Xbox Game Pass Welcomes Back Cyberpunk Shooter 'The Ascent' in July 2025
2025-07-08 20:04:35Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass continues to deliver exceptional value to subscribers with its July 2025 lineup, headlined by the return of Neon Giant's cyberpunk masterpiece The Ascent. The subscription service maintains its reputation for regularly refreshing its catalog, offering Xbox Game Pass members an ever-evolving library of gaming experiences. With tiered membership options including Core, Standard, PC, and Ultimate, players can choose the perfect plan matching their gaming preferences and budget.
This month has already seen significant additions to the service, including psychological horror sequel Little Nightmares 2, Lara Croft's adventure in Rise of the Tomb Raider, and the beloved JRPGs Legend of Mana and Trials of Mana. The latter half of July promises even more excitement with the arrival of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 and the highly anticipated early access version of Obsidian's survival game Grounded 2. However, these additions come with the departure of several titles, including the remastered Mafia: Definitive Edition and the atmospheric horror Callisto Protocol.
The standout return of The Ascent on July 8 marks a significant moment for Game Pass subscribers. This cyberpunk action-RPG previously enjoyed a successful two-year run on the service before its 2023 departure. With its 'Mostly Positive' Steam rating and immersive gameplay, the title offers both veteran players and newcomers a chance to experience its rich dystopian world.
July 2025 Xbox Game Pass Additions
Game Title | Release Date | Notes |
---|---|---|
The Ascent | July 8 | Returning title |
Minami Lane | July 9 | New addition |
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 | July 11 | Day-one release |
High on Life | July 15 | Returning title |
Abiotic Factor | July 22 | New addition |
Wheel World | July 23 | Day-one release |
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers | July 24 | Day-one release |
Grounded 2 | July 29 | Day-one early access |
The Ascent transports players to a breathtaking cyberpunk metropolis where mega-corporations hold absolute power. When the controlling corporation suddenly collapses, players must fight through the chaos using an arsenal of futuristic weapons and tactical gadgets. The game supports both solo campaigns and three-player cooperative multiplayer, with deep RPG mechanics allowing for extensive character customization and skill development.
Beyond its visceral shooting mechanics, The Ascent features a sophisticated progression system where players can allocate skill points to enhance various attributes like combat accuracy, tactical mobility, and survivability. This flexibility encourages multiple playthroughs with different character builds, especially when transitioning between solo and cooperative gameplay modes.