Xbox’s Game Pass subscription has delivered plenty of value this year. While the first half of August was light on blockbusters, the second half is making up for it. Before we get to some of the major highlights, subscribers can check out Blacksmith Master starting today, August 19, on PC. It’s a Game Preview (Early Access) title in which players manage a medieval smithy, overseeing everything from mining ores and gems to designing and selling weapons, armor, tools, and cooking utensils. Blacksmith Master is available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Also joining the lineup today is Void/Breaker on PC for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. This roguelite first-person shooter features fast-paced gunplay, quick movement, and a robust weapon-modding system.
On August 20, players get access to two entirely different titles. The first is Goat Simulator Remastered on Xbox Series X|S, now available with Game Pass Standard. By now, Goat Simulator Remastered needs no introduction; it is exactly what the name suggests. Players can lick, flip, and headbutt their way through a chaotic sandbox world as a goat. The second title is Persona 4 Golden on Cloud, Console, and PC. Available to Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard subscribers, Persona 4 Golden is a fan favorite among Persona players, but I’d recommend waiting for Persona 4 Revival for a more modern presentation.
Next on the list is Herdling, a day one Game Pass release on August 21 for Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. It’s a Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass title in which players embark on a grand alpine journey. As they ascend a mountain path, they encounter eerie dangers and surprising obstacles while accompanied by a herd of lovable beasts.
One of the major highlights for the Game Pass August 2025 Wave 2 lineup is Gears of War: Reloaded on PC, Cloud, and Xbox Series X|S. Gears of War: Reloaded is a remastered version of the first Gears of War using Unreal Engine, and it is available day one on August 26 to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members. The package includes all post-launch content from the original, including a bonus campaign act, multiplayer maps, characters, and cosmetics.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard was part of the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup in March 2025, and now it’s joining the Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass libraries. The latest entry in the Dragon Age series will be available on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S starting August 28. It didn’t resonate with many longtime fans, but it’s worth a look if you’re a subscriber.
The following games leave the Game Pass library on August 31, so if you’re in the middle of them, it’s time to wrap up or use your membership to save 20 percent on your purchase.
- Ben 10 Power Trip (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Borderlands 3 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Paw Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Sea of Stars (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- This War of Mine: Final Cut (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Game Pass August 2025 Wave 2 Lineup
- Blacksmith Master (Game Preview) (PC / Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass) – August 19
- Void/Breaker (PC / Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass) – August 19
- Goat Simulator Remastered (Xbox Series X|S / Now with Game Pass Standard) – August 20
- Persona 4 Golden (Cloud, Console, and PC / Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard) – August 20
- Herdling (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S / Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass) – August 21
- Gears of War: Reloaded (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S / Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass) – August 26
- Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S / Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass) – August 28
