Unexpectedlyreleased sequel of Xbox Game Pass title makes an early appearance in Early Access on both Xbox and PC platforms, marking the launch of this extensive development undertaking.
The highly anticipated sequel to the popular Xbox Game Pass game, Descenders, titled Descenders Next, has been released. This downhill racing sports game, a shift from the original game's biking focus to boarding sports, is now playable on Xbox and PC, through the Xbox PC app and Steam.
Descenders Next made a surprise appearance on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Xbox PC Game Pass (including the Xbox PC app) on July 21, 2025, as a shadow drop in the Xbox Game Pass library [1][2][5]. The game was initially planned for an April 2025 release but was delayed indefinitely to allow for further polishing before the surprise launch [1][3][5].
For PC via Steam, Descenders Next is verified for Steam Deck, indicating it is supported and optimized for that platform, although the exact Early Access launch date was not publicly announced before the Xbox Game Pass release [3]. The game is available on Windows through both Xbox PC Game Pass and Steam.
Regarding PlayStation (PS4 and PS5), Descenders Next is not yet released but is expected to come at a later date after its Xbox and PC launch, according to official sources such as Wikipedia [2]. There is no confirmed release date for PlayStation platforms as of August 2025.
The developers of Descenders Next, RageSquid, are committed to delivering "the ultimate extreme sports game" to its fans. They are actively responding to player feedback and plan to improve gameplay mechanics such as making high speeds easier to handle, including adding a brake mechanic. They are also planning to introduce new multiplayer modes and more sports content in the coming months post-launch [1][3].
Platform Availability
| Platform | Release Status (as of Aug 2025) | Future Plans | |--------------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------| | Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One| Released (July 21, 2025) via Xbox Game Pass, surprise shadow drop [1][2][5] | Gameplay tweaks, brake mechanic, new multiplayer modes planned [1] | | PC (Steam & Xbox PC App) | Released on Xbox PC Game Pass (July 21, 2025); Steam version verified for Steam Deck; Early Access exact date unclear but imminent [1][3][5] | Same as Xbox; added sports content and modes planned [1][3] | | PlayStation 4 & 5 | Not yet released, planned for "later date" after Xbox/PC launch [2] | No official release date or detailed plans yet publicly announced |
Special Offers
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 1-month memberships are available for $10.19 at CDKeys.
- Descenders Next is available for purchase at $29.99.
Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on the game on the official Descenders Discord server, forums, and social media channels like YouTube and TikTok. The developers are eager to hear from players and continue to improve Descenders Next into a complete "1.0" state over the next two years [4].
[1] - Microsoft News [2] - Wikipedia - Descenders Next [3] - RageSquid - Descenders Next Announcement [4] - RageSquid - Roadmap for Descenders Next [5] - Xbox Wire - Descenders Next Released on Xbox Game Pass
- Descenders Next, the sequel to the popular gaming title, is now playable on both Xbox and PC, through the Xbox PC app and Steam, following its surprise release on July 21, 2025.
- The game, available on Windows, can also be accessed via the Xbox PC Game Pass platform, in addition to its Steam version, which is verified for the Steam Deck.
- Although Descenders Next is not yet released on PlayStation platforms, it is expected to be launched at a later date following its Xbox and PC debut.
- As the game's developers, RageSquid, strive to deliver the ultimate extreme sports game, they plan to offer updates and improvements, such as adding a brake mechanic and introducing new multiplayer modes, as well as additional sports content, in the coming months.
