PC Gaming News: New Releases, Xbox App (Nov 9, 2026)

Steam's early-November deals have mostly ended

The big Steam discounts that made headlines at the start of the month were time-limited. In MIXED's list of US Steam prices checked on November 2, Tomb Raider was $1.99 (90% off its $19.99 regular price) with the offer listed until November 6, and Dying Light Essentials Edition was $2.49 (90% off $24.99) listed until November 9. Resident Evil 4 (2023) and Resident Evil Village were $9.99 (75% off), listed until November 3. As of today, November 9, most of these offers have ended or end today, so check the live Steam page for current prices. Prices and dates vary by region.

No GTA 6 on PC this month, but plenty else launching

GTA 6 is not coming to PC in November: Rockstar has confirmed November 19 only for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S and has announced no PC date. PC Gamer has been tracking PC alternatives. Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 10, is a busy release day: Football Manager 27, Ashes of the Singularity II (on Steam), Warhammer Survivors (a new game launching on PC and consoles) and The Punished, a new-clan DLC for Monster Train 2 that requires the base game. The Golden Joystick Awards 2026 follow on Wednesday, November 11. For anyone deciding what to play next, this gives a solid spread of strategy, management and roguelite options.

Phantom Blade Zero gets a PC patch

S-GAME shipped update 1.0302256 for Phantom Blade Zero on PC, reported on November 4. The fixes include stuttering when using Bluetooth controllers, an issue with NVIDIA Reflex set to Auto alongside V-Sync, a hair rendering problem on certain AMD graphics cards and drivers, progression blockers, and some cutscene and combat bugs. The update also lists faster startup thanks to a revised ray tracing shader compilation process, plus new audio and control options.

Xbox PC app testing a much faster launch

Microsoft is trialing a rebuilt Xbox PC app with Xbox Insiders. According to Microsoft's Xbox Wire post, the app now launches up to 60% faster; the figure comes from Microsoft's own testing and varies by device, connection and configuration. The Insider preview began on November 5. Coverage also mentions updated library filters and simpler navigation, with friends and social features moved into the main navigation. It is a preview only: no general release date has been announced, and anyone not enrolled in the Xbox Insider Program keeps the current app.

Game Pass vs. Steam: the math still favors sales

A cost comparison by shattered.io (updated on November 6) takes the US price of PC Game Pass at $13.99 per month, or $167.88 per year. For four launch-day games at $59.99 each ($239.96 in total), the subscription comes out cheaper over a year. But with Steam sale pricing, for example six discounted games at $19.79 each ($118.74 in total), buying on Steam wins. The article's takeaway: subscribers who play three or more new releases a year at launch come out ahead, while sale-hunters do better on Steam. One more difference: games bought on Steam stay yours, while Game Pass catalog games stop working when the subscription ends.

Why this matters

For most players, the practical news is simple: the early-November Steam discounts are largely over, so check current prices before buying, and watch the wave of releases landing on November 10. Microsoft's faster Xbox app is still only a preview.