5 Xbox Game Pass Games to Play This Week (August 10 – August 16)

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In 2025, Xbox Game Pass is gearing up for an exhilarating August, offering a diverse range of games including unexpected arrivals, blockbuster hits, and fan favorites nearing departure. Ranging from classic shooters to cinematic masterpieces, this week’s selection caters to various gaming preferences. Whether you’re riding the QuakeCon wave, wanting to catch something before it disappears, or joining a buzzing conversation around a popular title, there are plenty of reasons to join now. What’s more, the list doesn’t even account for future Game Pass releases, indicating that the platform’s popularity will continue to grow throughout the remainder of the year.

Instead of focusing solely on the latest releases, these suggestions also take into account the ideal moment to play. Some titles are capitalizing on high community interest, others are strategically bringing back beloved characters from their franchises, and a few are classics that shouldn’t be missed. Whether you’re slaying demons, unraveling political mysteries, or getting lost in social simulation perfection, Xbox Game Pass offers a variety of games to fill your week with fun activities.

Heretic + Hexen

The unexpected addition of ‘Heretic + Hexen’ to Xbox Game Pass is one of those moments that truly makes the subscription worthwhile. These two revamped classics from 1994 and 1995, originally known for shaping the first-person shooter genre, are now back in this enhanced 2-in-1 collection. ‘Heretic’ and ‘Hexen’ were pioneers in introducing inventory systems, vertical aiming, and they expanded the genre with unique character classes and intricate branching level designs. This new version not only honors their legacy but also makes them more accessible than ever before. It offers broader platform support, improved controls, and multiple language options to attract a whole new wave of players.

In the game named “Heretic,” players take on the role of a character named Corvus, fighting against the Serpent Rider D’Sparil to overthrow him. The game “Hexen” transports the action to the ominous realm of Cronos, where the warlord Korax is causing turmoil and chaos. With three distinct characters to choose from, players navigate through the campaign’s twisted landscapes and puzzles, ultimately facing off against Korax in a grand finale.

Assassin’s Creed: Mirage

As the Assassin’s Creed series approaches its 18th anniversary and the success of Shadows, this moment seems ideal for exploring Mirage, especially since it’s available on Game Pass. This installment serves as a refreshing break for fans who have missed the original stealth-focused Assassin’s Creed style following years of expansive RPG releases. It is more concise and focused, offering a return to form with its emphasis on parkour, assassinations, and bustling cityscapes.

The narrative focuses on Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character well-known from “Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla.” In 9th-century Baghdad, Basim initially leads a life as a sly street thief. However, his life takes an unexpected turn after a brutal altercation propels him into the ranks of the secretive group known as the Hidden Ones. As he sharpens his abilities in stealth and deception, Basim’s odyssey reveals complex politics, hidden agendas, and personal discoveries that resonate throughout the Assassin’s Creed universe.

Persona 3 Reload

If you’ve been wanting to delve into the world of Persona 3 Reload, now might be the perfect moment. This remastered version of the beloved JRPG is about to depart from Game Pass, which is unfortunate because Reload represents Persona 3 at its peak. The enhanced graphics, user-friendly improvements, and soundtrack give a fresh breath to a game that’s frequently praised for its emotional depth. It’s a straightforward suggestion for anyone who appreciates character-driven narratives, social simulation aspects, and tactical turn-based combat with nuance.

The narrative focuses on Yuki Makoto, a new student at Gekkoukan High School, who accidentally enters a secret time frame known as the Dark Hour, where malevolent entities called Shadows attack people’s minds. Joining the Special Extracurricular Execution Squad (SEES), he ventures into the enigmatic tower Tartarus to discover the truth and develop his powers called Personas while strengthening relationships within the squad as they grow in power together.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 – Cross-Gen Bundle

Currently, Modern Warfare 3 has been enhanced with recent updates and multiplayer events, making it an ideal moment to join in, as the online aspect of the game is rich with content. The Cross-Gen Bundle grants access to both the campaign and competitive modes, allowing players to immerse themselves in cinematic action while honing their skills online.

The story unfolds, centering around Task Force 141, an elite international team engaged in a life-or-death struggle against ruthless leader Vladimir Makarov, who aims to trigger a global conflict. Players journey through missions filled with tension, infiltrations, and large-scale battles that seamlessly blend gameplay and cinematic action into one thrilling experience. Although the campaign may not appeal to everyone due to its emphasis on open combat over exciting set pieces, gamers seeking an enjoyable shooter should definitely check out the multiplayer mode, which offers a mix of remade classic maps from MW2 and an extensive arsenal of weapons for endless entertainment. Additionally, MWZ is worth exploring, as some players appreciated the effort to create an open-world Zombies experience.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

As QuakeCon comes to an end, there’s no better moment to highlight one of Bethesda’s recent standout adventures. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, even if it’s not a fresh addition to Game Pass, is a game that should be on your list for those seeking the excitement of exploration and the suspense of unraveling ancient enigmas. What makes this action-adventure title unique among its peers on the service is its blend of navigation, puzzle-solving, and exhilarating action sequences.

In this new adventure, Indiana Jones’ mission revolves around The Great Circle, an enigmatic series of ancient sites that may possess incredible power. This journey transports players from scorching deserts to frigid mountain peaks, each setting teeming with secrets and perils. Throughout his journey, Indiana Jones’ whip serves not only for combat but also as a means for navigation, solving puzzles, and discovering concealed treasures, making the experience both tangible and cinematic.

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2025-08-10 19:41