Xbox Game Pass is starting August with a packed lineup that mixes dark fantasy shooters, survival games, sports, dating, and a fresh multiplayer test. Microsoft’s August 4 Game Pass update includes 12 games arriving between August 4 and August 18, along with early access to the Gears of War: E-Day Open Beta.
Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can enter the Gears of War: E-Day beta starting August 6. The early-access period is scheduled to run through August 10, with the open beta available to everyone from August 13 through August 17. Players who pre-order the game can also access the early window.
The beta will feature Horde Siege, a PvE wave-survival mode built around larger maps, more players, and bigger battles. The official multiplayer overview provides more details on the mode, while the game’s wider multiplayer plans include 12-player Horde Siege and four-versus-four competitive matches. The full game is planned for October 6 on PC and Xbox Series X|S.
Available August 4
- Heretic + Hexen — Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC. The enhanced collection brings two classic spell-casting shooters to more platforms and languages. It is available with Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass.
- Beast of Reincarnation — Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC. Game Freak’s action RPG combines real-time and turn-based combat as Emma and her dog Koo travel through a harsh world. It is available day one with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Coming to Game Pass
August 6
- Monsters are Coming! — Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC. This tower-survivor roguelite asks players to defend a moving city, gather resources, strengthen its defenses, and improve their character. It is available with Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass.
- PowerWash Simulator 2 — Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The follow-up adds more locations, equipment, and ways to clean alone or with friends. It is available with Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass.
August 11
- Bounty Star — Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Mech combat sits alongside customization, farming, and base building in this over-the-shoulder action game. Players take the role of Clem, a former soldier and skilled mech pilot. It is available with Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass.
- Date Everything! — Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC. This sandbox dating simulator features 100 fully voice-acted characters, including objects around the home such as a bed and a smoke alarm. It is available with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass.
- Grounded 2 Game Preview — Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC. The survival adventure supports solo and co-op play, crafting, base building, and travel across the playground in a buggy. Its Into The Abyss update is described as the game’s largest update so far. It is available with Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass.
August 12
- Ball x Pit — Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC. This survival roguelite combines brick-breaking, ball fusion, base building, resource gathering, and recruitable heroes. It is available with Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass.
August 13
- Cricket 26 — Cloud, Console, and PC. The sports game adds a management career, an expanded Ashes mode, Pro Team roster building, and updated on-field mechanics. It is available with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass.
- Mio: Memories in Orbit — Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC. This metroidvania follows Mio, an android moving through a decaying world filled with rogue machines, hidden paths, and lost memories. It is available with Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass.
- Sandustry Game Preview — PC. Players can mine destructible environments, automate production chains, and uncover the secrets of an ancient civilization. It is available day one with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
August 18
- Egging On — Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC. This platforming challenge puts players in control of a fragile egg trying to escape a henhouse and cross farms, shops, factories, and other dangerous areas. It is available with Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass.
In the lineup, the Handheld designation refers to games optimized for handheld play. That label does not identify a specific device.
Recent additions and other benefits
Tears of Metal Game Preview arrived on PC on July 22 for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. It supports solo play and co-op for up to four players as they fight to reclaim an island and build up their forces during each campaign.
Several original Xbox classics also became available on PC and supported handheld devices on July 22. The selection includes BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy. These games are included with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Essential, and PC Game Pass.
EA Sports Madden NFL 27 will receive a 10-hour EA Play Early Access Trial for console and PC on August 6. Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members can access the trial through EA Play. EA Play members also receive a Welcome Pack, a monthly Ultimate Team Pack, and 10% savings on Madden Points.
Call of Duty: Warzone Game Pass Pack 7 is available now for all Game Pass plans. The free bundle includes content for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Call of Duty: Warzone, including two Operator Skins, four Weapon Blueprints, a Finishing Move, Weapon Charm, Emote, Equipment Skin, Calling Card, Emblem, two Weapon Stickers, and a 2WXP Token lasting one hour.
Leaving Game Pass on August 15
Four games will leave the Game Pass library on August 15:
- Menace Game Preview — PC
- Atlas Fallen — Cloud, Console, and PC
- Aliens: Firesteam Elite — Cloud, Console, and PC
- Firewatch — Cloud, Console, and PC
Which August addition will you play first? Tell us what you think in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, and Instagram.
