Surprise Game Pass Drop! The Rogue Prince of Persia Is Now Available on Day One

The highly-anticipated roguelike, The Rogue Prince of Persia, has just had a surprise “shadow drop” on Xbox Game Pass. The announcement, which came during the Xbox @ gamescom 2025 Broadcast, revealed that the game is now available on Day One for all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. This unexpected addition is a huge win for the service, bringing a critically acclaimed indie title from the developers behind the Dead Cells DLC straight into the hands of millions of players without any prior warning.

While most major Game Pass additions are announced well in advance, Microsoft has a history of surprising subscribers with these unannounced drops, and The Rogue Prince of Persia is a fantastic example. Developed by Evil Empire, the game was in Early Access on Steam for over a year, where it garnered a dedicated following and positive reviews for its fluid, acrobatic platforming and fast-paced combat. The full 1.0 version is now available, and its inclusion in Game Pass is a testament to both the quality of the game and Microsoft’s strategy of delivering immense value to its subscribers.

What is The Rogue Prince of Persia?

The Rogue Prince of Persia is a 2D action roguelike that draws heavily from the classic platforming and combat of the Prince of Persia series. Players take on the role of the Prince, who is caught in a time loop after his homeland is invaded by a magical army of Huns. Each run is a new attempt to save his kingdom, with permadeath sending the Prince back to the beginning to start over. However, like all good roguelikes, each death is a learning experience, and players can unlock new weapons, medallions, and abilities to improve their chances on the next run.

Key Gameplay Features:

• Acrobatic Combat: The game’s core loop is centered on fluid movement and combat. The iconic wall-run is a central mechanic, allowing players to navigate levels, evade traps, and outmaneuver enemies with speed and style. The combat system encourages creative and dynamic plays, using kicks, vaulted attacks, and environmental objects to deal with waves of enemies.
• Procedural Generation: Each level is procedurally generated, ensuring that no two runs are the same. This provides a high degree of replayability and keeps the experience fresh, even after dozens of hours of gameplay.
• Deep Customization: The game features a wide variety of weapons, including spears, scythes, bows, and grappling hooks, each with its own special attacks and critical hit conditions. Players can also find medallions that grant passive buffs and create powerful synergies with their weapons, allowing for deep and satisfying build crafting.

The Timing of the Drop and Other Game Pass News

The surprise release of The Rogue Prince of Persia comes at a perfect time, as it coincides with Gamescom 2025 and the broader announcement of the second wave of August Game Pass additions. While the community was already buzzing with anticipation for other major titles, this drop adds another layer of excitement and value to the service. The rest of the August lineup is equally impressive, with a strong focus on both new releases and highly-requested classics:

• Persona 4 Golden: Added on August 20, this classic JRPG is a massive addition for fans of the genre. Its presence on the service makes it easier for new players to dive into one of the most beloved entries in the Persona franchise.
• Gears of War: Reloaded: Scheduled for August 26, this is a major day-one release. The remaster of the original Gears of War promises enhanced visuals and gameplay, and its inclusion on Game Pass is a huge draw for both returning and new fans of the series.
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard: Joining the service on August 28, this is another blockbuster title for fans of fantasy RPGs. Its day-one release on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass (via EA Play) makes it one of the most significant additions of the year.

With major titles like these and a solid lineup of upcoming releases (including Herdling, also available on day one), Xbox Game Pass is continuing to prove why it is considered one of the best deals in gaming. The surprise launch of The Rogue Prince of Persia is a powerful reminder that with a Game Pass subscription, your next favorite game could be just a download away, with no prior warning.