Xbox Game Pass' Latest Free Game Is A 104-Hour Award Winning RPG

2 hours ago 4

Published May 3, 2026, 5:30 AM EDT

Known as 'Cyberpunk 2077's' biggest fan, Angharad is a Welsh games writer who thrives in anything related to digital storytelling. If a video game explores the intricacies and horrors of womanhood, she is there.

Thanks to previous work at GAMINGbible, GameByte, The Loadout, Game Luster, Angharad has built a strong understanding of both the digital world and what fans want from it and is eager to share her thoughts and expertise with readers.

Being an Xbox Game Pass subscriber can be a bit like playing roulette, with some month's offerings being a treasure trove of underrated gems and some of the biggest AAA releases, whilst others leave a lot to the imagination. However, one epic and award-winning RPG has been added to the Game Pass library, allowing users to experience up to 50+ hours of thrilling content. As a big fan of this game myself, it is one I would recommend to everybody, even if it is not a genre you would usually gravitate towards.

Hades 2 Melinoe and Hecate casting an Incantation over the Cauldron in the Crossroads

Available on the Xbox Game Pass Premium tier is none other than Hades II. First released back in 2025 as the highly anticipated sequel to 2020's Hades, this award-winning roguelike set in a land rife with Greek mythology and its famous figures, the story follows Melinoë, the sister of Zagreus, who must fight to save her family and put an end to the rule of Chronos, the God of Time. Praised for its unique art-style, challenging gameplay, stunning soundtrack and performances, Hades II was nominated for Game of the Year back in December and its popularity shows no signs of dwindling.

Here at Screen Rant, our very own Chris Carter called Hades II "another godlike triumph." He wrote:

"More often than not, though, I would sit down for a multi-hour Hades 2 session and come away unlocking a ton of extras, new playstyles, and additional story revelations. The world this time around feels so much bigger, and although that can mean it is less personal at points, the scope is massive, and it made me feel like this was a living, breathing world.

I'll be playing Hades 2 for the rest of the year. It has its hooks in me, and unlike a lot of other genre staples, I haven't exhausted everything there is to do yet after a handful of runs. It's an excellent year for gaming, but it just got even better with the full release of this surefire classic."

Hades 2 Banner with Melinoë and a skeleton behind her

Now, as mentioned, Hades II is available to download and play for free courtesy of Xbox Game Pass Premium, and with HowLongToBeat claiming that the game takes 30+ hours to complete its main story whilst going for that 100% completion can take up to 100+ hours, this RPG is not one to miss out on, especially now that you can grab it at no extra cost.

So, if you are on the lookout for a roguelike RPG that weaves the stories and characters of Greek mythology into a punishing yet rewarding experience, and with the occasional romance, then look no further than Hades II.