Best new Xbox Game Pass games to play this weekend (May 1-3)

4 weeks ago 22

Published May 1, 2026, 3:30 PM EDT

They just keep comin'

Ariane stands dramatically in front of an explosion in Aphelion

Xbox and Game Pass had a weird start to spring. Microsoft lowered the price of the subscription service, but also announced future Call of Duty titles won't be day-and-date releases on Game Pass. It also rebranded the Microsoft Gaming department as just Xbox, and CEO Asha Sharma hinted that Xbox will be reassessing its approach to exclusive games. Gears of War: Reloaded has already landed on PlayStation 5. Gears of War: E-Day? TBD on that front.

1 Aphelion

Aphelion is the latest from Don't Nod, a developer that dabbles in a little bit of everything. It's a space adventure following two astronauts and former lovers venturing to a newly discovered planet, Persephone, to investigate if it's suitable for human life. Things immediately go awry, and the pair venture across Persephone seeking both answers and each other. I enjoyed my time with Aphelion, even if its gameplay wasn't as invigorating as its characters' emotional journeys. "[Aphelion's] storytelling is as top-notch as you’d expect from a Don’t Nod game," I wrote in my review.

2 Inkonbini

Run a small-town convenience store in Inkonbini. It's a cozy game more focused on life's everyday connections and moments rather than some grand adventure. You'll do the day-to-day tasks of running the store, like stocking shelves, in between branching conversations with the store's regulars. Get to know them and their secrets about this small town.

3 Sledding Game

Sledding Game is about two things: sledding and hanging out with your buds. Imagine Peak, but instead of climbing up a mountain, you're sledding down one with hilarious ragdoll physics. It also includes several minigames, like snowball fights and one about making snowmen. Sledding Game is in early access, but it has a ton of sleds, playable characters, cosmetics, and more already packed into the game.