In a highly anticipated announcement for gaming aficionados, the sequel to the 2019 extreme sports title Descenders will be available on Xbox Game Pass from its launch day in 2025. The new title, Descenders Next, aims to build on the success of its predecessor with fresh gameplay elements and an expanded focus on extreme sports.
The original Descenders, released in 2019, received widespread acclaim for its engaging gameplay and immersive mountain biking experience. With an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, it stood out for its procedurally generated tracks and exhilarating biking challenges. Fans of the game are now eagerly awaiting its successor, which promises to offer an expanded sports portfolio and innovative features.
Descenders Next will see a shift from mountain biking to include snowboarding and mountainboarding. This diversification is set to attract a broader audience while maintaining the core elements that contributed to the original game’s success. Players can expect online multiplayer modes, a variety of biomes to explore, and an assortment of game modes designed to provide extensive replay value.
The announcement of Descenders Next is a significant addition to the growing list of anticipated titles slated for Xbox Game Pass in 2025. The year is shaping up to be exceptional for subscribers, with several major releases already confirmed. Among these is Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed, now rescheduled for release on 18 February 2025 after a delay from the previous year. This role-playing game has generated considerable excitement and is expected to be a major draw for the subscription service.
In addition to Descenders Next and Avowed, Xbox Game Pass will feature a variety of other notable games throughout 2025, although many of their release dates are yet to be confirmed. The list includes titles such as Atomfall, Citizen Sleeper, Doom: The Dark Ages, Expedition 33, Fable, Mixtape, Sleight of Hand, South of Midnight, Winter Burrow, and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. With such a diverse line up, 2025 promises to offer a rich selection of new content for subscribers.
In the short term, Xbox Game Pass users have much to look forward to as well. The service’s August 2024 Wave 1 line up has recently been announced, and the upcoming autumn months will bring major releases like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and STALKER 2. While some titles will be leaving the service in the next few months, the influx of new additions is expected to significantly outweigh the departures, ensuring a continuously fresh and engaging gaming experience.
The debut of Descenders Next and the other forthcoming titles underscores Xbox Game Pass’s commitment to delivering a varied and high-quality gaming library. As the industry continues to evolve, Microsoft’s subscription service remains a key player, offering a broad spectrum of games that cater to a wide range of preferences.
As 2025 approaches, the gaming community can anticipate not only the arrival of Descenders Next but also a host of other exciting releases. With each new addition, Microsoft further solidifies its position as a leading force in the gaming world, providing players with a continually evolving library of engaging and innovative titles.
