There are a ton of free games to play onXbox Game Pass,so many that it can be difficult to decide exactly which one to play as the weekend arrives. The following games are free to play on Game Pass, and are highly recommended to play this weekend based on the current trends of the week.
Whether it’s diving intoCall of Duty: Black Ops 6after the recentBlack Ops 7marketing campaign, or shrinking down forGrounded 2,there’s plenty of free content to keep you busy for hours over the weekend. To really get the most bang out of yourGame Pass subscription, be sure to check out the entire expansive catalog of free games.
5Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 - Gear Up For The Next Installment
Black Ops 7’s Marketing Campaign Is Officially In Full Effect
This week,Call of Duty: Black Ops 7officially launched itsviral marketing campaignfeaturing “The Guild,” a mysterious andcryptic cybersecurity corporationthat will likely be at the heart ofBlack Ops 7’sstory. Campaigns of this sort are typical for newCall of Dutygames as they gear up for release.
Black Ops 6may not be the highest-rated installment in the franchise, but it still offers a solid experience for fans anda great way to get excited forBlack Ops 7.With its somewhat quick campaign that can be completed in roughly 8 hours, refined multiplayer mechanics, and the fan-favorite Zombies mode, it’s a perfect game for Call of Duty fans excited for the next installment.
Players can dive into some Cold War-era chaos and experiment with weapons, perks, andstrategies they will be able to carry over into the next game.It’s also a chance to reconnect with coreBlack Opsthemes and characters. Whether you’re revisiting the game or trying it for the first time,Black Ops 6will sharpen your skills and get you ready for the next chapter in the iconic series.
4Aliens: Fireteam Elite - The Perfect Game For Alien: Earth Fans
This Should Tide You Over Until The Next Episode Of Alien: Earth
This week’s release of the Noah Hawley FX show,Alien: Earth,hasAlienfans eager tosee what’s going to happen next. The two-episode launch earlier this week landed with high praise among critics and fans, despite asmall portion of audiencescriticizing its lack of character development.
If you’re a fan of the new show and the franchise, or if you’re just looking to dive into someAlien-based action, I’d highly recommend checking outAliens: Fireteam Elite. It’s a greatAlien-based multiplayer game thatthrows players into the heart of the chaos, and it wasadded to Game PassalongsideAlien: Earth’s FX premiere on August 12.
Aliens: Fireteam Eliteisa co-op third-person shooter set in the iconicAlienuniverse. Released to mixed reviews in August 2021, it’s still well worth trying out as a sci-fi or horror fan. It takes place in the year 2202, 23 years after the events ofAlien 3and long after the events ofAlien: Earth.
Players assume the role of Colonial Marines deployed aboard the USS Endeavor. Tasked with responding to distress calls across space, the fireteam battles waves of Xenomorphs and other deadly threats. With intense,squad-based gameplay supporting up to three players, it offers an action-packed experience grounded in the series' lore. While it’s not my favoriteAliengame (Alien Isolationtakes that honor), it’s a must-play, underrated game in theAlienfranchise.
3Grounded 2: A Must-Play Recent Addition To Game Pass
Grounded 2 Got A Day-One Release On Game Pass At The End Of July
Grounded 2is nowavailable on Game Pass, added at the end of July as a free Day-One release for Xbox and PC players. A follow-up to the hit survival gameGrounded, the sequel builds on the original’sinventiveHoney, I Shrunk the Kidsconcept,where kids shrink down to insect size and are forced to survive in a dangerous, oversized world.
The first game took place in a backyard, blending exploration, crafting, and combat with a unique perspective and a quirky story. It was well-received for its creativity, charm, and co-op gameplay.Grounded 2expands the world significantly,moving the action into a much larger suburban park.
New mechanics include rideable insects,a broader variety of biomes,and improved tools that make crafting and resource gathering more streamlined. The game retains the core survival elements but introduces fresh features to deepen the experience without losing its small-scale charm.
Grounded 2has already been praised for its polish and new ideas. It’s a compact game, and can be completed in around 14 hours, making it an ideal weekend co-op experience. If you haven’t played the first one, you’re in luck.The originalGroundedis also available on Game Pass,so you can dive into the entire series from the beginning at no extra cost.
2Rain World: A Beautiful 16-Bit-Inspired Platformer
Added To Game Pass In Early August, Rain World Is A Great Puzzle-Platformer
Rain Worldwas added to Game Pass at the beginning of the month, and if you still haven’t had the chance to check it out, this weekend is the perfect time.Rain Worldis acritically acclaimed indie survival platformerthat stands out for its difficulty, hauntingly beautiful world, and “emergent” gameplay.
You play as a vulnerablecreature known as a “slugcat,”thrown into an ecosystem filled with predators, brutal weather cycles, and cryptic remnants of a lost civilization. What setsRain Worldapart is its dynamic AI. Enemies learn, hunt, and react organically, making every encounter unpredictable.
The game’s pixel art is inspired by 16-bit classics, and is paired with anambient, melancholic soundtrackthat deepens the feeling of isolation and wonder. Currently available for free on Xbox Game Pass,Rain Worldis a perfect weekend pick for players seeking a unique challenge or a break from formulaic AAA titles.
Its cult following has been growing steadily, especially with recent interest in games that emphasize player agency, likeHollow KnightandSifu. This weekend, if you’re looking for a hidden gem ora game that “hits you in the feels,“Rain Worldis a perfect choice.
1Sea Of Thieves: 2025 Edition - The Ultimate Pirate Sandbox
Sea Of Thieves' 2025 Upgrade Is Well Worth Checking Out
Sea of Thieves: 2025 Editionis the ultimate pirate sandbox experience, revitalized andexpanded for both new and returning players.With its release on Xbox Game Pass at no extra cost, this weekend is the perfect time to gather a crew and dive into its ever-evolving world.
The 2025 Edition comes fully optimized forXbox Series X and S,as well as modern PCs, featuring enhanced 4K visuals, smoother frame rates, faster load times, and better online stability. These technical improvementsmake the experience more immersive and responsive, whether you’re sailing through calm seas or caught in a chaotic ship battle.
What truly sets this version apart is the depth of content added. New dynamic “Tall Tales"introduce branching storylines,where player choices can alter future adventures. The world feels more alive than ever, with improved enemy AI, multi-phase world events, and massive sea creatures that can change the course of your voyage.
Ship customization has also deepened,as players can now upgrade hulls, rigging, and weapons to suit specific roles within their crew, encouraging more strategic and cooperative gameplay. Season 17’s arrival adds a fresh layer of content, including smuggling mechanics, new cosmetics, and rotating live events that reward exploration and teamwork.
The pirate fantasy has never been more complete, with a constantly evolving sandbox that rewards creativity. And with exclusive content like crossovers, seasonal gear, and celebration events tied to Rare’s 40th anniversary, there’s a lot of incentive to jump in now. You can even claim a special emote as a Game Pass reward for a limited time.
Whether you’re a lone sailor or part of a tightly coordinated crew,Sea of Thieves: 2025 Editiondelivers endless high-seas adventure, and with it being free onXbox Game Pass, there’s no better time than this weekend to hoist the sails and carve out your legend on the open sea.
