Xbox Game Pass wrapped up July 2025 with one of its most stacked lineups of the year. Whether you’re into survival crafting, intense action RPGs, or classic arcade nostalgia, this month had something for just about everyone. And with day-one launches and major remasters landing all at once, it’s clear Microsoft isn’t slowing down heading into Q3.
Among the biggest drops was Grounded 2, Obsidian’s long-awaited sequel to its backyard survival hit. It launched straight into Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on July 29, expanding the world dramatically with new enemies, biomes, and story chapters. Fans of the original were quick to call it a huge step forward.
Another standout was Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, a soulslike set in Ming dynasty China. It entered the service on July 23 and brought with it gritty visuals, challenging bosses, and tight melee combat. It’s a sleeper hit already building a dedicated fanbase.
To round out the nostalgia, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Remastered finally dropped on July 30. Available on cloud, console, and PC, the game completes the remake trilogy and skaters everywhere are rejoicing. It’s a polished, faithful update with a new multiplayer twist.
Big Day-One Launches Take the Spotlight
Microsoft has leaned hard into day-one Game Pass releases, and July showed why that strategy works. Grounded 2 was a major highlight, but other newcomers like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Dark Harvest and Valiant Hearts: Homefront also launched directly onto the service, offering strong single-player campaigns and engaging world-building.
With big names like Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess and Replaced also receiving confirmed August drop dates, Xbox is doubling down on Game Pass as the ultimate subscription service for day-one gaming. These releases aren’t just filler – they’re headliners.
What’s Leaving Game Pass in August?
Of course, not everything sticks around forever. A handful of beloved titles are on their way out next week, including:
- Hollow Knight: Silksong Trial Edition
- Hi-Fi Rush
- Cities: Skylines Remastered
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
- Celeste
If you’ve been meaning to wrap up any of these, you’ve got until August 7 to finish them. As always, members can grab them at a discount before they leave the library.
Game Pass Tier Updates & What’s Next
Microsoft also clarified changes coming to Game Pass in the fall. The Core tier will get monthly game rotations, with August adding Forza Horizon 5, Inside, and Human Fall Flat. Meanwhile, the Ultimate and PC tiers will continue getting day-one launches and access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, which has just got smarter with its new game-changing cross-platform update.
Rumors are swirling about a Game Pass family plan relaunch in late 2025, though nothing’s been officially announced yet. Still, with aggressive pricing and expanded perks, Xbox seems ready to go toe-to-toe with Sony’s revamped PlayStation Plus Premium tier.
Tony Hawk’s Return Turns Heads
It might not have been the most anticipated title, but Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Remastered stole the spotlight. With tight controls, new visual upgrades, and even more skater customization, the double-pack has been praised as a love letter to the series.
Multiplayer mode brings in custom park competitions and leaderboard challenges, giving fans a reason to jump back in daily. For Game Pass users, it’s an instant download and a must-play for anyone who grew up on PS2 or early Xbox systems.
Xbox Game Pass Heads Into August Strong
With a mix of day-one indies, returning classics, and major sequel releases, July was a win for Game Pass fans across all tiers. Whether you’re on console, PC, or streaming to your phone, the range of quality content was undeniable.As Microsoft looks toward Gamescom and the holiday window, expect even more blockbuster additions. Avowed and Clockwork Revolution are rumored for fall releases – and yes, they’re Game Pass day-ones too. For now, July ends on a high note, and the future looks just as stacked.
