Ninja Gaiden 4 Headlines Xbox Game Pass’ Biggest Shake-Up Yet: October’s Full Lineup & Major Price Changes

Ninja Gaiden 4 finally gets its Game Pass debut this October, and that’s just scratching the surface. Microsoft’s massive overhaul of Xbox Game Pass rolls into action this month with a new tier structure, a dramatically higher price now at $29.99/£22.99 for Ultimate, and a fresh batch of hits dropping all month. If you’ve been eyeing Double Fine’s new game Keeper or waiting to replay Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Remaster, you only have to wait a few days. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t miss out, plus what’s leaving soon.

Every Game Arriving on Game Pass in October

The lineup this month is heavy on variety and quality. Here’s what you’ll see, broken down by release date:

• October 9: Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Editions (PC)
  Sometimes classics just do it better. PC players with Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or PC Game Pass can dive back into these RPG legends.
• October 14: The Casting of Frank Stone (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S)
  Part horror, part mystery—coming to almost every device if you’re a Game Pass Ultimate or Premium subscriber, or have PC Game Pass.
• October 15:
  
  
  
  • Ball x Pit (Cloud, Console, PC)
  
  
  • The Grinch: Christmas Adventures (Cloud, Console, PC)
  
  
  • Eternal Strands (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S)
  
  
  • He Is Coming (Game Preview) (PC)
  
  
  • Ninja Gaiden 2 Black (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S)
  
  

  Every Game Pass tier (except Essential) gets a slice of the action, but Premium users unlock even more, including Eternal Strands and He Is Coming.

• October 16: Pax Dei (PC)
  Another one for PC fans: Pax Dei joins via Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass.
• October 17: Keeper (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S)
  Double Fine returns with its next quirky adventure, available with Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
• October 21:
  
  
  
  • Evil West (Cloud, Console, PC)
  
  
  • Ninja Gaiden 4 (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S)

  Ninja Gaiden 4 steals the spotlight, but don’t miss Evil West if stylised shooting is your thing.

It’s rare to see this much in one month, and it’s clear Microsoft wants you to try out the new Game Pass format. Just remember: some games are restricted to certain tiers. Double-check your plan before you go to download.

Game Pass Overhaul: What Changes, What Stays, What Costs More

October is the first full month under Microsoft’s new Game Pass system after this week’s announcement. Here’s the breakdown:

• Ultimate: $29.99/£22.99 monthly, covers everything and now includes 75 day-one titles per year, plus Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics as sweeteners.
• Premium: (previously called Standard) sits one step down. Details on price weren’t in the source, but it offers more than the baseline.
• Essential: (formerly Core) is the lowest tier.
• PC Game Pass continues as its own thing for PC regulars.

Some big games are set for day-one drops this year for Ultimate subscribers: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, High on Life 2, Keeper, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2 are all named in Microsoft’s plans for 2025. There’s also a crucial note: users in select regions can dodge a 50% price hike, but only if they stay subscribed continuously. If your membership lapses, you’re likely facing the jump. If you need more time to think, don’t stall too long.

What’s Leaving Game Pass in October

Every good thing cycles out. If you still haven’t tackled these, you’re nearly out of time:

• Cocoon (Cloud, Console, PC)
• Core Keeper (Cloud, Console, PC)
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed (Cloud, Console, PC)

Once they’re gone, your only option is to buy them outright. Add them to your queue now if you’ve been procrastinating.

How to Make the Most of October on Game Pass

The price increases and new tier names mean you’ll want to look closely at which Game Pass matches your play style. Ultimate is still the only way to get everything from console to PC, plus new add-ons and day-one releases. Premium (the old Standard) picks up the slack for those who want more than the entry-level Essential.

If you’re ready for Ninja Gaiden’s return, or want to check out Double Fine’s weird new world in Keeper, this is a can’t-miss month no matter your taste. Just don’t let “must-play” games like Cocoon slip away forever.