Descenders Next, the adrenaline-fuelled sequel to RageSquid’s hit extreme sports game Descenders, has just made a surprise entrance on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Officially released on July 21, 2025, it marks the 13th new game to hit the Game Pass library this month, and the 91st addition of the year.
This unexpected shadow drop adds some serious downhill speed to Microsoft’s growing portfolio. But there’s more to this than a simple release: the game is a day-one addition to Game Pass and carries a few unique implications for both subscribers and extreme sports fans alike.
Surprise launch with full game preview support
After a delay back in April 2025, Descenders Next has finally dropped into early access. It’s now live across PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. As promised, this sneak peek launch coincides with its debut as a day-one Game Pass release through both Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Even better? It offers Xbox Cloud Gaming support for players wanting to hit the dirt trails from anywhere.
For subscribers, this is a big win. The current standalone price for the Game Preview version is $29.99, but members get it at no extra cost. And despite being a sequel, the build is currently free of any DLC, echoing the approach of the original Descenders, which saw frequent updates during its early access phase, but no paid content.
What makes Descenders Next different?
Descenders Next takes the rugged thrills of the original and cranks the volume to 11. It builds on the formula with tighter controls, more varied environments, and expanded physics, offering players a broader canvas for gravity-defying stunts and chaotic downhill chaos. And while it’s still in early access, RageSquid has outlined a two-year development roadmap for fine-tuning the experience.
The developers haven’t confirmed whether the full version will remain on Game Pass once that early access window closes, so you might want to dive in while it’s still guaranteed.
New Games Hitting Xbox Game Pass This Week
Descenders Next isn’t arriving alone. July continues to deliver with a handful of exciting titles:
- Abiotic Factor (July 22) – Day-one console release
- Wheel World (July 23) – Day-one release
- Wuchang: Fallen Feathers (July 24) – Day-one release
- Grounded 2 (July 29) – Day-one release
And looking further ahead, player favourites like Farming Simulator 25 (August 1) and
Gears of War: Reloaded (August 26) are right around the corner. Further into the calendar, titles like Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2 are also confirmed as day-one Game Pass drops later in 2025.
When will Descenders Next hit Xbox Game Pass Standard?
Here’s where things get a little muddy. If you’re a subscriber to the budget-friendly Xbox Game Pass Standard, introduced in September 2024, you’re probably wondering when Descenders Next might show up. Microsoft’s current trend suggests that day-one titles hit Standard tier at least 6 to 12 months later.
So what does that mean for you? Best-case scenario, we might see the game migrate to Game Pass Standard in January 2026. Worst case: it’s closer to July 2026. That said, there’s also a risk. RageSquid’s early access roadmap runs roughly two years, and Descenders Next could potentially leave the service altogether before hitting 1.0, and before ever hitting the Standard tier.
Honestly, if you’re even remotely into high-speed thrills, procedurally generated madness, and momentum-based gameplay, it might be worth jumping onto Descenders Next now. If you already subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, it’s a no-brainer. And if you were on the fence, well, saving $29.99 for an early-access game that could vanish from the library down the line feels like a pretty solid reason to take the leap.
Stay tuned as we continue to track Game Pass additions and retention windows. Until then: strap on your helmet and start shredding!