Key features: Action-RPG shopkeeping hybrid from developer Digital Sun and publisher 11 bit studios. Version 1.0 exits Early Access, completing the main storyline and adding new weapons, armor, and the "Bomb Path" — a combat ability that makes enemies explode after enough hits, damaging nearby foes . Will's shop reaches its final upgrade tier with additional Bloblet slots, new cosmetic options, and more space . The original 2018 Moonlighter was free to keep on Steam from August 5 to August 9 .
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Cloud
Key features: Competitive multiplayer platformer from tinyBuild Games. Originally slated for July but delayed to September . It is a sequel to the popular 4-player competitive racing/platforming title.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S (also PC, Cloud)
Key features: Open-world survival game set on Arrakis, based on Frank Herbert's novels and the Denis Villeneuve films. Originally launched on PC in June 2025 as a multiplayer-only title, Dune: Awakening was criticized for requiring multiplayer participation . The September release introduces a full single-player mode covering the entire game from start to finish at adjustable difficulty, with no other players required . It arrives on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on day one .
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Windows 10/11, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam
Key features: Hack-and-slash action-RPG sequel from Mojang Studios and Double Eleven . Day-one Game Pass release. Supports single-player and up to four-player online co-op, with split-screen support . Buy once with Xbox Play Anywhere across console and PC . New to the sequel: four armor slots for deeper customization, in addition to melee weapons, ranged weapons, and three artifact slots . Priced at $29.99 for the Standard Edition; a $49.99 Deluxe Edition includes four hero skins, a Soul Cape cosmetic item, a Blub pet companion, and access to two future DLC expansions . Pre-orders are live at participating retailers and digital storefronts .
August 2026 was a heavily third-party-driven month for Game Pass, with no major first-party safety net. Microsoft relied on two notable third-party day-one deals :
Both titles were locked to Ultimate and PC tiers, not available on Essential or Premium at launch . August's first wave totaled 10 titles across all tiers, including PowerWash Simulator 2, Grounded 2 (Early Access), and the Gears of War: E-Day open beta . Four games left the service on August 15: Atlas Fallen: Reign of Sand, Menace, Aliens: Fireteam Elite, and Firewatch .
The September lineup shifts the strategy in three ways :
Key features: Action-RPG shopkeeping hybrid from developer Digital Sun and publisher 11 bit studios. Version 1.0 exits Early Access, completing the main storyline and adding new weapons, armor, and the "Bomb Path" — a combat ability that makes enemies explode after enough hits, damaging nearby foes . Will's shop reaches its final upgrade tier with additional Bloblet slots, new cosmetic options, and more space . The original 2018 Moonlighter was free to keep on Steam from August 5 to August 9 .
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Cloud
Key features: Competitive multiplayer platformer from tinyBuild Games. Originally slated for July but delayed to September . It is a sequel to the popular 4-player competitive racing/platforming title.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S (also PC, Cloud)
Key features: Open-world survival game set on Arrakis, based on Frank Herbert's novels and the Denis Villeneuve films. Originally launched on PC in June 2025 as a multiplayer-only title, Dune: Awakening was criticized for requiring multiplayer participation . The September release introduces a full single-player mode covering the entire game from start to finish at adjustable difficulty, with no other players required . It arrives on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on day one .
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Windows 10/11, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam
Key features: Hack-and-slash action-RPG sequel from Mojang Studios and Double Eleven . Day-one Game Pass release. Supports single-player and up to four-player online co-op, with split-screen support . Buy once with Xbox Play Anywhere across console and PC . New to the sequel: four armor slots for deeper customization, in addition to melee weapons, ranged weapons, and three artifact slots . Priced at $29.99 for the Standard Edition; a $49.99 Deluxe Edition includes four hero skins, a Soul Cape cosmetic item, a Blub pet companion, and access to two future DLC expansions . Pre-orders are live at participating retailers and digital storefronts .
August 2026 was a heavily third-party-driven month for Game Pass, with no major first-party safety net. Microsoft relied on two notable third-party day-one deals :
Both titles were locked to Ultimate and PC tiers, not available on Essential or Premium at launch . August's first wave totaled 10 titles across all tiers, including PowerWash Simulator 2, Grounded 2 (Early Access), and the Gears of War: E-Day open beta . Four games left the service on August 15: Atlas Fallen: Reign of Sand, Menace, Aliens: Fireteam Elite, and Firewatch .
The September lineup shifts the strategy in three ways :