Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has unveiled its latest addition, Manor Lords, joining the platform's extensive game collection. This highly anticipated release marks the fifth day-one game to debut on the service in April 2024 and the 56th title added to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate since the beginning of the year.
Created by the Polish development studio Slavic Magic, Manor Lords presents players with a rich strategy game that centers around the growth and administration of medieval fiefs. While primarily a city-building experience, it seamlessly integrates real-time tactical battles into its core gameplay. With a focus on historical accuracy and realism, the game incorporates micromanagement features such as a burgage plot system, various 14th-century taxation methods, and the environmental impact of civilization expansion. For instance, neglecting to rotate crops can lead to soil degradation, and wildlife like deer may naturally move away from urban areas.
The unique concept of Manor Lords has propelled it to become Steam's most coveted game before its official release, with over 3 million users adding it to their wishlists ahead of its launch on April 26. In addition to Steam, this latest title from Slavic Magic is now accessible on Xbox Game Pass. While plans are in place to bring it to consoles, the initial early access release is exclusive to PC, requiring users with a PC Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to enjoy Manor Lords at present.
Latest Xbox Game Pass Games in April 2024
Slavic Magic has outlined its intention for Manor Lords to remain in early access for approximately a year, contingent upon the game's development progress. The current version of the city builder on Steam mirrors the one available to PC Game Pass members through Microsoft's Game Preview program. However, due to differing executable files, updates for the Game Pass version of Manor Lords may slightly lag behind those for the Steam edition. Such discrepancies are common for early access titles on both platforms; Palworld serves as a prominent example of a game on Xbox Game Pass that typically sees updates following its Steam counterpart.
In April 2024, Manor Lords marks the 15th title added to Xbox Game Pass. The service is set to introduce one more game before the end of the month, with Magic Design Studios' roguelike game, Have a Nice Death, scheduled to join the lineup on April 30. While unexpected releases are always a possibility, they appear less imminent in the upcoming days, especially following the recent surprise addition on April 25 when Star Wars Jedi: Survivor joined Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.