Xbox Game Pass Adds Diablo IV in Surprise Drop Ahead of Season 4

In a surprise move sure to excite action-RPG fans, Microsoft has announced that *Diablo IV* is joining Xbox Game Pass today, ahead of the game’s highly anticipated Season 4 update. The unexpected addition signals just how committed Microsoft is to leveraging its recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard to bolster its subscription platform — and it comes at a perfect time for both veterans and newcomers to Sanctuary.

The timing couldn’t be better for Blizzard’s demon-slaying epic. Season 4, titled “Loot Reborn,” launches on May 14 and is shaping up to be the most substantial update to *Diablo IV* since its June 2023 launch. The upcoming season features a sweeping overhaul of the itemization system, introducing a new crafting resource known as “Masterworking,” along with major quality-of-life improvements and changes to how loot is acquired and used. For players who may have bounced off the game due to past endgame grind complaints, this could be the incentive to return.

By adding *Diablo IV* to Game Pass prior to the season refresh, Microsoft is banking on an influx of new players while also reengaging lapsed fans. It’s the first mainline Blizzard title to hit the subscription service, setting a strong precedent for what could become routine with future first-party releases under the Xbox umbrella.

Gamers on both Xbox consoles and PC can now download and play *Diablo IV* at no additional cost beyond their Game Pass subscription. While the base game is included, players will need to purchase the Season Pass separately if they wish to unlock premium battle pass tiers and cosmetics.

The move also raises questions about how Microsoft will approach cross-platform releases moving forward. With the Game Pass ecosystem expanding, the company appears eager to use its content library to drive sustained engagement across titles, especially those with ongoing seasonal support like *Diablo IV*.

This unexpected drop serves as a significant win for Game Pass subscribers and a powerful start to Microsoft’s broader vision of unifying premium gaming experiences.