Last week’s Gamescom may have stolen the spotlight with massive reveals, and next weekend’s Labor Day break promises plenty of gaming marathons. But this week is your sweet spot. It’s the calm before the storm, the perfect time to dive into some Xbox Game Pass gems without the pressure of endless announcements and major releases pulling your attention away.
Whether you’re looking to explore vast open worlds, lose yourself in indie brilliance, or sharpen your deck-building chops, this week’s Xbox Game Pass lineup has something for everyone. From the atmospheric depths of a bug kingdom to the high-octane chaos of distant planets, now is the time to queue up those downloads and squeeze every ounce of fun out of your Game Pass subscription before the holiday rush begins.
Best Games On PC Game Pass
Silksong, Clair Obscur, Doom, and Minecraft are only a few of the great games on PC Game Pass.
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight fans have been eagerly awaiting an update on the long-anticipated sequel. The wait is thankfully over. With Silksong’s release date officially announced, players worldwide are excited to explore Hallownest once again. If you haven’t checked out the game behind the hype, you’re missing out. Games with strong aesthetic identities have a special place in my heart, and this Metroidvania platformer is simply breathtaking thanks to its art direction and a soundtrack that immerses you in the decay swallowing the insect kingdom. To top it off, Team Cherry’s impressive presentation is evident in Hollow Knight’ s intricate labyrinths and puzzle-like design. Whether you're playing it for the first time or revisiting this magnum opus, make sure to experience it before Silksong launches on September 4.
Hollow Knight
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 89 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- February 24, 2017
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
- Developer(s)
- Team Cherry
- Publisher(s)
- Team Cherry
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Metroidvania
Borderlands 3: Ultimate Edition
If you’ve ever wanted an excuse to jump into the absolute mayhem of Borderlands 3, this is it. Borderlands 3: Ultimate Edition is leaving Game Pass soon. And with Borderlands 4 set to drop on September 12, there’s no better time to catch up on the story, experiment with over-the-top builds, and revel in the series’ signature mix of explosive gunplay and irreverent humor. This isn’t just a warm-up; it’s your chance to get familiar with the vault hunter chaos before the next big chapter lands. Whether you’re playing solo or squadding up in co-op, make it count.
Borderlands 3
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 78%
- Released
- September 13, 2019
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Gearbox Software
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games
WHERE TO PLAY
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Like many Assassin’s Creed fans, my first experience with the franchise was Assassin’s Creed 2. Since then, I'd been craving an AC that recaptured the magic of the second installment. Luckily, I found some of that magic in Odyssey, which felt like a return to the franchise’s storytelling roots. But if Odyssey was a narrative comeback, Valhalla was its technical and mechanical triumph. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla stays true to what made the franchise great with its engaging combat and faithful stealth mechanics, while also adding its own unique twist with extensive customization options. The world of Valhalla feels incredibly vibrant and expansive, but its home base always provides a place for the player to return to, both mechanically and narratively.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 91%
WHERE TO PLAY
Persona 4 Golden
Persona 3 left Game Pass some time ago, but players eager to play a Persona game without leaving the comfort of their subscription should fear not. Persona 4 Golden was recently added to Game Pass, and the week before a long weekend is the ideal time to dive in. Persona 4 is a captivating murder mystery that balances its dark themes with lighter moments. It also features some of the Persona franchise’s best characters, who are part of the team helping you out. The game blends the everyday experience of high school life with engaging, tactical turn-based battles. Its well-balanced gameplay shines because of its time management mechanics, music, and themes of internal conflict, making it one of the most memorable Persona titles.
Persona 4 Golden
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 88 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Balatro
Balatro sneaks up on you. As a card game, there’s only so much a player can expect without knowing more. But as you play, you'll uncover hidden strategic depth and replayability that rightfully earned it a Game of the Year nomination in 2024 among other heavy hitters like Astrobot and Black Myth: Wukong. With Balatro's many card enhancements, unique Joker effects, and deck-specific playstyles, a simple poker hand is turned on its head. It gives a fresh spin to a game many players might have grown tired of. Plus, with a clean UI, elegant presentation, and satisfying gameplay, Balatro is the perfect game to install from Game Pass to just kill some time.
Balatro
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 100%
- Released
- February 20, 2024
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Gambling Themes
- Developer(s)
- LocalThunk
- Publisher(s)
- Playstack
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Digital Card Game, Roguelike