"Dragon Age: Vailguard" Already Coming to Game Pass? A Surprising Move for the Latest Entry in the Series

The latest installment in the Dragon Age series, Dragon Age: Vailguard, has recently been listed on the Microsoft Store for PC Game Pass, sparking curiosity and excitement among fans. This early addition to Game Pass is raising eyebrows, as it deviates from the usual pattern of games that make their way to the service.

Typically, games that join Game Pass either come as part of a day-one deal, typically associated with Xbox Game Studios, or are added months or even years after their release, once their sales have significantly declined. This is often because Game Pass offers a subscription model where players can enjoy games as part of their subscription without needing to purchase them separately, making it a cost-effective option for players. For that reason, it's common to see games added to Game Pass once they've already seen a drop in sales.

However, Dragon Age: Vailguard is defying these norms. The game officially launched on November 1, 2024, meaning it's been less than five months—barely half a year—since its release, and it's already set to be added to Game Pass. While it hasn't officially joined the service yet, its presence on the Microsoft Store strongly suggests that an official Game Pass addition is coming soon.

A Mixed Reception on Steam

Dragon Age: Vailguard has received mixed reviews from players on Steam. While many have praised the game’s combat system, which remains a highlight of the series, other aspects have drawn significant criticism. A major point of contention has been the game's political correctness elements, including its portrayal of non-binary characters. Some players felt that these inclusions clashed with the established fantasy world of Dragon Age, leading to frustration among certain sections of the fanbase.

These concerns were compounded by what some players saw as forced political correctness that didn’t fit the tone or atmosphere of the game’s fantasy setting. As a result, many gamers voiced their displeasure, and this negative reception seems to have contributed to the game’s underwhelming sales performance.

Sales Struggles and Game Pass Entry

As of January 2025, Dragon Age: Vailguard has reportedly sold fewer than 2 million copies. This lower-than-expected sales figure likely played a role in its early entry into Game Pass. With such a large portion of the player base being turned off by the game’s controversial elements, it seems the developers and publishers are looking to boost exposure and player engagement by adding it to Game Pass sooner rather than later.

Game Pass could provide a much-needed boost to the game's visibility, allowing more players to experience it without the upfront cost. This move could help mitigate the sales slump and give the game a second chance with a broader audience, particularly those who may have been hesitant due to its mixed reception.

Conclusion

Dragon Age: Vailguard’s unexpected early arrival on Game Pass is certainly a surprising move, one that could indicate a strategic effort to recover from a lukewarm reception. Whether or not this will help the game regain momentum remains to be seen, but it’s clear that this early addition to Game Pass is a unique move in the world of gaming services. 

Fans of the Dragon Age series and newcomers alike may soon have the opportunity to dive into the game at no additional cost, offering a chance to experience the new chapter of this beloved franchise firsthand.