Xbox Game Pass in July 2026: every new game, what is leaving and what is worth playing

Every game in July's first wave

The official Xbox Wire list starts with Winds of Arcana. Gears of War: Reloaded and Tamashika arrive July 9; Ascend to Zero on July 13; PBA Pro Bowling 2026 on July 14; and Quarantine Zone on July 15. Mavrix follows on July 16, FixForce and PC-only Fogpiercer on July 17, then The Planet Crafter on July 21.

Palworld 1.0 is an update to a game already in the service, not a separate catalogue addition. Its full release adds locations and characters and gives lapsed players a sensible moment to return.

What is actually worth your time

Gears is the obvious entry point for first-time players, while The Planet Crafter is the more interesting long-term co-op project. Tamashika fits a short session; Palworld 1.0 is for anyone who left during early access. Note that plans differ: some games reach Ultimate and PC without being included in Premium.

Ten games leave on July 15

Dungeons of Hinterberg, EA Sports FC 24, Stellaris, Golf With Your Friends, Minami Lane, PowerWash Simulator, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Splitgate: Arena Reloaded, Super Fantasy Kingdom and Techtonica are leaving. Finish Shadow if you are already deep into its campaign; Minami Lane or Hinterberg are more realistic starts from zero.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 was included in the first announcement, but an Xbox editor's note dated July 13 says it has been removed from the coming-soon list. We therefore do not count it. That correction is a good reason to check the linked source rather than repeat the first headline forever.

The practical verdict

Play Gears over a weekend, The Planet Crafter as a longer co-op project and Palworld if you want to assess the finished 1.0 release. Before renewing for any one title, confirm the eligible plan, platform and regional availability in the Xbox app.