gold for Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners. Starting on February 1, 2019, Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon and Assassin's Creed Rogue will be free with the subscription. Then, on February 16, Super Bomberman R and Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy can be downloaded at no cost. You need an active Xbox Live membership to play the Xbox One games, but the original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles are yours to keep after you redeem them once. It doesn't matter if you're still an Xbox Live Gold subscriber.

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon

Assassin's Creed Rogue

Super Bomberman R

Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy

Be sure to download all four of these games next month because many of them are great experiences. Out of all of these, we would recommend playing Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy because it's an incredible title that holds up even to this day.

• See Xbox Live Gold at Amazon
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Today, Microsoft announced December's free Games with Gold for Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners. Starting on December 1, 2018, Dragon Age II and Q.U.B.E. 2 will be free with the subscription. Then, on December 16, Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction and Never Alone can be downloaded at no cost. You need an active Xbox Live membership to play the Xbox One games, but the original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles are yours to keep after you redeem them once. It doesn't matter if you're still an Xbox Live Gold subscriber.

Dragon Age II

Dragon Age II is an extremely popular role-playing game from BioWare. It elevated the series even though it didn't look that great on Xbox 360. Playing it on Xbox One X is an absolutely treat because it fixes a lot of the performance issues that plagued the original.

Q.U.B.E. 2

Q.U.B.E. 2 is a first-person puzzle game where you control blocks. The goal is to move certain objects out from walls so that you can vault over and escape the maze.

Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction

Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction is an amazing experience. It takes place in an open-world environment, with elements of stealth and reputation built in. The title is set during a fictitious military action in North Korea. You take control of one of three mercenaries who have to turn a profit and prevent nuclear war.

Never Alone

Never Alone is a side-scrolling adventure which follows a boy and his animal companion. It's quite touching and focuses on the culture of Alaska's indigenous people.

Be sure to download all four of these games next month because many of them are great experiences. Out of all of these, we would recommend playing Dragon Age II because it's an incredible title.

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Keep an eye on WindowsCentral.com/Gaming for all the latest in Xbox and Windows 10 gaming, accessories, news, and reviews!

Today, Microsoft announced November's free Games with Gold for Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners. Starting on November 1, 2018, Battlefield 1 and Assassin's Creed will be free with the subscription. Then, on November 16, Race the Sun and Dante's Inferno can be downloaded at no cost. You need an active Xbox Live membership to play the Xbox One games, but the Xbox 360 titles are yours to keep after you redeem them once. It doesn't matter if you're still an Xbox Live Gold subscriber.

Battlefield 1

Xbox One X Enhanced

Battlefield 1 is a first-person shooter which takes place during World War I. The game combines tactical combat in its various multiplayer modes with mini-campaigns. It's quite a lot of fun if you aren't cornered by a sniper.

Assassin's Creed

Xbox One X Enhanced

Assassin's Creed is the first game in the franchise which launched the popular franchise. While we've seen a lot of ups and downs through the years, Assassin's Creed remains one of the best games ever made. Plus, the Xbox One X provides crisp picture quality which can't be found on any other console.

Race the Sun

Race the Sun is a flying game which combines exploration with a lot of wonder. If you want a casual experience which relaxes you, then Race the Sun is your cup of tea.

Dante's Inferno

Dante's Inferno is a 2010 action video game developed by the now-closed Visceral Games. Based on the immensely influential classic poem, Dante's Inferno takes you on an epic quest of vengeance and redemption through the Nine Circles of Hell. You are Dante, a veteran of the Crusades who must chase his beloved Beatrice and try to free her soul from Lucifer's grasp.

Be sure to download all four of these games next month because many of them are great experiences. Out of all of these, we would recommend playing Assassin's Creed because it's an incredible title.

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Keep an eye on WindowsCentral.com/Gaming for all the latest in Xbox and Windows 10 gaming, accessories, news, and reviews!

Today, Microsoft announced October's free Games with Gold for Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners. Starting on October 1, 2018, Overcooked! and Stuntman: Ignition will be free with the subscription. Then, on October 16, Victor Vran and Hitman: Blood Money can be downloaded at no cost. You need an active Xbox Live membership to play the Xbox One games, but the Xbox 360 titles are yours to keep after you redeem them once. It doesn't matter if you're still an Xbox Live Gold subscriber.

Overcooked!

Overcooked! is an enjoyable cooking game where you have to save the world by working in a kitchen. You have to prepare somewhat elaborate meals as you have to do everything from slicing tomatoes to plating.

Stuntman: Ignition

Stuntman: Ignition is exactly like what it sounds. You step into the shoes of a stuntman and have to drive vehicles in dangerous ways to satisfy the needs of the film director. It's quite a lot of fun and incredibly challenging.

Victor Vran

Victor Vran is a Diablo-like game where you have to save a country from ruin. You play as Victor Vran — who is voiced by the same individual who lent Geralt of Rivia his voice — and smash your way through legions of supernatural foes.

Hitman: Blood Money

Hitman: Blood Money is one of the older entries in the Hitman franchise. The game features a plot and relies on storytelling more than experimenting with various assassination techniques.

Be sure to download all four of these games next month because many of them are great experiences. Out of all of these, we would recommend playing Victor Vran because it's an incredible title.

• See Xbox Live Gold at Amazon
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Keep an eye on WindowsCentral.com/Gaming for all the latest in Xbox and Windows 10 gaming, accessories, news, and reviews!

Today, Microsoft announced September's free Games with Gold for Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners. Starting on September 1, 2018, Prison Architect: Xbox One Edition and Lego Star Wars III will be free with the subscription. Then, on September 16, Xbox Live Gold members can download Livelock and Sega Vintage Collection: Monster World at no cost. Lego Star Wars III and Sega Vintage Collection: Monster World are backward compatible so you can also play them on your Xbox One or Xbox One X with better performance.

Prison Architect: Xbox One Edition

Prison Architect is a prison-building game where you have to make sure inmates have decent lodgings and don't escape. Hazards like fires and riots can leave your prison decimated so you have to plan for everything. The title launched in Xbox Game Preview many months ago and became quite an expansive experience by the time it left.

Lego Star Wars III

Lego Star Wars III continues the tradition of Star Wars films recreated in the Lego universe. Instead of simply blasting away enemies, you also have to build structures and solve puzzles.

Livelock

Livelock is a top-down shooter which places you in control of a Transformer-like machine. You have to explore the ruins of a post-apocalyptic Earth and shoot everything that moves. The ultimate goal appears to be restoring humanity, but the real fun lies in using devastating weapons and abilities.

Sega Vintage Collection: Monster World

The Sega Vintage Collection: Monster World, often referred to as the Monster World Collection, contains three Wonder Boy games for Xbox 360. Wonder Boy is a shape-shifting child who goes on a quest to save the world and find a cure for his transformations.

Be sure to download all four of these games next month because many of them are great experiences. Out of all of these, we would recommend playing Prison Architect because it's an incredible title.

• See Xbox Live Gold at Amazon
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Keep an eye on WindowsCentral.com/Gaming for all the latest in Xbox and Windows 10 gaming, accessories, news, and reviews!

Microsoft just announced February's free Games with Gold for Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners. Starting on February 1, 2018, Shadow Warrior and Split/Second will be free with the subscription. Then, on February 16, Xbox Live Gold members can download Assassin's Creed Chronicles: India and Crazy Taxi at no cost. Crazy Taxi and Split/Second are backward compatible so you can also play them on your Xbox One or Xbox One X.

Assassin's Creed Chronicles: India

Assassin's Creed Chronicles: India is a 2.5D take on the popular stealth-focused franchise. In this game, players step into the shoes of an Assassin named Arbaaz in his quest for retribution through a colourful depiction of Colonial India. Players have to traverse the streets of Amritsar, hunting legendary artifacts by following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great. With new Indian weapons at your disposal, it's up to you to carry out your mission and avenge those dear to you.

Crazy Taxi

Crazy Taxi is a score attack racing game which has a surprisingly strong following due to its history. Players maneuver a taxi, looking for fares, and then take passengers to their destinations in the fastest time possible. As the name suggests, you effectively have to drive like a maniac in order to drop off your customers before the countdown expires. Similar to experiences like Super Meat Boy, Crazy Taxi's challenging gameplay is what appeals to gamers.

Shadow Warrior

The first Shadow Warrior game launched in 1997 and was heralded as significant evolution for the first-person shooter genre. Developer Flying Wild Hog and publisher Devolver Digital brought the franchise back in 2013 and retained its hilarious, over-the-top nature. This Xbox One game follows modern ninja mercenary Lo Wang as he fights through levels of demonic hordes to prevent the end of the world. However, Wang isn't exactly great at what he does so don't expect miracles.

Split/Second

Split/Second is a unique racing game which puts players in a fictional reality TV show. Participants race for money and glory by pulling off amazing stunts such as jumps, drifting, and drafting. Just like many other arcade racing titles out there, special powers can be triggered which create obstacles for other players, detours, or alter the layout of the track entirely. While the game may be a little dated, it's still great fun given your track-altering abilities.

Be sure to download all four of these games next month because many of them are great experiences. Out of all of them, I would recommend you try out Shadow Warrior because it's hilarious and features great shooting mechanics. Unlike its sequel, the game runs at 60 FPS on Xbox One.

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Starting today, gamers can download Army of Two and Zombi for Xbox 360 and Xbox One respectively. All Xbox 360 Games with Gold are backward compatible so even those who only own an Xbox One can enjoy the former. Army of Two will be free until the end of the month while Zombi will be available until February 15, 2018.

Army of Two is a third-person shooter with a strong story. The plot begins in 1993 in Somalia when Elliot Salem and Tyson Rios are part of the Ranger Regiment. If follows their journey after a high profile assassination and the consequences of their actions. Despite not getting amazing reviews, Army of Two garnered a lot of praise from gamers which helped it become a franchise.

Updated, January 15, 2018: It appears that for some users, these titles aren't yet free. Ensure the promotion has propagated to your region before completing a checkout.

Zombi launched on Wii U many years ago but eventually came to current-generation consoles. The game is a first-person survival horror title set in London during a zombie apocalypse. You have to survive the ravenous hordes but there's also a larger plot. The player is contacted by the Prepper, a mysterious figure who tasks them with finding a cure for the infection.

Be sure to check out both of these games if you're an Xbox Live Gold member. Army of Two holds up rather well even after all these years and Zombi is almost as entertaining as Killing Floor 2.

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Two of the titles are native Xbox One experiences and the remaining two are Xbox 360 backward compatible games. Today, Microsoft unveiled January's Games with Gold and they're quite good. The last few months have been somewhat lackluster so it's great to see extremely popular games making the list.

On Xbox One, members can download The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing III for free during the month of January. The prequels, The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing and The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing II, have been available on Xbox One for months now. Later on, Zombi will be available as a free download from January 16 to February 15, 2018.

On Xbox 360, starting January 1, Tomb Raider: Underworld will be free for members through January 15. Then on January 16, members can download Army of Two for free until the end of the month.

In The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing III is a Diablo-like game. The civil war in Borgovia is over, but the future looks grim. The city of strange science is in ruins, squabbling factions and criminals fight for power and a strange cult prophesizes the coming of the end times. A wave of uncanny events shakes the land, and it's all connected to a mysterious creature. Your job is to shoot your way through everything and collect loot to become powerful enough to take on the final boss.

Zombi launched on Wii U many years ago but eventually came to current-generation consoles. The game is a first-person survival horror title set in London during a zombie apocalypse. You have to survive the ravenous hordes but there's also a larger plot. The player is contacted by the Prepper, a mysterious figure who tasks them with finding a cure for the infection.

Tomb Raider: Underworld is third-person action game which requires the player to explore exotic locations around the world, trying to solve a mystery connected to Lara Croft's family. The game is filled with twists and turns, and takes you from underwater ruins to ice cities. Even though Tomb Raider: Underworld isn't as good as the reboots, it's still a worthy adventure.

Lastly, Army of Two is another third-person shooter with a strong story. The plot begins in 1993 in Somalia when Elliot Salem and Tyson Rios are part of the Ranger Regiment. If follows their journey after a high profile assassination and the consequences of their actions. Despite not getting amazing reviews, Army of Two garnered a lot of praise from gamers which helped it become a franchise.

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The second pair of Games with Gold for the month of December is now available. Starting today, Xbox Live Gold subscribers can pick up both Back to the Future: The Game and Marlow Briggs and the Mask of Death for free.

Back to the Future: The Game is an adventure title that sees Marty return to protect the space-time continuum. Taking place six months after the conclusion of Back to the Future Part III, the game sends players back in time once more in the DeLorean to save the future. As a bonus, Christopher Lloyd is back to voice Doc Brown, and Michael J. Fox makes a "special appearance" – though not as the voice of Marty McFly.

Marlow Briggs and the Mark of Death, on the other hand, brings the titular warrior to Central America. Briggs is tasked with taking down an "industrial evil" while chatting up a Mayan Death Mask to which he is now bound.

Back to the Future will be available through January 15, while Marlow Briggs will be available through December 31. In addition, Gold subscribers can still get their hands on Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide through December 31. December's fourth title, Child of Eden, will no longer be free after December 15.

• See Back to the Future at Microsoft Store
• See Marlow Briggs at Microsoft Store

While you keep all Xbox 360 games even if your subscription elapses, you have to maintain Gold status if you want continued access to the Xbox One titles. Warhammer: Vermintide is a first-person action game which tasks you with ridding a city of giant rat-like creatures. The once proud city of Ubersreik now stands in ruin at the hands of the dreaded Skaven army. Few have survived their ruthless invasion. You team up with three friends and work together to thin out the ratmen's forces and drive them out of the city.

Child of Eden is a rhythmic action game which features innovative gameplay and fantastic colors. According to Ubisoft, the title is a "multi-sensory shooter" that will send players diving into a visual matrix of synchronized music and stylized visuals. The game is made by famed designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi who has worked on Sega Rally Championship and Sega Rally 2 in the past.

However, if you're in a country like Japan, your Games with Gold offerings might be different. Many gamers are reporting that Mojang's Cobalt is available for free to members there. Be sure to claim these free games if you're an Xbox Live Gold member because they're great experiences.

• See Warhammer: Vermintide at Microsoft
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December's free Xbox Games with Gold have been announced, giving us a peek at what subscribers can anticipate throughout the coming month. As usual, December will see four new Xbox One and Xbox 360 games go free, totaling around $104 in value and 3,840 gamerscore.

If you're playing on Xbox One, you can look forward to grabbing Warhammer: End Times - Vermentide for free throughout the entire month of December. Startin on December 16 and running through January 15, you'll be able to snatch up Back to the Future: The Game - 30th Anniversary Edition for free.

For Xbox 360, we're looking at Child of Eden, which will go free from December 1 through December 16. In the second half of the month, Gold members will get Marlow Briggs and the Mask of the Death through December 31. Both 360 titles will also be playable on Xbox One via backward compatibility.

As we approach December, it's worth keeping in mind that November's final Games with Gold are still available as well. Those include Deadfall Adventures, Trackmania Turbo, and Tales from the Borderlands.

Which games are you most looking forward to picking up in December?

The mid-point of the month has passed and with that, Microsoft has debuted the next two titles via Xbox Live's Games with Gold program. As announced last month, Tales from the Borderlands' complete season and Deadfall Adventures are now available as a free download for those with an active Xbox Live Gold membership.

On Xbox One this month, Tales of the Borderlands can be downloaded for free – a graphic adventure game from renowned developer Telltale Games. Taking a deeper dive into the same world of the shooter series, the title maintains the humor seen in the main line of titles, while also offering further character development. With this month's offer, you'll be getting the complete season, spanning five episodes, usually priced at $14.99.

Over on the Xbox 360, Nordic's Deadfall Adventures will be available for download for the remainder of this month. The first-person action-adventure title takes players on an Indiana Jones-style adventure, following a treasure hunter exploring throughout the World War II era. The game can also be played on Xbox One, via the console's backward compatibility program. For those without Gold, Deadfall Adventures can be purchased for $39.99.

• See at Microsoft Store
• See at Microsoft Store

The free Xbox Games with Gold for November have been revealed, giving us a look at what Gold subscribers can pick up throughout the coming month. In total, November's selections will pack more than $104 in games with 3400 gamerscore available.

If you're playing along on Xbox One, you'll be able to get your hands on Trackmania Turbo throughout the entire month of November. Starting on November 16 and running through December 15, Gold members will also be able to pick up Telltale's narrative Tales from the Borderlands for free.

As for Xbox 360, NiGHTS into Dreams will go free from the beginning of November through November 15. In the second half of the month, Gold members can pick up Deadfall Adventures for free from November 16 through November 30. As is typical, both Xbox 360 titles will be playable on Xbox One as well via backward compatibility.

Alas, November hasn't arrived just yet, so there's still time to pick up October's final Games with Gold as well. Those include Gone Home, The Turing Test, and Medal of Honor: Airborne.

Which games are you most looking forward to grabbing in November?

Take to the skies in Medal of Honor: Airborne, where your choices can turn the tide of World War II. The game is a thrilling Xbox 360 shooter which holds up well even all of these years. Starting with your jump from a Douglas C-47 Skytrain, every choice you make can seal your fate. An important mechanic is your control of your parachute which allows you to land in positions which offer you the most advantage. The multiplayer component is quite robust too, but it's unclear if you'll be able to find enough people to play with due to the game's age. Either ways, it's still a lot of fun and it's a shame that we don't get more Medal of Honor games anymore. Just like all Xbox 360 Games with Gold, Medal of Honor: Airborne is backward compatible so be sure to check it out on your Xbox One.

The Turing Test is a first-person puzzle game which feels a lot like Portal. Aside from the puzzles which revolve around moving energy from one switch to the next, the title deals with a lot of philosophical questions that explore topics like consciousness and the meaning of human intuition. You play as Ava Turing, an engineer for the International Space Agency, and progress through with the help of an AI construct. Throughout your journey you discover the the hidden mysteries of Europa and the reason for your crew's disappearance. The Turing Test is a challenging game which requires a lot of thinking. According to the developers the puzzles are designed in such a way that only a human can solve them. Or maybe that's just marketing. Be sure to give this one a go because not only does it look great, but it also gives you an immense sense of satisfaction when you solve a room.

See Medal of Honor: Airborne at Microsoft

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The free Xbox Games with Gold for October have been revealed, giving a look at what Gold subscribers can pick up over the coming month. In all, October is packed with around $69 worth of games with 4000 gamerscore available.

If you're playing on Xbox One, you can get your hands on Gone Home throughout the entire month of October. Starting on October 16 and running through November 15, Gold subscribers will also be able to grab The Turing Test for free.

As for October's Xbox 360 titles, Rayman HD 3 will go free from October 1 through October 15. The latter half of the month will see Medal of Honor: Airborne go free from October 16 through October 31. As usual, the Xbox 360 titles on offer will be playable on Xbox One as well via backward compatibility.

While we're still waiting for the start of October, remember you can still pick up Septembers final Games with Gold offerings as well. Those include Battlefield 3, as well as Oxenfree and Forza Motorsport 5.