Insurgency: Sandstormis a tactical first-person shooter that has steadily gained a strong following thanks to its realistic gameplay, intense gunfights, and immersive sound design. Whether playing solo or with friends, it delivers a gritty and grounded military experience that appeals to fans of teamwork-based shooters. As Game Pass continues to expand its library of high-quality titles, many players are asking an important question:is Insurgency Sandstorm on Game Pass?Understanding the game’s current availability and its place within Xbox and PC services can help you decide where and how to play it.
What is Insurgency Sandstorm?
Developed by New World Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment,Insurgency: Sandstormis the sequel to the originalInsurgency, and it builds upon its predecessor’s foundation with enhanced graphics, better mechanics, and expanded multiplayer modes. It offers a gritty take on modern warfare where players must rely on communication, strategy, and precision shooting to succeed.
Key features include:
- Realistic gunplay with minimal HUD and no crosshairs.
- Varied multiplayer modes including PvP and cooperative gameplay.
- Highly detailed audio effects for situational awareness.
- Class-based loadouts with customizable weapons.
- Focus on teamwork, positioning, and map control.
This game is often compared to titles likeSquadorHell Let Loosedue to its grounded feel, although it is more accessible for casual players while still offering depth for veterans of tactical shooters.
Is Insurgency Sandstorm on Game Pass for Console?
As of now,Insurgency Sandstorm is not currently available on Xbox Game Pass for console. The game is available for purchase on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, but it is not included in the Game Pass subscription at the time of writing.
This means that players who want to experience it on Xbox consoles must buy the game separately through the Microsoft Store. While this might be disappointing to some, it’s still worth keeping an eye on Game Pass announcements, as the library frequently changes and expands.
Is Insurgency Sandstorm on Game Pass for PC?
Similar to the console version,Insurgency Sandstorm is also not currently on PC Game Pass. The game can be purchased on platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store, but it hasn’t been added to Microsoft’s PC Game Pass library yet.
It’s important to note that Game Pass for PC often features a different lineup than its console counterpart. Some titles appear on one service before the other or may never be available across both. While there has been no official announcement from Microsoft or New World Interactive about a future Game Pass appearance, many fans still hope it may arrive down the line.
Will Insurgency Sandstorm Come to Game Pass in the Future?
There has been no official confirmation or teaser suggesting thatInsurgency Sandstormwill join Game Pass soon. However, it’s not outside the realm of possibility. Microsoft often adds both indie and mid-tier games to the platform to keep the service fresh and varied. Given the popularity and strong community support forSandstorm, it would be a fitting addition to Game Pass, especially for players who enjoy more tactical shooters.
Factors That Could Influence a Future Game Pass Inclusion
- Player Demand As interest in the game grows, demand from the community could influence Microsoft to negotiate a deal.
- Publisher Deals Focus Entertainment has published other titles that have been featured on Game Pass in the past, which could be a positive sign.
- Ongoing Updates If the developers push a large content update or expansion, it may coincide with a promotional event like a Game Pass debut.
Until an official announcement is made, though, players should not assume its inclusion and will need to purchase the game to access it on Xbox or PC.
Why Gamers Want It on Game Pass
There’s no denying that Game Pass has changed how people discover and enjoy new games. For a title likeInsurgency Sandstorm, being on Game Pass would potentially introduce it to a much wider audience. Here’s why players are hoping for it:
- Wider Player Base Game Pass could breathe new life into matchmaking by bringing in more players.
- Accessibility Players who might not buy it at full price could be encouraged to try it if it’s included in their subscription.
- Community Growth Larger communities lead to more custom servers, mods, and support across platforms.
- Crossplay Potential If crossplay expands in the future, a Game Pass release would enhance platform integration.
Adding it to Game Pass would not only benefit players but also developers by increasing the game’s exposure, especially as other tactical shooters continue to grow in popularity.
Alternatives on Game Pass
If you’re looking for tactical or realistic shooters currently available on Game Pass, there are still several solid options to enjoy while waiting for a potentialSandstormrelease:
- Battlefield V While not as grounded, it offers large-scale warfare with strategic elements.
- Sniper Elite 5 A stealth-based shooter with detailed kill mechanics and a slower pace.
- Halo Infinite Though more arcade-like, it emphasizes teamwork and strategic play in its multiplayer modes.
- Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands Offers tactical squad-based combat with open-world exploration.
These games provide a mix of pacing, realism, and strategy, offering different flavors of shooter gameplay while maintaining a focus on tactics and coordination.
Should You Buy Insurgency Sandstorm Now?
If you’re really interested in the unique style ofInsurgency Sandstorm, it may still be worth buying, even if it’s not on Game Pass. The game is regularly discounted during seasonal sales, especially on PC. Reviews generally praise its immersive audio, realistic recoil, and methodical pace, which distinguish it from mainstream shooters.
Furthermore, the game receives periodic content updates, balancing patches, and new features, ensuring that it stays relevant in the competitive FPS space. If tactical realism is your thing, there are few better experiences available.
Insurgency Sandstorm is not on Game Pass for console or PC at the moment, but that could change in the future. The game’s design and appeal make it a strong candidate for Game Pass inclusion, though there has been no official word from the developers or Microsoft yet. Until then, fans who want a truly grounded and immersive FPS will need to buy the game directly from the Microsoft Store or on PC via Steam. For those watching Game Pass closely, keeping an eye on monthly update announcements is the best way to stay informed in caseSandstormever makes its debut on the platform.