Life is Strange: Double Exposure hit stores on October 29, 2024, bringing back beloved protagonist Max Caulfield for a new supernatural murder mystery. But if you’ve been waiting to play it through Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus, you’re still out of luck months after launch.
The Game Pass Mystery
The previous Life is Strange game, True Colors, eventually made its way to subscription services, which set expectations for Double Exposure. However, Square Enix took a different approach this time around. The game launched at full price across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with no immediate subscription service inclusion.
Currently, the game is available for purchase at $49.99 for the standard edition, with Deluxe and Ultimate editions priced higher. While the Xbox store listing mentions the game is “cloud playable with Xbox Game Pass,” this only means you can stream it through cloud gaming if you purchase it – not that it’s included with your subscription.
Platform Availability
Life is Strange: Double Exposure launched across multiple platforms with staggered release dates. The PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC versions arrived on October 29, 2024, while Nintendo Switch players had to wait a bit longer. The digital Switch version launched on November 19, 2024, with a physical edition following on January 28, 2025.
Players who pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition got early access to Chapters 1 and 2 starting October 15, 2024 – two weeks before the full release. This edition also includes five additional outfit packs for Max, including a Final Fantasy VII-themed collection that caught many fans’ attention.
What Makes This Game Different
Double Exposure introduces a fresh supernatural mechanic for Max. Instead of rewinding time like in the original game, she gains the ability to shift between two parallel timelines. After discovering her friend Safi murdered in the snow, Max opens a portal to an alternate reality where Safi is still alive but in danger.
The game respects both endings from the original Life is Strange, where players chose to either save Chloe or Arcadia Bay. Game director Jonathan Stauder confirmed there’s no canon ending, and Double Exposure reflects your past choices through Max’s journal entries, text messages, and conversations with new characters.
When Could It Come to Subscription Services
Square Enix typically waits several months before adding new releases to subscription services, allowing them to maximize initial sales. With the game launching in late October 2024, the earliest we might see it on Game Pass or PS Plus would likely be mid to late 2025. However, this timeline isn’t confirmed, and Square Enix hasn’t made any official announcements about future subscription availability.
The Nintendo Switch version’s physical release in January 2025 suggests Square Enix is still focused on traditional sales channels. They’re also offering a Collector’s Box exclusively through their online store, which includes a vinyl soundtrack, hardcover artbook, art cards, and a replica of Max’s owl pin.
Mixed Reception and Sales Performance
The game received mixed reviews from critics and fans. One major point of contention was how it handled Chloe’s character from the original game. Players who chose to save Chloe in the first game were disappointed to find that Max and Chloe either broke up or Chloe died anyway, which many felt dismissed their original choice.
Sales performance reportedly fell short of Square Enix’s expectations. Some fans believe the game would have performed better as a completely new story with different characters rather than bringing back Max without properly addressing her relationship with Chloe. The controversy around this creative decision may have impacted both sales and critical reception.
Your Options Right Now
If you want to play Life is Strange: Double Exposure today, here are your options:
- Standard Edition ($49.99) – includes the complete game
- Deluxe Edition – adds Spooky Outfit Pack and Decades Outfit Pack
- Ultimate Edition – includes all outfit packs, Final Fantasy VII costumes, and exclusive cat content
- PlayStation Plus Premium members can try a 1-hour trial before purchasing
The game is available on PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam, and Microsoft Store for PC. Switch owners can grab the digital version now or wait for the physical edition with a bonus Steelbook from select retailers.
FAQs
Is Life is Strange: Double Exposure on Xbox Game Pass?
No, Life is Strange: Double Exposure is not currently available on Xbox Game Pass. While it can be played via cloud gaming, you must purchase the game first. There’s no official word on when or if it will be added to the subscription service.
Can I play Life is Strange: Double Exposure on PlayStation Plus?
The game is not included with PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium subscriptions. However, PS Plus Premium members can access a 1-hour trial before deciding to purchase the full game.
Do I need to play the previous Life is Strange games first?
While Double Exposure features returning protagonist Max Caulfield, the developers designed it to work for both new and returning players. The game references events from the first Life is Strange and respects your ending choice, but you can still enjoy the story as a standalone experience.
What platforms is Life is Strange: Double Exposure available on?
The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (via Steam and Windows Store), and Nintendo Switch. Note that the Switch version released later than other platforms, with the digital version arriving November 19, 2024, and physical edition on January 28, 2025.
How long is Life is Strange: Double Exposure?
The game features multiple chapters and takes approximately 12-15 hours to complete depending on your playstyle and how thoroughly you explore both timelines. The story unfolds across two parallel realities at Caledon University.
Does Life is Strange: Double Exposure have multiple endings?
Yes, the game features multiple endings based on your choices throughout the story. It also acknowledges which ending you chose in the original Life is Strange, affecting Max’s dialogue, journal entries, and how she discusses her past with new friends.
What is Max’s new power in Double Exposure?
Instead of rewinding time, Max gains the ability to shift between two parallel timelines. She can also “entangle” objects, allowing items to exist and interact across both realities. This evolution of her powers is central to solving the murder mystery.
Conclusion
Life is Strange: Double Exposure remains a premium purchase across all platforms with no immediate subscription service availability. While fans of the series hoped for a day-one Game Pass release like some recent Square Enix titles, the publisher opted for traditional sales channels. Whether you’re willing to pay full price depends on how much you loved the original game and whether you’re curious to see Max’s return – just be prepared for some controversial story decisions that divided the fanbase.