4 Xbox Game Pass Games to Play This Week (August 17 – August 23)

One of the greatest strengths of Xbox Game Pass is the way it blurs the line between blockbuster releases and under-the-radar gems. With a subscription, players can jump between massive strategy titles, experimental indies, and character-driven RPGs with ease. That accessibility has made the platform more than just a subscription service: it’s a curated playground where players can experiment freely, stumble across new favorites, and revisit games they might have overlooked the first time.

This week’s slate of Xbox Game Pass recommendations underscores that range beautifully. There’s something for every playstyle here: narrative-rich roleplaying, cozy exploration, unsettling horror, and grand strategy that stretches across dynasties. Each game brings something distinct to the table, reminding subscribers why the service continues to be one of the best values in gaming today.

Why You Should Play Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

Rogue Trader is a clear standout for those who love deep, choice-driven RPGs. Developed by Owlcat Games, it brings the same meticulous approach to storytelling and tactical combat but within the sprawling, gothic sci-fi setting of Warhammer 40k. The result is a dense but rewarding CRPG where every decision carries weight, from dialogue trees to battlefield maneuvers. Its strong role-playing backbone makes it one of the funnest RPGs available on Game Pass this month.

The story begins with players inheriting the mantle of a Rogue Trader as the heir to the Von Valancius dynasty. These traders act as semi-independent explorers, navigating the edges of the Imperium while balancing fragile alliances and ruthless enemies. Commanding a voidship and the politics outside of it, with characters possessing their own backstories and motivations, the player must decide what kind of leader they’ll become in the face of a contested inheritance. The branching narrative ensures no two playthroughs unfold the same way, making it a perfect long-term Game Pass addition.

Why You Should Play Dredge

On the surface, Dredge looks like a straightforward fishing sim, but it quickly reveals itself as a far stranger and darker game than meets the eye. Its brilliance lies in the way it contrasts calm daytime exploration with creeping nighttime horror, forcing players to juggle the comfort of routine with the unease of the unknown. This duality makes it an incredibly memorable indie experience and a great option for players looking for something outside the typical Game Pass lineup.

The game follows a fisherman on a remote island chain. On the archipelago, the man catches fish and fulfills contracts for the locals, and it’s worth noting that Dredge has boat upgrades. During the day, the experience feels meditative: lines are cast, waters are explored, and money is earned. But once night falls, reality begins to bend. Strange shapes stir in the water, lights flicker where no boats should be, and sanity itself starts to unravel. It’s a short game, but its blend of atmosphere, narrative hints, and cosmic dread leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

Why You Should Play Crusader Kings 3

Crusader Kings 3 is one of the best strategy games of the last decade, and for good reason. Unlike many strategy titles that focus solely on military conquest, Crusader Kings 3 thrives on dynastic drama. Every campaign is a sandbox of family politics and legacy, where a single marriage alliance or assassination plot can reshape the fate of empires. For Game Pass subscribers who’ve been hesitant to jump into the game’s grand strategy, its approachable tutorials and narrative-driven systems make it one of the most accessible entry points for a game that can be so complex.

Players begin by selecting a ruler in medieval Europe, North Africa, or Asia, guiding their dynasty across centuries. While the game encourages military prowess, the most important goal is to ensure the survival and prosperity of a bloodline through diplomacy and schemes. This means arranging advantageous marriages, fending off rivals, balancing vassals’ loyalty, and producing the best heirs in Crusader Kings 3. But no plan is foolproof in this game. Characters can die unexpectedly, alliances can collapse, and entire dynasties can be undone by scandal or betrayal. That unpredictability keeps players hooked, spinning out unique stories every time they play.

Why You Should Play Little Kitty, Big City

Not every game needs to be heavy, complex, or terrifying. Little Kitty, Big City offers a welcome change of pace for anyone looking to unwind at any point this week. It’s a lighthearted, charming adventure where exploration and playfulness take center stage. Its cozy pacing and whimsical tone make it perfect for Game Pass subscribers who want a quick palate cleanser between more demanding titles. And despite leaving Game Pass on May 15, it’s now back for players seeking a second chance to play this game.

Achievements in Little Kitty, Big City can be quite appealing, but at its core, the game stars a small, mischievous cat navigating a vibrant urban landscape. Players can climb rooftops, squeeze through alleyways, befriend other animals, and complete quirky side objectives, all while soaking in the playful atmosphere. There’s no pressure to rush through objectives, either. The real joy comes from curiosity and small discoveries. It’s the kind of game that’s easy to dip in and out of, making it a perfect fit for Game Pass’s pick-up-and-play model.