Xbox Game Pass is seeing one of the best horror game series arrive in May

Xbox Game Pass
(Image credit: Microsoft)

The Xbox Game Pass library is getting a blast from the past in May as the next installment of the Amnesia series is being added to the service.

Almost three years after Amnesia Rebirth, Amnesia: The Bunker is set to release May 16, coming to Xbox Game Pass on day one. This fourth installment will shake the series up while staying true to what made the original games so terrifying. 

You’ll play as Henri Clement, a French soldier fighting in World War 1, who takes shelter in a seemingly abandoned bunker after getting separated from his battalion. Sadly, nothing’s ever easy in Amnesia games, so before Henri knows it, a dark entity called The Beast begins pursuing the French soldier. In order to escape alive, you must navigate the dark maze-like tunnels and outsmart the monster hunting you down.

Taking some time 

Protagonist reloading a gun

(Image credit: Frictional Games)

It turns out that Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League isn’t the only title that’s needed extra development time this year. While not quite as drastic as Rocksteady's 2024 pushback, Frictional Games decided to delay Amnesia: The Bunker’s original release from March to mid-May.

It’s unclear why Frictional Games delayed Amnesia: The Bunker, but it was probably for the best. If this psychological horror game had been released in March, it would have had to compete with Resident Evil 4 as well as Xbox Game Pass additions like Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty and Valheim. Those are some big hitters, even for a beloved series like Amnesia. 

While many will be looking forward to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, there aren’t many horror games for the Amnesia: The Bunker to compete with. As it stands, probably the biggest competition for The Bunker will be Redfall. Though given Arkane Studios' latest won't launch with a 60fps performance mode, it seems the vampire slaying co-op shooter will be off to a rocky start.

Standing out from the crowd

Protagonist ripping a grenade pin

(Image credit: Frictional Games)

If you’re a fan of the kind of psychological horror that the original Amnesia titles mastered, rest assured that The Bunker will keep the anxiety-fueled story while giving this series a much-needed facelift. 

The setting of a WW1 bunker lends itself easily to Amnesia’s dread-filled atmosphere. The dark is just as terrifying as it has always been as you rush around refilling generators, as this is the only way to keep The Beast at bay.

Unlike the previous games, The Bunker has a protagonist who knows how to fight back. As Henri Clement is a soldier, he can handle and fire a gun while also having some knowledge of explosives. This expertise means that players won’t be completely defenseless. Unfortunately, due to limited materials, it'll be tough to consistently rely on firearms to keep you safe.

While having more agency in the next Amnesia title is nice, it seems like Frictional Games hasn’t ventured too far outside the box to retain the psychological fear championed by the series thus far. It's shaping up to be another horror smash hit from the developer, and I can't wait to play it day one on Xbox Game Pass.

Elie Gould
Features Writer

Elie is a Features Writer for TechRadar Gaming, here to write about anything new or slightly weird. Before writing for TRG, Elie studied for a Masters at Cardiff University JOMEC in International Journalism and Documentaries – spending their free time filming short docs or editing the gaming section for their student publications. 

Elie’s first step into gaming was through Pokémon but they've taken the natural next step in the horror genre. Any and every game that would keep you up at night is on their list to play - despite the fact that one of Elie’s biggest fears is being chased. 

Read more
The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu
Ace Team announces The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu, a new first-person horror co-op coming to PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC this year
A close up of Alan Wake's face
Best horror games: the scariest titles to play in 2025
Silent Hill f
Silent Hill f will present players with 'a beautiful yet terrifying choice', and I can't wait to see what it is
Doom Slayer leaping over a bunch of demonic hell-spawn
Best single-player games on Game Pass in 2025
The two protagonists hold up a store
New Xbox Series X games 2025 - the most anticipated Xbox release dates
Xbox Developer Direct 2025
Xbox Developer Direct is returning to show off Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and one other mystery title
Latest in Xbox Series X | S
Xbox Series X Digital Edition deal
Stop what you're doing and check out this Xbox Series X Black Friday deal – it probably won't be beaten
The three new Xbox Series console variants on a stand at Gamescom 2024
Where to buy the new Xbox Series X and S consoles - including the gorgeous Galaxy Black 2TB machine
Final Fantasy 14
Final Fantasy 14 on Xbox Series X|S will require Xbox Game Pass to play when it launches in full
Baldur's Gate 3 Astarion
Baldur’s Gate 3 Xbox missing save problem will soon be fixed for good as firmware issue has been found
Final Fantasy 14 Y'shtola
Final Fantasy 14 Xbox open beta will kick off next month says director
The Xbox series X on a blue background with the words "Price Cut"
Save $120 on the Xbox Series X in the second-best deal we've ever seen
Latest in News
Super Mario Odyssey
ChatGPT is the ultimate gaming tool - here's 4 ways you can use AI to help with your next playthrough
Brad Pitt looks over his right shoulder with 'F1' written behind him
Apple Original Films will take you behind-the-scenes of a racing cockpit in this new thrilling F1 movie trailer
AI writer
Coding AI tells developer to write it himself
Reacher looking down at another character from the Prime Video TV series Reacher
Reacher season 3 becomes Prime Video’s biggest returning show thanks to Hollywood’s biggest heavyweight
Finger Presses Orange Button Domain Name Registration on Black Keyboard Background. Closeup View
I visited the world’s first registered .com domain – and you won’t believe what it’s offering today
Image showing detail of the Leica D-Lux 8
Still can't get a Fujifilm X100VI? This premium Leica compact costs less, and it's in stock