Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 17 to 21
Xbox announced 14 new games arriving August 17–21 across Xbox platforms and Game Pass, including expansions, remasters, and family-focused titles with varied gameplay styles.
Xbox will release *S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl – The Zone*, a major expansion adding dozens of hours of non-linear storytelling, new characters, and atmospheric exploration within the Zone’s decaying environment. The update introduces fresh narrative threads and choices that reshape the game’s political landscape, offering players deeper engagement with the series’ signature tone. Release timing remains subject to change.
Two classic remasters debut next week: *Doom 64* returns with new modes, unlockables, and achievements, while *Backyard Baseball* launches in Summer 2026 with 11 remastered stadiums, 24 original teams, and six game modes featuring 30 iconic characters. Both titles are optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One via Smart Delivery.
Survival horror fans can try *The Sinking City 2*, a third-person title set in 1920s Arkham where players manage resources, solve puzzles, and navigate tension-filled environments with unlocked shortcuts. *Mortal Shell II* arrives as a standalone sequel emphasizing faster combat, expanded weapon upgrades, and free exploration in a compact open world, with Advanced Access available August 17 via the Devout Edition.
Family-oriented and indie titles round out the lineup, including *Educational Family Games* for local 1–4 player co-op, *Find The Cats 2* with new hidden-object levels, and *Ground Zero Hero*, a post-apocalyptic shooter where players evolve by absorbing mutations from defeated enemies. Pricing and availability details are listed on each game’s profile.