- End of Abyss Xbox Game Pass access lets you dive into this atmospheric Metroidvania on Xbox hardware and handhelds.
- You play as Sel, a combat technician exploring a fungal, disaster-struck underground facility.
- Combat blends twin-stick shooting with classic Metroidvania exploration and backtracking.
- Xbox Ally X handheld play has been reported as running the game smoothly.
- Watch for technical bugs like collision issues; patches are expected post-launch.
End of Abyss on Xbox and Game Pass: The Basics
End of Abyss is the debut Metroidvania from Section 9, a game that draws from Little Nightmares-style atmosphere, Dead Space-inspired horror, and fast twin-stick shooting. For Xbox players, the big question is simple: how does the game fit into the Xbox ecosystem, and what is the experience like on Game Pass-supported hardware?
The game casts you as Sel, a combat technician sent down into a mysterious facility alongside a squad of soldiers and her captain. Something has gone horribly wrong. A strange fungus covers the walls, floors, and the bodies of workers, and the game sets an oppressive tone from the very first flickering hallway.
Video Highlights:
- Atmospheric Metroidvania mixing Little Nightmares and Dead Space influences
- Twin-stick combat with an upgradeable energy pistol, shotgun, and rifle
- Scanner tool for investigation and worldbuilding, similar to Aliens
- Safe rooms with workbenches, crafting, and health stations that respawn enemies
- Runs well on Xbox Ally X handheld hardware
The game has been reported to run well on the Xbox Ally X, making End of Abyss a strong pick for portable play. Its dark, deliberate exploration pace suits short handheld sessions well.
Getting Started: Step-by-Step
Follow this sequence to get the most out of your first hours in the facility.
Confirm Platform Access
Check your Xbox console, Game Pass library, or supported handheld for End of Abyss availability, or purchase directly through the Microsoft store if it is not included in your subscription tier.
Learn the Scanner First
Early on, use the scanner constantly. It outlines infrastructure, workstations, and objects of interest, and scanning doors, levers, switches, and creatures reveals clues and hints about upgrades.
Master Twin-Stick Combat
Aim in 360 degrees with the right stick. Learn to sprint and roll early, because getting swarmed is the fastest way to die. Prioritize the pistol charge shot upgrade.
Use Safe Rooms Wisely
Craft ammo and upgrades at workbenches and heal at the pod station, but remember: healing respawns most enemies you have killed.
Upgrade Your Toolkit
Collect flares, grenades, C4 for weak walls, and the grappling hook to open up previously inaccessible areas in true Metroidvania fashion.
Every use of the health station respawns the majority of defeated enemies. You can farm them for resources, but never assume a cleared area stays cleared.
Weapons and Equipment Overview
Sel starts with limited kit and expands her arsenal as she descends. Here is how the main tools compare.
| Tool | Type | Strengths | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scanner | Utility | Reveals objects, lore, upgrade hints | Leaves you vulnerable while scanning |
| Knife | Melee | Emergency close encounters | Fallback when ammo runs dry |
| Energy Pistol | Ranged | Infinite ammo, charge shot upgrade | Primary weapon, multiple upgrades |
| Riot Shotgun | Ranged | Heavy close-range damage | Requires crafted ammo |
| Rifle | Ranged | Armor-piercing rounds | Requires crafted ammo |
| Grenades / C4 | Explosive | Heavy damage, opens weak walls | Crafted from collected resources |
| Grappling Hook | Traversal | Reaches hidden areas | Key progression item |
Aggressive Build
- Shotgun + rifle focus
- Heavy crafted ammo usage
- High risk, high damage
Conservative Build
- Pistol + charge shot
- Infinite ammunition
- Roll-heavy evasion play
Explorer Build
- Scanner + flares
- Distraction over confrontation
- Best for finding hidden upgrades
Only the energy pistol has effectively infinite ammunition. Every other weapon needs ammo crafted at workbenches from resources dropped by enemies and found in the environment, so hoard materials.
Known Technical Issues and Workarounds
The launch version of End of Abyss shipped with noticeable bugs. Knowing them in advance saves frustration.
| Issue | Severity | Impact | Workaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collision lock-ups | High | Sel gets stuck in geometry | Reload last save promptly |
| Falling out of map | High | Endless void, soft-lock | Reload checkpoint immediately |
| Confusing map display | Medium | Doors listed as closed when open | Double-check doors manually |
| Aim assistance errors | Medium | Missed elevation shots in combat | Manual aim on elevated targets |
| Respawn exploit bug | Low | Rare resource respawns too fast | Avoid abusing before patches |
Collision and out-of-map bugs have been frequent enough to interrupt sessions. Build a habit of saving at safe rooms before risky exploration or boss encounters.
Reviewers note these issues are patchable, and the core package underneath is solid. Keep your game updated for the smoothest experience on Xbox platforms.
Exploration and Progression Checklist
End of Abyss rewards methodical exploration. Track these milestones as you descend.
Facility Descent Milestones:
- Investigate facility systems and activate the reactor
- Scan every workstation and terminal for lore clues
- Unlock the pistol charge shot upgrade
- Acquire C4 to break weak walls
- Obtain the grappling hook for hard-to-reach areas
- Defeat the first major boss encounter
FAQ
Q: Is End of Abyss available on Xbox Game Pass?
Availability can vary by region and subscription tier over time. Check the current Game Pass library or the Microsoft store listing for End of Abyss to confirm whether it is included with your subscription at the moment you plan to play.
Q: How well does End of Abyss run on Xbox handhelds?
The game has been reported to run well on the Xbox Ally X, making it a good portable option for atmospheric exploration sessions on the go.
Q: Is End of Abyss good for Metroidvania fans?
Yes. It nails atmosphere, exploration, and fast twin-stick combat, with a compelling central mystery. Launch bugs are the main caveat, though patches are expected.
Q: Does the health station respawn enemies?
Yes. Each use of the pod-like health station respawns most defeated enemies. This keeps tension high and allows resource farming, but you will never feel fully safe.