April is here, and with it comes a power-packed lineup of new Xbox Game Pass titles! Microsoft has officially announced the Wave 1 games for April 2025, featuring an exciting mix of first-party exclusives, third-party blockbusters, and indie gems.
From Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition to the highly anticipated South of Midnight, Xbox players have plenty to look forward to. However, as new games arrive, some fan-favorite titles will also be leaving the service on April 15.
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April 2025 Xbox Game Pass Highlights
This month’s Game Pass lineup is particularly exciting, with major releases spanning cloud, console, and PC. Whether you love fast-paced shooters, strategic RPGs, or deep narrative adventures, there’s something for everyone.
Here are the biggest highlights for Wave 1:
✔ Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition leads the charge on April 3.
✔ South of Midnight, an anticipated Xbox exclusive, arrives on April 8.
✔ Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition lands the same day.
✔ Commandos: Origins, a strategy classic, joins on April 9.
✔ Hunt: Showdown 1896, a horror survival shooter, rounds out Wave 1 on April 15.
With such a strong selection, April is shaping up to be a fantastic month for Xbox Game Pass subscribers!
Full Xbox Game Pass April 2025 Wave 1 Lineup
| Game Title | Platform | Game Pass Tier | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition | Cloud, Console, PC | Ultimate, PC, Standard | April 3 |
| All You Need is Help | Console | Standard | April 3 |
| Still Wakes the Deep | Xbox Series X | S | Standard |
| Wargroove 2 | Console | Standard | April 3 |
| Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition | Console, PC | Ultimate, PC, Standard | April 8 |
| South of Midnight | Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X | S | Ultimate, PC |
| Commandos: Origins | Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X | S | Ultimate, PC |
| Blue Prince | Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X | S | Ultimate, PC |
| Hunt: Showdown 1896 | PC | Ultimate, PC | April 15 |
This lineup is one of the strongest in recent months, blending AAA blockbusters, indie hits, and strategic gems for every kind of gamer.
Game Spotlights: Must-Play Titles This Month
1. Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition – April 3
💥 If you love chaotic FPS action and wacky humor, Borderlands 3 is a must-play. The Ultimate Edition includes all DLCs, extra character packs, and bonus cosmetics.
✔ Genre: Action, FPS, RPG
✔ Why Play? Massive open-world maps, looter-shooter mechanics, and crazy co-op fun.
2. South of Midnight – April 8
🌀 This Xbox-exclusive adventure from Compulsion Games is set in a dark Southern folklore world, filled with mystery and supernatural forces.
✔ Genre: Adventure, Narrative, Fantasy
✔ Why Play? Rich storytelling, unique mythological themes, and stunning visuals.
3. Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition – April 8
🔥 The legendary dungeon-crawling RPG returns to Game Pass! The Ultimate Evil Edition includes the Reaper of Souls expansion, adding a new class, more levels, and fresh challenges.
✔ Genre: RPG, Hack & Slash
✔ Why Play? Addictive loot system, intense co-op battles, and dark fantasy storytelling.
4. Commandos: Origins – April 9
🕵️ A remake of the classic strategy game, Commandos: Origins puts you in charge of WWII-era special forces on dangerous tactical missions.
✔ Genre: Strategy, Tactics
✔ Why Play? Old-school stealth gameplay, challenging puzzles, and immersive war scenarios.
5. Hunt: Showdown 1896 – April 15
👻 This survival horror FPS transports players to the haunted swamps of 1896, where they must track and hunt down supernatural monsters.
✔ Genre: Horror, Shooter
✔ Why Play? Unique blend of PVP and PVE, immersive world-building, and eerie tension.
Game Pass Perks for April 2025
Alongside new games, Game Pass perks are also getting a refresh this month! Here are some of the exclusive extras you can grab:
🎁 The First Descendant – Beyond the Void Bundle – Exclusive in-game items.
🎁 Candy Crush Solitaire – Sweet Starter Pack – Extra boosters and bonuses.
🎁 Sea of Thieves – Seventh Serving Emote – A special anniversary celebration emote.
These perks are free for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, so don’t forget to claim them before they expire!
Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass on April 15
While new games are exciting, it’s also time to say goodbye to some beloved titles. The following games will leave Game Pass on April 15, so be sure to finish them up or take advantage of the 20% Game Pass discount before they disappear.
| Game Title | Genre |
|---|---|
| Botany Manor | Puzzle, Exploration |
| Coral Island | Farming Sim, RPG |
| Harold Halibut | Adventure, Narrative |
| Homestead Arcana | Farming Sim, Magic |
| Kona | Survival, Mystery |
| Orcs Must Die! 3 | Tower Defense, Strategy |
| Turbo Golf Racing | Sports, Racing |
If any of these titles have been on your “to-play” list, now is the time to dive in before they leave Game Pass!
Final Thoughts: Is April 2025 a Good Month for Game Pass?
With AAA blockbusters, strategy classics, and eerie horror adventures, April is shaping up to be a fantastic month for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. Whether you love fast-paced action, story-driven experiences, or co-op fun, this lineup has something for every gamer.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Confirmed for Xbox Game Pass at Launch – What You Need to Know
FAQs
1. What is the biggest game coming to Game Pass in April 2025?
✅ South of Midnight is the most highly anticipated title this month, offering a unique folklore-inspired adventure with Xbox-exclusive gameplay. However, fans of action-packed shooters will also love Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition and Diablo III: Reaper of Souls.
2. How long will these games stay on Game Pass?
✅ There’s no set expiration date for new additions, but typically, first-party titles stay indefinitely, while third-party and indie games rotate out every few months.
