Microsoft is adding seven remastered games to Xbox Game Pass in the coming weeks, including titles from the Halo and Hexen + Heretic series [1].

This update arrives as the company celebrates the 25th anniversary of the original Halo release [1], [2]. By bringing these remastered classics back to the service, Microsoft aims to allow players to rediscover early gaming milestones with updated technical features.

Among the additions is a remastered version of the first Halo game, which originally launched almost 25 years ago [1], [2]. This version includes an optional third-person camera, a feature that changes how players interact with the environment.

"It's a great way to rediscover the original Halo game released almost 25 years ago, and the optional third-person camera is a great addition," Brad Muir said.

While the service is gaining seven new titles [1], it is also losing others. Microsoft will remove eight games from the Game Pass library in the same timeframe [1]. This rotation of content is a standard part of the subscription model, though it often results in the loss of niche titles.

"Microsoft is adding seven games, including remastered versions of Halo and Hexen + Heretic, to Game Pass in the coming weeks," CNET staff said.

These additions highlight a broader trend of reviving legacy software to maintain engagement with long-term fans. By pairing the nostalgia of the 25-year mark [1] with modern quality-of-life improvements, the company leverages its intellectual property to drive subscription value.

“Microsoft is adding seven games, including remastered versions of Halo and Hexen + Heretic, to Game Pass.”

The decision to remaster and re-release these titles suggests that Microsoft views its legacy catalog as a critical tool for subscriber retention. By rotating eight titles out while adding high-profile remasters, the company is balancing the cost of licensing and maintenance with the marketing value of a major anniversary event.