Xbox Game Pass users get a totally stacked lineup of sports games ready to dive into. Thanks to EA Play integration and some standout day-one launches, you get the whole arsenal of sports craze under one roof: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Diving into it: here are five standouts that truly deserve a playthrough, or maybe even a Game Pass subscription if you haven’t snagged one already.
EA Sports FC 25
Let’s be honest, EA FC 25 was expected on this list. Despite the game being a controversial one among the series’ hardcore audience, it’s the best option for pure soccer, nailing the football energy as very few games do. You get respectable ball play, with a bunch of different game modes like Rush mode that bring intense yet quick 5v5 matches.
The Frostbite engine really makes the animations smoother, and everything from dribbles to strikes has a noticeable difference from its predecessors. There’s everything football, so whether you’re chasing Champions League glory or FIFA World Cup trophies, FC 25 will surely scratch any football fan’s itch.
Forza Motorsport
Forza Motorsport is a classic that dropped on Game Pass and just never left. It’s the ultimate sim racer, featuring over 500 cars and 20 laser-scanned tracks. Does it get any better? The career mode thrives on content depth, mixing one-off races with heated rivalries. Multiplayer rewards skill, and the driving physics complement it. You’ll feel every bump and grip change as you steer a Porsche 911 through Eau Rouge.
Not just that, but multi-class races keep the strategy stakes high, so deciding when to pit or defend keeps you on an edge. The progression system keeps you coming back, it’s fair, no paywalls, no nonsense. Straight up racing, with Xbox Game Pass inviting you to hop on the grid.
Madden 26
Madden NFL 26 just landed a spot in the Xbox Game Pass, and it’s not holding back. Boom Tech physics make every tackle and block feel brutal. Franchise mode digs deeper with expanded coaching trees and real-time roster updates from NFL seasons, so you’re never staying behind the latest squads.
FieldSENSE 2.0 turns every play into a chess match, elevating QB throws and WR routes. Fans love it, and it’s clear to see why Xbox snagged it for the Game Pass.
MLB The Show 24
MLB The Show 26 fans don’t have to wait if they’ve got a Game Pass, even though the upcoming release won’t be included. Instead, you can try MLB The Show 24. Despite being almost two entries old, it’s the same baseball game we know and love. Road to the Show lets you grind your way out of the minors, with new animations making every swing feel personal.
Diamond Dynasty mixes in packs and programs strategically, and Stadium Creator lets you build the ballpark of your dreams. So it’s really all in all the perfect baseball escape, the commentary is fresh, the details are seen, and every game just feels alive in a sense. No surprise that fans love it, and the hype for its successor is gaining new peaks.
NHL 25
NHL 25 joins the lineup through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, both on cloud and download. It keeps on delivering ice action that’s faster and fiercer than ever. ICE-Q tech powers up impressive AI that plays like the real pros. Be A Pro mode immerses you right into the chaos, letting you earn X-Factor boosts mid-shift to shake things up.
World of Chel expands with cross-play, so pairing up with friends isn’t a problem, no matter the platform. It’s solid for good reason, and Xbox Game Pass brings you virtual hockey at its finest. So, experience the icy thrill before it leaves.
