The Game Pass library is moving into the final weeks of August with a spectacular flourish, dropping a mix of unique simulation games, a high-speed roguelike, and two classic JRPGs. Get ready to forge your legacy, unleash chaos, solve mysteries, and embark on a grand alpine journey, all while a few notable titles prepare to depart the service.
Let’s dig into the latest changes!
New Adventures Hitting Game Pass
There are a good few new adventures landing on Game Pass this week, some in Game Preview, some linked to PC only, and others that are must-plays.
Blacksmith Master (Game Preview) (PC) – August 19th
Ever wanted to forge a name for yourself in the Middle Ages?
Blacksmith Master hands you the keys to your very own medieval forge, a humble workshop with the potential for greatness. This Game Preview title puts you in charge of the entire production chain, from managing distant mines and woodcutter camps to refining raw materials into valuable goods.
Further, you’ll get to hire and train a skilled team of smiths, each with their own specialisations in metalwork, woodwork, or gemcraft, and outfit them with the right tools to optimise your business.
PC only, and in Game Preview, it’s going to be interesting to see where this one goes. For now, the Xbox Store will sort you out.
Void/Breaker (PC) – August 19th
Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled, high-octane experience with Void/Breaker.
Trapped in an endless, hostile sequence by an all-seeing AI, you are a prisoner forced to fight, die, and repeat. But escape is possible.
This action-packed roguelike delivers lightning-fast gunplay and fluid movement, allowing you to outmanoeuvre your enemies with pure velocity.
And every run presents new choices and paths, pushing your limits as you decide which fights to take and which routes offer bigger rewards, making for a thrilling and highly replayable experience.
Goat Simulator Remastered (Xbox Series X|S) – August 20th
Chaos is back on Game Pass, and it’s looking better than ever!
Goat Simulator Remastered brings the iconic sandbox of absurdity to Game Pass on Xbox Series X|S with updated graphics, improved textures, and enhanced lighting.
You play as Pilgor the goat, on a singular mission to cause as much destruction as possible. Headbutt, backflip, and ragdoll your way through each level, coming up with creative and ridiculous ways to ruin an NPC’s day and earn points.
This remaster includes every single piece of DLC from the original, from the zombie-infested GoatZ to the space-faring Waste of Space.
Our 4/5 review found it to be a hit, stating, “Goat Simulator: Remastered retains the original’s chaotic charm while enhancing the visuals and bundling all the DLC. My only complaint is the simplified achievement list… I believe everyone should endure that particular trial!“
Persona 4 Golden (Cloud, Console, and PC) – August 20th
The world-renowned JRPG returns!
Persona 4 Golden promises an unforgettable adventure, meaningful bonds, and a captivating murder mystery. You’ll move to the rural town of Inaba, where you’ll find yourself caught in a chain of mysterious murders.
The game seamlessly blends dungeon exploration and tactical turn-based combat with a deep social simulation, where you can partake in an eventful school year, meet kindred spirits, and forge invaluable bonds. With new quality-of-life features, including improved graphics, difficulty selection, and quick saves, this is the definitive way to experience the story.
Our 5/5 review of Persona 4 Golden (yes, 5/5) called it “an absolute triumph; very much golden. It isn’t quite as good as Persona 5 Royal, but the difference is like a hair’s breadth. There’s a great story, tons of content to get involved in and some superb combat and exploration opportunities.“
Herdling (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – August 21st
Embark on a grand and atmospheric alpine expedition in Herdling, a brand new adventure from Okomotive, the acclaimed creators of the FAR series.
Our full review is on the way, but this game invites you to ascend a massive mountain path with a herd of lovable beasts, encountering eerie dangers and surprising obstacles along the way. Your mission is to forge a path and uncover the mystery waiting at the summit.
The premise combines the atmospheric wonder of Okomotive’s previous works with a focus on guiding and protecting your charming herd. And that means that Herdling promises a serene yet captivating journey that will have you lost in its beautifully designed world.
What’s Leaving Game Pass Later in August?
As we welcome these fantastic new games, it’ll soon be time to bid farewell to a few others. The following games will be departing the Game Pass library on August 31st. Make sure you get in one last playthrough!
- Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Sea of Stars (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- PAW Patrol: Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Ben 10: Power Trip (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- This War of Mine: Final Cut (Cloud, Console, and PC)
With an impressive haul of new titles, from a charming parenting sim and a challenging city builder to a series of iconic RTS remasters, this week’s Game Pass update offers a fantastic variety of new adventures.
Don’t miss your chance to dive into the new arrivals and give a final send-off to the departing titles before August closes out! We’ll be sure to remind you when those ones are shifting out.
