Exciting Lineup Revealed: Xbox Game Pass Wave 2 for January Brings Death Stranding Director’s Cut & Space Marine 2
Introduction
The Xbox Game Pass subscription service is closing out January 2026 on a high note with its Wave 2 lineup announcement, bringing a mix of blockbuster titles, beloved classics, and fresh indie experiences for subscribers across PC, console, and cloud platforms. After a strong start to the month, the second wave adds even more variety and depth to the Xbox Game Pass library, giving players plenty to dive into before February.
Death Stranding Director’s Cut: A Major Highlight
The most talked‑about addition in this wave is undoubtedly Death Stranding Director’s Cut, arriving on January 21 for Xbox Game Pass members on PC, cloud, and Xbox Series S/X. Originally released as a PlayStation exclusive, this critically acclaimed open‑world experience from Hideo Kojima makes its expanded Xbox debut, allowing Game Pass subscribers to experience its unique narrative, delivery missions, and intriguing post‑apocalyptic world without extra cost.
The Director’s Cut version of Death Stranding expands on the original with new missions, gameplay mechanics, and quality‑of‑life improvements — all part of the increasing ambition Microsoft has for gaming experiences included in Xbox Game Pass.
Space Marine 2: Epic Action Joins the Roster
Another massive addition to Xbox Game Pass is Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, which launches into the service on January 29. This third‑person action shooter plunges players into the brutal and iconic Warhammer universe as a mighty Space Marine, featuring intense combat, cooperative play, and deep lore.
Space Marine II received praise for its visceral battle mechanics and satisfying progression when it launched originally, making it a standout inclusion for action fans in the Xbox ecosystem. With its arrival on Xbox Game Pass, the title becomes accessible to a wide audience without requiring separate purchase.
Other Noteworthy Games in Wave 2
The Xbox Game Pass January 2026 Wave 2 lineup doesn’t stop with just the two headliners — there are several other exciting additions across different genres and playstyles:
🎮 January 21 Additions
- Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound – A fresh side‑scrolling action title with fast combat and stylistic design, available on cloud, PC, and Xbox Series S/X with Game Pass.
- RoadCraft – A simulation and reconstruction game, where players rebuild infrastructure after disasters — a thoughtful and creative experience for simulation fans.
🧩 Late January Arrivals
- The Talos Principle 2 (January 27) – A philosophical puzzle game that blends storytelling and brain‑teasing environments, arriving on Game Pass for multiple platforms.
- Anno: Mutationem (January 28) – A stylish action‑adventure game with RPG elements.
- Drop Duchy (January 28) – A hybrid rogue‑lite strategy game with unique block mechanics.
- MySims: Cozy Bundle (January 29) – A nostalgic, family‑friendly title featuring creative town‑building and social gameplay.
🎮 Early February Bonus
- Indika (February 2) – A story‑driven adventure in an alternate 19th‑century setting, blending narrative depth with unique gameplay.
- Final Fantasy II (February 3) – A remastered pixel‑style version of the classic JRPG, now available to Game Pass subscribers.
These additions underline Microsoft’s strategy to broaden the appeal of Xbox Game Pass with everything from strategy and indie gems to robust AAA experiences, making late January one of the most varied drops in recent months.
Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass This Month
As new games arrive, several titles are also leaving Xbox Game Pass at the end of January. Players who enjoy these games should make sure to finish or revisit them before they are removed on January 31:
- Shady Part of Me
- Cataclismo
- Starbound
- Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders
- Paw Patrol World
- Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
- Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap
These departures are a standard part of the Game Pass rotation and help free up space for incoming titles while maintaining a dynamic library throughout the year.
What This Wave Means for Xbox Game Pass Subscribers
The January 2026 Wave 2 lineup reinforces Xbox Game Pass as one of the most competitive gaming subscription services available today. By offering Death Stranding Director’s Cut and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II alongside a broad range of other games, Microsoft ensures that subscribers have a continual flow of fresh content to explore.
This strategy not only rewards long‑time members but also continues to attract new players who value variety, quality, and accessibility across platforms — whether on console, PC, or cloud.
Final Thoughts: A Strong End to January for Xbox Game Pass
Overall, the Xbox Game Pass January 2026 Wave 2 announcement delivers a compelling mix of games, from cinematic open‑world storytelling in Death Stranding Director’s Cut to intense combat in Space Marine 2, plus a host of unique titles that cater to all types of gamers.
With the constant rotation of games in and out of the service, there’s always something new to play — making Xbox Game Pass not just a subscription, but a gateway to gaming experiences worth exploring throughout the year.
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