Xbox Game Pass is expanding its library in August 2026 with several new additions across its various tiers. Among the notable arrivals is Game Freak's Beast of Reincarnation, a Soulslike title, which launches today as a day-one release for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers on both console and PC.
Subscribers will also gain early access to the Gears of War: E-Day Early Access Open Beta starting August 6. The first wave of games joining Game Pass Ultimate and its other tiers includes a mix of new releases and games transitioning to different subscription levels.
Game Pass Additions for Early August
Beginning August 4, players can access Heretic + Hexen on cloud, console, handheld, and PC. This title is now available on Game Pass Premium, having previously been part of Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Also on August 4, Beast of Reincarnation arrives on cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld, and PC, exclusively for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers.
Monsters Are Coming! and PowerWash Simulator 2 will be available on cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld, and PC starting August 6. Both games are joining Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass. Bounty Star, an open-world action game, is set to join the service on August 11 for cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, also available through Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass.
Additionally, Date Everything! launches on August 11 for cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld, and PC, accessible across Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Grounded 2 (Game Preview) also arrives on August 11 for cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld, and PC, joining Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass. Ball x Pit, a roguelite bullet heaven game, becomes available on August 12 for cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld, and PC, part of Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass.
Cricket 26 arrives on August 13 for cloud, console, and PC, playable with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Mio: Memories in Orbit, an action platformer metroidvania, joins the service on August 13 for cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld, and PC, available through Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass. Sandustry (Game Preview) also launches on August 13, exclusively for PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
Finally, Egging On will be available on August 18 for cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld, and PC, included with Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass.
Understanding Game Pass Tiers
Game Pass Ultimate is priced at $23 per month, while Game Pass Premium costs $15 per month. The primary distinction is that Premium subscribers do not receive day-one releases or new additions at the same pace as Ultimate members. Instead, content filters down to the lower tier over time. For an additional cost beyond Xbox Live Gold, Game Pass Premium offers access to a curated library of games.
Among the notable Premium additions for August, Ball x Pit is highlighted as an engaging roguelite experience that blends elements of Breakout and Vampire Survivors. Mio: Memories in Orbit is described as an evocative action platformer metroidvania with strong art direction, though its combat is noted as under-developed. Monsters Are Coming! and PowerWash Simulator 2 are also recognized as strong additions to the library.
Sandustry, a 2D, lo-fi open-world survival crafting game developed by Hooded Horse, is also noted as a significant release. The game, which resembles Terraria with a jetpack, received positive feedback from its Steam demo last year and is launching day-one on Game Pass Ultimate. Players should also be aware that Firewatch will leave Game Pass on August 15.