Another One Bites the Dust: Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor Confirmed for Xbox Game Pass on September 17

 In a month already stacked with monumental releases, Microsoft has delivered yet another compelling reason to be an Xbox Game Pass subscriber. Amidst the flurry of announcements at Gamescom 2025, it was officially confirmed that the highly popular indie title, Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor, will be a day-one addition to the service. The game, which has been a sensation in Early Access on PC, is set to make its full 1.0 launch on September 17, 2025, and will be immediately available to all Game Pass Ultimate members. This is a significant moment for both the game and the subscription service, as it brings a proven, fan-favorite experience to millions of new players and further solidifies Game Pass’s reputation as the premier value proposition in gaming.

From PC Sensation to Console Mainstay

Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor, a single-player auto-shooter, exploded onto the scene in early 2024, selling over one million copies in its first week alone. The game, a spin-off of the beloved co-op title Deep Rock Galactic, takes the core gameplay loop of mining, exploring, and fighting off alien hordes and transforms it into a top-down, “survivor-like” experience. The game’s blend of satisfying combat, a rich progression system, and a familiar, charming universe has made it a hit with both new players and longtime fans of the franchise. Now, console players will get to experience the madness for the first time. The developers have confirmed that the 1.0 launch will bring a host of new content, including a brand-new escort mission, a gear system for meta-progression, and over 300 achievements to unlock. The full launch also sees the game making its console debut on Xbox Series X|S, complete with full Play Anywhere support and playability via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

A Strategic Move for Microsoft

The addition of Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor to Game Pass is a win-win for everyone involved. For Microsoft, it is a strategic move that adds a high-quality, proven title to its library without the massive cost of a AAA exclusive. The game’s success on PC has already proven its mass appeal, and its arrival on Game Pass will only serve to boost its player count and generate even more positive buzz for the service. For the developers at Ghost Ship Publishing and Funday Games, it is an opportunity to get their game in front of an even larger audience, which will undoubtedly lead to more sales and a larger, more dedicated community. The original Deep Rock Galactic was a huge success on Game Pass, and there is every reason to believe that its spin-off will follow a similar trajectory. This is a model that Microsoft has been perfecting for years: find a great indie game, put it on Game Pass, and watch it become a runaway hit.

A Stacked September

The addition of Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor on September 17, 2025, makes an already-stacked month even better for Game Pass subscribers. The month is headlined by the long-awaited release of Hollow Knight: Silksong, which is also a day-one Game Pass title on September 4. With both of these highly anticipated games hitting the service within the same month, subscribers are getting an incredible amount of value for their money. This is a clear signal that Microsoft is not slowing down its efforts to acquire new and exciting content for its subscription service. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Game Pass is proving to be a force to be reckoned with, and its strategy of bringing high-quality games to its subscribers on day one is a key part of its success. For gamers, September is looking like a great month to be an Xbox Game Pass member.