Level Up Your August: 16 Xbox Game Pass Gems You Can’t Miss
If Xbox Game Pass were a buffet, August 2025 would be the month they rolled out the lobster tails and filet mignon. Forget sifting through mediocre titles—this lineup is so mouthwatering, you'll be fighting to clear disk space faster than you can say "download queue." Whether you're craving pulse-pounding shooters, emotional rollercoasters disguised as indie gems, or RPG adventures that threaten your social life, this month's Game Pass has something to satisfy every gamer’s appetite. So, sit back, grab your controller, and prepare for a smorgasbord of the absolute best that Microsoft's gaming feast has to offer—because we've handpicked the 16 tastiest titles you simply can't miss.
16. The Alters (2025)
Kicking off August’s spectacular Xbox Game Pass lineup is The Alters, a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that makes existential crises strangely addictive. Developed by 11 bit studios—the maestros behind gripping narratives like Frostpunk and This War of Mine—this game plunges you deep into a journey of self-discovery, literally. Stranded on an alien world, protagonist Jan creates alternate versions of himself—his "alters"—each shaped by pivotal decisions from different points in his life. Think of it as Multiplicity meets Interstellar, but with fewer laughs and far more haunting introspection. Every choice not only impacts your survival but also the delicate emotional ecosystem between Jan and his clones. Stunning visuals pair seamlessly with gut-punch storytelling, crafting an experience both thrilling and poignant. Equal parts mystery, resource management, and narrative-driven exploration, The Alters dares to ask uncomfortable questions: Who are we, really? And what happens when we're forced to confront the lives we never lived?
15. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025)
Stepping into the lush but tragic world of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Xbox Game Pass subscribers are treated to a gorgeously melancholic RPG debut from French studio Sandfall Interactive. Released April 24, 2025, this visually striking title dropped on all major platforms and quickly sold over 3.3 million copies in just 33 days—a stunning feat for a small team of around thirty developers.
Set in a Belle Époque–inspired world, you lead the ill-fated volunteers of Expedition 33 as they attempt to slay the Paintress, whose yearly “Gommage” ritual erases citizens at or above a given age. The turn-based combat evolves with precise real-time dodges, parries, and quick-time skills, blending JRPG traditions with Souls‑like timing for strategic depth and tension. Paired with a haunting, award‑worthy soundtrack and top-tier voice work, the story’s emotional beats—especially early twists—land hard and linger long after credits. Minor glitches and a muted color palette occasionally dull immersion, but even critics admit those flaws pale beside the game’s ambition and artistry.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t just another JRPG-style game—it’s a bold narrative vision that proves masterful storytelling and elegant design don’t require AAA scale.
14. Doom: The Dark Ages (2025)
Strap on your armor and prepare for medieval mayhem with Doom: The Dark Ages, the must‑play Game Pass title released May 15, 2025. As a gripping prequel to Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, this entry transports the Doom Slayer into a dark fantasy realm where Hell’s armies clash across ancient battlefields. Diverging from the lightning-fast acrobatics of Eternal, combat here is streamlined into a heavier, grounded experience: wield powerful new melee weapons, master the Shield Saw for blocking and parrying, and unleash slow‑motion glory kills with brutal satisfaction.
You’ll also pilot awe‑inspiring vehicles—the thunderous Atlan mech and a cyber‑dragon—for epic demon‑slaying sequences that broaden the Doom formula without overshadowing its core brutality. With 22 massive levels, richer storytelling, and atmospheric world‑building, The Dark Ages offers both fans and newcomers an intense, tasteful reimagining of the Doom saga that feels fresh and ferocious.
13. Blue Prince (2025)
Blue Prince towers over 2025's indie scene as a mystery-packed roguelike‑puzzle marvel available day one on Xbox Game Pass. You play as Simon P. Jones, the reluctant heir to the enigmatic Mt. Holly Estate—only he’ll claim that inheritance if he finds the elusive Room 46 within a single in‑game day. But here’s the twist: every night the mansion reshuffles itself, so the rooms and their secrets change with each run.
Gameplay brilliantly blends deck‑drafting and spatial strategy: you draw three randomized rooms, place them on a 5×9 grid, and shape your path forward—all while managing a limited pool of “steps” instead of health. Some rooms hide puzzles, gems, or lore; others punish with dead ends. Failure resets progress, but each attempt teaches you more.
Critics have crowned Blue Prince the highest‑rated game of 2025 so far, praising its originality, emotional depth, and addictive room‑by‑room discovery loop. Just don’t forget a notebook—this mansion is cryptic, unpredictable, and utterly compelling.
12. Atomfall (2025)
Emerging from the Windscale nuclear disaster’s fallout, Atomfall drops you into a grim alternate-1960s England, now a quarantined zone filled with cultists, rogue paramilitaries, and eerie sci-fi oddities. Developed by Rebellion (the creators of Sniper Elite), this day-one release on Xbox Game Pass (March 27, 2025) blends survival-action with investigative exploration.
You awaken amnesiac in a bunker and are thrust into a world where your heart rate is as important as your health—the higher it climbs, the more your vision blurs and hearing muffles. Combat favors stealth, scavenging, and crafty improvisation over head-on confrontation. Weapons range from rusted rifles to quintessentially British cricket bats and bows—ammo is scarce, and every engagement feels hard-earned.
Scattered across interlocking zones of moorland and broken villages, the game’s slow-burn mystery unfolds through dialogue, exploration, and choice—even allowing non-lethal routes or multiple endings. With its atmospheric setting, uniquely British flavor, and haunting retro‑future tension, Atomfall may stumble in polish but delivers a memorable survival tale that’s impossible to shake.
11. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (2025)
Released on January 31, 2025, and arriving to Xbox Game Pass Standard on August 6, 2025, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a deeply human sci-fi RPG that expands the tabletop dice‑driven mechanics of its predecessor. You assume the role of a “Sleeper”—a digitized human mind in a malfunctioning android body—on the run through the sprawling asteroid hubs of the Starward Belt.
The sequel broadens its canvas: recruit a crew, commandeer your ship, and take on contracts for survival. Each in-game cycle demands rolling and assigning dice to actions—high rolls unlock better outcomes, though pushing your luck risks stress-induced damage that can leave dice unusable. Crew dice introduce new layers of strategy; classes like Operator, Machinist, and Extractor bring distinct strengths and trade-offs.
The ever-present hunt meter keeps pressure on you, pushing exploration and narrative tension. As confirmed by critics, friendship and solidarity become your most potent weapons in a world where survival is a dice roll away.
With powerful writing, memorable companions, and branching paths that reward repeated plays, Starward Vector stands out as one of 2025’s best RPGs.
10. Grounded 2 (2025)
Shrinking back into survival chaos, Grounded 2 launched into Xbox Game Pass Early Access on July 29, 2025, exclusively for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. Built with Unreal Engine 5 by Obsidian and Eidos‑Montréal, this sequel swaps the backyard for Brookehollow Park—a sprawling, ’90s‑inspired suburban wilderness brimming with new biomes and hidden mysteries.
New features include rideable insect mounts called Buggies—like the fast Red Soldier Ant and combat‑suited Orb Weaver Spider—dramatically expanding traversal and combat options. Survival mechanics are deeper than ever, with enhanced crafting tools, revamped inventory in the Omni‑Tool, upgraded co‑op systems, and continuing narrative threads from the original cast.
Strong community-driven development—grounded in over 900 player suggestions—shines through accessibility options (including Arachnophobia Safe Mode) and evolving design features. Early reviews praise its technical leap, ambitious roadmap through 2026, and powerful first impression—already hitting peak player counts well above the original on Steam. Grounded 2 is more than a sequel—it’s a community-first evolution of miniature mayhem.
9. High On Life (2022)
Alien cartel invaders want to smoke us—literally. High on Life, created by Justin Roiland and developed by Squanch Games, threw itself into Xbox Game Pass on December 13, 2022, and instantly became the biggest third-party launch in the service’s history. You play as an intergalactic bounty hunter armed with sentient alien weapons called Gatlians—each crackling with personality and attitude.
Gameplay leans into action‑adventure and Metroidvania tropes: platforming, traversal and weapon-based puzzle solving sit alongside over-the-top FPS combat. Think Knifey as a grappling hook, Gus shooting climbable discs, and Kenny—voiced by Roiland himself—spitting sassy commentary at every turn. The vibrant sci‑fi world, irreverent humor, and improv-style dialogue make it feel like a full‑length Rick and Morty sketch.
Critics were split on the offbeat humor and some launch hiccups, but players loved it—Steam reviews are overwhelmingly positive, and the game remains a cult hit on Game Pass. If you have a taste for absurd comedy and inventive shooters, High on Life is a must-play.
8. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine - Master Crafted Edition (2025)
Blasting onto Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on June 10, 2025, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition delivers a modernized port of the beloved 2011 classic. You step into the power armor of Captain Titus, Ultramarine exemplar, and wage relentless war against Ork hordes on an Imperial forge world.
This remaster enhances visuals with sharper textures, improved character models, and 4K resolution at a stable 60 FPS—all running smoothly on Xbox Series X|S. Expect revamped controls, updated UI, and remastered audio to bring this grim‑dark universe closer than ever. Combat blends satisfying third‑person shooting and hack‑and‑slash brutality, complete with rare jet‑pack ground‑slam moments for dramatic flair.
While the campaign is short (around 7–9 hours), its tight mechanics and nostalgic violence still deliver. Multiplayer returns too, offering 8v8 matches with cross-play support and unlockable weapon and armor customization. Be warned: despite improvements, some UI quirks, minor bugs, and dated level design remind you this is still rooted in 2011. For fans of Space Marines or classic shootouts, it’s a gory throwback worth diving into on Game Pass.
7. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (2025)
Arriving as a surprise shadow drop on April 22, 2025, Oblivion Remastered launched day one on Xbox Game Pass and is also an Xbox Play Anywhere title—meaning cross-save and cross-platform access across Xbox Series X|S, PC, cloud, and PlayStation 5.
Virtuos, working with Bethesda Game Studios, completely rebuilt the 2006 RPG using Unreal Engine 5, delivering lush visuals, modern rendering, ray tracing, and refined character models—all while preserving the original Creation Engine‑era gameplay. QoL upgrades arrive via overhauled HUD, menus, leveling, and perks, plus more autosaves, improved camera angles, smarter NPC AI, and updated UI systems like Persuasion and Clairvoyance.
Though the campaign remains a compact 7–9 hours, the narrative—including expansions Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles—is fully intact and enhanced. Remastered audio and UI polish balance fidelity and nostalgia in spades.
Despite some early stability issues—especially on PC and Series S—Oblivion Remastered logged over four million players in its first week, cementing it as one of Game Pass’s most popular releases of 2025. Whether you’re revisiting Cyrodiil or diving in fresh, it’s an essential return to a genre‑defining classic.
6. Palworld (2024)
Palworld landed on Game Pass via Xbox Game Preview on January 19, 2024, immediately setting all-time records as the biggest third-party launch in Game Pass history and drawing millions of daily active players across platforms.
This bizarre blend of survival crafting and creature taming plunges you onto the open-world Palpagos Islands, where over 100 bizarre creatures—known as “Pals”—can be caught, trained, mounted, or assigned to do everything from farming to base-building. Equip Pals with firearms, automate factories, construct lavish bases, or even turn your captured companions into food—this is survival with moral ambiguity baked in.
Firing up Unreal Engine 5, the game expands steadily with major content updates—like the massive Feybreak Island expansion launched December 2024—and cross-play support across Xbox, PC, and PS5 rolling out in March 2025. Despite legal drama over alleged Pokémon patents, Palworld thrives on its chaotic charm and addictive sandbox loop. With its madcap world and outrageous mechanics, it remains one of Game Pass’s most talked-about content drops.
5. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (2024)
Launched October 25, 2024, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 hit Xbox Game Pass on day one, immediately becoming one of the platform’s most high-profile third-party additions. Initially available to Game Pass Ultimate and PC subscribers—with Standard subscribers receiving limited access—it set a record for franchise engagement thanks to its wide launch wave.
The campaign unfolds during the Gulf War era, following rogue CIA operatives Troy Marshall and Frank Woods as they confront a covert paramilitary threat known as Pantheon. Fans and critics praised its polished mission design, complex narrative, and cinematic pacing.
Online, the game reinvigorates the series with omnidirectional movement—sprinting, diving, sliding in any direction—and fluid gunplay across sixteen launch multiplayer maps. The much-loved round-based Zombies mode makes a triumphant return, packed with hidden quests and cross-season content.
Supported by a robust seasonal model that includes new maps, operators, battle passes, and crossover skins, Black Ops 6 has been hailed as a potential best-in-series entry. If you’re craving fast, strategic action or zombie horde thrills, this one’s a prime choice on Game Pass.
4. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023)
Set five years after Fallen Order, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor reunites you with Jedi Knight Cal Kestis on a cinematic quest across the galaxy. Released April 28, 2023 for Xbox Series X|S, Windows, and PlayStation 5—and later on Xbox One in September 2024—it joined Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass (via EA Play) on April 25, 2024, making it free to subscribers.
Combat feels evolved and fluid, with five distinct lightsaber stances (including dual-wield and crossguard) paired with adaptive Force powers and acrobatic traversal like air-dashing, double-jumping, and wall-running. Cal’s trusty droid, BD‑1, aids in hacking, healing, and exploration. The game balances tight narrative missions with open-world exploration, optional challenges and side content, and hidden lore rooms to discover.
Though PC users reported performance hiccups at launch, post-release updates have greatly improved stability. With polished combat, sweeping environments, and an emotionally grounded Jedi story, Jedi: Survivor remains a high watermark in narrative-driven, single-player action-adventure on Game Pass.
3. Diablo IV (2023)
Diablo IV launched on June 5, 2023, and arrived on Xbox Game Pass (via PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate) on March 28, 2024, building on Blizzard’s legendary action‑RPG legacy. Players choose from six classes—Barbarian, Sorcerer, Druid, Rogue, Necromancer, or the expansion‑exclusive Spiritborn—to fight through an open world brimming with loot, dark secrets, and procedurally generated dungeons.
The game’s first expansion, Vessel of Hatred (October 2024), adds the Spiritborn class and a new lush jungle region in Nahantu, along with fresh loot systems and challenging endgame content. Diablo IV thrives on fast-paced, visceral combat and a shared open world that blends strong narrative beats with replayable endgame systems.
Blizzard’s 2025 roadmap, titled “The Age of Hatred,” rolls out four seasons like “Sins of the Horadrim,” introducing Horadric spells, Nightmare dungeons, and other high-stakes features through the year—setting the stage for a second expansion in 2026.
With its deep customization, loot-grinding loop, and ongoing seasonal content, Diablo IV remains one of Game Pass’s richest and most enduring experiences.
2. Dead Island 2 (2023)
Set in a blood-soaked, quarantined Los Angeles—infamously nicknamed “Hell‑A”—Dead Island 2 delivers one of Xbox Game Pass's most unexpectedly gruesome and addictive additions. It quietly launched on console via Game Pass in February 2024, before PC Game Pass followed in October 2024, making the game fully available across all tiers and devices.
Players pick one of six quirky Slayers, each with unique strengths, to hack, slash, and slice through increasingly absurd zombie variants using upgraded melee weapons and a deep skill-card system. Its Fully Locational Evisceration System for Humanoids (F.L.E.S.H.) ensures every takedown is gloriously gory.
Despite a campaign that runs around 20 hours, the addictive combat loop, chaotic co‑op for up to three players, and quirky B‑movie storytelling make each replay a pleasure. Additions like New Game+ and Horde-mode expandability through the “Neighborhood Watch” update and story DLC ensure there's always something fresh to chew on.
If you're looking for over-the-top zombie carnage with personality and polish, Dead Island 2 is a standout thrill ride currently available on Game Pass.
1. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (2024)
Dropping on December 9, 2024, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was a day-one debut on Xbox Series X|S and PC Game Pass, quickly becoming one of the service’s standout action-adventure titles. Developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda Softworks, this first-person title places you in Indy’s world in 1937, where a global conspiracy surrounding sites that form a “Great Circle” threatens to unleash ancient powers.
Traversing exotic locations like Vatican City, the Giza plateau, Shanghai, and the Himalayas, you’ll blend stealth, whip-based traversal, and cinematic combat with puzzle-solving and immersive Fieldwork missions. The game stars Troy Baker as Indiana—his performance capturing the swagger and wit of the legendary archaeologist and earning D.I.C.E. Awards praise. Critics lauded its globe-trotting storytelling and thoughtful design, with TechRadar calling it “a rip‑roaring, globetrotting tour de force” and one of the best adaptations in the franchise's history.
With the upcoming The Order of Giants DLC arriving September 2025, this remains one of the most cinematic and well-crafted entries on Xbox Game Pass.
And there you have it—16 phenomenal reasons to cancel your weekend plans, stockpile snacks, and tell your friends you'll be "busy saving the world." Xbox Game Pass in August 2025 isn't just offering games; it’s serving up a meticulously curated feast, with everything from chaotic zombie brawls and existential sci-fi mysteries, to whip-cracking adventures worthy of Indiana Jones himself. Whether you're a diehard RPG strategist, a sucker for cinematic narratives, or just here for some good old-fashioned alien-slaying, there's something irresistible waiting in your download queue. So grab your controller, clear your schedule, and dive headfirst into gaming bliss—because if there's one thing this lineup proves, it's that Xbox Game Pass isn't slowing down anytime soon.
