Only one new addition to Xbox Game Pass this week, but it's a big one

While Xbox Game Pass subscribers welcomed five new games last week, this week will likely bring just one. However, Far Cry New Dawn is a true AAA title. Microsoft is also set to announce the new additions for the first half of February, so more games could still be on the way.

Far Cry in a post-apocalyptic setting

Far Cry New Dawn, a spin-off released in February 2019, takes place 17 years after the events of Far Cry 5. Following a nuclear disaster, the world is slowly recovering. Ubisoft reimagines Far Cry 5’s open world, now reclaimed by nature. In Hope County, Montana, survivors work to rebuild, but a new threat soon emerges – the Highwaymen, a ruthless gang led by twin sisters Mickey and Lou, who terrorize the region. As a player, you join the resistance and fight to take back control.

The game stays true to the series' core gameplay while introducing new RPG elements. Weapons and enemies are ranked, meaning higher-level foes require upgraded gear to defeat effectively. Alongside battling the Highwaymen, expanding your base is key. Collecting materials and upgrading facilities unlocks better weapons, vehicles and abilities. A new feature in the series is expeditions, which take players beyond Hope County to unique locations like a crashed space shuttle or an abandoned amusement park. For those who prefer teamwork, the entire campaign can be played in co-op with a friend.

Varied reviews

Far Cry New Dawn joins Xbox Game Pass on February 4 and could be worth checking out for open-world fans. However, reception has been inconsistent. On Steam, where the game is priced around $40, nearly 28,000 players have rated it, with only 75% leaving positive feedback. On Metacritic, it holds a Metascore of 71 and a User Score of just 4.1.

Criticism mainly stems from the so-called "Ubisoft formula," with many players finding the game uninspired, repetitive and too short. Similar issues have plagued recent Ubisoft titles like Skull and Bones and Star Wars Outlaws. These struggles have had real consequences, at the end of January, Ubisoft announced layoffs affecting 185 employees.

Incidentally: The latest offshoot in the series is Far Cry 6, which is available on Steam for the full price of around $60.