Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has enriched its gaming library with the addition of Little Rocket Lab and SOPA - Tale of the Stolen Potato, marking the first day-one releases to join the service in October 2025. These two titles bring the total count of new games added to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate this year to an impressive 172, demonstrating Microsoft's ongoing commitment to expanding its subscription catalog.

SOPA - Tale of the Stolen Potato presents players with a heartwarming 3D adventure set in a vibrant South American landscape filled with magical realism. The game draws creative inspiration from literary classic The Little Prince and acclaimed animated films like Coco and Spirited Away. Developer StudioBando had originally announced the game as a day-one Xbox Game Pass title in late 2023, though the project experienced several delays after initially targeting a Q2 2024 launch, including missing its August 2025 release window before finally arriving in October.

Both SOPA - Tale of the Stolen Potato and Little Rocket Lab made their debut on October 7, becoming available across PC, consoles, and Microsoft's subscription service simultaneously. Developed by Canadian studio Teenage Astronauts, Little Rocket Lab combines factory automation mechanics with life simulation and RPG elements, featuring engaging quest systems and social relationship mechanics. While the two games differ significantly in gameplay structure, they share a common appeal to fans of cozy, relaxing gaming experiences.

These October 7 releases represent the first day-one additions to Microsoft's premium subscription tier this month, though they follow an unprecedented content expansion on October 1 that saw 48 new titles join the service. The massive influx primarily consisted of older Ubisoft titles previously exclusive to Ubisoft+ Classics, which Microsoft integrated into Xbox Game Pass Ultimate alongside a significant price adjustment to $29.99—a 50% increase from previous rates. This strategic shift generated considerable discussion within the gaming community, with subscription cancellation requests reportedly overwhelming Microsoft's systems throughout October 1.

The recent Xbox Game Pass restructuring introduced new membership levels—Essential and Premium—replacing the previous Core and Standard tiers. Neither of these new basic tiers includes day-one releases, though Microsoft has committed to bringing such titles to the Premium tier within twelve months of their initial launch. Consequently, subscribers can expect SOPA and Little Rocket Lab to become available on Xbox Game Pass Premium by early October 2026 at the latest.

Upcoming Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Releases

The remainder of October 2025 promises several additional day-one releases for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, including Ball x Pitt, Keeper, and the highly anticipated Ninja Gaiden 4. Later in the month, subscribers can look forward to The Outer Worlds 2, Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault, and Bounty Star, ensuring a diverse selection of gaming experiences throughout the autumn season.