Xbox Game Pass subscribers can start the year with two notable new features. Microsoft has just added Brews & Bastardsa crazy dungeon crawler, and Little Nightmares Enhanced Editiona 4K 60 FPS remastered version of the horror classic. Both games are available now, at no additional cost to Xbox Series X/S and PC subscribers.
While the first offered a frenetic experience mixing beer and demons, it’s the return of Little Nightmares that has the most talk, thanks to an impressive visual upgrade. The perfect opportunity to rediscover a cult game before diving back into its sequels.
Brews & Bastards: a drunken and explosive dungeon crawler
Released last September, Brews & Bastards, developed by Mune Studio, mixes the codes of twin-stick shooter and rogue-lite in a totally crazy atmosphere. The player plays one of the alcoholic heroes who must repel hordes of demons to find the mysterious Brewing Stone.
The game has attracted a community of fans of the genre, particularly for its artistic style and its crazy bosses. “Overflowing with frenetic combat, powerful brews and outrageous bosses”, it brings a good dose of absurdity and action to the Game Pass catalog.
Little Nightmares remastered in 4K and 60 FPS
The second title is a revisited classic: Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition. Already cult since its release in 2017, the horror game returns in a remastered version in ultra-high definition. 4K resolution, fluidity at 60 frames per second, and reworked environments: everything is done to enhance the chilling atmosphere of the game.
“Visually, the game is impeccable with beautiful and intriguing settings, but they lack depth and move too quickly,” wrote Sam Cawley in his review on GAMINGbible. Despite some reservations about the rhythm, the game retains its aura, notably thanks to its oppressive and minimalist universe.
Contrasted player reactions
As is often the case with Game Pass additions, reactions are mixed. On Reddit, some are rejoicing. “Good news. I’m so excited to play it!” posted one enthusiastic user. Others are more critical. User kociou, for example, said: “An 8 year old game available for 2 dollars? Wow, they’re a hit with the December and January titles…”.
Despite this, Little Nightmares continues to be unanimous among fans of dark and symbolic visual stories. And Brews & Bastards could well become the nice indie surprise of the start of the year.
A great way to start the year on Xbox
By combining an iconic horror game with something as crazy as Brews & Bastards, Microsoft is making a bold comeback. These two games, both very different and perfectly complementary, offer Xbox Game Pass subscribers a start to 2026 marked by diversity.