October’s Xbox Game Pass adds Gears of War: E-Day, while console updates and game releases keep Xbox players engaged.
As we move closer to the end of 2026, Xbox continues to keep its players engaged with promising updates and game releases. The highlight of this week is undoubtedly the announcement of upcoming Xbox Game Pass additions for October, including the much-anticipated Gears of War: E-Day. While these titles look set to dominate playtime, there’s also a notable console update in the pipeline that may change the way you start your gaming sessions.
Xbox Game Pass: October Highlights
According to Pure Xbox, Microsoft has already confirmed seven additions to Xbox Game Pass for October 2026. The marquee title here is Gears of War: E-Day, promising a fresh narrative within one of Xbox’s most beloved franchises. Also joining the lineup are Deep Dish Dungeon and Valor Mortis, among others. The specifics of these games haven’t been fully detailed, but the presence of a Gears of War title is bound to excite fans of intense, action-packed gaming experiences. As usual, more titles are expected to be announced in the weeks ahead, ensuring a steady stream of content for subscribers.
Console Update: Choose Your Start-Up Animation
Alongside the exciting game additions, Xbox is rolling out a console update with a feature that will allow players to customize their console’s start-up animation. As reported by Pure Xbox, beta testers already have access to this feature, which will soon be available to all users. Players can choose from animations used during the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S eras, or opt for the latest “We are XBOX” animation. This might be a small feature, but it adds a dash of personal flair to the console experience.
Weekly Releases: A Mix of Genres
Looking at the week ahead, over 30 games are slated for release on the Xbox platform from September 14-18. According to another Pure Xbox report, standout titles include Aniimo, The Walking Dead: Streets of Survival, Two Point Hospital: Full Health Collection, and FEROCIOUS. For Xbox Game Pass subscribers, there’s a noteworthy day-one release in RuneScape: Dragonwilds. This varied slate showcases everything from survival horrors to management sims, ensuring there’s something for every kind of gamer.
Indie Spotlight: Together: Moon Escape
Lastly, a new title called Together: Moon Escape has been launched on Xbox Series X|S, as highlighted by TheXboxHub. This co-op puzzler challenges two players to solve intriguing mysteries and escape a lunar landscape, adding a fresh twist to the cooperative gaming genre.
This combination of new features, high-profile Game Pass additions, and a strong lineup of releases suggests Xbox is maintaining its momentum with diverse offerings to keep its audience engaged.
