Ethan Crossfield 
Mad King Redemption is now available through Xbox Game Pass after joining the service on September 23, 2026. The game is a strong option for players looking for a compact local co-op experience, while its roguelite structure gives solo players a reason to return between runs. It is the 11th new title added to the service during September and can also be purchased separately for $14.99.
What changed for Xbox Game Pass subscribers
Developed by Germany-based Secret Mission Games, Mad King Redemption combines beat-'em-up combat with roguelite progression. Players choose from four heroes and fight through randomized encounters, unlocking abilities and other persistent upgrades as they progress. The game uses a distinctive 2.5D pixel-art presentation that sets it apart from more traditional side-scrolling brawlers. Its Xbox Game Pass arrival comes four months after its early access launch. The title is available across three Game Pass tiers: Ultimate, Premium, and Xbox Game Pass. Players without an eligible subscription can buy it through the Xbox Store for $14.99, the same price listed since its August 23 Xbox Store launch.
Who should play Mad King Redemption
The main appeal is its flexible format. Mad King Redemption supports solo play as well as two-player local co-op, allowing friends to tackle its combat encounters from the same location. Each of the four heroes has a different fighting style and progression route, so selecting a character is more than a cosmetic choice. The run-based design also means players can gradually improve their options instead of relying on a single uninterrupted campaign. The story provides the central goal: defeat a mad king whose forbidden attempt to resurrect his queen has thrown the realm into chaos. Players interested in couch co-op, arcade-style combat, or repeated runs with steadily expanding abilities have the clearest reason to try it.
What comes next on Xbox Game Pass
Mad King Redemption is the penultimate new game in the September 2026 lineup. Minecraft Dungeons 2 is scheduled to follow on September 29, giving subscribers a very different kind of dungeon-crawling experience. Microsoft has also confirmed seven Game Pass additions for October 2026. Gears of War: E-Day is first on October 6, followed by Forever Ago on October 8 and Valor Mortis on October 13. Subscribers should also note that eight games are scheduled to leave the service on September 30: Atomfall, Little Nightmares 2 Enhanced Edition, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, Terminull Brigade, Sworn, SOPA: Tale of the Stolen Potato, Little Rocket Lab, and Sifu.
What players should know
- Mad King Redemption joined Xbox Game Pass on September 23, 2026.
- It is available through Ultimate, Premium, and Xbox Game Pass.
- The game supports solo play and two-player local co-op.
- Four heroes offer separate fighting styles and progression paths.
- Its structure combines beat-'em-up combat, randomized encounters, and roguelite upgrades.
- The standalone Xbox Store price is $14.99.
Expert View
Mad King Redemption looks most useful as a low-commitment co-op addition rather than a major service centerpiece. Its local multiplayer, four-character structure, and persistent upgrades provide a clear gameplay hook, while the 2.5D pixel-art style gives it a recognizable identity. Game Pass subscribers can sample that combination without buying it, making the new addition worth considering for fans of arcade brawlers and repeatable runs.
