Xbox Game Pass' Stunning New Free Game Is One We Never Thought We'd See

Xbox Game Pass' Stunning New Free Game Is One We Never Thought We'd See The black Xbox logo has backlights illuminating it in contrast. By  Bruno Yonezawa Published 15 minutes ago Bruno Yonezawa is a Gaming Senior Writer for Screen Rant. He's been practicing professional journalism for over 10 years, and is also a communications specialist. He's played games all his life and turned that passionate hobby into a passionate career, in an industry where he's worked as a writer, editor, analyst, and more. Sign in to your ScreenRant account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

A new free game is being added to the Xbox Game Pass catalog as a day-one release, and it’s one that players thought they’d never see, especially considering how much time it’s been in development. Microsoft’s subscription service offers hundreds of games for its members to play, depending on their tier, and there are continuous updates, with new arrivals and a few departures. There are so many games available that it’s quite common for some to go unnoticed, as there are games nobody talks about on Xbox Game Pass.

This includes titles like 1000xResist, which just recently joined the catalog, and even Stardew Valley, which, despite its popularity, is often forgotten as a free game on the service. Aside from free games, specifically, there are also several freebies on Xbox Game Pass, such as Fortnite Crew, Call of Duty: Warzone Game Pass Pack 4, and Discord Nitro for three months.

Xbox Game Pass New Game Is Over 10 Years In The Making

Routine Is A Day-One Release On December 4

Routine key art showing an astronaut holding a CAT, while stalked by a robot, and the moon in the background.

As part of the Xbox Game Pass additions in December, Routine is being added as a day-one release in the catalog on December 4. The sci-fi horror game is being added to the catalogs for the Ultimate and PC Game Pass tiers exclusively, so if you’re a Premium or Essential member, you won’t be able to play it unless you upgrade your subscription. The title can be played on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, compatible handheld devices, and via cloud.

Routine is a curious game in that it has been in development for over 10 years. As was reported by Gaming Bolt, the horror game was first announced in 2012. The title has been in development since, and the developers, Lunar Software, have not provided too many updates over the years. The game’s production was also paused for a while, but then picked back up in 2020, with Raw Fury as its publisher. Now, the game is finally set for release.

Routine Looks Absolutely Incredible

The Survival Horror Game Is Set On A Lunar Base

A robot attacks the player in Routine.

Routine is a first-person sci-fi horror game, which is set on a base on the moon. You’ll explore this hostile environment while being stalked by menacing robots, and your goal is to survive. You’ll have a few resources at your disposal, but playing stealthily will improve your odds. The game looks incredible, with a remarkable environment design, as well as a somber ambiance.

Fans of horror games set in oppressive locations with a constant menacing presence, like Alien: Isolation, will likely have a good time with Routine. Its overall quality, combined with its status as a day-one release, adds more value to your Xbox Game Pass subscription, and you should check it out as soon as possible.

Routine

Like FPS Exploration Horror Action Systems Released December 4, 2025 Developer(s) Lunar Software Publisher(s) Raw Fury Engine Unreal Engine 5 Number of Players Single-player PC Release Date December 4, 2025 Xbox Series X|S Release Date December 4, 2025 4 Images RoutineClose

Genre(s) FPS, Exploration, Horror, Action Powered by Expand Collapse

• Gaming
• Xbox Game Pass
• indie

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