August 2025 is shaping up to be an explosive month for Xbox and Game Pass, bringing a curated selection of highly anticipated titles across various genres. But what are the best, most exciting new Xbox and Game Pass releases set to drop in August? We’ve lined up your definitive list…
From action-packed remasters and iconic franchise returns to intense survival horror and deep narrative adventures, this month’s releases are poised to dominate your gaming schedule.
Get ready to experience some of the biggest and most exciting games of the summer.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2: The Battle for Forged Bonds
Prepare to destroy demons with the power of forged bonds as Tanjiro Kamado’s epic battle once again unfolds on console, following on from the previous drop of Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles; a game that we gave ⅘ in review.
You’ll get to go big in Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2. In Story Mode, you’ll relive pivotal arcs from the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, including the Entertainment District Arc, Swordsmith Village Arc, and Hashira Training Arc, battling formidable Upper Rank demons alongside your allies.
The VS Mode unites the Hashira, featuring over 40 characters, including the Demon Slayer Corps’ highest-ranking swordsmen.
Expect new gameplay elements too, such as Dual Ultimates and Gear, each of which have been added to enhance the experience, allowing you to take on thrilling new challenges both online and offline.
- Developed by: CyberConnect2 Co.
- Published by: SEGA
- Store Page: https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/demon-slayer-kimetsu-no-yaiba-the-hinokami-chronicles-2/9p70rhnv16w5
Mafia: The Old Country: A Gritty Tale of Organised Crime
Mafia is back!
Uncover the brutal origins of organised crime in Mafia: The Old Country, a gritty mob story set in the merciless underworld of 1900s Sicily.
It’s here where you’ll get to step into the shoes of Enzo Favara, a man fighting to survive and prove his worth to the Torrisi crime family in this immersive third-person action-adventure. After a brutal childhood, Enzo is ready to risk everything to become a man of honor, driven by the belief that “Family Takes Sacrifice.”
This thrilling narrative is brought to life through stunning visuals and cinematic storytelling, immersing you in a dangerous era of murderous vendettas and ruthless rival families. Prepare to engage in life-or-death combat, utilising period-authentic firearms like the sawed-off shotgun, or get up close with a stiletto blade for vicious stealth takedowns.
The best bit? The opportunity to traverse the beautiful, yet treacherous Sicilian environments – from urban grime to sprawling vineyards – traveling by foot, horseback, or turn-of-the-century automobiles as you fight to eliminate the Don’s enemies.
- Developed by: Hangar 13
- Published by: 2K
- Store Page: https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/mafia-the-old-country/9p04m5qb8jz6
Delta Force: A Free-to-Play, Tactical FPS Experience
Delta Force is the definitive, free-to-play modern team-based tactical shooter.
The game features three distinct gameplay modes designed for intense combat. Warfare offers epic 32v32 PvP battles across diverse environments using vehicles and unique tactical gear.
Alternatively, Operations functions as a next-generation extraction shooter, where you and your squad deploy behind enemy lines to search for valuables and extract safely.
Further, a PvE Raid mode provides challenging objective-based missions to push your squad to the limit, and the classic Black Hawk Down campaign is available as a free download.
- Developed by: Team Jade
- Published by: TiMi Studio Group
- Store Page: https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/delta-force/9NRMZXGKP4NM
Fresh Tracks: Ski into a Mythical, Music-Driven Adventure
Strap on your skis and prepare for a rhythm-driven adventure in Fresh Tracks, set in a mythical Nordic land shrouded by a new darkness.
Play as Skaii, beginning your journey gliding through a stunning, snow-covered forest, all to the beat of an ethereal pop soundtrack with the Aurora shimmering above. But soon, the path diverges, forcing you to fight, jump, and dodge escalating obstacles and menacing minions as you delve deeper into the encroaching shadows of Norwyn.
As Skaii conquers each new trail, you’ll unlock powerful new abilities, discover divine companions, and reveal over 19 irresistible original music tracks. With its seamless rhythm-driven gameplay, where every movement and combat action syncs with the dynamic soundtrack, Fresh Tracks offers a uniquely immersive experience.
Edit: Fresh Tracks has now been delayed until further notice on Xbox.
- Developed by: Buffalo Buffalo
- Published by: Buffalo Buffalo
- Store Page: Coming Soon!
Gears of War: Reloaded: The Definitive, Remastered Experience (Day One Game Pass)
Experience the iconic original like never before.
Gears of War: Reloaded, launching Day One on Game Pass, is a definitive remaster of the blockbuster first Gears of War, now fully optimised for the latest generation of gaming platforms.
You may well have played Gears over and over many times before, taking in the best maps it has had to offer, but now it’s powered by Unreal Engine, and this release includes all post-launch content for the original title, including a bonus campaign act and multiplayer maps.
Enjoy refined controls with options for newcomers and veterans alike. Built for brotherhood, the game supports Campaign Co-Op via split-screen or online, and features Versus multiplayer running at up to 120fps.
Gears of War: Reloaded also supports cross-play and cross-progression across all platforms, ensuring your progress follows you wherever you play.
- Developed by: The Coalition
- Published by: Xbox Game Studios
- Store Page: https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/gears-of-war-reloaded-pre-order/9NZ7KCLZ1SX1
HELLDIVERS 2: The Galaxy’s Last Line of Offence
What’s that? HELLDIVERS 2 on Xbox? Oh yes…
Enlist in the Helldivers and join the fight for freedom across a hostile galaxy in HELLDIVERS 2, a fast, frantic, and ferocious third-person shooter.
As the war against alien threats rages on, you are assembled into squads of up to four Helldivers and assigned strategic missions. Teamwork is essential, as friendly fire is an unfortunate certainty of war, and victory without coordination is impossible.
How you deliver liberty is your choice though: rain down freedom from above, sneak through enemy territory, or charge head-first into the jaws of combat.
And you’ll have access to a wide array of explosive firepower, life-saving armor, and battle-changing stratagems – the jewel of every Helldiver’s arsenal.
Remember, everything on every planet wants you dead, and the Galactic War will be won or lost depending on the actions of everyone involved.
And yes, we may have mentioned previously that we really, really, REALLY wanted to see HELLDIVERS 2 on Xbox in 2025. Our dreams have come true.
- Developed by: Arrowhead Games Studios, Nixxes Software
- Published by: PlayStation Publishing LLC
- Store Page: https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/p/9MX9WN9DFPGT/0017
METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER: The Ultimate Survival Stealth Remake
METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is a definitive remake of the 2004 classic, offering an evolved and deeply immersive experience.
The original gripping story, characters, voice acting, gameplay, and music return, now enhanced with all-new graphics and 3D audio that intensifies the jungle atmosphere.
Dive in and the ultimate survival stealth action experience awaits, complete with an upgraded battle damage system that reflects wear and tear on Snake’s clothes, bruises, and bullet wounds in real time, with injuries leaving permanent marks.
Better still, players can choose between a new, modern control style for intuitive gameplay or a classic control style that closely recreates the original feel. Additional game modes are included as well, such as “SNAKE VS BOMBERMAN,” an all-new online multiplayer mode called “FOX HUNT” featuring hide-and-seek style gameplay, and “Secret Theater” videos.
- Developed by: KONAMI
- Published by: KONAMI
- Store Page: https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/metal-gear-solid-%CE%B4-snake-eater/9nx56n49h8v0
NBA 2K26: Build Your Legend and Dominate the Court
We’ve only just reported the revealing of the NBA 2K26 cover stars, but very soon, bragging rights will be put right on the line.
Powered by ProPLAY immersive technology, the game directly translates NBA footage into realistic gameplay, allowing you to dominate every possession on Xbox Series X|S. Feel more connected to every dribble and crossover, unleashing dynamic playmaking using all-new features.
Build your legend in MyCAREER, rising from a budding prospect to a global superstar in stunning environments where you can team up with friends and challenge rival squads for bragging rights. Collect and compete with past and present legends in MyTEAM, assembling a star-studded roster and testing your dream team in single-player and multiplayer modes.
Influence the future of the sport and write the next chapter of an NBA franchise as a General Manager in MyNBA (Xbox Series X|S) or MyLEAGUE (Xbox One).
- Developed by: Visual Concepts
- Published by: 2K
- Store Page: https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/nba-2k26-for-xbox-series-xs/9NFKCJNBR34N/0010
Black Myth: Wukong: A Journey Through Chinese Mythology
Hugely anticipated by many, Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology, based on the classic novel Journey to the West. And judging by the Overwhelmingly Positive reviews on Steam, this is one not to miss.
As the Destined One, you will explore a fascinating realm filled with ancient wonders and set out to uncover the obscured truth beneath a glorious legend. Traverse an array of breathtaking and distinctive landscapes, composing an epic adventure. You’ll confront mighty foes, both old and new, each with unique strengths.
Mastering varied spells is crucial, as you can freely combine different spells, abilities, weapons, and equipment to find a winning strategy that suits your combat style.
But you’ll need to look beyond the battles too, all as you get to discover heartfelt tales behind every facade, delving into the origins, personalities, and motivations of the characters you encounter.
- Developed by: Game Science
- Published by: Game Science
- Store Page: https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/black-myth-wukong-pre-order/9P2691N36RHP
Looking Ahead to September 2025
We’re fully focused on August for now, but you can be sure the end of the month will be here before we know it.
And that means September will fast be coming over the horizon – and the momentum continues on Xbox with exciting prospects for that month, mostly in the form of HOTEL BARCELONA, Terminator 2D: NO FATE, Borderlands 4, a new instalment in the Dying Light saga, Sonic Racing Crossworlds, Silent Hill f and more, like EA SPORTS FC 26. We’ll bring you the list you need, nearer the time.
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more announcements and don’t miss out on what promises to be a spectacular month of gaming. For now, let us know what you’ll be playing in the comments.
