Xbox Drops 6 Free Games, Includes AAA, No Game Pass Needed

You can play these six Xbox games, and you don’t even need a Game Pass subscription to play some of them.

It’s that time again when Microsoft launches its latest ‘Free Play Days’ campaign, and the latest will take place over this weekend. For the most part, you will need an Xbox Game Pass subscription, but there are two games where there’s no such requirement.

It does feel strange having ‘free’ games that can only be played with an Xbox Game Pass subscription. However, if you subscribe to this bottom tier, the ‘Free Play Days’ campaign often means that you can access titles in the more expensive tier at no extra cost.

What’s Included in Xbox Free Play Days This Weekend?

Firstly, let’s begin with what free games require an Xbox Game Pass subscription.

Developed by Ubisoft Mainz, Anno 117: Pax Romana is a simulation strategy game set during the Roman Empire. Build your empire, control civilization and hope that everything stays in order (it probably won't). This is certainly one for fans of Age of Empires.

Celebrate the golden years of the Atari 2600, 5200 and 7800 with Atari 50: Anniversary Celebration. This collection of retro goodness includes classic games such as Tempest, Asteroids, Yars’ Revenge, and more. It even includes documentaries and interviews.

Stuffed, no, not stuffed as in shovelling in an XL pizza, wedges, and cookie dough in one sitting, I’m talking about the game that has menacing teddy bears. Stuffed is a four-player co-op game where you really want to wake up from a nightmare of relentless garden gnomes stalking you in the dead of night.

Moving Out 2 is the sequel to the fantastic 2020 chaotic co-op game. The premise is simple: work together as a team to move household items into a van. How hard can that be? Trust me, it’s easier said than done. Moving Out 2 is an absolute blast of a game to play with family and friends on the couch. Or, online, if that’s your preference.

Here’s What Doesn't Need Xbox Game Pass

Marathon, the highly anticipated online extraction shooter from the creators of Halo and Destiny, none other than Bungie. The ‘Server Slam’ takes place this weekend, where everyone can see if Marathon will live up to the lofty expectations set by Bungie, oh, and to test the online servers, of course. Will Marathon succeed, or will it be the next multiplayer flop? Only time will tell.

The Sinking City Remastered is a Lovecraft-inspired, third-person horror game. The city of Oakmont is submerged, almost in its entirety, and if things couldn't get any worse, it’s now plagued by horrific monsters. You play as a private investigator, Charles W. Reed, who is tasked with uncovering the truth about what the hell is going on in this city. Am I sure everything will be ok?

How Long Will These Games Be Free?

Anno 117: Pax Romana, Atari 50: Anniversary Celebration, Stuffed and Moving Out 2 are available right now until Sunday, 1 March 2026.

As for The Sinking City Remastered and Marathon Server Slam, they will be available until Monday, 2 March 2026.