10 PC exclusives to play through PC Game Pass this year

If you're considering signing up to Game Pass as a PC-only gamer, you're in for a treat. Right now, the Xbox Game Pass library is bursting with over 100 games for you to download and play at your leisure, and lucky for you there are some amazing games only available to PC players.

These are not necessarily PC exclusives, just to be clear, but at least they are games that you'll get to lord over your console-only Game Pass friends, as we PC gamers generally love to do.

Whether you choose just Xbox PC Game pass, or go the full hog with Xbox Game pass Ultimate, you'll gain access to some fantastic games, including those on EA Play.

I've put together a collection of some of the best Xbox Game Pass games only playable on PC, including top-rated RPGs, city builders, and even everyone's favorite farming sim. There's something for every kind of PC gamer here, from smashing new releases, to a collection of classic older games to rifle through when you start feeling nostalgic over the holidays.

Frostpunk 2

This ice-riddled city builder is the recently released sequel to the original Frostpunk game, which drops you in a frozen wasteland and trusts you with the troubles of its grizzled survivors. You are tasked with managing and expanding New London, passing laws, and balancing the needs of your settlers as you navigate rising tension between factions.

Diablo 4

Stuff your pockets with loot in this open-world of demonic proportions, the sprawling shared-world of Sanctuary. Enjoy the slow creep of power as your character rises against the hordes of a world under siege, and delves into a seemingly endless array of dungeons and intoxicating side quests.

Doom Eternal

Rip and tear your way through this fast-paced bloodfest, while enjoying some hardcore guitar shredding. This weapon-tastic shoot-em-up is a frantic and visually stunning sequel to a beloved classic that'll have you bunnyhopping into deeper and deeper danger, guns blazing.

Psychonauts

Sure the newer Psychonauts 2 is available on Game Pass, but the celebrated original game is available only to PC gamers. In it, you take on the role of the young Razputin, beset by the evil mind games of a mysterious villain. Using levitation and other telekinetic powers, you take a leap into the unknown, to destroy mental demons and put things right again.

Stardew Valley

Romance your way through the seasons, or simply till earth and grow turnips in this well-loved farming sim. As you expand your late grandfather's farm and improve Pelican Town, heaps of mysteries and dangers will reveal themselves to you. Manage your farm well in spite of them, and you'll be on the road from rags to riches in no time.

It Takes Two

In this fantastic co-op adventure, players take the role of husband and wife duo turned into dolls by their daughter's attempts to quell their feuds. Together with a friend you must tag-team and tackle the many challenges that face them in their tiny form, while navigating the minefield that is love. You'll need to connect your EA account for this one, but then you can either split screen it with a pal or use Friend Play to test your bond.

Crusader Kings 3

A popular and impressive addition to the Crusader Kings franchise in which you lead your dynasty, grow your lands, and improve your popular opinion as you guide your people through an eventful narrative. Ensure the continuity of your family line and raise your heir right as you navigate countless diplomatic challenges. Keep your kingdom running smoothly or face the consequences and fall in your hubris.

Crysis

Can your PC run Crysis? Now's the time to find out. It's another one that'll need you to connect your EA account, but when you do you'll be taking on enemies with speed boosts and strength modes as Nomad, a US soldier sent to investigate a distress call. If you haven't gone back and played this absolute classic meme of a game, your Xbox Game Pass subscription might just be the chance you've been looking for.

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

This deeply immersive, mind-bending adventure through Hell sees you trying to avenge a dead love as Celtic warrior Senua. Collect lorestones to learn about the world as you journey through the underworld, and solve puzzles while clawing to keep hold of your sanity. It's an emotional journey of puzzlement and abject terror that will give you food for thought, and one hell of a fright.

Mass Effect 2

If you haven't been back and checked out Mass Effect 2 yet, PC game pass will let you experience it through EA play. Unite and resist against the Reapers as Commander Shepar in this is a game of branching narratives and difficult moral choices, with plenty of romance options to pick from as you whizz around the galaxy.