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Modders are bringing Xbox and PC Game Pass to Linux and Mac

Xodus is a new interface and launcher currently in development that will let you log into and launch Xbox and PC Game Pass games on Linux.

Modders are bringing Xbox and PC Game Pass to Linux and Mac
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Senior Editor
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1 minute & 15 seconds read time
TL;DR: Xodus, an open-source launcher from the Heroic team, aims to let Linux and Mac users sign into Xbox, verify Game Pass/licenses, and install PC Game Pass titles. The project targets newer GDK/MSIXVC formats, excluding older UWP games, and requires Wine/DXVK/VKD3D-Proton to run installed titles.
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Linux gaming has been around for decades, but thanks to the popularity of Valve's Steam Deck alongside the consensus that Windows 11 has evolved into a bloated mess for PC gaming, it's becoming increasingly popular. Xodus is from the same team of modders and developers behind the Heroic Game Launcher, which brought Epic, GOG, and Amazon Prime Games to Linux and Mac, so the expectation is that this new project will deliver on its promise.

Modders are bringing Xbox and PC Game Pass to Linux and Mac 1

The Xbox app and PC Game Pass are both currently exclusive to Windows, with the former being the company's Steam-like storefront for PC games that also doubles as the interface and launcher for accessing the PC Game Pass. Thanks to the open-source Xodus project, PC gamers and Game Pass subscribers might soon be able to run Xbox PC games and Game Pass on a Linux or Mac system.

And so far, progress is looking good, with the Xodus team confirming that it's created a working Xbox login system that then confirms the licenses for the games you own (or have access to via Game Pass), with the option to install them. Of course, getting the games to run is the next step, and the most crucial, with the team reverse-engineering the frameworks, targeting the newer GDK and MSIXVC format.

This means that older UWP games from the Windows 8 and early Windows 10 era like Forza Horizon 3 won't be supported. Plus, existing games would still need to run via Wine, DXVK, or VKD3D-Proton.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Question #1

Will Xodus allow installation of Game Pass titles on Linux and Mac, and how does it handle owned versus Game Pass games?

Yes. The Xodus team has built a working Xbox login that confirms licenses for games you own or have access to via Game Pass and provides the option to install them on Linux and Mac. It treats owned games and Game Pass-available games by checking their licenses and allowing installation, though actually running those games will still require Wine, DXVK, or VKD3D-Proton and older UWP titles will not be supported.
Answered
Question #2

Which Xbox/PC Game formats and frameworks is the Xodus team targeting for compatibility (for example GDK, MSIXVC, UWP)?

Question #3

Why won't older UWP-era games like Forza Horizon 3 be supported by Xodus?

Xodus is reverse-engineering and targeting the newer GDK and MSIXVC format, so it focuses on games using those modern frameworks. Older UWP-era titles from the Windows 8 and early Windows 10 era, like Forza Horizon 3, use the legacy UWP frameworks and formats and therefore will not be supported.
Answered
Question #4

How will Xodus run Game Pass games on Linux and Mac—will it require Wine, DXVK, VKD3D-Proton, or native ports?

Have a question about this content not listed here? Ask below and TweakBot will answer it.

Ultimately, this is great news for PC gamers with a Steam Deck, Steam Machine, or Linux-based rig who want access to the PC Game Pass library, so hopefully there's a working version on the horizon.

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News Sources:github.com and reddit.com

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Senior Editor

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Kosta is a veteran gaming journalist that cut his teeth on well-respected Aussie publications like PC PowerPlay and HYPER back when articles were printed on paper. A lifelong gamer since the 8-bit Nintendo era, it was the CD-ROM-powered 90s that cemented his love for all things games and technology. From point-and-click adventure games to RTS games with full-motion video cut-scenes and FPS titles referred to as Doom clones. Genres he still loves to this day. Kosta is also a musician, releasing dreamy electronic jams under the name Kbit.

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