Xbox Game Pass August 2025 Wave 1 Lineup: Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Aliens: Fireteam Elite, and More!

Neha Tiwari August 6, 2025 14 0

[August 6, 2025 | Earthtechy Gaming News Desk]

Hey gamers, if you’re subscribed to Xbox Game Pass, August 2025 is shaping up to be a solid month with some exciting additions and a few notable departures. Microsoft just announced Wave 1 of the lineup, and it includes some fantastic titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage, the return of Aliens: Fireteam Elite, and a variety of other games across all subscription tiers. Whether you’re on Game Pass Ultimate, Standard, or PC Game Pass, there’s something new coming your way soon.

Let’s dive right in and explore what’s arriving and leaving this month so you don’t miss out on your next favorite game!

What’s New on Xbox Game Pass This August?

The August update kicks off on August 5 with Rain World, an indie adventure where you play as a nomadic slugcat navigating a beautifully haunting environment. It’s available across Cloud, Console, and PC, and for every Game Pass tier — Ultimate, Standard, and PC. If you haven’t tried it yet, this is a great chance to experience a game that combines challenging survival gameplay with stunning artistry.

Then, on August 6, four more titles hit Game Pass Standard subscribers on Xbox Series X and S. These include:

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector — a dice-based RPG with a rich story and unique mechanics, perfect if you love narrative-driven games.
Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders — a chill, wintry downhill racing game that’s as relaxing as it is challenging.
MechWarrior 5: Clans — for fans of giant robots and explosive battles, this one delivers intense mech combat.
Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap — a mix of tower defense and action where you take on hordes of orcs in thrilling battles.

This lineup offers variety and something for almost every type of gamer. Whether you prefer story-rich RPGs or adrenaline-pumping action, you’ll find it here.

Spotlight: Assassin’s Creed Mirage Arrives August 7

Now, here’s the big one: Assassin’s Creed Mirage arrives on August 7 for all Game Pass members — Ultimate, Standard, and PC — across cloud, console, and PC platforms. This entry marks a welcome return to the series’ roots, set in the bustling streets of Baghdad and starring Basim, a street-smart thief.

I have to say, if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the sprawling open-world RPGs that Assassin’s Creed has become over the years, Mirage’s focused, city-centric gameplay offers a refreshing change. It’s a more concise experience — you can get through the main story and unlock all achievements in roughly 20 hours. That makes it perfect if you want a solid Assassin’s Creed adventure without the usual marathon.

Ubisoft’s approach with Mirage emphasizes stealth, parkour, and story over sprawling RPG elements, which many fans have been asking for. It’s definitely a must-try for longtime series followers or newcomers who want a taste of Assassin’s Creed without committing to dozens of hours.

Aliens: Fireteam Elite Returns on August 12 — Perfect for Co-op Fans

If you’re a fan of intense cooperative shooters, then Aliens: Fireteam Elite coming back to Xbox Game Pass on August 12 is great news. This game first made waves when it launched, and now it’s back for all Game Pass subscribers — Ultimate, Standard, and PC — across cloud, console, and PC.

I’ve personally enjoyed teaming up with friends in this game. It offers a rich co-op experience where your squad battles through waves of hostile Xenomorphs with a ton of customization and difficulty settings. What makes it stand out is how it pulls from the entire Alien universe, weaving references from the movies and other games naturally into the campaign.

Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the franchise or new to it, Aliens: Fireteam Elite gives you plenty of reasons to jump back in — especially if you enjoy teamwork, tactical gameplay, and moments of real tension and surprise. Trust me, the encounters get intense and it’s a blast to strategize with friends.

Don’t Miss the Game Preview of 9 Kings on August 14

For those who like trying out games early, 9 Kings hits Game Pass on August 14 in a Game Preview build for PC users. This roguelike kingdom builder mixes strategy and survival elements, letting you build and defend your kingdom while facing randomized challenges.

If you enjoy games that keep you on your toes with ever-changing scenarios, 9 Kings could be a hidden gem worth exploring. Keep an eye out for this one if you’re on PC and want to experience new content as it evolves.

Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass on August 15 — Don’t Miss Your Chance

As always, some games will leave the Game Pass library this month, so if any of these are on your wishlist, now’s the time to grab them. The departing titles include:

Anthem (Console and PC)
Farming Simulator 22 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Persona 3 Reload (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Good news: If you want to keep playing any of these after they leave Game Pass, Microsoft offers a 20% discount exclusively for subscribers to buy the full game. It’s a smart way to hold on to your favorites without losing progress or achievements.

What This Means for Xbox Game Pass Subscribers in August 2025

One thing I find particularly interesting about this month’s update is how several games that were previously limited to Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass are now available to Standard subscribers. This broadens the library for those on the more affordable tier, adding real value.

If you’re new to Xbox Game Pass or considering switching tiers, August 2025 is a great moment to experience some well-regarded games you might have missed — like Citizen Sleeper 2 or the return of Aliens: Fireteam Elite — without needing the more expensive subscription.

Must Read: Ready or Not Launches on PS5 & Xbox with Massive Los Sueños Stories Update — New Missions, Weapons & Difficulty Modes Are Here

Final Thoughts: Why August 2025 Is Worth Your Attention on Xbox Game Pass

All in all, August’s Wave 1 update might not be the biggest month we’ve seen, but it’s packed with quality titles that cater to a variety of tastes — from action and RPG fans to those who love co-op gameplay or indie adventures.

If you haven’t tried Assassin’s Creed Mirage yet, now’s the perfect time. And don’t overlook the return of Aliens: Fireteam Elite, especially if you want some memorable co-op challenges with friends.

Make sure you check your Game Pass app regularly so you don’t miss these arrivals or the chance to grab any departing games with that handy 20% discount. Happy gaming!