Xbox Game Pass August Additions: Gears of War E-Day, Cricket 26 & More

Microsoft has officially pulled back the curtain on the next massive wave of titles joining the subscription service, and the Xbox Game Pass August additions are nothing short of spectacular. Whether you are a hardcore shooter fan, a sports enthusiast, or a lover of quirky indie titles, this month’s lineup is guaranteed to keep your hard drive fully occupied.

From the highly anticipated early access beta for Gears of War: E-Day to a massive batch of Day One releases like Beast of Reincarnation and Cricket 26, the early to mid-August schedule is packed with premium gaming experiences. Let us break down everything coming to Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Premium in the coming weeks.

The Biggest Highlight: Gears of War: E-Day Open Beta

Prepare your Lancers and get ready to crush some grubs. Starting August 6, subscribers will gain early access to the Gears of War: E-Day Open Beta. This exclusive perk is available for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members and promises to deliver the brutal, visceral combat the franchise is famous for.

Players will get to experience the brand-new Horde Siege mode. This is an evolved, highly strategic take on the iconic cooperative wave survival mode that defined earlier generations of Xbox gaming. Built from the ground up for modern hardware, Horde Siege features much larger maps, higher player counts, and bigger, more chaotic battles against the Locust horde.

Xbox Game Pass August Additions: Available Today

If you cannot wait until later in the month, Microsoft has already dropped some incredible surprises that you can download and play right now.

Heretic + Hexen (Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC)

Step right back into the golden age of PC gaming with the definitive re-release of two dark, spell-casting first-person shooters that completely shaped the genre in the 1990s. This enhanced restoration brings Heretic and Hexen to modern audiences, offering expanded accessibility features, high-resolution support, and localization across more languages than ever before.

Beast of Reincarnation (Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC)

Available as a massive Day One release, Beast of Reincarnation is a brand-new action RPG developed by Game Freak. It features a unique fusion of fast-paced real-time action and strategic turn-based combat. The game heavily markets its innovative “one-person, one-dog action RPG” mechanics. Players will explore a beautiful yet incredibly harsh fantasy world to discover what fate awaits at the end of Emma and Koo’s emotional journey.

Coming Soon: Early August Releases

The first week of August keeps the momentum going with a diverse slate of titles, ranging from relaxing simulators to intense survival games.

August 6:

Monsters are Coming!: Protect an ever-moving, sprawling city from unrelenting enemy hordes in this addictive tower-survivor rogue-lite. Gather vital resources, fortify your ultimate defenses, and see if you can successfully reach the Ark.
PowerWash Simulator 2: The immensely satisfying cleaning simulator is back! The sequel is bubbling with fresh, dirt-caked locations, brand-new “soap-erior” equipment, and splashy co-op features.

August 11:

Bounty Star: This over-the-shoulder 3D action game beautifully marries intense mech combat with deep base building and farming mechanics. Play as Clem, a broken but powerful ex-soldier, as you navigate a war-torn landscape.
Date Everything!: Are you ready to romance your household appliances? This sandbox dating simulator features 100 fully voice-acted datable characters, ranging from your own bed to your smoke alarm.
Grounded 2 (Game Preview): You have been shrunk down once again, but the backyard is deadlier than ever. Jump into the massive “Into The Abyss” update to craft armor, build complex bases, and survive against terrifyingly large insects.

Coming Soon: Mid-August Releases

As we push into the middle of the month, the Xbox Game Pass August additions deliver top-tier sports action and engaging indie adventures.

August 12:

Ball x Pit: An addictive blend of brick-breaking, ball-fusing, and base-building survival mechanics. Bounce your way through hordes of enemies while gathering riches to expand your underground homestead.

August 13:

Cricket 26: The ultimate sports showdown begins! Make your way to the very top in an all-new management career mode, experience the expanded Ashes mode, and build your absolute perfect roster in Pro Team.
Mio: Memories in Orbit: A gorgeously hand-crafted Metroidvania set in a decaying world reclaimed by nature. Play as a nimble android named Mio, battling rogue machines and uncovering forgotten secrets.
Sandustry (Game Preview): A Day One release for PC Game Pass! Explore destructible voxel worlds, automate massive production chains, and uncover ancient secrets in a factory builder where every single pixel of sand matters.

August 18:

Egging On: A hilarious but challenging physics platformer where you play as a fragile, hard-boiled egg trying to escape a dangerous farm shop and factory.

Game Updates and In-Game Perks

Aside from full game releases, Game Pass subscribers are also getting access to some fantastic in-game content and early access trials.

Starting August 6, fans can jump into the EA Sports Madden NFL 27 Early Access Trial. You can experience the full game for up to 10 hours before launch, and members will receive an exclusive Welcome Pack alongside a 10 percent discount on Madden Points.

Additionally, the Call of Duty: Warzone Game Pass Pack 7 is available right now. This massive bundle includes two Operator Skins, four Weapon Blueprints, Emotes, Calling Cards, and a highly valuable 1-hour Double Weapon XP Token for both Warzone and Black Ops 7.

Games Leaving Game Pass on August 15

As always, new additions mean a few older titles must leave the service. Make sure to finish up your playthroughs or use your 20% membership discount to purchase these games before they depart on August 15: