Microsoft is working to rebuild momentum with Xbox Game Pass following its extensive internal restructuring earlier this year. After Wave 1 of July 2026 introduced Gears of War: Reloaded, the company has now confirmed the second batch of additions. According to the official Xbox Wire announcement, the July 2026 Wave 2 lineup is anchored by a remake of the franchise that defined the original Xbox, alongside a fresh role-playing game from Game Freak and a bundled classic from id Software.
#1 Halo: Campaign Evolved
The headline addition arrives on July 28, 2026. Halo: Campaign Evolved is a full remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign, rebuilt from the ground up for modern hardware. The project brings next-generation rendering, updated lighting, and reworked environmental geometry to the iconic Mars moon of Installation 04. Beyond visual upgrades, the development team has introduced a new campaign mission, additional levels, and refined gameplay mechanics that align the experience more closely with the pacing and weapon design of recent Halo titles. The original cinematic sequences have been fully remade, and the core voice cast has returned to record fresh dialogue.
While the remake focuses entirely on the single-player and cooperative experience, it does not include the original Halo legacy PvP multiplayer. Instead, the package supports four-player online co-op and two-player split-screen local co-op, both featuring full cross-platform play and cross-progression for campaign saves. Notably, Microsoft has confirmed a physical disc release for the title, a move that draws attention amid ongoing industry shifts toward digital distribution. The disc will also include a Machinima mode, allowing players to capture screenshots and compose in-engine videos in the style of classic fan productions like Red vs. Blue. The game launches on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
#2 Beast of Reincarnation & Heretic + Hexen
Rounding out the marquee titles are two distinct offerings that highlight the service breadth. Beast of Reincarnation, an upcoming action-RPG from Game Freak, arrives on August 4, 2026. Known for developing the mainline Pokémon titles, Game Freak is applying its deep systems design experience to an original dark-fantasy project. The game will be available on Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld devices, and PC through Ultimate and PC Game Pass tiers.
Also launching on August 4 is Heretic + Hexen, a bundled package of two seminal first-person shooters originally created by id Software. The collection brings the gothic, magic-driven combat of Heretic and the sci-fi horror atmosphere of Hexen to modern systems. It will support Cloud, console, handheld, and PC access, with availability spanning Premium, Ultimate, and PC Game Pass subscriptions.
#3 The Rest of the Wave 2 Lineup
The remaining additions round out a diverse schedule across the latter half of July and into early August. The Planet Crafter drops on July 21, followed by the viral indie horror title Shift at Midnight on July 22. Hell is Us arrives on July 23, with Mistfall Hunter on July 30 and Corsair Cove on July 31. Availability varies by platform and subscription tier, with most titles supporting Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Corsair Cove remains PC-exclusive for Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers.
What Leaves Xbox Game Pass This Month
As is standard with monthly rotations, eight titles will depart the service on July 31. The departing list includes Back to the Dawn, Celeste, Crusader Kings 3, Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord, My Friendly Neighborhood, Rain World, Sniper Elite Resistance, and Whiskerwood. Players who have been relying on the subscription for these games should note the removal date and consider downloading or purchasing them before they rotate out.
What This Means for You
For everyday subscribers, this wave reinforces Xbox Game Pass as a cross-platform library rather than an Xbox-exclusive ecosystem. The inclusion of Halo: Campaign Evolved on PlayStation 5 and PC signals a continued shift in Microsoft publishing strategy, while the physical disc announcement provides a tangible option for collectors. The August 4 arrivals demonstrate the service commitment to both legacy IP preservation and original third-party partnerships. If you are managing a multi-tier subscription, verify whether your current plan covers the Cloud or handheld access you need for the titles you want to play.
How to Get It
All Wave 2 titles will automatically appear in your Game Pass library on their respective release dates. To access the full catalog, you will need an active Ultimate, Premium, or PC Game Pass subscription, depending on the title. You can manage your subscription, view upcoming additions, and track leaving titles directly through the Xbox app or the official Xbox Wire announcements.
Source: Latest from Windows Central
Over to you: Will you be picking up a physical copy of Halo: Campaign Evolved, or sticking to the digital subscription route?
You may also like
Microsoft Is Overhauling Xbox Account Recovery After Years of User Backlash
Manchester United and Qualcomm Bring Surface Branding to the Pitch With Limited-Edition Snapdragon PCs
monday.com cuts 20% of workforce to pivot to AI era
The Analog Revival Is Booming, and It Could Be Windows 11’s Unexpected Lifeline
