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 the first half of July, including a couple that will be available on their launch day. While more are sure to be announced later in the month, here's everything that has been revealed so far.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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