Released nearly two years after its console counterpart, PC Game Pass has been around alongside Xbox Game Pass for over five years now, but has rarely been thrust into the spotlight. But with recent games like Frostpunk 2Microsoft has no choice but to highlight PC Game Pass, and in this light, PC Game Pass seems to easily offer the same value as its previous console sibling.
Although developer 11 Bit Studios plans to bring it to an end Frostpunk 2 for consoles, the game launched exclusively on PC and the day-one PC Game Pass was also released. Even though it's only been a few days since launch, it seems like it is Frostpunk 2 was a true critical success, currently sitting at an impressive 86 on Metacritic. But Frostpunk 2 it's not the only well-reviewed PC exclusive to hit Game Pass this year.
Frostpunk 2 proves that PC Game Pass is just as good as its console counterpart
Frostpunk 2 is the latest in a series of great PC Game Pass exclusives
2024 brought a surprising number of PC-only titles to Game Pass, many of which earned decent praise from critics and fans. Even though it's still in early access, Terra Invicta was a great addition to PC Game Pass in March of this year, allowing subscribers to experience the turmoil of humanity's splintered major factions in the aftermath of an alien invasion.
Lords of the manor was another big hit for PC Game Pass this year, releasing into Early Access in April. Although there is still a long way to go, Lords of the manor has earned a “Very Positive” rating on Steam from an impressive 47,557 reviews, with its medieval city-building/RTS gameplay immediately setting it apart. The 2D sandbox cooperative RPG Kepler was another solid addition to PC Game Pass this year.
Of course, the latest addition to PC Game Pass has solidified the value of the subscription service for good. Frostpunk 2 received critical praise on almost every level, with many reviews praising the sequel's increased scope, new gameplay mechanics, difficult moral choices, and improved production value. Although it comes from an independent studio, Frostpunk 2 it often feels like a AAA strategy game, and its place on PC Game Pass makes it a must-play for any fan of city builders and dystopian settings.
PC Game Pass gets almost everything Xbox offers
But PC Game Pass doesn't just give players access to titles released only on PC. PC Game Pass also shares the vast majority of the Xbox Game Pass console library. Some of Game Pass's biggest day-one launches this year, such as Flintlock: Siege of Dawn, It still awakens the depths, Hinterberg Underground, The Senua Saga: Hellblade 2AND Another crab's treasure they all arrived on PC Game Pass at the same time. Likewise, the rest of Game Pass's biggest day-one releases for the year will arrive on PC at the same time, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Indiana Jones and the Great CircleAND STALKER 2: The Heart of Chernobyl.
It should also be noted that PC Game Pass is still currently cheaper than the Standard tier of Xbox Game Pass, with PC Game Pass costing $11.99 per month, while the Standard tier of Xbox Game Pass costs $14.99. PC Game Pass also receives day one titles, while Xbox Game Pass users must be subscribed to the Ultimate tier to get day one releases on the console.
