Descenders Next
Descenders Next Arrives Day‑One on Xbox Game Pass
1. What Is Descenders Next?
Descenders Next is the long-awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed downhill biking game Descenders (2019), developed by RageSquid and published by No More Robots Xbox Wire+12YouTube+12Reddit+12. Shadow‑dropped on July 21, 2025, it marks a major expansion of the series, introducing high-speed snowboarding, mountainboarding, and new biomes — all wrapped in a procedurally generated, adrenaline-fueled playground Game Rant+10Wccftech+10GameSpot+10.
2. Day‑One Launch on Xbox Game Pass
One of the most exciting aspects? Descenders Next launched as a Day‑One addition to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Ultimate, available across Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC cloud streaming TrueAchievements+1TrueAchievements+1. It surprised players as the 13th new Game Pass title to drop in July, delivering a midnight adrenaline rush to subscribers NeoGAF+13Pure Xbox+13Infinite Start+13.
A developer note shared on Steam reveals over 100,000 players logged in within the first 24 hours — an achievement that took the original nearly a year to reach TrueAchievements+1TrueAchievements+1.
Descenders Next
3. New Gameplay Modes & Environments
Descenders Next ups the ante:
- Snowboarding & mountainboarding join the series, with dynamic riding styles TrueAchievements+8Wccftech+8Wccftech+8.
- Players explore procedurally generated biomes, including snowy peaks, desert dunes, and forested ridges Xbox Wire+2Wccftech+2Wccftech+2.
- Beat challenges solo or team up with up to 11 players online Pure Xbox+4Xbox.com+4TrueAchievements+4.
- Biome parks designed for freestyle tricks, races, and shared exploration Infinite Start+4Xbox.com+4Wccftech+4.
The promise: more sports will roll out, including future plans for skiing and beyond Pure Xbox+2TrueAchievements+2TrueAchievements+2.
4. Platforms & Accessibility
Descenders Next is currently available through:
- Steam Early Access
- Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- PC Game Pass via cloud streaming
- Game Pass Ultimate
Playstation and Nintendo Switch support are still unannounced, though a Switch 2 version is planned, with PlayStation to follow later Infinite Start+13Wccftech+13Windows Central+13YouTube+3Xbox Wire+3Wikipedia+3Game Rant+4Xbox.com+4Xbox Wire+4Wccftech.
5. Performance, Controls, and Visuals
Built on the rugged physics of Descenders, the sequel delivers:
- Responsive physics, making tricks, jumps, and high-speed descents feel visceral Xbox Wire+12Xbox.com+12Windows Central+12.
- Enhanced visuals, with crisp landscapes and seamless environmental transitions.
- Freestyle trick system: grind rails, catch flips, and nail combos to earn big scores Windows Central+1Wccftech+1Windows Central+9Xbox.com+9Wccftech+9.
- Customizable riders and gear, plus soundtrack support from Monstercat and other artists Xbox.com+1GameSpot+1.
6. Roadmap & Future Plans 📅
RageSquid has already outlined upcoming content:
- Improved handling, including braking tweaks in response to feedback Game Rant+13TrueAchievements+13Reddit+13.
- New multiplayer modes and sports disciplines continuing across 2025–27 Xbox.com+3Operation Sports+3Xbox Wire+3.
- Support for mod tools, deeper progression, and gear expansions planned Xbox.com.
7. Why You Should Jump In Now
- Instant access via Game Pass — no extra cost for subscribers.
- Massive initial playerbase ensures active multiplayer and community events NeoGAF+1Reddit+1.
- Ongoing updates promise new content and expansions — a long-term commitment from the devs TrueAchievements.
- Shadow-drop aura evokes surprise and excitement, perfect for solo play or couch co-op.
8. Community Buzz
Reddit’s r/XboxGamePass community erupted:
“Great, I need to play a snow game to combat the stupid heat wave this week.”
“What perfect timing to drop on Game Pass” Cloud Dosage+1Game Rant+1Wccftech+13Reddit+13Reddit+13
TrueAchievements lauded the milestone of 100K players in 24 hours, describing the launch as “incredible” TrueAchievements+1TrueAchievements+1.
9. Buying Outside Game Pass
Non-Game Pass players can grab the game for $29.99 USD on Steam or the Xbox Store. Notably, developers guarantee the price will not increase post-1.0 release, even after Early Access GameSpot.
10. Comparison with Original Descenders
| Feature | Descenders (2019) | Descenders Next (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Core sport | Mountain biking | Snowboarding + mountainboarding |
| Biome variety | A few hand-crafted worlds | Multiple procedurally generated biomes |
| Multiplayer | Up to 10 players | Up to 12 players with future modes |
| Launch platforms | PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch | Game Pass PC/Xbox + Steam EA |
| Community integration | Minimal patches | Regular updates, roadmap, mod tools planned |
This sequel expands not only content but also community engagement.
11. FAQ
Q1: Is Descenders Next on Game Pass?
Yes. It launched as a Day‑One title on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass Reddit+2Wccftech+2ResetEra+2Wccftech+2TrueAchievements+2Windows Central+2NeoGAF+3Reddit+3Windows Central+3.
Q2: What sports are included?
Available now: Snowboarding and mountainboarding, with more sports on the horizon TrueAchievements+9Wccftech+9GameSpot+9.
Q3: How many players per match?
Up to 12 players in multiplayer biomes and parks Wccftech+7TrueAchievements+7Wikipedia+7.
Q4: When will it reach full release?
Currently in Early Access, with major updates planned through 2027, including new game modes and content TrueAchievements.
Q5: Will it come to PlayStation or Switch?
Yes – PlayStation is confirmed for a later date, with Switch 2 likely Wccftech+1Xbox Wire+1.
12. Final Thoughts
With thrilling new sports, diverse environments, and a Day‑One Game Pass launch, Descenders Next delivers a compelling package for adrenaline junkies and casual players alike. The strong community response and steady roadmap signal a title poised for longevity and fun. If you’re subscribed to Xbox Game Pass, there’s no better time to carve down digital peaks.
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