The mid-month addition to Xbox Game Pass for August 2025 includes Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 Enhanced, a revamped version of the action-adventure game originally released in May 2024. Ninja Theory’s latest release serves as a prequel to 2017’s Senua’s Sacrifice and was similarly well received. The game brought home awards for audio design, writing, best game, and two accolades for the performance of Melina Juergens, who portrays and voices the titular character. And now Xbox Game Pass subscribers can dive into the game again to check out its exciting enhancements.
Immersing players in a popular but infrequently visited location, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 takes place in 9th century Iceland, which happens to be around the time when Vikings discovered and began settling the isolated, volcanic island. Senua, an Orcadian, is transported from her home in the Orkney Islands to be sold as a slave in this new land. While there, she begins to experience the hallucinations that so distinguish her from other game protagonists.
The Best Games On Xbox Game Pass (January 2026)
Xbox Game Pass is unquestionably worth the subscription fee, but which of the available games are the best use of your hard drive space?
Xbox Game Pass Adds Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2
The game originally released as an Xbox exclusive and launched day one on Microsoft’s subscription service. On August 12, the enhanced version of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 was released as a free update for PC and console players, including those playing the title via Xbox Game Pass. This revamped version of the game provides a performance mode for smoother gameplay during combat, as well as an optional game mode that increases Dark Rot growth on Senua every time she “dies.” Players will now also be able to enjoy an enhanced photo mode with new features and settings, along with developer commentary from Ninja Theory.
Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass in 2025
|
Game |
Game Pass Tier(s) |
Date |
|
|
Assassin’s Creed Mirage |
Standard, PC, Ultimate |
Aug 7 |
|
|
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 Enhanced |
Standard, PC, Ultimate |
Aug 12 |
|
|
Aliens: Fireteam Elite |
Standard, PC, Ultimate |
Aug 12 |
Returning title |
|
9 Kings |
PC, Ultimate |
Aug 14 |
Game Preview |
|
Herdling |
PC, Ultimate |
Aug 21 |
Day-one release |
|
Gears of War: Reloaded |
Ultimate, PC |
Aug 26 |
Day-one release |
|
Frostpunk 2 |
Ultimate |
Sep 18 |
Already available on PC Game Pass |
August 12 also marks an important day for PlayStation gamers who were fans of the first game, as Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 has now launched on PS5. Those who prefer to follow Senua’s adventures on Sony’s console can now purchase either the Standard Edition with the enhanced features or the Deluxe Edition, which also includes a PS5-optimized version of the first game and its soundtrack. And gamers who already own Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice on PS4 can upgrade to the PS5 version for free.
Xbox Game Pass has still more to offer for subscribers on August 12 as well. 2021’s Aliens: Fireteam Elite by Cold Iron Studios is now available to play for members of the service’s Standard, PC, and Ultimate tiers. This is the second time the co-op third-person survival game has been added to Xbox Game Pass, but it’s been two years since it was removed. So fans of Ridley Scott’s Alien universe have another chance to jump into the role of a Colonial Marine, with a couple of friends if desired, at no additional cost.
