Games Coming Game Pass April 2026: Hades II, Replaced, and a Massive Wave 1 Lineup
The gaming landscape in April 2026 is witnessing a seismic shift as Microsoft unveils one of the most content-heavy updates in the history of its subscription service. If you are searching for games coming game pass april, you have arrived at the ultimate resource. This month isn't just about quantity; it’s about a strategic infusion of Day One indie masterpieces, long-awaited AAA backlogs, and a definitive "remastered" touch that spans across Cloud, Console, and PC tiers.
The Heavy Hitters: Hades II and Replaced Lead the Charge
On April 14, the service welcomes the crown jewel of 2026: Hades II. After its initial launch on PC and Switch 2, Supergiant Games’ sequel finally arrives on Xbox consoles as a Day One inclusion for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. Players take control of Melinoë, the immortal Princess of the Underworld, as she battles the Titan of Time, Chronos. With a revamped "Magick" resource system and a story that reacts to every failure, it is the definition of "just one more run".
Launching the same day is Replaced, a title that has been high on wishlists since its 2021 reveal. This 2.5D cinematic platformer from Sad Cat Studios blends a dark cyberpunk aesthetic with fluid, free-flow combat inspired by the Arkham series. Set in an alternate 1980s America, you play as R.E.A.C.H., an AI trapped in a human body, navigating the neon-lit corruption of Phoenix City.
The Full April 2026 Wave 1 Release Calendar
Microsoft has confirmed a diverse roster spanning sports, RPGs, and simulation. Below is the complete schedule of arrivals for the first half of the month.
| Date | Game Title | Platforms | Tiers |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2 | Barbie Horse Trails | Cloud, Console, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC |
| April 3 | NBA 2K26 | Series X|S, PC, Cloud | Ultimate, Premium, PC |
| April 7 | Final Fantasy IV | Cloud, Series X|S, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC |
| April 8 | FBC: Firebreak | Cloud, Series X|S, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC |
| April 8 | DayZ (PC Expansion) | PC | Ultimate, Premium, Essential, PC |
| April 9 | Planet Coaster 2 | Cloud, Series X|S, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC |
| April 10 | Tiny Bookshop | Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC [ |
| April 13 | Football Manager 26 | PC, Cloud, Console | Ultimate, Premium, PC |
| April 14 | Hades II | Cloud, Series X|S, Handheld, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC |
| April 14 | Replaced | Cloud, Series X|S, PC | Ultimate, PC |
| April 16 | Oblivion Remastered | Cloud, Series X|S, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC |
| April 17 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | Cloud, Console, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC |
| April 23 | Kiln | Cloud, Series X|S, Handheld, PC | Ultimate, PC |
Remasters and Simulations: Oblivion and Football Manager
Nostalgia meets modern hardware on April 16 with The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. This surprise drop from Bethesda modernizes the 2006 masterpiece with 4K resolution, 60 FPS performance, and all original expansions like Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine. It’s a perfect bridge for fans waiting for The Elder Scrolls VI.
Sim fans aren't left behind, as Football Manager 26 launches on April 13. This is a landmark year for the series, being the first entry rebuilt on the Unity engine, offering a total UI overhaul and significantly more detailed matchday animations.
Double Fine’s "Kiln": Pottery Power-Fantasy
Closing out the month’s major releases on April 23 is Kiln, the latest experiment from the legendary studio Double Fine. Described as a "pottery-party brawler," players sculpt their own ceramic armor on a realistic virtual pottery wheel. The shape and thickness of your pot determine your combat stats and abilities in 4v4 "Quench" mode.It’s quirky, creative, and exactly the kind of innovation Game Pass was built for.
Leaving Soon: Grand Theft Auto V Exits
As always, new arrivals mean some titles must depart. On April 15, the service will lose five games, most notably Grand Theft Auto V. Having completed a one-year stint since its return in 2025, Rockstar is pulling the title ahead of the GTA VI marketing ramp-up. Other departures include Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes and Ashen. Subscribers can purchase these games at a 20% discount before they leave.
Conclusion: A Massive Spring for Xbox
With Hades II, Replaced, and Oblivion Remastered, April 2026 is an essential month for subscribers. Looking ahead, Microsoft has already confirmed that the Japan-based Forza Horizon 6 will launch on May 19, 2026, ensuring that the momentum continues well into the summer. Stay tuned for further Wave 2 announcements as the month progresses.
This report builds on publicly available information and is presented in our editorial format with added clarity and context.
Source date: April 7, 2026



