It's the third Tuesday of the month, meaning Microsoft has given us the second wave of games for August. It's another light wave, with a few indie and AA games, plus a remake of a 90s classic. Things should pick up next month, though. In the meantime, let's see what's coming in the following weeks!

Quotes taken from the article linked above. Pay attention to the platforms for each game (Cloud, Console, and PC), as some won't be available for all of them. Some of the games in the above article were covered in the previous wave.

Quake II

Cloud, Console, and PC – Available now

"Quake II is back with a vengeance with an all-new, enhanced release of id Software’s legendary 1997 shooter on Xbox! Battle the monstrous Strogg in blistering-fast single player and co-op shooter action or take your skills to the arena with online and local multiplayer. With upgraded graphics, modern updates, cross-play functionality and so much more, there’s no time to wait – experience the enhanced Quake II on Game Pass, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC today."

Firewatch

Cloud, Console, and PC – Available now

"Making a return to the Game Pass library, Firewatch is a single-player, first-person mystery set in the Wyoming wilderness, where your only emotional lifeline is the person on the other end of a handheld radio. You’ll explore a wild and unknown environment, facing questions and making choices that can build or destroy the only meaningful relationship you have."

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

Cloud, Console, and PC – August 18 as a day 1 title

"Take on the role of one of the notorious Slaughter family, or their victims, in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, a third-person asymmetrical horror experience based on the groundbreaking and iconic 1974 horror film. Experience the mad and macabre for yourself in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre."

Sea of Stars

Cloud, Console, and PC – August 29 as a day 1 title

"Available on day one with Game Pass: Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG inspired by the classics. It tells the story of two Children of the Solstice who combine the powers of the sun and moon to perform Eclipse Magic, the only force capable of fending off the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer."

Note: This game will also release on PS Plus the same day. This might be the first game with a simultaneous release on both platforms.

Gris

Cloud, Console, and PC – September 5

"Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality."

Play Starfield Early

"Game Pass members can save up to 10% on the Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade and play up to 5-days early starting September 1 on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. Members who upgrade their Standard Edition to the Starfield Premium Edition also receive the Shattered Space Story Expansion upon release, the Constellation Skin Pack and access to the Starfield Digital Artbook and Original Soundtrack."

Starfield will launch on September 6th on Game Pass. You should be able to buy the Premium Edition upgrade and use it on the GP version, but if it ever leaves the service (unlikely, but not impossible) or your subscription lapses, you'll probably have to buy the base game.

DLC/Game Updates

Madden NFL 24 (via EA Play) - 10 Hour Early Access Trail, available now.

  • "You’ve got 10 hours to show ’em what you’re made of in Madden NFL 24 starting now. PC Game Pass or Ultimate members on Xbox Series X|S can experience the newest iteration of FieldSENSE, more realistic character movement, and smarter AI. Plus, members can unlock the EA Play Welcome Pack."

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

The following are available to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers for free:

  • Overwatch 2 - New Heroes Starter Pack (Available Now)
    • "New adventures await! This bundle includes instant access to Sojourn, Junker Queen, Kiriko, Ramattra, Lifeweaver, and our newest hero Illari. Each of these heroes will come with a Legendary skin and other in-game cosmetics. This Perk requires Overwatch 2 to use."
  • Madden NFL 24 - MUT Welcome Pack (Available Now)
    • "Try Madden NFL 24 and claim your EA Play MUT Welcome Pack to upgrade your Ultimate Team with new players!"
  • Fallout 76 - Lunchtime Bundle (Available August 17)
    • "Prepare to face the dangers of the Wasteland with these useful tools for survival and unlock new perks with Perk Packs. This pack includes: Perk Packs, Repair Kits, Carry Weight Boosters, Lunchboxes, and Scout’s Banners. Requires Fallout 76 base game."

Leaving the Service

The following games will leave the service on August 31st. If you have any unfinished business in them or want to give them a shot, this is your last chance.

  • Black Desert (Cloud and Console) 
  • Commandos 3 – HD Remaster (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Immortality (Cloud, Console, and PC) 
  • Nuclear Throne (Cloud, Console, and PC) 
  • Surgeon Simulator 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC) 
  • Tinykin (Cloud, Console, and PC) 

What do you think of the titles coming to Game Pass? Any other games you'd like added to the service? Let us know in the comments below!