Microsoft has revealed the first wave of Xbox Game Pass additions for August 2026, bringing 12 games to the service between August 4 and August 18.
The lineup includes Beast of Reincarnation, Grounded 2, PowerWash Simulator 2, Cricket 26, Mio: Memories in Orbit, and several smaller releases. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers will also receive early access to the first Gears of War: E-Day beta weekend.
Microsoft is also expanding the lower priced Xbox Game Pass Premium tier with additional games, although the complete tier specific breakdown was not included in the announcement.
Four titles will leave Game Pass during the same period, including Firewatch and Atlas Fallen.
August Game Pass lineup includes 12 games
The first group of additions begins on August 4 with Heretic + Hexen and Beast of Reincarnation.
Several games support cloud, console, handheld, and PC play, while others are limited to selected platforms.
| Game | Platforms | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Heretic + Hexen | Cloud, console, handheld, PC | August 4 |
| Beast of Reincarnation | Cloud, Xbox Series X | S, handheld, PC |
| Monsters are Coming! | Cloud, Xbox Series X | S, handheld, PC |
| PowerWash Simulator 2 | Cloud, Xbox Series X | S, PC |
| Bounty Star | Cloud, Xbox Series X | S, PC |
| Date Everything! | Cloud, Xbox Series X | S, handheld, PC |
| Grounded 2 | Cloud, Xbox Series X | S, handheld, PC |
| Ball x Pit | Cloud, Xbox Series X | S, handheld, PC |
| Cricket 26 | Cloud, console, PC | August 13 |
| Mio: Memories in Orbit | Cloud, Xbox Series X | S, handheld, PC |
| Sandustry | PC | August 13 |
| Egging On | Cloud, Xbox Series X | S, handheld, PC |
The lineup is smaller than some previous Game Pass waves, but it covers a broad range of genres, including action RPGs, strategy games, simulation titles, sports games, and experimental independent releases.
Beast of Reincarnation leads the early arrivals
Beast of Reincarnation is one of the most notable additions in the first half of August.
The new action RPG comes from Game Freak, the studio best known for Pokémon, but it follows a very different direction. The game combines action combat with turn based elements and takes place in a dark fantasy world.
It arrives on Game Pass on August 4 for cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld devices, and PC.
The game launched with mixed reactions due to technical problems, a slow opening, and familiar mechanics. Its developers have already announced plans for camera adjustments, larger text, performance changes, bug fixes, and ongoing story pacing improvements.
Its inclusion in Game Pass gives subscribers a low risk way to try the game while those updates continue.
Grounded 2 arrives through Game Preview
Grounded 2 will enter Game Pass on August 11 through the Game Preview program.
The sequel continues the cooperative survival concept of the first game, with players exploring a dangerous environment while reduced to a tiny size.
Because it is entering Game Preview, the version available in August should be treated as an unfinished build. Features, balance, performance, and content may change as development continues.
| Game Preview detail | What it means |
|---|---|
| Early access release | The game is still being developed |
| Content updates | New areas and systems may arrive later |
| Possible bugs | Technical issues are more likely |
| Player feedback | Can influence future changes |
| Full launch date | Not confirmed in this announcement |
Sandustry will also arrive through Game Preview on PC on August 13.
Gears of War: E-Day beta access is included
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members will receive access to the first Gears of War: E-Day beta weekend.
The early beta period is otherwise available to players who preorder the game. Additional beta events are planned, but the exact structure and access rules may differ between weekends.
The beta provides an extra benefit beyond the monthly game additions, especially for subscribers interested in testing the next Gears release before launch.
The announcement does not confirm whether Game Pass Premium members will receive the same beta access.
PowerWash Simulator 2 and Cricket 26 broaden the lineup
PowerWash Simulator 2 joins the service on August 6.
The sequel continues the relaxing cleaning simulation format, with players removing dirt from buildings, vehicles, and other objects using pressure washing equipment.
Cricket 26 arrives on August 13 for cloud, console, and PC. Its inclusion gives sports fans another recent title alongside the larger football and racing games already available through the service.
Date Everything! also joins on August 11, offering a more unusual concept built around forming relationships with personified household objects.
These games help make the August wave more varied, even though it lacks a single large blockbuster release beyond the early access opportunity for Gears of War: E-Day.
Four games are leaving the service
Microsoft has confirmed that four titles will leave Game Pass during the current wave.
| Leaving game | Status |
|---|---|
| Menace | Leaving Game Pass |
| Atlas Fallen | Leaving Game Pass |
| Aliens: Fireteam Elite | Leaving Game Pass |
| Firewatch | Leaving Game Pass |
Players who want to finish these games should check their individual removal dates through the Game Pass app.
Game Pass members usually receive a discount when buying titles before they leave the service, although pricing and availability can vary by region.
Save data normally remains attached to the player’s account, allowing progress to continue after purchasing the game later.
Premium tier receives additional attention
Microsoft is also using this update to expand Xbox Game Pass Premium, the cheaper subscription tier.
The company appears to be giving the tier access to more games while continuing to reserve some benefits, such as selected beta access and other premium features, for Ultimate or PC Game Pass members.
The exact value of Premium will depend on which titles are included and how long subscribers must wait for new releases.
A larger catalogue may make it more appealing to players who want broad access without paying for the highest tier.
Another Game Pass wave is expected later in August
This announcement covers only the first half of the month.
Microsoft normally reveals another group of additions around the middle of each month, so more games should be announced later in August.
The current wave begins with Beast of Reincarnation and Heretic + Hexen on August 4, followed by a steady series of releases through August 18.
Grounded 2, Mio: Memories in Orbit, PowerWash Simulator 2, and the Gears of War: E-Day beta access are the main highlights, while the wider mix gives subscribers several smaller games to explore across console, PC, cloud, and handheld devices.
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