Microsoft wrapped up 2025 with its final Xbox Partner Preview showcase on November 20, delivering a packed 30-minute broadcast focused entirely on third-party games. The event exceeded expectations with five brand new game reveals, three surprise shadow drops available immediately, and a strong emphasis on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with nine day-one additions confirmed. From IO Interactive’s Bond thriller to indie darlings finally making their Xbox debut, the showcase proved Microsoft’s commitment to bringing diverse gaming experiences to its ecosystem.
The Big Shadow Drops
Microsoft loves surprising fans with immediate releases, and this showcase delivered three games you could play the moment the stream ended. Dave the Diver, the critically acclaimed underwater adventure that took PC and PlayStation by storm in 2023, finally arrived on Xbox Series X/S and Xbox PC. The quirky blend of deep-sea diving simulation and sushi restaurant management became an unexpected hit, and Xbox players can now experience what the hype was about after waiting over two years.
CloverPit, a demonic gambling roguelite that recently launched on Steam, simultaneously dropped on Xbox consoles, PC, and Cloud Gaming with full Xbox Game Pass Ultimate support. The game combines slot machine mechanics with dungeon crawling in a uniquely twisted package. Total Chaos rounds out the shadow drop trio as a mysterious first-person survival horror game that also landed directly into Game Pass, giving horror fans something to sink their teeth into immediately.
World Premiere Reveals
The showcase kicked off strong with Armatus, a brand new third-person action-roguelike from publisher Fictions. The game casts players as a warrior standing between civilization and everlasting darkness, featuring intense demonic combat and stylish visuals. Armatus is scheduled for release in 2026 across Xbox, PC, PlayStation 5, and notably Nintendo Switch 2, confirming yet another major third-party title for Nintendo’s next-generation hardware.
Raji: Kaliyuga emerged as another major surprise, serving as a sequel to 2020’s action-adventure game Raji: An Ancient Epic. The original game drew praise for its representation of Indian culture and mythology, and this follow-up promises to continue that tradition. Like several other announcements, Raji: Kaliyuga will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate when it launches.
Vampire Crawlers stole considerable attention as the next project from Poncle, the studio behind the massively successful Vampire Survivors. While details remain scarce, the announcement alone generated significant buzz given how Vampire Survivors revolutionized the auto-battler roguelite genre. Fans can expect the same addictive gameplay loop with fresh mechanics when it arrives day one on Game Pass.
More New Announcements
Erosion showcased an innovative concept during its world premiere trailer. This isometric action game set in a stylish western-themed voxel world features a unique death mechanic where dying causes you to respawn 10 years later. The world changes during that time skip, with characters aging and situations evolving, creating genuine urgency to accomplish objectives before time runs out. The mechanic feels fresh and could add real weight to player decisions.
Zoo Punk received its reveal trailer and gameplay footage, expanding the Animal Punk universe established in F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch. Developed by TiGames, this 3D action-adventure serves as a prequel chronicling the origins of Torch City decades before the previous game. Players witness the First Torch War and control multiple characters including Rayton the Rabbit, Braton the Rhino, and Trixie the Chipmunk, each offering distinct combat styles inspired by their animal characteristics.
007 First Light Gets Vehicular
IO Interactive dedicated showcase time to 007 First Light with an extended gameplay trailer focusing on vehicles. The big reveal confirmed James Bond will drive an Aston Martin Valhalla in the game, maintaining the franchise’s legendary automotive tradition. Players must earn the privilege of driving the iconic vehicle through gameplay progression, and IO promises it will be packed with gadgets and weapons befitting a Bond car.
The trailer emphasized how vehicles integrate into IO’s signature creative approach gameplay philosophy. Just like in the Hitman series where players choose between stealth, action, or improvisation, 007 First Light promises similar freedom in tackling missions. The March 27, 2026 release date is rapidly approaching, with pre-orders now open across all platforms including Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Returning Favorites and Updates
Several previously announced games received fresh trailers and updates. Reanimal from Tarsier Studios confirmed its February 13, 2026 release date alongside a free demo now available on consoles and PC. Tides of Annihilation showcased extended gameplay featuring a boss fight against Tyronoe, a shape-shifting enemy with reality-bending powers who transforms into a massive bird beast during combat.
Crowsworn returned with a new gameplay trailer from developer Mongoose Rodeo, emphasizing the metroidvania’s stylish movement system and fast-paced combat. Players explore the cursed realm of Fearanndal, confronting monsters while uncovering secrets and enhancing their abilities. The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu also made an appearance, continuing the showcase’s strong horror game representation.
Echo Generation 2 received confirmation for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Xbox Game Pass. Hitman: World of Assassination announced a new Elusive Target mission arriving December 1, 2025 across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC platforms, giving fans fresh assassination contracts to tackle.
Xbox Play Anywhere and Handheld News
Beyond game announcements, Microsoft dropped significant platform news. All 16 games featured during the showcase support Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning purchasing the digital version on Xbox or PC grants access on both platforms. This cross-buy feature adds tremendous value for players who game across multiple devices.
Microsoft also announced the full screen experience for Xbox, previously exclusive to ASUS ROG Ally and Ally X handheld devices, is now generally available across all gaming handhelds starting November 21, 2025. Additionally, they’re expanding this full screen experience to more Windows 11 PC form factors through the Xbox and Windows Insider programs soon, signaling Microsoft’s commitment to making Xbox gaming accessible beyond traditional consoles.
Game Pass Ultimate Dominance
Nine titles confirmed for day one Xbox Game Pass Ultimate availability represents a significant value proposition for subscribers. The confirmed list includes CloverPit, Total Chaos, Dave the Diver, Vampire Crawlers, Raji: Kaliyuga, Erosion, and Echo Generation 2. This aggressive Game Pass strategy continues Microsoft’s pattern of making third-party partnerships a cornerstone of the subscription service’s appeal.
For comparison, the previous Xbox Partner Preview in October 2024 featured highlights like Phasmophobia, Animal Well, and Alan Wake 2. This November showcase maintained that quality bar while emphasizing immediate availability and Game Pass integration more heavily than past events.
Dave the Diver’s Long-Awaited Arrival
Dave the Diver deserves special attention given its cultural impact since the 2023 PC release. Developer Mintrocket created something genuinely special by combining underwater exploration, fishing mechanics, and restaurant management into a cohesive experience that somehow works perfectly. The game gradually rolled out to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation in 2024, making Xbox players the last to receive access.
The shadow drop also teased the Into the Jungle DLC, previously announced at The Game Awards 2024 for a late 2025 launch before being delayed. The DLC promises a new jungle environment, freshwater fish species, and additional story content. Mintrocket has now narrowed the release window to early 2026 for all platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Xbox Partner Preview November 2025?
The Xbox Partner Preview took place on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern, and 6pm UK time. The 30-minute broadcast streamed across Xbox’s official YouTube and Twitch channels.
What games shadow dropped during the Xbox Partner Preview?
Three games became immediately available following the showcase: Dave the Diver for Xbox Series X/S and PC, CloverPit across Xbox consoles, PC, and Cloud Gaming with Game Pass support, and Total Chaos as a first-person survival horror title also on Game Pass.
How many games are coming to Xbox Game Pass from the Partner Preview?
Nine titles were confirmed as day one Xbox Game Pass Ultimate releases, including CloverPit, Total Chaos, Dave the Diver, Vampire Crawlers from the Vampire Survivors studio, Raji: Kaliyuga, Erosion, and Echo Generation 2.
When does 007 First Light release?
007 First Light from IO Interactive launches on March 27, 2026 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. The game features James Bond driving an Aston Martin Valhalla with full gadgets and weapons.
What is Vampire Crawlers?
Vampire Crawlers is the next game from Poncle, the developer behind the mega-hit Vampire Survivors. Details remain limited, but the game will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate when it launches.
Can I play these games on PC and Xbox with one purchase?
Yes, all 16 games featured during the Xbox Partner Preview support Xbox Play Anywhere. Purchasing the digital version on either Xbox or PC grants access on both platforms automatically.
What is the Xbox full screen experience for handhelds?
The Xbox full screen experience optimizes the Xbox interface for handheld gaming devices. Previously exclusive to ASUS ROG Ally models, it became generally available across all gaming handhelds on November 21, 2025, with plans to expand to more Windows 11 PC form factors through Insider programs.
Conclusion
The November 2025 Xbox Partner Preview demonstrated Microsoft’s strategy of building Xbox’s game library through strong third-party relationships rather than relying solely on first-party titles. With nine Game Pass additions, three immediate shadow drops, and quality announcements spanning indie darlings to AAA projects like 007 First Light, the showcase gave players plenty of reasons to stay engaged with the Xbox ecosystem heading into 2026. The emphasis on Xbox Play Anywhere and handheld support shows Microsoft thinking beyond traditional console boundaries, meeting players wherever they want to game. Whether you’re a Game Pass subscriber looking for your next obsession or a Bond fan counting down to March, this Partner Preview delivered something for nearly everyone.