Xbox Game Pass Adds Valiant Hearts Sequel

Valiant Hearts: Coming Home and Don't Fret are the latest additions to Xbox Game Pass in 2026, with the former available now and the latter set to launch later this year. The surprise release of Valiant Hearts: Coming Home brings the total number of confirmed games for the service in 2026 to several, including multiple day-one releases.

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Xbox Game Pass has added Valiant Hearts: Coming Home, a sequel to the acclaimed Valiant Hearts: The Great War, to its catalog. The game is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Cloud.

Valiant Hearts: Coming Home is a side-scrolling puzzle game set during World War I, where players control four characters, including James, brother of the courageous Freddie. The game's story focuses on the Harlem Hellfighters and offers a historical look at the war.

The game's addition to Xbox Game Pass was a surprise, as there was no official announcement from Ubisoft or Xbox. Valiant Hearts: Coming Home originally debuted on iOS and Android mobile platforms as a Netflix exclusive in 2023 before being released on consoles in 2024.

Another game, Don't Fret, is set to launch on Xbox Game Pass later this year. The game, developed by Digital Pajamas, was featured during the 28 Games Later horror showcase and has a unique premise, where players control a sentient guitar trapped in a music school with a dark secret.

Don't Fret is expected to launch on Xbox Game Pass sometime during the winter, offering players a new horror experience. The game's inclusion in the service is part of Xbox Game Pass's continued efforts to offer a wide range of games to its subscribers.

The addition of Valiant Hearts: Coming Home and the upcoming release of Don't Fret bring the total number of confirmed games for Xbox Game Pass in 2026 to several. Other games set to launch on the service in 2026 include multiple day-one releases, which are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Key facts

  • Valiant Hearts: Coming Home is now available on Xbox Game Pass
  • Don't Fret is set to launch on Xbox Game Pass later this year
  • Valiant Hearts: Coming Home is a side-scrolling puzzle game set during World War I
  • Don't Fret is a horror game where players control a sentient guitar

Three perspectives

Neutral

The addition of Valiant Hearts: Coming Home and Don't Fret to Xbox Game Pass provides subscribers with more gaming options. The surprise release of Valiant Hearts: Coming Home may indicate a shift in Ubisoft's strategy for releasing games on the service. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Xbox Game Pass and other gaming services adapt to changing consumer demands.

Positive

The inclusion of Valiant Hearts: Coming Home and Don't Fret in Xbox Game Pass is a positive development for gamers, offering more variety and value to the service. The surprise release of Valiant Hearts: Coming Home demonstrates Ubisoft's commitment to supporting Xbox Game Pass, and the upcoming launch of Don't Fret provides players with a new and unique gaming experience.

Negative

Some critics have argued that Valiant Hearts: Coming Home lost some of the charm of the original game, and the surprise release may have caught some players off guard. Additionally, the short playtime of Valiant Hearts: Coming Home may be a disappointment for some players, and the lack of official announcement from Ubisoft or Xbox may have caused confusion among subscribers.

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