Chained Beasts Xbox Guide: Game Pass, Cloud Gaming, Local Co-Op and Online Rules
✓ Last verified 2026-10-16 · How we check facts
Quick answer
Chained Beasts on Xbox launched on October 15, 2026 as a day-one Game Pass game for Xbox and Windows PC. It supports 2-4 player local and online co-op, runs at 60 fps or higher, and is rated Mature 17+.
Chained Beasts Xbox players got one of the best deals at launch: the gladiator roguelike arrived on October 15, 2026 as a day-one Game Pass title for Xbox consoles and Windows PC. This guide explains how Chained Beasts Xbox access works, what the Xbox store lists for co-op and performance, and the subscription rules that catch people out.
Chained Beasts Xbox Availability
The developer announced at launch that Chained Beasts is "out now on Steam, Game Pass for Xbox and Windows PC, PS5 and Nintendo Switch." In the days before release the studio also asked fans whether they would play on "Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch or Game Pass," which shows that Game Pass was planned from the start.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release date | October 15, 2026 |
| Consoles | Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S |
| Game Pass | Day one for Xbox and Windows PC |
| Purchase | Also sold on the Xbox Store |
| Rating | Mature 17+, violence, blood and gore |
What the Xbox Store Lists
The Xbox store page gives specific numbers for the Chained Beasts Xbox version:
| Feature | Xbox listing |
|---|---|
| Local co-op | 2 to 4 players |
| Online co-op | 2 to 4 players |
| Performance | 60 fps or higher |
| Cloud gaming | Supported |
Local co-op on one console means everyone needs a controller. Online co-op connects you with friends on Xbox and, thanks to cross-play, on other platforms too.
Game Pass and Cloud Gaming Rules
This is the part that confuses players. The Xbox store contains two separate notes:
- "Cloud playable game included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Game purchase required to stream with Xbox Game Pass Essential or Premium."
- "Online multiplayer on console requires Xbox Game Pass Essential, Premium, or Ultimate."
| Your subscription | Can you play? | Online co-op on console |
|---|---|---|
| Game Pass Ultimate | Yes, including cloud streaming | Yes |
| Game Pass Premium or Essential | Stream only if you buy the game | Yes |
| No subscription, game purchased | Yes, offline and local | No, online needs a subscription |
In short, Ultimate covers everything. If you only buy the game without a subscription, local co-op works but online co-op on console does not.
Chained Beasts Xbox Versus Other Platforms
The content is identical across platforms: 9 battles across 3 acts plus a final encounter, 10 difficulty levels, 70+ afflictions, 70+ skills, 40+ items and 8 beasts with variants. What changes is access. Xbox players get the subscription route, while Steam players get the free demo and a launch discount from $19.99 to $12.99. See our platforms overview for a full comparison and the price guide for store pricing.
Tips for Playing on Xbox
- Use Game Pass to try the full game if you skipped the Steam demo.
- Plan four controllers if you want a full couch session, and use a large TV, because the top-down arena gets busy with four gladiators.
- Check your subscription before inviting friends online.
- Join the developer's Discord to find cross-play partners. Our co-op guide explains how the chain changes team play.
Official Source
For the current store details, see the Chained Beasts page on Xbox.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Chained Beasts on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes. Chained Beasts launched on Game Pass for Xbox and Windows PC on October 15, 2026.
Q: Does Chained Beasts Xbox have local co-op?
Yes. The Xbox store lists local co-op for 2 to 4 players.
Q: Do I need Game Pass for online co-op?
On console, online multiplayer requires Game Pass Essential, Premium or Ultimate.
Q: Can I stream Chained Beasts on Xbox Cloud Gaming?
Yes. It is included with Game Pass Ultimate. With Essential or Premium you must buy the game to stream it.
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