Big week ahead for Game Pass: Long-awaited AAA launch and two more titles coming soon
Last week, Xbox Game Pass welcomed six new games – four on Wednesday and two more on Thursday. Looking ahead, next week’s standout addition is set to be DOOM: The Dark Ages, a blockbuster that many fans are eagerly anticipating. If battling swarms of rat-like creatures or diving into a detective story set in a surreal time loop sounds more appealing, you might want to check out Vermintide 2 or Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo. Here’s a quick look at the three new titles coming to Game Pass next week.
Warhammer: Vermintide 2 – Cloud and console (May 13)
In Vermintide 2, five heroes take on relentless waves of Skaven (ratmen) and Chaos warriors. The story picks up right where the first game left off: after escaping captivity, the group now fights to push back the invasion and save the Empire from ruin. Co-op gameplay is at the heart of the experience, as up to four players battle their way through linear levels ranging from rural villages and city streets to dark catacombs and crumbling castles. While missions can be tackled with AI companions, the game doesn’t feature a true single-player campaign.
The core of the game is its fast-paced melee combat, featuring swords, hammers, axes and magic, backed up by ranged options like crossbows and pistols. Each of the five playable characters offers at least three career paths with unique abilities and passive perks, covering roles like tank, support or DPS. The progression system rewards completed missions with loot boxes that contain new weapons and gear. Despite launching in 2018, Vermintide 2 continues to thrive thanks to expansions like Winds of Magic and Chaos Wastes, along with seasonal events and ongoing challenges.
DOOM: The Dark Ages – Cloud, PC and Xbox Series X/S (May 15)
After a long wait, DOOM fans finally have something new to sink their teeth into – though it's a departure from what they're used to. DOOM: The Dark Ages serves as a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal (2020), putting players in the boots of the DOOM Slayer, now a "superweapon of the gods" battling demonic forces in a kingdom under siege. For the first time, the series trades its signature techno-demonic sci-fi setting for a dark medieval world. Instead of the fast-paced, acrobatic combat seen in previous entries, The Dark Ages emphasizes slower, more tactical melee-focused battles.
Combat in DOOM: The Dark Ages centers around brutal, medieval-inspired weapons like the “Shield Saw” – a vicious hybrid of shield and circular saw used for both defense and offense. A new parry system allows players to block incoming attacks and strike back with devastating counterblows. The arsenal also includes heavy weapons such as a bone cannon and a shrapnel gun, staying true to the gritty, grounded tone. To shake things up, the game features special sequences where players take control of a towering mech named Atlan or ride into battle on a fire-breathing dragon.
Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo – Cloud, PC and console (May 16)
Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo is a 3D adventure that casts players as Kulebra – a friendly, undead snake who wakes up in Limbo. This vibrant and whimsical afterlife is home to souls who remain stuck due to unresolved issues or lingering desires. With only a cryptic message from a mysterious old woman to guide you, you embark on a heartfelt journey to uncover your purpose and help the residents of Limbo – all of whom are trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again.
Gameplay in Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo revolves around exploration and careful observation. Each day unfolds in a set pattern that players can gradually decode by watching where characters go, how they behave and when key events occur. This knowledge is used to subtly influence the loop and alter outcomes. Along the way, you gather clues, items and personal stories that shed light on the souls’ struggles and help resolve their inner conflicts. Visually, the game features a charming papercraft aesthetic, giving the world the feel of a living pop-up book.
Source(s)
