Microsoft kicked off the Xbox Spring Preview Sale 2026, slashing prices by up to 95% on a wide array of games. This includes several titles from Xbox Game Studios. The sale is live now on the Microsoft Store, featuring both individual games and bundles.
One of the highlighted discounts is Age of Mythology: Retold. This strategy remake, developed by Forgotten Empires and published by Xbox Game Studios, is currently priced at $29.99 on Steam—down from its usual price. It boasts a strong 90% positive rating based on 10,675 reviews, indicating that most players are satisfied with the game.
However, the positive reception has its downsides. Recently, community sentiment has turned negative, mainly due to criticisms about its DLC pricing. One Steam reviewer noted, “The game may be good, buuut this doesn’t change the fact that this game is the definition of ‘cash grab’, check the DLC’s which should’ve been free from the beginning.” While there are still 2,710 players active on Steam, complaints about monetization have become a recurring theme in community feedback.
The Spring Preview Sale also features bundle deals tracked by TrueAchievements’ bundle listings, showcasing the full range of discounted packages available on the Microsoft Store. Bundles usually offer the best discounts for players looking to expand their Xbox library.
Events like this one clearly aim to help Microsoft sell Game Pass-adjacent titles and enhance the platform’s game catalog. By aggressively discounting first-party and published titles—up to 95% in some cases—they keep the Xbox ecosystem appealing for players who prefer buying games outright instead of subscribing. TrueAchievements confirmed the sale is live and the complete game list is now available for browsing on the Microsoft Store.
| Maximum Sale Discount | 95% |
| Age of Mythology: Retold Steam Reviews | 90% positive (10,675 reviews) |
| Age of Mythology: Retold Current Price (Steam) | $29.99 |
| Current Steam Players (Age of Mythology: Retold) | 2,710 |
The community’s reaction to Age of Mythology: Retold reflects a common issue with modern remakes. While the core game gets genuine praise, post-launch monetization tends to sour the experience. One player summed up this frustration: “The game may be good, buuut this doesn’t change the fact that this game is the definition of ‘cash grab’, check the DLC’s which should’ve been free from the beginning.” This sentiment has popped up frequently in recent discussions, indicating it’s a widespread concern.
What To Watch
- Sale end date: Microsoft hasn’t yet revealed when the Spring Preview Sale will wrap up. Keep an eye out for an official end date, as these preview sales usually last one to two weeks before evolving into a full sale event.
- Age of Mythology: Retold DLC pricing: If Forgotten Empires takes action on the cash-grab criticism by adjusting prices or offering free content updates, it could change community sentiment and boost the player count from its current 2,710.
- Bundle value breakdown: The complete bundle listings tracked by TrueAchievements are worth watching for anyone interested in specific franchises. Bundle discounts during preview sales often surpass the discounts on individual titles.
