Xbox Game Pass is bringing back a popular action-shooter RPG by Neon Giant, The Ascent. Microsoft’s gaming subscription service regularly adds titles throughout the month, giving Xbox Game Pass members something to always look forward to. And the various tiers—Core, Standard, PC, and Ultimate—provide a range of options for gamers of all kinds, from those who prefer a smaller, curated selection to those who want access to more games than they could ever play in a lifetime.
Many gamers are already appreciating their Game Pass subscription this month, with Little Nightmares 2, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Legend of Mana, and Trials of Mana being added so far in July. Later in the month, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 will be join the catalog, as well as the early access version of Obsidian’s Grounded 2, which many people are excited about. Unfortunately, several titles will also be removed from Xbox Game Pass in July, including Mafia: Definitive Edition and Striking Distance Studios’ survival horror game Callisto Protocol.
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That’s all in the name of making room for more additions, including Xbox console exclusive The Ascent, which is being added to Game Pass on July 8. This isn’t the first time the action RPG has been available on the service, as it was removed in 2023 after a two-year stint. Luckily for those who may have missed it the first time around, the shooter, which currently has a “Mostly Positive” overall user review rating on Steam, is making a return, and it is worth a look.
Coming to Xbox Game Pass in July 2025
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The Ascent |
July 8 |
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Minami Lane |
July 9 |
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Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 |
July 11 |
Day-one release |
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High on Life |
July 15 |
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Abiotic Factor |
July 22 |
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Wheel World |
July 23 |
Day one release |
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Wuchang: Fallen Feathers |
July 24 |
Day-one release |
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Grounded 2 |
July 29 |
Day-one early access release |
Set in a highly detailed and intriguing cyberpunk world, The Ascent offers both solo and co-op multiplayer action for up to three people. The premise is simple: a mega corporation owns everybody and everything, but it has abruptly shut down and left the city’s very survival uncertain. The Ascent is a shooter, so guns will be the primary weapons used, but there are also numerous offensive and defensive gadgets that change up the gameplay in interesting ways.
Neon Giant’s cyberpunk shooter also has RPG elements, with players able to customize their character’s appearance and weapon skins. The Ascent has a somewhat deep progression system as well, with skill points that can be allocated into various stats like health, weapon handling, and aiming. These pave the way for more than one playthrough and let players tweak things depending on if they’re playing solo or with friends.
