Ever since it was announced last fall that EA Play and Xbox Game Pass were joining forces, PC gamers have been chomping at the bit to experience the exciting synergy that console owners have been enjoying since November. The wait is now over, as Xbox Game Pass PC and Ultimate members can now dive into everything EA Play has to offer on Windows 10.
Now there’s only one question, but it’s a big one: What to play first? The good news is that EA Play on Game Pass has plenty to entertain you. From classic releases to newer titles, and spanning a wide range of genres, here are some of the first games to try now that EA Play is part of Game Pass for PC.
Star Wars: Squadrons
Let’s start with one of the newest additions to the EA Play lineup. Star Wars: Squadrons lets you experience life as a pilot for both the Empire and the Rebel Alliance. You'll learn the basics of space combat in a short campaign before being turned loose in 5v5 multiplayer matches that range from dogfights to fleet battles. It should come as no surprise that Squadrons looks especially stunning on powerful gaming PCs. And if you really want to get into the action, there's full VR support here as well.
Need for Speed Heat
The Need for Speed series is iconic within the racing genre, and released to coincide with the franchise’s 25th anniversary, Need for Speed Heat is a particular delight. One of the coolest parts of this entry is the option to participate in sanctioned races during the day, and illegal street races — is there any other kind? — at night. PC gamers sporting powerful machines will really appreciate the contrasting visuals for the two different sides of Palm City. With more than 100 real-world cars, Need for Speed Heat makes it easy to find something that suits your particular tastes and driving style.
Titanfall 2
Yes, Titanfall 2 has been out for several years now, but it’s on this list because it still rocks. The ability to pilot the giant mechs called Titans is pure wish fulfillment for many people, but it's just as much fun to play when running around on foot as well. The campaign, including the stellar Effect and Cause level, is up there with the likes of Half-Life 2. The graphics and audio hold up really well for a 2016 release too, and if you’re an Apex Legends fan you’ll likely get an extra kick from knowing all the action is set in the same universe, albeit quite some time beforehand. Give this a shot and you’ll be hearing “Prepare for Titanfall” in your sleep.
Battlefield V
EA Play on Game Pass offers more than one Battlefield title, but we're going with the most recent entry for its expansive take on multiplayer action during World War 2. Its pure eye-candy factor doesn't hurt either — Battlefield V was one of the first games to support real-time ray tracing when it launched in 2018. Even if you’re not the biggest fan of shooters, you owe it to yourself to try the Grand Operations mode at least once or twice. These narrative multiplayer matches provides some of the tensest battles and most interesting objectives of any game in the FPS genre.
Madden NFL 21
Not every gamer is a sports gamer, but if you are, you’ll definitely want to check out Madden NFL 21. Not only is it the best looking Madden to date, it continues to receive content updates even though the actual NFL season is behind us. New for this season, The Yard is a fun, flamboyant mode that brings to mind the bygone days of NFL Street. Football not your thing? EA Play also has FIFA 20, NHL 20, and EA Sports UFC 3, so there's bound to be something to scratch any sports game itch you're feeling.
Unravel Two
For fans of puzzles and platforming, Unravel Two might be just what you're seeking. The 2019 D.I.C.E. Awards winner puts players in control of a Yarny, a curious little creature made from bundled up, colorful thread. The game supports both solo and local co-op play, with mechanics that fall into that simple-to-learn, hard-to-master sweet spot. It’s calmer than most everything else on our list but still has its moments of tension and suspense.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Stars Wars games on EA Play could really fill their own list, as there's still Battlefront 2 to consider. But if we're picking highlights, there's one Jedi adventure you definitely won't want to miss. Fallen Order arrived just as fan demand for a new Star Wars action-adventure title had reached a crescendo, and it did not disappoint. Thrilling fans by dropping them into the boots of Jedi Padawan Cal Kestis, it brought Souls-like progression and combat, mixed with power-enhanced platforming. There’s nothing quite like feeling like you have the Force at your fingertips when it’s done right. Play it on the highest graphics settings your PC can support and prepare to be transported to a few parts of that galaxy far, far away you probably haven’t seen before.
Nick Tylwalk is a long-time writer and editor who wants everyone to remember that mobile games are games too. He's also a fitted hat aficionado, and a racing and combat sports enthusiast. Follow him on Twitter @Nick_Tylwalk.
