August is looking pretty good for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. The first wave of games for the month brings a mix of new releases, returning favourites and a few smaller games that could be worth trying.
Gears of War: E-Day Open Beta
One of the biggest highlights is Gears of War: E-Day.
The Early Access Open Beta started on August 6 for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members. It also introduces Horde Siege, a new PvE mode built around larger maps, more players and bigger battles.
For Gears fans, this is probably the biggest reason to check out Game Pass this month.
New Games Coming to Game Pass
There are plenty of other games joining the service throughout August.
Date Everything! arrives on August 11. It is a rather unusual dating simulator where you can interact with 100 fully voiced characters, including some very unexpected ones.
Also arriving on August 11 is Grounded 2, bringing another survival adventure that can be played solo or cooperatively with friends.
On August 12, Ball x Pit joins the lineup, combining brick breaking, survival roguelite mechanics and base building.
Then on August 13, subscribers can look forward to Cricket 26, MIO: Memories in Orbit and Sandustry.
MIO: Memories in Orbit Could Be Worth a Look
If you enjoy metroidvania games, MIO: Memories in Orbit is one title worth keeping an eye on.
You play as Mio, an android exploring a huge world that has been reclaimed by nature and robots. The game focuses on exploration, combat and discovering the secrets of a forgotten world.
It might not have the same name recognition as Gears of War or Grounded, but it looks like one of those smaller Game Pass additions that could surprise players.
More Games Are Coming
The first wave doesn't end there. Egging On arrives on August 18, offering something completely different.
You play as a fragile egg trying to escape a henhouse and make your way through a farm shop, factory and other dangerous environments.
It's definitely one of the more unusual additions to Game Pass this month.
Games Leaving Game Pass
It's not all about new additions, though. Several games are also scheduled to leave the Game Pass library on August 15.
These include Menace, Atlas Fallen, Aliens: Fireteam Elite and Firewatch.
If any of these are already on your backlog, now is a good time to give them a try.
Is Game Pass Worth It in August?
With Gears of War: E-Day, Grounded 2, Date Everything!, MIO: Memories in Orbit and several other games arriving, August has something for quite a few different types of players.
Personally, I'd keep an eye on MIO: Memories in Orbit if you're into exploration and metroidvania games, while Gears of War: E-Day is the obvious choice for anyone looking for some co-op action.
And with more Game Pass announcements expected later in the month, there should be plenty more to play.
Ready to Play?
If you want to try the latest Game Pass additions, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gives you access to a large library of games along with additional subscription benefits.
