- End of Abyss Game Pass availability: check your library before assuming a subscription covers it.
- Platforms: PC and Xbox, with strong handheld performance reported on ROG Xbox Ally X.
- Genre: atmospheric survival-horror Metroidvania with twin-stick combat from Section 9.
- Best approach: verify current catalog status on the official store page before subscribing.
- Key tip: pistol ammo is infinite, but other weapons need crafted ammo at safe rooms.
End of Abyss Game Pass Availability Overview
Game Pass catalogs rotate frequently. Always confirm End of Abyss is currently listed in your region's library before purchasing or renewing a subscription solely to play it.
End of Abyss is the debut Metroidvania from Section 9, blending atmospheric horror in the vein of Little Nightmares and Dead Space with fast twin-stick shooting. You play as Sell, a combat technician descending into a mysterious facility where a strange fungal disaster has overtaken the workers. Because the game launched across PC and Xbox ecosystems, many players wonder whether an End of Abyss Game Pass subscription is the cheapest way in.
The short answer: catalog membership changes over time, so treat any third-party claim of permanent availability with caution. The reliable method is to check the store listing directly on your platform. If the title is in the library, a standard subscription tier is enough — there is no special premium edition gate reported for this release.
Video Highlights:
- Day One review covering atmosphere, combat, and exploration
- Performance tested on the ROG Xbox Ally X handheld
- Overview of scanner mechanics and Metroidvania progression
- Notes on launch bugs and collision issues
The review above confirms the game runs well on Xbox-family hardware, including handhelds, which matters for Game Pass subscribers who play across console, PC, and cloud.
| Access Method | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription catalog (if listed) | Monthly fee | Check current library before committing |
| Direct purchase (digital) | One-time price | Permanent ownership, watch for sales |
| Cloud streaming | Included with sub | Depends on tier and region |
What You Get: Core Gameplay Systems
If you access the game through a subscription, you get the full experience — exploration, combat, and crafting all included with no reported content locks.
Scanner Exploration
- Blue laser room scans
- Scan doors, levers, enemies
- Reveals lore and loot hints
Twin-Stick Combat
- 360-degree aiming
- Sprint and roll dodges
- Charge shot upgrades
Survival Systems
- Safe room workbenches
- Craft ammo and upgrades
- Health pod respawns enemies
Your energy pistol has effectively infinite ammunition, so save crafted resources for the riot shotgun and armor-piercing rifle. Use flares and grenades to control crowds instead of burning rare materials.
Weapon and Gear Comparison
| Equipment | Ammo Source | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Energy pistol | Infinite | Default combat, charge shot for tough enemies |
| Knife | None | Close-range desperation attacks |
| Riot shotgun | Crafted | Heavy close-quarters damage |
| Piercing rifle | Crafted | Boss encounters, armored foes |
| Flares / Grenades | Found/crafted | Distraction and area damage |
| C4 / Grappling hook | Found | Opening walls, reaching new areas |
Step-by-Step: Start Playing End of Abyss
Verify Availability
Search the official store or subscription library on your platform to confirm End of Abyss is currently offered in your region.
Choose Your Access Route
Compare the monthly subscription cost against the one-time purchase price. If you only want this game, buying outright is often cheaper long-term.
Install and Configure
Install on PC, console, or compatible handheld. The game performs well on Xbox-family hardware including handhelds, so no high-end rig is required.
Learn the Fundamentals
Prioritize scanner usage for intel, keep pistol as your workhorse weapon, and locate safe rooms early for crafting and healing.
Explore Systematically
Mark locked doors and weak walls on your mental map — Metroidvania gear like C4 and the grappling hook will open them later.
Early versions of the game showed collision bugs and map inaccuracies. Check for patches before long sessions, as updates have been addressing these issues.
Pros, Cons, and Known Issues
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | ★★★★★ | Oppressive tone, flickering lights, fungal decay |
| Combat | ★★★★ | Fast twin-stick action, occasional aim-assist quirks |
| Exploration | ★★★★★ | Distinct areas despite repeated architecture |
| Story | ★★★ | Light plot, compelling underlying mystery |
| Technical polish | ★★★ | Collision bugs, map confusion at launch |
Every use of the safe-room health station revives most defeated enemies. Farm this loop deliberately for resources, but never assume a cleared corridor stays clear.
Key strengths worth your subscription time:
- Top-notch presentation — lighting, sound design, and environmental storytelling
- Responsive combat — quick rolls and 360 aiming keep encounters fluid
- Rewarding exploration loop — hidden areas and upgrade resources justify backtracking
- Handheld-friendly performance — a natural fit for portable play
New Player Checklist
First Session Goals:
- Confirm current catalog or purchase availability on your platform
- Learn scanner mechanics and scan every interactive object
- Locate your first safe room and workbench
- Unlock the pistol charge shot upgrade
- Map out locked doors and weak walls for later gear
With availability confirmed and core systems understood, you are set to descend into the facility alongside Sell and uncover what went wrong.
End of Abyss Game Pass FAQ
Q: Is End of Abyss available on Game Pass?
Catalog listings rotate frequently, so there is no guaranteed permanent answer. Check the official store or subscription library in your region for the current status before subscribing specifically for this game.
Q: What platforms can I play End of Abyss on?
The game is available on PC and Xbox-family platforms, including handhelds. Reviewers reported strong performance on the ROG Xbox Ally X, making it a solid portable option.
Q: Is it cheaper to subscribe or buy End of Abyss outright?
If End of Abyss is your only target game, a one-time purchase is usually more economical than an ongoing subscription. A subscription makes sense if you play multiple library titles each month.
Q: Does the game require any special edition or add-ons?
No premium content gates have been reported. The full experience — exploration, combat, crafting, and story — is included in the standard release.