Xbox Game Pass Adds Gravhounds as First Day-One Game for November 2026

Xbox Game Pass has welcomed its first day-one release of November 2026 with Gravhounds, a cooperative action-builder developed by independent studio Octopus Panic. The game launched on November 2 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, entering Xbox Game Preview and Steam Early Access.

The new release combines third-person shooting, base building, and physics-based combat. Players control genetically engineered dogs sent to dangerous alien planets, where they must gather resources and survive increasingly aggressive enemies. The game supports solo play and online co-op for up to four players.

Gravhounds is available through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. The release also supports Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing players who purchase the Xbox version to access it on both Xbox Series X|S and compatible Windows PCs.

Players can also purchase the game separately for $19.99 in the US. On Steam, a 25% introductory discount reduces the price to $14.99 until November 16.

However, the November 2 release is not the finished version. Octopus Panic has launched the game in early access, allowing players to experience its core gameplay while development continues.

Gravhounds follows a group of bio-engineered dogs stranded on the far side of the galaxy. Despite their situation, their AI supervisor, COSMO, continues assigning dangerous jobs on hostile planets. Players must recover valuable technology, gather resources, and establish defensive operations before escaping with their collected materials.

Staying longer offers greater rewards, but it also increases the danger. Enemy attacks become more intense as missions progress, forcing players to decide whether to keep collecting resources or retreat before their defenses collapse.

One of the game's main mechanics is the Grav Beam, a tool that allows players to manipulate objects using gravity. It can transport resources, move heavy equipment, and launch objects at enemies. Players can also throw supplies to teammates or use nearby objects as improvised weapons.

Building is equally important to survival. Teams can deploy turrets, generators, and other defensive structures while extending pipelines across the environment. These pipelines supply power, transport resources, and connect distant locations. Players can also travel along them at high speed, making it easier to reach objectives or respond to attacks.

The game features fast movement abilities, including boosting and hovering, which allow players to reposition during combat.

Octopus Panic has confirmed that the early-access version includes five playable Gravhounds, each with unique abilities.

Players can select characters that complement their teammates and experiment with different approaches to combat. For example, Dozer can use explosive bone bombs, while Zane has a shockwave bark that pushes enemies away.

The launch version features seven solar systems containing 25 planets. These locations offer different environments, atmospheric conditions, and opportunities to collect resources. Players can also construct and upgrade more than 20 defensive systems, ranging from automated weapons to equipment designed to slow or disrupt enemies.

Another progression feature is the Mod Deck, which allows players to customize the upgrades available during future missions. The game includes 60 unlockable modifications, including 12 powerful Showstopper mods. These can be combined to improve combat abilities, movement, and survival.

The early-access release also introduces the Juggernaut, a powerful boss that challenges players to coordinate their attacks and defenses.

Octopus Panic expects Gravhounds to remain in early access for approximately six months, although development could take longer.

The studio plans to introduce additional playable characters, missions, planets, enemies, weapons, and upgrades. It will also continue improving performance, balance, and cooperative gameplay based on player feedback.

The developer has not announced a confirmed release date for version 1.0.