Gamers are in for another packed Next Week on Xbox from December 15 to 19, with a fresh wave of horror, fantasy, action, and cozy puzzlers hitting Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Game Pass. This week’s lineup leans heavily into atmosphere and tension, with major horror entries like Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic and Fort Solis, plus a mix of quirky indies, retro-inspired platformers, and family-friendly adventures. Whether you’re in the mood for a heart-pounding scare, a strategic dungeon defense, or a relaxing hidden-object stroll through Istanbul, there’s something new for almost every type of player.
Monday, December 15
The “Next Week on Xbox” slate for December 15–19 technically kicks off on Monday, but the real flood of releases starts a day or two later. December 15 is a lighter day, giving Xbox owners a chance to wrap up current Game Pass runs, clear some backlog, or prep downloads for the heavier titles arriving midweek.
God bless, or Goddess
God bless, or Goddess is a fantasy visual novel that drops players into the world of the Crane Illusion Sect as Lin Fan, a martial artist born with a Pure Yang Lineage destined for immortality. But that path is anything but straightforward — it’s paved with temptation in the form of seven dangerously beautiful women, an unreliable master, a strict senior sister, and a saintess who seems more interested in testing your heart than your skills.
The game blends Chinese wuxia-style storytelling with romantic and philosophical choices, letting players shape Lin Fan’s journey through dialogue and decisions. It’s optimized for Xbox Series X|S, supports Smart Delivery and Xbox Play Anywhere, and is a solid pick for fans of narrative-driven fantasy and romance.
If you’re a Game Pass subscriber, this is also a good time to check what’s leaving the service soon and prioritize any last-minute playthroughs before the new batch of games lands.
Tuesday, December 16
December 16 is where the action really begins, with a strong cluster of new releases across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Game Pass. This is the day to start juggling downloads and deciding whether you want to dive into horror, strategy, or arcade-style fun first.
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic
One of the most anticipated horror releases of the week, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic takes the franchise into a new, more immersive direction. You step into the abandoned workshop of Murray’s Costume Manor, once run by the reclusive inventor Edwin Murray, now a decaying, puzzle-filled nightmare.
At the center of it all is the Mimic — a prototype endoskeleton that can adapt to any costume and become whatever you fear most. Armed with a few gadgets and a heavily redacted corporate briefing, your job is to retrieve Fazbear’s prized prototype technology while surviving cryptic clues and a relentless, ever-present threat lurking in the shadows.
This entry leans into exploration, environmental storytelling, and classic FNAF tension, all rebuilt for modern hardware. It’s optimized for Xbox Series X|S and looks like a must-play for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Frogo Deluxe
The popular Frogo series returns with Frogo Deluxe, a bright, infinite cross-the-road arcade game where players dodge traffic, collect coins, and unlock new animal characters. Each new animal grants more lives, making it easier to survive longer and climb the leaderboards.
It’s simple, addictive, and perfect for quick sessions or handheld play. Frogo Deluxe is optimized for Xbox Series X|S, supports Smart Delivery and Xbox Play Anywhere, and is a great choice for players who enjoy casual, score-chasing gameplay.
Vambrace: Dungeon Monarch
In Vambrace: Dungeon Monarch, you take on the role of a chosen guardian tasked with defending your master’s dungeon from adventurers, rival factions, and even other deities. You’re equipped with powerful magic and an army of summonable troops that synergize with each other, letting you build layered defensive strategies.
The game blends tower defense, real-time tactics, and RPG progression, with a focus on repelling waves of invaders and upgrading your forces. It’s optimized for Xbox Series X|S and should appeal to fans of dark fantasy, base defense, and strategic combat.
Wednesday, December 17
Wednesday brings a more varied mix of genres, from cozy hidden-object adventures to fantasy RPGs and quirky party games. It’s a great day for players who want something lighter or more story-driven after Tuesday’s heavier releases.
Balloball – Ribbit & Rescue
Balloball – Ribbit & Rescue is a bright, cartoon-style arcade game where you play as a hero racing to save frogs trapped in soap bubbles by evil fairies. Using agility, speed, and physics-based flight paths, you’ll bounce, dodge, and rescue your way through traps and obstacles.
It’s family-friendly, fast-paced, and built for quick, satisfying runs. A solid pick for younger players or anyone who wants a cheerful, low-stress arcade experience.
Hidden Cats in Istanbul
For a more relaxing experience, Hidden Cats in Istanbul invites players to explore the colorful streets of Istanbul, from the Blue Mosque to the Grand Bazaar and Gülhane Park. As part of the ever-wandering Hidden Cats crew, you’ll search for over 900 hidden objects, unlock special cats, and enjoy soothing Turkish-inspired music.
It’s a cozy, no-stress hidden-object game with a strong sense of place and charm. Perfect for players who enjoy sightseeing, exploration, and casual puzzle gameplay.
The Legend of Princess Lyria
Step into the role of Princess Lyria in this fantasy RPG adventure set in the Forbidden Realms. Once a prosperous kingdom, Lyria’s realm has fallen to ruin, its treasures stolen and its magic faded. Dark forces now rule the land, and it’s up to Lyria to reclaim her throne.
Armed with courage and emerging magical abilities, you’ll explore lush landscapes, forge alliances, and uncover long-buried secrets about your heritage. Every decision shapes Lyria’s destiny, letting you choose between becoming a wise ruler or embracing darker paths of power.
The Legend of Princess Lyria is optimized for Xbox Series X|S, supports Smart Delivery and Xbox Play Anywhere, and is a strong pick for fans of classic fantasy RPGs and branching narratives.
Where Is Billy?
Where Is Billy? is a mischievous party-style hide-and-seek game set in a haunted manor on Mischief Night. The twist? The only place to hide is within the crowd of monstrous guests. You’ll need to figure out who you are in the crowd, then complete your objectives without breaking character or getting caught.
It’s a clever, social-style game that rewards observation, deception, and quick thinking. Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, it’s a great choice for players who enjoy party games and light multiplayer fun.
Thursday, December 18
Thursday delivers a mix of horror, action, and quirky indie concepts, with several titles that stand out for their unique themes and gameplay loops.
The Axis Unseen
The Axis Unseen is a heavy metal horror game created by one of the developers behind Skyrim and Fallout. In this open-world horror experience, you track down nightmarish creatures from folklore, steal their enhanced senses, and discover arrows with immense powers.
But beware — the hunter often becomes the hunted. The game blends exploration, survival, and supernatural combat in a mysterious, oppressive world. It’s optimized for Xbox Series X|S and should appeal to fans of dark fantasy, open-world horror, and immersive sims.
Explodera
In Explodera, humanity’s reign has ended, and machines now rule the Earth. Cities lie in ruins, and the last remnants of humankind hide beneath the ashes. But hope isn’t dead — it’s armed to the teeth.
Take control of a ragtag crew of reckless freedom fighters with one simple philosophy: if it sparks, it explodes. Fight your way through mechanical armies in a future ruled by steel and circuitry, all leading to a final showdown with the Mother Computer, the cold heart of the machine uprising.
Explodera is optimized for Xbox Series X|S and delivers fast-paced, explosive action perfect for fans of post-apocalyptic shooters and arcade-style combat.
Hoomanz!
Hoomanz! flips the script in this stealth-adventure game where you play as Shoo, the mythical guardian of Planet Erf, whose job is to scare away ignorant human invaders. Darkness is nature’s friend; light is its enemy.
With non-combat gameplay and family-friendly content, Hoomanz! is packed with coziness and humor. It’s optimized for Xbox Series X|S and is a great pick for players who enjoy stealth, exploration, and lighthearted, story-driven experiences.
Humble Haunted House
Humble Haunted House is an action tower defense game where you play as a succubus disguised as a haunted attraction manager at a theme park. By setting up scary props and popping out as a live actor, you’ll scare visitors — but little do they know, some of the monsters are very real.
It’s a fun blend of management, defense, and dark comedy, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and perfect for players who enjoy creative, strategy-heavy gameplay with a spooky twist.
Scott Whiskers: The Search for the Golden Cat
Join Scott Whiskers on a colorful, family-friendly adventure in The Search for the Golden Cat. Sun, beach, sea, sunken pirate treasures, mystical Mayan rites, and a bubbling volcano all come together in this whimsical point-and-click-style experience.
With lots of puzzles and lovable characters, it’s a vacation-style adventure that’s easy to pick up and play. Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, it’s a great choice for younger players and families.
Zumba – The Dragon’s Marble Trial
Zumba – The Dragon’s Marble Trial brings classic marble-matching gameplay into an enchanting world where a charming dragon launches colorful marbles from its mouth and tail. Pick a stage, aim your marbles at winding paths, and match three or more identical colors to trigger explosive combos.
With high-score chasing and up to three stars per level, it’s a polished, addictive puzzle game optimized for Xbox Series X|S and perfect for fans of Zuma-style mechanics.
Friday, December 19
Friday, December 19, is the week’s big finale, with a strong lineup of action, horror, platformers, and co-op shooters that should keep Xbox players busy through the weekend.
Big Trouble in Little Chimney
Big Trouble in Little Chimney is a fast-paced arena bullet-hell shooter where Krampus is coming, and it’s up to you to save Christmas. Grab your shotgun, finish your hot punch, and survive endless hordes of creatures that lurk from the dark chimney.
It’s a chaotic, high-score-focused shooter with a festive twist, perfect for players who enjoy arcade-style action and holiday-themed mayhem.
Cup Heroes
In Cup Heroes, everyday cups become mighty heroes on an epic quest to save their beloved Queen. Collect coins and gems to unlock a diverse cast of cup characters, each with unique abilities, then upgrade their skills to tackle different challenges.
Optimized for handheld and supporting Xbox Play Anywhere, it’s a whimsical, accessible platformer that’s great for quick sessions and younger players.
Escape From Crypt
Escape From Crypt is a precision platformer where you play as a warrior determined to prove your worth by surviving a deadly crypt filled with traps and relentless enemies. Use wall jumps, powerful sword strikes, and careful timing to conquer the dark depths.
It’s optimized for Xbox Series X|S and should appeal to fans of challenging, skill-based platformers.
Fort Solis
Fort Solis is a sci-fi mystery thriller set in a remote Martian mining base. You play as Jack, who arrives in response to an unusual emergency call, only to find the base dark, desolate, and spiraling out of control as a storm closes in.
With motion-captured performances, cinematic visuals, and a tense, narrative-driven experience, Fort Solis channels the atmosphere of Dead Space and Alien: Isolation. It’s optimized for Xbox Series X|S and is one of the week’s most anticipated horror titles.
Frog Hero DX
Leap, dodge, and conquer deadly gauntlets in Frog Hero DX, a precision platformer where every jump could be your last. Take command of a fearless frog hero on a perilous trek through lush swamps, blazing caverns, and clockwork fortresses.
Bounce off enemies, thread the gap between spinning blades and bursts of fire, and stick perfect landings across collapsing bridges and molten pits. Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, it’s a great pick for fans of challenging, retro-style platformers.
Nom Nom Apocalypse
Nom Nom Apocalypse is a co-op shooter where the end of the world has never looked so… tasty. The city is infested by ravenous, greasy food creatures, and humanity’s last hope lies with a band of skillful, trigger-happy cooks who are determined not to end up as the main course.
It’s a chaotic, humorous, and highly replayable co-op experience optimized for Xbox Series X|S, perfect for players who enjoy over-the-top action and local or online multiplayer.
Outbreak: Shades of Horror
Outbreak: Shades of Horror is a retro survival horror title inspired by the classics of the ’90s and 2000s. It blends bleeding-edge tech and modern gameplay with archaic survival horror concepts like restricted inventory, heavy resource management, and crushing difficulty.
If you’re an old-school horror fan, you’ll find a lot to love in this janky but unforgiving nightmare. It’s optimized for Xbox Series X|S and is a must-watch for survival horror enthusiasts.
Xbox and Game Pass Players Have a Busy Week
From the horror of Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic and Fort Solis to the cozy charm of Hidden Cats in Istanbul and the chaotic fun of Nom Nom Apocalypse, next week on Xbox is packed with variety. Whether you’re into story-driven RPGs, tense survival horror, strategic defense, or family-friendly adventures, there’s plenty of new content to dive into.
With several titles optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, and Xbox Play Anywhere, this week is a great opportunity to expand your library across console, PC, and handheld. Keep an eye on Game Pass for any surprise additions, and make sure to line up your downloads so you can jump into the action as soon as each game launches.
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