Microsoft has packed Xbox Game Pass August 2026 with a broad mix of new releases, day-one launches, returning classics, game previews, and several titles leaving the service. The month started with major additions such as Beast of Reincarnation and Heretic + Hexen, while the second half brings Vapor World: Over the Mind, BlazBlue Entropy Effect X, Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, and more.
There is also a major attraction for Xbox players: Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy arrives on August 27 as a day-one Game Pass release across cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld, and PC. Meanwhile, several games—including The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt- Remastered Edition—are scheduled to leave at the end of the month.
If you’re subscribed to Game Pass, here’s everything you need to know about the August 2026 update.
Xbox Game Pass August 2026: What’s New?
The August lineup covers several different genres, from action RPGs and roguelites to sports, simulation, platforming, and adventure games.
Microsoft’s first August announcement included Gears of War: E-Day Open Beta, Beast of Reincarnation, PowerWash Simulator 2, Grounded 2, Cricket 26, Mio: Memories in Orbit, and more.
The second announcement, published August 18, adds another group of games, including Vapor World: Over the Mind, BlazBlue Entropy Effect X, Relooted, Starsand Island, Blood Dungeon, and Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy.
Xbox Game Pass August 2026 Games at a Glance
| Game | Date | Platforms / Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Heretic + Hexen | Aug. 4 | Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC |
| Beast of Reincarnation | Aug. 4 | Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, PC |
| Monsters are Coming! | Aug. 6 | Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, PC |
| PowerWash Simulator 2 | Aug. 6 | Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC |
| Bounty Star | Aug. 11 | Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC |
| Date Everything! | Aug. 11 | Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, PC |
| Grounded 2 | Aug. 11 | Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, PC |
| Ball x Pit | Aug. 12 | Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, PC |
| Cricket 26 | Aug. 13 | Cloud, Console, PC |
| Mio: Memories in Orbit | Aug. 13 | Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, PC |
| Sandustry | Aug. 13 | PC |
| Egging On | Aug. 18 | Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, PC |
| Vapor World: Over the Mind | Aug. 19 | Cloud, Console, PC |
| BlazBlue Entropy Effect X | Aug. 19 | Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC |
| Relooted | Aug. 19 | Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC |
| Starsand Island | Aug. 20 | Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC |
| Aerial_Knight’s DropShot | Aug. 25 | Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, PC |
| Blood Dungeon | Aug. 25 | Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC |
| Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy | Aug. 27 | Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, PC |
| Young Suns | Aug. 31 | Cloud, Console, PC |
| Shelldiver | Sept. 1 | Cloud, Console, PC |
The dates and platform availability above are based on Microsoft’s August Game Pass announcements. Some games are available across more plans than others, so subscribers should check their specific Game Pass tier before assuming access.
Gears of War: E-Day Open Beta
One of the biggest Game Pass-related events of the month was the Gears of War: E-Day Open Beta.
Early access for the beta began August 6 as a benefit for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. Microsoft highlighted a new Horde Siege PvE experience designed around larger maps, more players, and bigger battles.
The beta gives players an early opportunity to experience the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day before its full release. Microsoft has also confirmed that the full game is coming to Game Pass and has announced October 6, 2026, as its launch date.
For Gears fans, this makes August one of the more important months on the Xbox calendar.
Beast of Reincarnation Arrives Day One
Another notable August addition is Beast of Reincarnation, developed by Game Freak.
The game launched on August 4 and was made available day one through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. It combines real-time and turn-based combat in an action RPG set in a harsh version of post-apocalyptic Japan.
The story follows Emma and Koo, described by Xbox as a one-person, one-dog adventure. That unusual combination gives the game a different identity compared with more traditional action RPGs.
Grounded 2 Comes to Game Pass
Grounded 2 also became one of August’s notable additions.
The game is an open-world survival adventure that can be played solo or cooperatively. Players can craft weapons and armor, construct a base, and explore the larger playground environment. Microsoft also highlighted the game’s Into the Abyss update.
For players who enjoyed the original Grounded, this is one of the more obvious games to check out during the August lineup.
Cricket 26 Joins Game Pass
Sports fans also received a major addition with Cricket 26 on August 13.
The game includes a new management career, an expanded Ashes mode, Pro Team, and enhanced gameplay mechanics. It is available through Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass across cloud, console, and PC.
For cricket fans, particularly those who prefer career and team-management modes, Cricket 26 is one of the more specialized additions this month.
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Is the Big Late-August Release
The biggest late-August addition is arguably Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy.
The game launches on August 27, 2026, and is available day one through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. It supports cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld, and PC.
Microsoft describes the game as a new chapter set 15 years before the events of A Plague Tale: Innocence and A Plague Tale: Requiem. Players follow Sophia as she travels toward the mysterious Minotaur’s Island while dealing with combat, puzzles, exploration, and the mysteries surrounding her past.
The game also represents a somewhat different direction for the series. Sophia is a more combat-focused protagonist, allowing the developers to build more direct and dynamic encounters than in the previous games.
For Game Pass subscribers interested in story-driven action adventures, this is arguably the August release to watch.
More Games Coming in Late August
The second half of the month isn’t limited to Resonance.
On August 19, Vapor World: Over the Mind launches as a day-one Game Pass title. It’s a narrative-driven souls-like platformer built around deflection combat and a dark dream-like setting.
BlazBlue Entropy Effect X and Relooted also arrive on August 19. BlazBlue Entropy Effect X is a roguelite action game, while Relooted focuses on an Africanfuturist heist concept involving the recovery of African artifacts.
Starsand Island follows on August 20, offering a slower-paced pastoral experience involving farming, fishing, exploration, and relationships with animals.
Then on August 25, subscribers can expect Aerial_Knight’s DropShot and Blood Dungeon. Blood Dungeon is a day-one Game Pass release built around 2D platforming survival, while Aerial_Knight’s DropShot combines fast-paced shooting with racing.
Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass in August 2026
New games are only half of the monthly update. Several titles are also leaving the service.
Microsoft has confirmed that the following games are scheduled to leave Game Pass on August 31:
- Another Crab’s Treasure
- I Am Your Beast
- Neon Abyss
- One Lonely Outpost
- The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt- Remastered Edition
These titles are currently listed across different supported platforms, with The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt- Remastered Edition listed for cloud and console.
If you are currently playing one of these games through Game Pass, August 31 is the date to keep in mind.
NBA 2K26 Leaving in September
Microsoft has also announced that NBA 2K26 is scheduled to leave Game Pass on September 6, giving subscribers a little more time beyond the end of August.
That means NBA 2K26 players don’t necessarily need to rush to finish the game before August 31, but they should keep September 6 in mind.
What About the Games That Left Earlier in August?
The first August Game Pass announcement listed four titles leaving on August 15:
- Menace
- Atlas Fallen
- Aliens: Fireteam Elite
- Firewatch
Those games were officially scheduled for removal on August 15.
So, as of August 19, those titles have already left the Game Pass library.
Is Xbox Game Pass Worth It in August 2026?
For many subscribers, August is a strong month because the lineup isn’t focused on just one genre.
There’s something for different types of players:
For action-RPG fans:
Beast of Reincarnation and Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy stand out.
For survival players:
Grounded 2 provides a major open-world option.
For sports fans:
Cricket 26 adds a dedicated cricket experience.
For co-op players:
Grounded 2 and the Gears of War: E-Day beta are worth watching.
For indie fans:
Vapor World: Over the Mind, Blood Dungeon, Starsand Island, and Relooted offer very different experiences.
The strongest part of the month is arguably the variety rather than one single blockbuster.
What Game Pass Tier Do You Need?
Game availability varies by title and subscription tier. Microsoft’s August announcements show games distributed across Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, Essential, and PC Game Pass, while some games have specific cloud, console, PC, or handheld availability.
Microsoft also changed Game Pass pricing earlier in 2026. In April, Xbox announced that Game Pass Ultimate would drop from $29.99 to $22.99 per month, while PC Game Pass would drop from $16.49 to $13.99 per month, with regional prices potentially varying.
Because plans and regional pricing can change, check the current Xbox Game Pass page before subscribing or changing your plan.
Final Verdict
The Xbox Game Pass August 2026 update is shaping up as a busy month for subscribers.
The first half delivered games such as Beast of Reincarnation, Grounded 2, Cricket 26, PowerWash Simulator 2, and Mio: Memories in Orbit. The second half adds Vapor World: Over the Mind, BlazBlue Entropy Effect X, Relooted, Blood Dungeon, and the highly anticipated Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy.
At the same time, subscribers should remember the August 31 removals, particularly The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt- Remastered Edition, Another Crab’s Treasure, I Am Your Beast, Neon Abyss, and One Lonely Outpost.
If you have Game Pass, August is a good month to check the catalog before starting something new. You may want to finish one of the departing games first, then move on to the newer releases arriving throughout the rest of the month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest Xbox Game Pass August 2026 additions?
Some of the biggest additions include Beast of Reincarnation, Grounded 2, Cricket 26, Vapor World: Over the Mind, and Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy.
When is Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy coming to Game Pass?
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy launches on August 27, 2026, and is available day one with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
What games are leaving Xbox Game Pass on August 31?
The games scheduled to leave August 31 are Another Crab’s Treasure, I Am Your Beast, Neon Abyss, One Lonely Outpost, and The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt- Remastered Edition.
Is NBA 2K26 leaving Game Pass in August?
No. Microsoft currently lists NBA 2K26 as leaving Game Pass on September 6, 2026.
Is Grounded 2 available through Game Pass?
Yes. Grounded 2 was added to Game Pass on August 11, with cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld, and PC availability listed by Xbox.
Is Cricket 26 included with Xbox Game Pass?
Yes. Cricket 26 is available through Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass, with cloud, console, and PC availability.
Is Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy a day-one Game Pass release?
Yes. Xbox lists it as a day-one Game Pass release on August 27, 2026.
Which Game Pass games should I play before they leave?
If you enjoy RPGs and action adventures, The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt- Remastered Edition is one of the notable games on the August 31 removal list. Other departing titles include Another Crab’s Treasure, I Am Your Beast, Neon Abyss, and One Lonely Outpost.
EXTERNAL SOURCE SUGGESTIONS
- Xbox Wire — August 2026 Game Pass Wave 1 — Official Xbox announcement covering the first August additions and August 15 removals.
- Xbox Wire — August 2026 Game Pass Wave 2 — Official Xbox announcement covering late-August additions and August 31/September 6 removals.
- Xbox — Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy — Official Xbox article covering the game’s release date and details.
- Xbox Game Pass — Official Game Pass information and subscription details.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook / LinkedIn
Xbox Game Pass is getting another big update this August 🎮
New additions include Grounded 2, Cricket 26, Vapor World: Over the Mind, Blood Dungeon and the highly anticipated Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy.
But several games are also leaving on August 31.
Check the full Xbox Game Pass August 2026 list, release dates and removals on AJTechy.
X / Twitter
Xbox Game Pass August 2026 is packed 🎮
New games, Grounded 2, Cricket 26, Vapor World, Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy — plus several games leaving August 31.
Here’s the complete update 👇
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