Mad King Redemption Game Pass: Release Time & How to Play
Mad King Redemption is coming to Xbox Game Pass on September 23, 2026, giving subscribers another smaller-scale action game to try across Xbox, PC, cloud and supported handheld platforms.
The game combines classic beat-’em-up combat with roguelite progression and a 2.5D pixel-art presentation. Instead of playing through exactly the same experience every time, each run can change through randomized elements, while the four playable heroes bring different combat styles and upgrade options.
For players searching for the exact Mad King Redemption Game Pass release time, there is one important detail to understand: Microsoft has confirmed the September 23 availability date, but its current official Game Pass announcement does not provide a specific India Standard Time unlock hour.
That means it would be misleading to claim that the game definitely unlocks at midnight or at a particular morning time in India without an official platform-specific confirmation.
What Microsoft has confirmed is much clearer: Mad King Redemption arrives on September 23 for Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass, with the game available through cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld and PC options.
Here is everything you need to know before playing.
Mad King Redemption Game Pass Release Date
The Game Pass release date for Mad King Redemption is:
September 23, 2026
Microsoft included the game in its second September 2026 Game Pass announcement.
The official Game Pass listing places it alongside several other September additions and identifies the supported Game Pass plans as:
- Game Pass Ultimate
- Game Pass Premium
- PC Game Pass
The announced platforms are:
- Cloud
- Xbox Series X|S
- Handheld
- PC
This makes Mad King Redemption more than an Xbox-console addition. PC players with the appropriate Game Pass subscription can also access it, while supported cloud and handheld users have additional ways to play.
What Time Does Mad King Redemption Release on Game Pass?
This is the part that needs some caution.
Microsoft has officially confirmed September 23, 2026 as the Game Pass availability date, but the current Xbox Wire announcement does not specify an exact hourly unlock time for India.
So there is currently no reliable basis for saying:
“Mad King Redemption unlocks at 12:00 AM IST.”
Likewise, it would be premature to claim a particular morning or afternoon time unless Xbox provides a regional countdown or platform-specific schedule.
For Indian players, the safest approach is to check the Xbox app, Microsoft Store or Game Pass page on September 23 for the live availability countdown.
This is especially important because Game Pass releases can use different rollout arrangements depending on the game and platform.
The confirmed information
What we know with confidence is:
Game Pass date: September 23, 2026
India-specific exact hour: Not officially specified in the current Microsoft announcement
Game Pass Ultimate: Yes
Game Pass Premium: Yes
PC Game Pass: Yes
Cloud: Yes
Xbox Series X|S: Yes
PC: Yes
Handheld: Yes
That distinction is useful for players because it separates confirmed information from speculation.
Which Game Pass Plans Include Mad King Redemption?
Mad King Redemption is scheduled to join three Game Pass plans:
Game Pass Ultimate
Ultimate subscribers are included in the September 23 release.
The Microsoft listing also shows cloud availability, making Ultimate particularly relevant for players who do not want to install the game locally where cloud support is available.
Game Pass Premium
Mad King Redemption is also included with Game Pass Premium.
This is significant because Microsoft has been expanding the number of games available through the Premium tier.
PC Game Pass
PC players can access Mad King Redemption through PC Game Pass.
That means someone playing on a Windows PC does not necessarily need to purchase the game separately if they have the appropriate Game Pass membership.
Microsoft’s official September announcement explicitly lists all three tiers.
How to Play Mad King Redemption With Game Pass
Once the game becomes available, the basic process is straightforward.
On Xbox Series X|S
Open the Xbox interface and go to Game Pass.
Search for:
Mad King Redemption
Once the game is available, select it and choose the installation option.
The Xbox store identifies the game as optimized for Xbox Series X|S.
On PC
PC Game Pass members can search for Mad King Redemption through the Xbox app on Windows.
Find the game’s Game Pass listing and select the installation option.
The official Xbox store lists the PC version alongside Xbox Series X|S and handheld support.
Through Cloud Gaming
Microsoft’s Game Pass announcement lists Mad King Redemption under Cloud as well.
That means supported subscribers can use cloud gaming where the service and their account/device support the title.
Cloud availability can be particularly useful for players who want to try the game without first downloading the entire installation.
However, cloud performance depends on the player’s internet connection, supported device and Microsoft’s service availability.
Is Mad King Redemption a New Game?
Mad King Redemption is not a day-one launch on September 23.
The Xbox store lists its original release date as August 23, 2026.
The Game Pass arrival therefore comes about one month after the game’s original release.
That distinction is useful because “coming to Game Pass” does not mean the game itself launches for the first time on September 23.
Instead, September 23 is the date it joins Microsoft’s subscription library.
For players who have not purchased the game, Game Pass provides another way to experience it.
What Kind of Game Is Mad King Redemption?
Mad King Redemption is a beat-’em-up with roguelite elements.
The official Xbox description combines several ideas:
- Traditional brawler combat
- Roguelite progression
- Pixel-art presentation
- 2.5D environments
- Character upgrades
- Unlockable skills
- Randomized elements
- Different playable heroes
The game’s combat is designed around direct action and button-based attacks, while the roguelite systems give players reasons to improve their characters and try another run after completing or failing an attempt.
That combination gives Mad King Redemption a different identity from a conventional linear beat-’em-up.
What Is the Story?
The game’s story begins with a kingdom that has fallen under the control of a Mad King.
The King attempts to use forbidden magic to bring the queen back to life.
However, the forces involved in manipulating life and death become too powerful for him to control.
The result is catastrophic.
The King loses his sanity, and the kingdom becomes overrun by corrupted enemies.
Players then take control of heroes attempting to fight through the chaos and confront the threats created by the King’s actions.
The official Xbox description presents the story as the foundation for the game’s combat-focused adventure.
How Does the Roguelite System Work?
The roguelite structure is one of the game’s defining features.
A traditional beat-’em-up generally follows a relatively fixed sequence of stages.
Mad King Redemption adds variation through randomized elements.
According to the official Xbox listing, every run is unique, with randomized elements affecting the experience.
This means replaying the game is not simply a matter of repeating exactly the same sequence.
The player can also upgrade heroes and unlock multiple skills.
That progression gives the game a stronger replay component than a straightforward arcade-style brawler.
How Many Characters Can You Play?
Mad King Redemption features four playable characters.
Each character has their own:
- Combat style
- Customizable statistics
- Skills
- Backstory
The differences are intended to make the four heroes feel distinct rather than simply providing cosmetic character swaps.
That also gives players a reason to experiment with different characters as they become more familiar with the game’s combat system.
Can You Upgrade the Characters?
Yes.
Character progression is a major part of the experience.
Players can upgrade their heroes and unlock multiple skills.
The Xbox listing also says each character has customizable stats that influence gameplay.
This means character development is connected to how a player approaches combat.
One player may prefer a build that emphasizes a particular combat style, while another may prioritize different statistics or abilities.
The available customization is therefore an important part of the game’s roguelite structure.
Is Mad King Redemption Multiplayer?
Yes, but the Xbox listing specifies a particular form of multiplayer.
Mad King Redemption supports local co-op for two players.
It also lists local multiplayer for two players and shared/split-screen functionality.
That means the game’s multiplayer offering is centered around playing together locally rather than presenting itself as a large online multiplayer title.
For players who enjoy classic couch co-op beat-’em-ups, this is an important feature.
You can play alone, or two players can share the experience locally on supported Xbox setups.
Is Mad King Redemption Single-Player?
Yes.
The official Xbox listing identifies single-player as a supported mode.
This is useful because the game does not require another player to experience its campaign and roguelite systems.
A solo player can choose one of the four heroes and progress through the game independently.
The local two-player option is an additional way to experience the combat rather than a requirement.
Does Mad King Redemption Support Xbox Play Anywhere?
Yes.
The official Xbox store identifies Mad King Redemption as an Xbox Play Anywhere title.
Xbox Play Anywhere is useful for players who use both Xbox and Windows PC because supported purchases can provide access across the Xbox and PC versions under the program’s rules.
The store listing also identifies Xbox cloud saves, which can help maintain progression across supported environments.
For Game Pass players, the practical benefit is that the game is not restricted to a single way of playing.
Is Mad King Redemption Optimized for Xbox Series X|S?
Yes.
The official Xbox store lists Mad King Redemption as optimized for Xbox Series X|S.
The game also supports Xbox achievements and cloud saves.
These platform features are useful for players who want to track progress through their Xbox profile.
What Makes the Game Different?
The interesting part of Mad King Redemption is the combination of several familiar ideas.
At its core, it is a beat-’em-up.
The combat is direct and built around attacking groups of enemies.
But it adds roguelite progression, randomized runs and character customization.
The 2.5D presentation also combines retro-inspired pixel art with a three-dimensional gameplay environment.
The result is intended to feel familiar to players who grew up with classic brawlers while adding systems designed for repeated runs.
Should You Play It Through Game Pass or Buy It?
For someone who already subscribes to a compatible Game Pass plan, the subscription provides an opportunity to try Mad King Redemption without purchasing a separate copy.
That can be useful if you are unsure whether the game’s roguelite structure and beat-’em-up combat suit your preferences.
Buying the game separately is a different consideration and depends on whether you want permanent ownership outside the Game Pass library.
The important point is that the Game Pass version gives eligible subscribers access beginning September 23.
Because games can eventually leave subscription libraries, players who become particularly attached to a title should keep the possibility of a separate purchase in mind.
There is no need to treat the Game Pass version and the paid version as different games; the subscription provides access while the title remains available under the applicable plan.
What Should You Check Before September 23?
If you are planning to play Mad King Redemption as soon as it arrives, a few checks can prevent confusion.
Check Your Game Pass Tier
Make sure your subscription is one of the tiers Microsoft lists for the game:
Ultimate, Premium or PC Game Pass.
Check Your Platform
The official announcement lists:
Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld and PC.
Look for the Live Countdown
Because Microsoft has not published an India-specific hourly release time in the current announcement, check the Xbox/Game Pass interface on September 23.
That is safer than relying on an unofficial “exact time” graphic.
Prepare Your Storage
If you plan to install the game locally, make sure your Xbox or PC has enough free space.
If cloud gaming is supported for your setup, installation may not be necessary.
Mad King Redemption Game Pass Release Time: What We Know
For Indian players, the most important information is the distinction between the confirmed date and the unconfirmed exact hour.
Microsoft has confirmed:
September 23, 2026 — Game Pass availability
Microsoft has not included an India-specific release hour in the current Game Pass announcement.
Therefore, players should not rely on an unsupported claim that Mad King Redemption will unlock at exactly midnight, morning or another specific IST time.
The live Xbox/Game Pass listing should provide the most useful information when the release approaches.
This is particularly important for readers searching specifically for “Mad King Redemption release time,” because an exact number can look authoritative even when it has not been officially announced.
Mad King Redemption Game Pass FAQ
When does Mad King Redemption come to Game Pass?
Mad King Redemption joins Xbox Game Pass on September 23, 2026.
Is Mad King Redemption on PC Game Pass?
Yes. Microsoft lists it for PC Game Pass.
Is it included with Game Pass Ultimate?
Yes. It is listed for Game Pass Ultimate.
Is it included with Game Pass Premium?
Yes. Microsoft lists Mad King Redemption for Game Pass Premium as well.
Can I play it on Xbox Series X|S?
Yes. The Xbox store lists Xbox Series X|S as a supported platform and identifies the game as optimized for the console.
Can I play it on PC?
Yes. PC is one of the listed platforms.
Is cloud gaming supported?
Microsoft’s Game Pass announcement lists Mad King Redemption under Cloud.
Does it have multiplayer?
Yes. The Xbox store lists two-player local co-op and local multiplayer with shared/split-screen support.
Can I play it alone?
Yes. Single-player is supported.
How many playable characters are there?
There are four playable characters, each with their own combat style, customizable stats and backstory.
Does the game have roguelite elements?
Yes. Roguelite progression and randomized elements are central to the experience.
Is September 23 the game’s original release date?
No. The Xbox store lists August 23, 2026 as the original release date. September 23 is its Game Pass availability date.
Final Thoughts
Mad King Redemption is arriving on Xbox Game Pass at an interesting point in September’s lineup.
Microsoft has confirmed the Game Pass date as September 23, 2026, with the game available through Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass.
It is also available across Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld and PC, giving subscribers several ways to play.
The game itself combines classic beat-’em-up combat with modern roguelite progression. Players can choose between four characters, upgrade their heroes, unlock skills and experience runs with randomized elements.
There is also local two-player co-op, so the game can be approached as a solo experience or enjoyed with another player on a supported setup.
For players searching specifically for the release time, the most accurate answer is slightly less exciting but more useful: September 23 is confirmed, but Microsoft has not published a specific India Standard Time unlock hour in its current announcement.
Rather than guessing at a midnight or morning launch, Indian players should check the Xbox/Game Pass listing for the live countdown as the date approaches.
That approach also avoids one of the most common problems with release-time articles: presenting an unofficial time as though it were confirmed by the publisher.
With the date, Game Pass tiers, platforms and gameplay systems now confirmed, the main question for players is simple: if you already have a compatible Game Pass subscription, September 23 is the day to look for Mad King Redemption in your library and decide whether its fast beat-’em-up combat and roguelite progression are worth adding to your next gaming session.