Against the Storm Xbox Game Pass: Your Ultimate Guide to Surviving the Endless Rain
What if the only thing standing between civilization and total collapse… was you?
Welcome to the drenched, desperate, and deliciously strategic world of Against the Storm — now available on Xbox Game Pass. If you’ve ever dreamed of rebuilding society under apocalyptic skies while managing squirrel bakers, lizard foresters, and badger blacksmiths, then buckle up. This isn’t just another city-builder. It’s a roguelike survival sim where every decision drips with consequence — and every raindrop could be your last.
Since its full release in December 2023, Against the Storm has captivated strategy fans with its unique blend of resource management, procedural generation, and dark fairy-tale aesthetics. And now, thanks to Xbox Game Pass, more players than ever can dive into this perpetually storm-lashed realm without upfront cost. Whether you’re a veteran of city-builders or a curious newcomer, here’s everything you need to know — and why you shouldn’t sleep on this gem.
What Is Against the Storm?
Developed by indie studio Eremite Games, Against the Storm casts you as the Scion of the Queen, a royal official tasked with establishing settlements in the wilds beyond the safety of the last city. Your mission? Gather resources, satisfy the Queen’s increasingly demanding quotas, and — most importantly — survive long enough to complete each cycle before the encroaching Blightstorm wipes everything clean.
Unlike traditional city-builders, Against the Storm is structured around roguelike runs. Each “expedition” lasts roughly 30–60 minutes, after which the map resets, your buildings vanish, and you start fresh — but with persistent upgrades, unlocked blueprints, and hard-won knowledge. Think of it as Don’t Starve meets Banished, with a dash of Slay the Spire’s progression system.
And yes — your workers are talking animals. Because why not?
Why Against the Storm on Xbox Game Pass Is a Must-Try
Let’s be honest: not every Game Pass title deserves your time. But Against the Storm? It’s one of those rare games that feels tailor-made for the subscription model. Here’s why:
1. Perfect for Short or Long Sessions
Whether you’ve got 20 minutes between meetings or a lazy Sunday afternoon, Against the Storm adapts to your schedule. Each run is self-contained, so you can jump in, build a thriving hamlet, meet your quota, and log off — or get sucked into “just one more run” until 3 AM. The procedural maps and randomized events ensure no two playthroughs feel the same.
2. Accessible Yet Deep
Newcomers will appreciate the gentle onboarding — the first few runs practically hold your hand. But don’t be fooled. Beneath its charming pixel-art exterior lies a complex web of interlocking systems: food chains, worker morale, weather patterns, faction demands, and more. Mastering efficiency — like placing bakeries next to mills to reduce travel time — becomes its own addictive puzzle.
3. Persistent Progression Keeps You Hooked
Fail a run? No problem. You’ll still earn Cinders, the meta-currency used to unlock permanent upgrades like new building types, starting resources, or bonus traits for your governors. This “fail forward” design means every setback teaches you something — and brings you closer to conquering the storm.
Case Study: The “Bread First” Strategy That Saved My Run
On my fifth expedition, I was drowning — literally and metaphorically. I’d overextended, built three lumber camps before securing a food source, and watched my workers starve as the rain poured down. Game over.
But on Run #6, I tried something different: I prioritized bread above all else.
I started with a single mill and bakery, assigned my only human worker (who bakes 20% faster) to knead dough, and ignored wood production until I had a surplus. Result? Happy workers. Rising morale. And with morale came productivity bonuses — which let me expand safely. By minute 25, I’d not only met the Queen’s quota but unlocked a new blueprint for stone roads, which drastically cut travel time in future runs.
This is Against the Storm in a nutshell: small optimizations yield massive returns. And because the game saves your progress between runs, these lessons compound over time.
How to Get Started on Xbox Game Pass
If you’re an Xbox Game Pass subscriber (Console, PC, or Ultimate), you’re in luck. Against the Storm is available to download right now — no extra charge.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Xbox Game Pass app or navigate to the store on your console/PC.
- Search for “Against the Storm.”
- Click “Install.” (The game is under 2GB — seriously, it’s tiny.)
- Launch, pick your first governor (start with the Human Baker — trust me), and brace for rain.
Pro tip: Enable cloud saves if you’re playing across devices. Your progress syncs seamlessly between Xbox and PC.
Hidden Gems & Pro Tips
Once you’ve got the basics down, here are a few advanced tactics to help you thrive:
- Mix species wisely. Lizards work faster in forests. Beavers are better at fishing. Match species to biomes for bonus efficiency.
- Don’t ignore the Glades. These mystical zones offer rare resources and powerful boons — if you can