August 2025 brings a robust wave of additions and changes to Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass lineup, strengthening the service across Console, Cloud Gaming, and PC. The second wave of August brings high-profile drops like Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Gears of War: Reloaded while introducing intriguing new entries such as Persona 4 Golden on multiple platforms and the quirky Goat Simulator Remastered. This update underscores Microsoft’s strategy to keep Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass compelling for subbers, with daily releases synchronized to major publishers including Bethesda, Ubisoft, and EA Play. For players, the month is not only about new titles but also the careful curation of what leaves and what stays, ensuring the library remains fresh across Xbox Series X|S and PC. Expect cross-platform availability, deeper cloud integration, and continued support for ID@Xbox developers, all within a broader Xbox ecosystem powered by Cloud Gaming and ongoing Xbox Series X|S enhancements. Stay ahead with this August update and maximize your Game Pass experience.
Exploring the August Xbox Game Pass Update: New Releases, Departures, and Exciting Details
New Additions Arriving On Xbox Game Pass In August 2025
The second wave of August 2025 brings a mix of fresh titles and familiar favorites arriving on Console, Cloud, and PC. Here’s what’s confirmed for this month, with availability across Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and the standard subscriptions where noted.
- Blacksmith Master (Game Preview) – PC, Today (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass)
- Void/Breaker – PC, Today (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass)
- Goat Simulator Remastered (Xbox Series X|S) – August 20 (Now with Game Pass Standard)
- Persona 4 Golden – Cloud, Console, and PC – August 20 (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard)
- Herdling – Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S – August 21 (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass)
- Gears of War: Reloaded – Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S – August 26 (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass)
- Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S – August 28 (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass)
These additions broaden the cross-platform reach of Xbox Game Pass, with major publisher involvement from Microsoft behind the scenes and support from Ubisoft and EA Play ecosystems. The lineup emphasizes a strong mix of indie and bigger-budget experiences, fitting into a broader strategy to bolster Cloud Gaming and ID@Xbox developments on the platform. For more context on how August’s wave fits into the year, check out ongoing coverage here: Xbox Game Pass August 2025 updates and related reads on top games of 2025.
Further details and quick-glance lists are often posted on community hubs and the official store pages. For readers tracking the broader August 2025 updates hub, you’ll find deep dives into how each title integrates with Cloud Gaming and Xbox Series X|S hardware, as well as how publishers like Ubisoft and Bethesda align with Game Pass cadence. Upcoming Game Pass titles offer a preview of what’s next beyond August.
Leaving Soon: Games Departing Xbox Game Pass On August 31, 2025
August also spotlights titles leaving the service, giving players a window to pick up favorites at discount prices before removal. If you’re chasing savings, you can grab these titles now and continue playing them outside of Game Pass. Here are the games scheduled to exit on August 31.
- 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
Proactively purchasing these before the cut-off can save you up to 20% and ensures you keep the experiences you’ve grown fond of. The August departures reflect a rotating library that keeps Game Pass Ultimate fresh while highlighting the value of members’ ongoing subscription. For context on how departures are planned within a broader Microsoft strategy, explore related updates on the hub pages linked here: July 2025 recap and top new releases.
For fans tracking the overall health of the library, the leave/keep cycle is part of a broader cadence that aligns with third-party partnerships and the EA Play and Ubisoft pipelines. See how this month’s withdrawals fit into the larger plan at Xbox Series X Game Pass value and more on upcoming 2025 titles.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks And Subscriptions In August 2025
Perks continue to add value to Game Pass Ultimate members, with curated items and monthly bonuses that complement the core library. Here’s what’s active this month and how to claim them.
- Delta Force: Immortal Supplies Bundle – Available Now (Perk requires Delta Force to use)
- Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis: August Member Monthly Bonus – Available Now (3 N-Half Scape Dolls, 3 N-Rare Drop Rate +100%, 6 N-EXP Earned +75%)
Perks expand the Cloud Gaming experience and offer tangible rewards for ongoing subscribers. These items illustrate how Microsoft and its partners extend value beyond raw game access, tying into ongoing campaigns with EA Play and Ubisoft titles. To explore how to maximize Perks, see the community guides and official pages linked in this month’s curation: August 2025 Game Pass perks guide and related platform availability notes.
How This August Update Impacts Cloud Gaming, Xbox Ecosystem, And The Wider Market
The August update reinforces the cross-platform strength of Xbox Game Pass, with substantial emphasis on Cloud Gaming, cross‑save capabilities, and a steady flow of titles from major studios and publishers. The presence of Dragon Age and Gears of War in this wave demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to high-profile launches alongside more niche experiences that benefit from ID@Xbox support. For subscribers, the expansion across Microsoft ecosystems—from Bethesda to Ubisoft partnerships—translates into broader access to new content, streaming options, and a richer catalog on Xbox Series X|S. Readers who follow the broader industry can also track cross-promotions and platform improvements at sites like XBox Cloud Gaming Access and the ongoing Game Pass strategy discussions.
- Cross-platform launches across PC, Console, and Cloud
- Stronger ties with Bethesda, Ubisoft, EA Play partnerships
- Expanded perks and benefits for Game Pass Ultimate members
- Ongoing focus on ID@Xbox titles and indie development
- Strategic alignment with Xbox Series X|S upgrades and cloud scalability
For more context about the August 2025 wave and future plans, check these resources: Top video games of 2025, Xbox Game Pass August 2025, and Retro classics in the May update. This cross-linking helps readers see how the month fits into the broader strategy that includes Microsoft cloud initiatives and ongoing Xbox Series X|S improvements.
FAQ
What are the key new additions in August 2025 for Xbox Game Pass?
August introduces Blacksmith Master (PC, today), Void/Breaker (PC, today), Goat Simulator Remastered (Series X|S, Aug 20), Persona 4 Golden (Cloud/Console/PC, Aug 20), Herdling (Cloud/PC/Xbox Series X|S, Aug 21), Gears of War: Reloaded (Cloud/PC/Xbox Series X|S, Aug 26), and Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Cloud/PC/Xbox Series X|S, Aug 28). These arrive across Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard where supported.
Why are some games leaving on August 31, and how can I prepare?
Titles leaving include Ben 10 Power Trip, Borderlands 3, Paw Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay, Sea of Stars, and This War of Mine: Final Cut. You have until August 31 to purchase them at discounts (up to 20%), if you want to keep them outside of Game Pass.
What perks are available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate this month?
Perks include Delta Force: Immortal Supplies Bundle (requires Delta Force) and Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis August bonus, adding in-game items and boosts for subscribers.
How does this August update affect Cloud Gaming and the broader ecosystem?
The update strengthens cross-platform availability (Cloud Gaming, Console, PC), expands publisher partnerships with Bethesda, Ubisoft, and EA Play, and enhances the value proposition of Game Pass Ultimate with new perks and titles.