December is almost here and Microsoft has finally announced what Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass Ultimate users can enjoy for their free games. The first half of the month brings Orcs Must Die! for Xbox 360 and Xbox One/Series owners, while Xbox One/Series users can enjoy The Escapists 2 all month long.

The second half of the month brings Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet as the 360 freebie, while Xbox One/Series users can enjoy Tropico 5 from December 16 through January 15. This is a fairly diverse lineup of games with stealth in the form of The Escapists, a city management/God game with Tropico 5, a fast-paced action game in Orcs Must Die!, and a unique adventure-platformer in Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet.