Xbox Game Pass Is Losing Three Big Games In August

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Time is running out to experience three standout titles before they exit the Xbox Game Pass catalog. NBA 2K24 (both Xbox One and Series X|S versions), Atomic Heart, and Guilty Gear Strive will all depart the service on August 31, making this your final opportunity to dive into these diverse gaming experiences through your subscription.

Strategic gamers should note the 20% discount available for permanent purchases until removal. This represents significant savings compared to standard pricing, especially for titles like Guilty Gear Strive that maintain active online communities. Planning your gameplay sessions now ensures you don’t miss these critically acclaimed titles.

While NBA 2K24 prepares to leave Game Pass, basketball enthusiasts have the upcoming NBA 2K25 launching September 6 to anticipate, though it won’t debut on the subscription service. This basketball simulator delivers authentic NBA gameplay with deep franchise modes and competitive online play that has defined the series’ reputation.

For optimal experience before departure, focus on MyCareer mode for narrative-driven progression or hit the courts in Play Now for quick basketball action. Advanced players recommend mastering shot timing mechanics and defensive positioning—common struggle areas for newcomers. The game’s extensive customization options allow for personalized basketball experiences that reward dedicated playtime.

Atomic Heart presents a distinctive first-person shooter adventure set within an alternate-history Soviet Union, openly embracing its BioShock Infinite inspirations while carving its own identity. According to GameSpot’s assessment, “Atomic Heart lacks follow-through on its most interesting narrative concepts and plays it safe with its first-person shooter gameplay.”

Combat optimization involves mastering the game’s weapon upgrade system and utilizing environmental interactions against robotic enemies. The game’s surreal aesthetic and unconventional storytelling create memorable moments, though pacing inconsistencies may frustrate some players. For maximum enjoyment, allocate 12-15 hours to complete the main campaign, focusing on exploration to uncover the game’s hidden narrative layers and experimental weaponry.

Guilty Gear Strive’s impending departure comes as the fighting game maintains remarkable community vitality since its 2021 debut. The upcoming addition of Lucy from Cyberpunk Edgerunners as a guest character in 2025 demonstrates continued developer support.

GameSpot’s review praised how “Guilty Gear Strive continues the series’ legacy of complex and rewarding technical fighters, enhanced with a new look, characters, and ideas that bring its bold, complex gameplay to new heights.” New players should begin with Mission Mode to grasp fundamental mechanics before advancing to online ranked matches. The game’s intricate Roman Cancel system provides depth that separates novice and expert players, requiring dedicated practice to master timing and resource management.

With limited time remaining, prioritize games based on your interests and available playtime. Sports enthusiasts should focus on NBA 2K24’s career mode, while FPS fans can dive into Atomic Heart’s campaign. Fighting game aficionados have the most to gain from Guilty Gear Strive’s active online community.

Achievement hunters can target specific milestones: NBA 2K24’s “MyCareer” accomplishments (8-10 hours), Atomic Heart’s main story completion (12-15 hours), or Guilty Gear Strive’s character-specific challenges (15-20 hours). Each game offers distinct reward structures that cater to different player motivations, from competitive rankings to narrative completion.

For comprehensive gaming strategies beyond these departing titles, consult our Complete Guide to master complex game mechanics across various genres.

NBA 2K24 exits the Game Pass library for console and cloud platforms on August 31, making this your final opportunity for subscription access. The basketball simulation’s departure timing aligns strategically with the upcoming NBA 2K25 release cycle.

Guilty Gear Strive will no longer be available through Game Pass on console, PC, and cloud starting August 31. Fighting game enthusiasts should consider the 20% discount for permanent access to continue enjoying the vibrant competitive scene.

Atomic Heart’s removal from console, PC, and cloud access concludes its Game Pass availability. Players captivated by its unique setting may find the discount purchase worthwhile, especially given the game’s distinctive approach to first-person shooter mechanics that differentiates it from standard military shooters like those covered in our Weapons Unlock guides for tactical gameplay.

For those seeking similar experiences post-departure, consider exploring other Game Pass titles that match these genres, or reference our Class Guide for strategic character selection in team-based games.

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