
QUICK SUMMARY
Xbox Game Pass subscribers are set to get day one access to one of the most talked about releases of 2024, Manor Lords a medieval RTS/city builder hybrid.
What a year it has been for Xbox Game Pass. First there was Palworld, the dangerously adorable open-world title dubbed 'Pokémon with guns', then Blizzard's Diablo IV dropped, swiftly followed by the game every dinosaur fan needs to play. Well, that run is set to continue with day-one access to the top wishlisted game on Steam.
That game is Manor Lords, a medieval real-time strategy game/ city builder hybrid from developers Slavic Magic. The best way I could describe it is Total War and Civilisation meets Sim City and that's enough to have me counting the days to April 26th (when it launches). Somehow it was made by just one person too.
These styles of games can often seem intimidating but that's the brilliant thing about Xbox Game Pass. If you do bounce off of it, then you've lost nothing, and there are hundreds of other games to enjoy instead.
You play as the Lord/Lady of the manor taking charge of a new settlement. You'll create a town using the gridless city-building system and use a mixture of trade, diplomacy and military might to expand your territory and influence. It looks like an incredibly detailed and immersive title that you could lose days if not weeks of your life to. But it's not the only upcoming Game Pass launch I'm excited for.
A slightly less serious title is Another Crab's Treasure where you play as Kril, a Hermit Crab setting out on an adventure to buy back his shell. If that wasn't persuasive enough, get this - it's a soulslike.
That's right, this title is taking inspiration from the likes of Dark Souls and Bloodborne so expect tricky intense combat. You'll use trash as a makeshift shell and as everything "from fashion to firearms" as Kril quests to regain his shell and investigate the mysterious 'gunk' infecting the ocean. It's out on April 23rd/
If neither of those games appeal to you then I don't quite know who you are, but maybe try Fallout instead?
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Andy was T3's Tech Staff Writer, covering all things technology, including his biggest passions such as gaming. If he had to save one possession from a fire it would be his PlayStation 5. He previously worked for Tom’s Guide – where he got paid to play with ChatGPT everyday. When it comes to streaming, Andy will have his headphones glued in whilst watching something that will make him laugh. He studied Creative Writing at university, but also enjoys supporting his favourite football team (Liverpool), watching F1, teaching himself guitar, and spending time with his dog.
-
GoRuck Rough Runner Review: a durable and comfortable shoe for running, rucking and workouts
Looking for a shoe you can do a bit of everything in? The Rough Runner is a strong contender
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Dreame's new robotic mower has all-terrain wheels, wireless technology and improved rain sensors
What more could you possibly need?
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
Xbox Game Pass to get one of the biggest day one releases of the year so far... and for free
Obsidian's first-person action RPG is coming to Game Pass this month, as well as Madden NFL 25 ahead of Super Bowl LIX
By Rik Henderson Published
-
I've fallen in love with my PS5 Pro at last thanks to this huge new game
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has put my console through its paces
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Xbox Game Pass loses major franchise after 4 years of day one releases
All good things must come to an end
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Xbox Game Pass members get one of the year's hottest new shooters for free this month
The latest Sniper Elite is coming to Xbox Game Pass as a day one release in January
By Rik Henderson Published
-
The Switch 2 could be the greatest console ever, thanks to one key detail
That back catalogue is going to be genuinely crazy
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I'm finally playing a game that makes my PS5 Pro feel worth it
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a visual powerhouse
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
How to watch the new Xbox Games Showcase – Developer_Direct 2025
Xbox will host a new Developer_Direct today, where we'll get deep dives on forthcoming games – here's how to watch it live
By Rik Henderson Last updated
-
Xbox Game Pass getting one of the best RPGs of all time for free
See how it all began
By Rik Henderson Published