June was a huge month for gaming and for Xbox. The return of E3 came with plenty of exciting announcements, like the teaser trailer for Starfield, the announcement of The Outer Worlds 2 and (of course) the Xbox Series X mini-fridge. It was also a huge month for Game Pass, with over 20 games joining that service over the course of June -- plus, Microsoft announced at least one first-party title would launch on Game Pass every quarter moving forward.
Now, Xbox has announced the games coming to Game Pass in July, including a couple that will be available on their launch day. Here's everything joining and leaving the service this month.
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts
Coming to Cloud on July 1
2008's Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts is already available on Game Pass for console, but it will also be available on various devices via cloud streaming in July. The beloved duo's latest adventure is far from the series' most popular title, but it did introduce innovations through vehicular platforming, which proved controversial. Still, while Nuts & Bolts wasn't the Banjo-Threeie fans were hoping for, many still consider it to be a decent game for what it is, and an influential one that impacted later games like Fallout 4.
Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling
Coming to Console, Cloud and PC on July 1
This indie RPG takes inspiration from classic Paper Mario games in terms of gameplay and aesthetics, creating a title that fans who miss those games can enjoy. Bug Fables follows bugs Vi, Kabbu, and Leif as they search Bugaria seeking the Everlasting Sapling, engaging in puzzles, combat and exploration in pursuit of eternal life. The game received positive reviews, with many noting that it succeeds in paying homage to Paper Mario through its art style and excellent writing.
Gang Beasts
Coming to Console, Cloud and PC on July 1
This quirky multiplayer party game will provide hilarious fun. In Gang Beasts, each person controls (and can customize) a strange gelatinous creature as they engage in absurd slapstick fights set in hazardous environments across Beef City. The game doesn't take itself too seriously, making it great for for groups of friends gathering to play together this summer.
Immortal Realms: Vampire Wars
Coming to Console, Cloud and PC on July 1
Fans of vampires, strategy games and card-game elements should check out Immortal Realms: Vampire Wars, a game whose Steam page describes it as "Total War meets turn-based meets Vampires." The game is set in a dark, gothic world where ancient bloodlines rule their own lands and fight against one another. Players will have to manage their empires while also engaging in turn-based battles to defend their territory.
Limbo
Coming to Console, Cloud and PC on July 1
The indie puzzle-platformer Limbo earned plenty of praise and won several awards following its 2010 launch, with many considering it one of the best video games ever made. Limbo has a black-and-white film noir art style with minimal ambient sound to set the tone, and its puzzles are designed so that players will likely fail the first time, but learn from their mistakes and try again. The game is captivating, dark and memorable, and Game Pass subscribers will soon be able to enjoy it as part of the service.
Dragon Quest Builders 2
Coming to Cloud on July 8
After launching on Xbox and coming to Game Pass for console and PC in May, Dragon Quest's action-RPG spinoff will be available via cloud streaming starting this month. Dragon Quest Builder 2 features a charming campaign one would expect from the legendary JRPG franchise, as well as an online sandbox mode that can be enjoyed by up to four players. Players will be able explore, create and harvest while taking on an evil cult that threatens this fantasy world.
Tropico 6
Coming to Console, Cloud and PC on July 8
The latest entry in the series of island construction and management games, Tropico 6 puts players in the role of "El Presidente," the leader of a beautiful Caribbean nation. Players will lead their island (or archipelago of islands) through different eras, building up their nations and customizing their Presidente and palace. The game allows player to rule as a benevolent statesman or ruthless tyrant, with their actions impacting citizen's feelings toward the government -- and may lead to a revolt.
UFC 4
Coming to Console through EA Play on July 8
The latest entry in EA's MMA fighting game series, UFC 4 is coming to Game Pass. In addition to the multiplayers modes player expect from these kinds of sports games, UFC 4 has a career mode that follows a custom fighter rising to prominence in the disciplines of boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and jiujitsu, working hard to become the G.O.A.T.
Bloodroots
Coming to Console, Cloud and PC on July 15
Fans of beat 'em ups, top-down shooters and violent cartoony action should check out Bloodroots, a bloody indie game set in a version of the Wild West. Players control Mr. Wolf, a man out for revenge who will use anything -- from carrots to plasma guns -- to find and kill the man who left him for dead. Bloodroots combines the tropes of Westerns, the goofiness of improvised weapons and fast-paced, challenging, one-hit kill action to create an exciting game.
Farming Simulator 19
Coming to Console, Cloud and PC on July 15
Farming Simulator 19 added new elements to the tried-and-true gameplay of the long-running simulation series. Players can farm on two huge environments, one set in America and the other in Europe, tending to crops and animals as usual. This entry redesigned the graphics while also adding horse farming and new crops.
The Medium
Coming to Cloud on July 15
The Medium became one of the first true next-gen games when it launched in January. Originally a Series X|S console exclusive (it's releasing on PlayStation 5 in the fall), the game is set in a dark, disturbing dual reality -- with both worlds being rendered simultaneously. While the game itself received mixed reviews, The Medium is a sign of what the new consoles can accomplish, and gamers will be able to enjoy it trough cloud streaming as well this month.
Battlefield V
Coming to Cloud through EA Play on July 20
A first-person shooter and the sixteenth entry in the long-running Battlefield series, 2018's Battlefield V takes players back to World War II. It offers multiplayer modes where players can lead their squad to victory, as well as a single-player campaign called "War Stories." The most immersive Battlefield game yet, players looking forward to this year's Battlefield 2042 may want to revisit this game.
Cris Tales
Coming to Console, Cloud and PC on July 20
Another indie stand-out that's launching on Game Pass, Cris Tales has been called a love letter to classic RPGs. It tells the story of Crisbell, a young orphan girl with time-manipulating powers. She and her companions must embark on a journey to save their dark fantasy world, using Crisbell's powers in and out of combat to get ahead.
Atomicrops
Coming to Console, Cloud and PC on July 22
This post-apocalyptic indie combines elements of farming sims like Stardew Valley with roguelite, bullet-hell, arcade shooter elements. While tending to mutated crops and befriending (and romancing) townsfolks, Atomicrops players will also have to fight and kill any invading creatures that threaten the last farm remaining in a nuclear wasteland.
Raji: An Ancient Epic
Coming to Console, Cloud and PC on July 22
This action-adventure game follows Raji, a young girl who has been tasked by the gods to defend humanity from a demonic threat while finding and saving her brother from this epic conflict. Developed by an Indian studio, the game is set in ancient India and explores that country's rich mythology. Raji: An Ancient Epic is a gorgeous game that explores a part of the world that is too often overlooked.
Last Stop
Coming to Console, Cloud and PC on July 22
This story-rich third-person adventure Last Stop is another indie that'll be available on Game Pass on day one. It's set in present day London and explores how the lives of three characters -- a high school girl, a middle-aged single dad and a workaholic woman -- connect during a supernatural crisis.
Blinx: The Time Sweeper
Coming to Console and Cloud on July 26
This 2002 game was released for the original Xbox, and it's coming to Game Pass in celebration of that console's upcoming 20th anniversary. Blinx: The Time Sweeper is a fast-paced action-platformer that's been described as the first four-dimensional action game for allowing players to control the flow of time. Now, fans old and new can revisit the adventures of the character that could have been the Xbox's mascot instead of Master Chief.
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
Coming to Console and Cloud on July 26
Another original Xbox game coming to Game Pass this month, Crimson Skies is an arcade flight game with the style of a Hollywood film. It's set in a version of the 1930s where Zeppelins became a primary form of transportation, and players control air-pirate Nathan Zachary as he leads his gang on a mission to avenge his old friend.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Coming to Xbox Series X|S on July 27
Almost a year after its PC launch, Microsoft Flight Simulator is finally coming the Xbox Series X|S -- and it will be on Game Pass day one. Notably, this game will not be available on Xbox One, likely because of how technically demanding it is. The game takes data from Bing Maps as well as real-time weather data to allow players to feel like real pilots flying all over the world, featuring thousands of airports, millions of towns and cities, billions of buildings and trillions of trees to make the experience feel as authentic and detailed as possible.
Lethal League Blaze
Coming to Console, Cloud and PC on July 29
Lethal League Blaze is a stylish indie sports game where players engage in a high-speed anti-gravity ball game. Though the intense sport was declared illegal, that only pushed it underground, where players now compete in the League for glory. Lethal League Blaze has an engaging gameplay loop that's easy to pick up but hard to put down, and players can play with up to four players locally and online.
Omno
Coming to Console, Cloud and PC on July 29
Yet another game that'll be available day on on Game Pass, Omno is a calming single-player adventure focused on exploration and discovery. Created by solo developer Jonas Manke, Omno promises an emotional journey full of puzzle and secrets to uncover in its gorgeous, vibrant world of lush forests, burning deserts and even clouds.
Project Wingman
Coming to PC on July 29
Fans of flight games have plenty to look forward to from Game Pass this month, with Project Wingman offering yet another immersive aerial experience. The game will let players conquer the skies in advance fighter jets, engaging n combat through different modes from aerial dogfights to ground assaults. While it doesn't really simulate flight mechanics, this allows players to jump in with ease.
The Ascent
Coming to Console, Cloud and PC on July 29
Another game that'll be available day one on Game Pass, The Ascent is an action-RPG and twin-stick shooter from indie studio Neon Giant. It's set in a cyberpunk world called Veles, which is controlled by a mega-corporation called The Ascent Group. Following the corporation's mysterious collapse, Veles is thrown into chaos, and the player must uncover what happened while preventing other factions from seizing power.
Leaving Soon
As with every month, there are some games leaving Game Pass. On July 14, EA Sports UFC (Console) and EA Sports UFC 2 (Console) will exit, and the following day will see Endless Space 2 (PC), Downwell (PC) and CrossCode (Cloud, Console, and PC) leave as well.
Then, on July 31, It Lurks Below (Console and PC), The Touryst (Cloud, Console, and PC) and UnderMine (Cloud, Console, and PC) will exit. You still have some time to try these games out before they go, and you'll get a 20 percent membership discount (10 percent for EA digital purchases) if you decide to purchase them while they're still part of Game Pass.