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Is the Xbox Game Pass still the best deal in gaming? July’s initial offering certainly makes a strong case, blending beloved retro revivals with cutting-edge cyberpunk experiences. However, as new titles arrive, some familiar favorites are making their exit, leaving subscribers to grapple with a mix of excitement and inevitable farewells.
Microsoft unveiled the first wave of July additions via an Xbox Wire post, and the headliner is undoubtedly Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, launching day one on Game Pass on July 11th. This collection follows the successful formula of *Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2*, remaking the third and fourth installments with updated visuals and gameplay.
For players, this means reliving classic parks and tricks with a modern sheen. The remake boasts 4K resolution, enhanced textures, and revamped animations, aiming to capture the nostalgia of the originals while offering a fresh experience for new players. *Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4* will be available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass across cloud, Xbox consoles, and PC. It’s also slated to launch on Nintendo Switch, PS4 and PS5.
But the Tony Hawk nostalgia isn’t the only draw. Several other titles have already landed on Game Pass this month. *Little Nightmares 2*, the suspenseful puzzle-platformer, and *Rise of the Tomb Raider*, the action-adventure sequel, are both currently available across Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and the standard Game Pass tier. These additions offer a diverse range of experiences, catering to different tastes within the subscription service.
Adding to the variety, the Mana series is also making its mark. On July 2nd, *Legend of Mana* and *Trials of Mana* joined Game Pass Standard on Xbox consoles. *Ultimate Chicken Horse*, a chaotic multiplayer platformer, arrived on July 3rd, promising frantic fun with friends.
Here’s a summary of the key dates and additions for the first half of July:
- Available Now: *Little Nightmares 2*, *Rise of the Tomb Raider*
- July 2: *Legend of Mana*, *Trials of Mana* (Xbox consoles only)
- July 3: *Ultimate Chicken Horse*
- July 8: *The Ascent* (returns to Game Pass)
- July 9: *Minami Lane*
- July 11: *Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4* (day one release)
Notably, *The Ascent*, a cyberpunk-themed shooter, is making a return to Game Pass on July 8th. Known for its striking neon-drenched visuals and cooperative gameplay, *The Ascent* offers a visually stunning and action-packed experience. On July 9th, *Minami Lane*, a management simulation game, joins Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Later in July, on July 15th, *High on Life*, a first-person shooter with a distinctive sense of humor penned by *Rick & Morty* co-creator Justin Roiland, will be added to the service. Its inclusion signals a willingness to embrace more unconventional and humor-driven titles.
Microsoft also highlighted the success of its Retro Classics collection, revealing it has surpassed one million players. Classic games like *Cosmic Commuter*, *Heart of China*, *Skiing*, *Solar Storm*, and *Subterranea* have recently been added to the lineup, appealing to those seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Beyond the individual games, Game Pass subscribers can also look forward to DLC content for popular titles like *Diablo IV* and *Palworld*, along with in-game benefits for *Mecha Break*, *Splitgate 2*, and *Asphalt Legends Unite*. This constant stream of additional content helps keep players engaged and invested in the Game Pass ecosystem.
However, the arrival of new games also means departures. On July 15th, several titles will be leaving Game Pass, including *Flock*, *Mafia: Definitive Edition*, *Magical Delicacy*, *Tchia*, *The Callisto Protocol*, and *The Case of the Golden Idol*. This rotation is a constant cycle within subscription services, encouraging players to try new experiences while also creating a sense of urgency around completing certain games before they disappear.
The removal of *The Callisto Protocol* in particular has sparked discussion among players on social media platforms. “I was really enjoying *The Callisto Protocol*,” one user posted on X.com, “Guess I’ll have to grind to finish it before it’s gone.”
According to Sarah Chen, a gaming analyst with extensive knowledge on the industry:
“The Game Pass model thrives on this push-and-pull. The addition of high-profile titles like the *Tony Hawk* remake generates buzz and attracts new subscribers, while the rotating library keeps the content fresh and encourages ongoing engagement.”
But what is the long-term impact of this constant churn? Some argue that it devalues individual games, turning them into disposable content. Others suggest it fosters a culture of experimentation, encouraging players to explore genres and titles they might not otherwise consider. It’s a complex issue with no easy answers.
The community has mixed feelings, as reflected in comments across various forums. One user on a gaming subreddit wrote, “I love that I can try so many games, but it’s also kind of stressful knowing they can be taken away at any time. I’ve started only playing game pass titles that I already have a huge intrest in.”
Adding to the discussion, this comment appeared on Facebook, “Does this meen if i already downloaded the game, i lose it?”
The sense of loss is also palpable among some players. “We didn’t realize it until later,” said Mark Jenkins, a Game Pass subscriber from Ohio, “that *Mafia: Definitive Edition* was leaving. My son and I were halfway through it, and now we have to decide if we want to buy it to finish the story.” this kind of situation underscores the double-edged nature of the subscription model.
Another user commented on Instagram: “I am so disapointed that *The Case of the Golden Idol* is leaving the service. That game was amazing.”
Ultimately, the success of Game Pass hinges on its ability to balance the allure of new additions with the inevitable departures. The July lineup offers a compelling mix of nostalgia, action, and quirky indies, but subscribers will need to act fast to experience everything before the tides shift again. The constant rotation forces players to face a key decsion: is the convenience and breadth of Game Pass worth the poential loss of access to games they’ve come to enjoy?
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