May 2026 brings a crucial boost to Xbox Game Pass, with heavy hitters like Forza Horizon 6 and Subnautica 2 leading the charge. Amidst these, Call of the Elder Gods, developed by Out of the Blue Games, emerges as a hidden gem, launching today on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, directly onto Game Pass. This narrative puzzle game is the sequel to the cult hit Call of the Sea, and while it shows brilliance, it falters in polish and pacing.
Quick Facts — Call of the Elder Gods
| Developer | Out of the Blue Games |
|---|---|
| Platform(s) | Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X |
| Release Date | today (May 2026, exact date not specified) |
| Genre | narrative puzzle game |
Set in Miskatonic University, the game follows Harry Everheart, a professor, and Evangeline Drayton, his student, as they delve into a Lovecraftian mystery filled with ancient artifacts and cosmic horror elements, evoking the spirit of Indiana Jones. The game’s enjoyment hinges on your tolerance for its hammy voice acting, but its embrace of pulpy, WWII-era corniness is a charming throwback.
About Call of the Elder Gods
Call of the Elder Gods is a sequel that builds upon the puzzle-solving foundation of its predecessor. It’s a narrative-driven puzzle game that excels in its early chapters with elegantly designed, contained puzzles. A standout example is solving a way to open a backyard gate by rotating statues in the correct direction, requiring careful observation of clues and the environment.
The game attempts to expand its puzzle toolkit throughout, with mixed results. A chapter involving ancient wall carvings and a music-making mechanism captures the archaeological thrill reminiscent of Indiana Jones. However, the game’s centerpiece—a lengthy deduction puzzle requiring the identification of individuals from scattered clues—feels overly ambitious, demanding a significant leap in logic that slows the pace.
Key Features and Player Experience
- Puzzle-Solving: The game's best puzzles are in its early stages, offering a satisfying, escape room-like experience. Later puzzles, while challenging, suffer from disjointed pacing and logic leaps.
- Narrative-Driven: The pulpy, Lovecraftian adventure is engaging, though hammy voice acting may polarize players.
- Handy Hint System: Acts as a full in-game walkthrough for stuck players, a welcome feature given the puzzle complexity.
- Co-op Mention: Though not applicable in Call of the Elder Gods, the article context mentions the game alongside co-op titles, highlighting Game Pass's varied May offerings.
What This Means for Players
Call of the Elder Gods is on the cusp of a breakthrough, with its brainier puzzles showing potential akin to The Séance of Blake Manor. However, the lack of polish in its bigger puzzle swings and disjointed pacing holds it back from excellence. For fans of Return of the Obra Dinn and puzzle enthusiasts, this game is still a must-play on Xbox Game Pass, offering a unique experience despite its flaws.
The game’s comparison to The Séance of Blake Manor in terms of deduction brilliance is a high praise, indicating its potential with further refinement. Meanwhile, its puzzles, especially the complex deduction challenge, will appeal to fans of Return of the Obra Dinn, who enjoy meticulous, logic-based gameplay.
Criticisms and Future Outlook
Criticisms center around puzzles in the latter half feeling too ambitious and logic leaps that disrupt pacing. Despite this, Out of the Blue Games demonstrates a clear learning curve in crafting more complex, observant puzzles. With polish, their next project could achieve the seamless deduction experience found in The Séance of Blake Manor.
For now, Call of the Elder Gods remains a compelling, if flawed, addition to Xbox Game Pass. Players seeking a challenging narrative puzzle game with a unique theme will find plenty to enjoy, especially with the game’s immediate availability on the platform.
Key Takeaways
- Call of the Elder Gods launches today on Xbox Game Pass and other platforms.
- The game excels in early puzzle design but falters in later, more complex challenges.
- It offers a handy hint system for stuck players.
- Despite flaws, it’s a must-play for puzzle and Lovecraftian theme fans.
As Xbox Game Pass seeks to revitalize its subscriber base, titles like Call of the Elder Gods highlight the service’s ability to showcase hidden gems. While Call of the Elder Gods may not be perfect, its strengths in puzzle design and narrative make it a worthwhile play for subscribers looking for something different amidst the heavier releases.
