New Xbox Games This Week: Castlevania, Planet Zoo 2, Valor Mortis and More

Xbox has another packed release week ahead, with major new launches spread across October 12 to October 16.

The headline names include Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Planet Zoo 2, Valor Mortis, Deep Dish Dungeon, The Jackbox Party Pack 12 and several fresh Game Pass additions.

Microsoft's official Next Week on Xbox schedule confirms a broad mix of action, horror, simulation, co-op, RPG and indie releases.

October 12: Alpha Nomos and Colorbound

The week starts with two smaller releases.

Alpha Nomos is a rhythm-action roguelite in which instruments double as weapons and combat follows the soundtrack.

Colorbound is a puzzle-platformer centred around using colour to alter the world while helping its protagonist reconnect a family of musicians.

Both support Xbox Play Anywhere.

October 13: Planet Zoo 2, Valor Mortis and Deep Dish Dungeon

October 13 is one of the busiest days of the week.

Planet Zoo 2 brings Frontier's zoo-management series back with new systems, including fully aquatic and flying species as well as expanded conservation mechanics.

Valor Mortis is a first-person Soulslike from One More Level, the studio behind Ghostrunner. It casts players as William, a soldier of Napoleon's Grande Armée who returns from the dead into an alternate version of 19th-century Europe.

The game combines parries, dashes, finishers, firearms, swords and supernatural abilities.

It also launches directly into Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Deep Dish Dungeon also arrives on October 13 and is another day-one Game Pass release. It combines dungeon exploration, resource gathering, crafting, cooking and online co-op.

October 14: Ratatan, Creepy Tale and more

Midweek brings a more unusual set of games.

Ratatan combines rhythm mechanics with roguelike action and supports online co-op for up to four players.

Creepy Tale: Snow Child mixes action, puzzles, dark comedy and horror.

Other October 14 releases include Cleaning Simulator, Prison Run and Gun and Shockwave Triggers.

The variety here is notable: this is not a week dominated by one genre.

October 15: Castlevania: Belmont's Curse headlines the week

For many players, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse will be the standout release.

Konami's new 2D action-exploration game launches on October 15 and follows Rose Belmont, daughter of Trevor Belmont.

The story is set in 1499 Paris, 23 years after Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse.

Konami says the game is being developed with Evil Empire, with Motion Twin serving in an advisory role. The result is a new Castlevania that leans heavily into fast, fluid exploration and combat.

A playable demo is already available, and Konami says progress can carry over into the full game.

More October 15 releases

October 15 also brings several other notable games.

The Jackbox Party Pack 12 adds five new party games and continues the familiar setup where only one player needs to own the game while everyone else joins with their phone.

Chained Beasts launches into Game Pass and supports one to four players in a co-op gladiator roguelike built around physically being chained to teammates.

Bluey's Happy Snaps also joins Game Pass, offering a lighter photo-driven adventure set around Bluey and Bingo.

Other releases include DESOLUS and Weekend Solitaire: Voyage.

October 16: Modern Warfare 4 campaign early access and more

The end of the week includes a major early-access milestone.

Players who pre-order Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 can begin Campaign Early Access on October 16, ahead of the full launch on October 23.

Also arriving October 16 are:

• Beyond These Stars
• Tales of Eternia Remaster
• Tenebris Somnia
• Moto X
• Sproutrex
• Supercar Collection Simulator

Beyond These Stars is particularly notable for Game Pass players because it launches directly into the service on PC.

The games to watch this week

If you only have time to follow a few releases, the obvious priorities are:

Castlevania: Belmont's Curse The week's biggest traditional release and a major new entry in a long-running series.

Valor Mortis A new first-person Soulslike from the Ghostrunner developer, arriving directly into Game Pass.

Planet Zoo 2 A substantial simulation release with strong appeal to management-game fans.

Deep Dish Dungeon Another Game Pass day-one title, with a focus on exploration and online co-op.

Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Early Access Not the full launch, but still one of the week's biggest Xbox events for Call of Duty players.

A strong mid-October Xbox lineup

The October 12-16 window is much busier than the opening days of the month.

There is no single type of Xbox player being targeted here: simulation fans get Planet Zoo 2, horror and action fans get Castlevania and Valor Mortis, co-op players have several new options, and Game Pass receives multiple day-one additions.

XboxHome will be following the strongest releases with dedicated guides where they warrant deeper coverage.