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Microsoft Game Pass refreshes library for May with Forza Horizon 6 and Subnautica 2

Major titles including the Japanese-set racing sequel and the underwater survival follow-up arrive on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass over the coming weeks.

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Owen Mercer
Markets and Finance Editor
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Source: Engadget · original
Game Pass additions for May include Subnautica 2 and Forza Horizon 6
The subscription service aims to retain subscribers following a recent price adjustment, though rates remain elevated compared to previous years.

Microsoft has unveiled its May additions for the Xbox Game Pass subscription service, headlined by the open-world racing title Forza Horizon 6 and the underwater survival sequel Subnautica 2. The announcement comes as the tech giant seeks to bolster its library following a controversial price adjustment for Game Pass Ultimate earlier in 2025. Although the company reversed the initial hike, the current pricing structure remains higher than previous rates, making new content a key retention strategy.

Forza Horizon 6, developed by Playground Games, is set to launch on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on 19 May. The latest entry in the long-running series moves the action to Japan, featuring a virtual recreation of Tokyo with access to over 550 real-world vehicles. While the game is confirmed to eventually release on the PlayStation 5, no specific date has been announced for that version.

Arriving earlier in the month, Subnautica 2 enters Early Access on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on 14 May. The sequel to the 2018 underwater survival hit is already generating significant interest, noted as the most wishlisted game on Steam at the time of reporting. This early access model allows subscribers to experience the title before its full release while it continues to develop.

The May lineup also includes a narrative adventure titled Mixtape from Annapurna Interactive, which joins the service on 7 May for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. A broader roster of titles is confirmed to join the platform, including Ben 10 Power Trip, Descenders Next, Wheel World, Wildgate, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, Outbound, Black Jacket, Call of the Elder Gods, and Elite Dangerous. Availability for these additional games varies between Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass tiers.

As new titles enter the library, Microsoft maintains its rotation model where departures coincide with fresh arrivals. On 15 May, Kulebra and Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels: Championship are scheduled to leave the service. This cycle of additions and removals continues to define the operational rhythm of the subscription platform, ensuring a constant flow of content for users across console and PC.

The strategic focus on high-profile releases like Forza Horizon 6 and Subnautica 2 underscores the importance of value perception for the service. By securing major first-party and third-party releases, Microsoft aims to justify the subscription cost for both existing members and potential lapsed users who may have left following the 2025 pricing changes.

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