Rumor: Call of Duty Could Be Skipping Xbox Game Pass This Year

It’s possible that the 2026 Call of Duty game will not be available on Xbox Game Pass as a day one release. When Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, it meant that the blockbuster Call of Duty franchise would become a part of Xbox Game Pass. The first Call of Duty to make its debut as a day one Xbox Game Pass game was 2024’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, with 2025’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 following in its footsteps.

Historically, all Xbox-owned games have been day one Xbox Game Pass games, with day one releases a major selling point for higher tiers of the service like Ultimate. It’s been assumed that all future Call of Duty games will be day one Xbox Game Pass releases, but now it seems that may not actually be the case.

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Microsoft Reportedly Considering the Possibility of Leaving CoD Off Game Pass This Year

Previous reports have suggested that Call of Duty might be skipping Game Pass this year, and now that’s been corroborated by Windows Central’s Jez Corden. Corden said that he has heard it’s a possibility that the 2026 Call of Duty game won’t be releasing on Xbox Game Pass, which, if true, will undoubtedly be disappointing news for subscribers to the service. Xbox Game Pass’ reputation already took a massive hit when the price hikes went into effect late last year, and it’s safe to say that many subscribers will be unhappy to learn that not only are they paying more for Game Pass, but they are potentially getting less for it with the removal of Call of Duty.

The Xbox Game Pass price hikes came with the promise of more day one games, and while that may still technically be true, losing Call of Duty is a big deal. Before Xbox Game Pass subscribers get too concerned, though, it’s worth stressing that nothing has been officially announced when it comes to the 2026 CoD game or its Game Pass day one status. The game itself has yet to even be revealed, though it’s assumed to be a new Modern Warfare game from Infinity Ward.

Why Would Call of Duty Skip Game Pass?

Last year, it was reported that Call of Duty being a day one Xbox Game Pass game potentially cost Microsoft hundreds of millions of dollars in potential sales. Considering this, it would probably make the most business sense to skip bringing CoD to Game Pass on day one, but some would argue the toothpaste is already out of the tube. Going back on Call of Duty‘s day one Game Pass status could seriously damage the brand even more, and further shake consumer faith in Xbox.

Xbox Game Pass Has a Stacked 2026, Even Without CoD

Let’s assume Microsoft does ultimately decide to leave Call of Duty off Xbox Game Pass this year. While that would be incredibly disappointing, 2026 would be the year to rip the band-aid off. After all, 2026 is stacked when it comes to big, first-party games coming to Xbox Game Pass day one, with the Halo 1 remake, Gears of War: E-Day, Forza Horizon 6, and the Fable reboot all on deck. So even if CoD ditches Game Pass, there should be no shortage of games to play.