Xbox Game Pass free games for August 2023 announced
Xbox Game Pass's free games for the first half of August 2023 have been announced.
As a reminder, there are (currently) three versions of Microsoft's subscription service: one for console, one for PC and Ultimate, which combines the two and adds a cloud streaming option.
Joining the service today (August 3) is A Short Hike (cloud, console, PC), a beloved indie title about an anthropomorphic bird who wants to reach the summit of a national park. There are many colourful characters to meet along the way, plenty of things to find and little mini-games to play.
Related: Final Fantasy XIV's next expansion Dawntrail and Xbox version announced
The game was featured in Digital Spy's list of best indie games from 2019 and won the top prize at the Independent Games Festival Awards 2020.
Also already added to the service this month is Celeste (cloud, console, PC), a 2D platformer that's renowned for its in-depth adjustability options, making the game as difficult or easy as you want. Critics also praised Celeste for its exploration of mental health struggles, for featuring a trans protagonist and for being made by a trans creator.
Joining Game Pass on August 8 is Broforce Forever (cloud, console, PC), a side-scrolling action game featuring plenty of parodies of famous '80s beefcake characters. This version of the game includes even more characters and challenging levels.
Related: The best Starfield pre-order deals on Xbox and PC
A day later, atmospheric indie classic Limbo (cloud, console, PC) hops its way to the service, while city building and management sim Airborne Kingdom (cloud, console, PC) gets added a day after that.
Fast-paced spacey loot shooter Everspace 2 (Xbox Series console, cloud) is already on PC, but Xbox players will get to experience it from August 15.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced that Xbox Games with Gold is being rebranded as Game Pass Core in September. It will continue to be gamers' key to playing online and allow them access to a list of 20+ games rather than monthly freebies.
You Might Also Like
