Xbox Game Pass continues to expand its offerings with the addition of the day-one release of Creatures of Ava. Developed by Valencia-based Inverge Studios, this open-world action-adventure game focuses on exploration and creature collection. Players step into the shoes of Vic, a nature adventurer on a mission to save the fauna of the planet Ava from a mysterious infection known as “the withering.” This infection has turned the once-peaceful creatures aggressive, posing a significant challenge for Vic. The game not only involves taming the planet’s fauna but also unravelling Ava’s mysteries and confronting Vic’s own troubled past.

Creatures of Ava’s Day-One Xbox Game Pass Release

Creatures of Ava is available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers starting at 10 am ET on August 7. Players can enjoy this cozy open-world adventure on Xbox Series X/S and PC. Additionally, it offers day-one support for Xbox Cloud Gaming for those subscribed to the Ultimate tier of Microsoft’s service. The game size is approximately 10GB, varying slightly by platform.

Ahead of its release, publisher 11 Bit Studios lifted the review embargo on August 6. The initial reviews are predominantly positive, highlighting the game’s vivid art style, cozy atmosphere, varied gameplay, and poignant environmentalist message. It currently holds a commendable 79 aggregate score on OpenCritic.

Upcoming Xbox Game Pass Additions for August 2024

The inclusion of Creatures of Ava marks the start of the first wave of Xbox Game Pass additions for August 2024. Here’s a list of what’s coming next:

GameDate AddedCloudXbox OneXbox Series X/SPCNotes
🆕 Creatures of AvaAugust 7Day-one release
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane TrilogyAugust 8
Mafia: Definitive EditionAugust 13
Core KeeperAugust 27Day-one (1.0) release
SOPA: Tale of the Stolen PotatoTBADay-one release

Titles Leaving Xbox Game Pass

As new games arrive, some will also be leaving the service. On August 15, four titles, including Shadow Warrior 3 and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, will exit Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft is expected to announce the second wave of August 2024 titles around the same time. There are rumors that this wave might include Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, another nature exploration experience.

Final Thoughts

The arrival of Creatures of Ava on Xbox Game Pass underscores Microsoft’s commitment to offering diverse and high-quality gaming experiences to its subscribers. With more exciting titles lined up for August, Xbox Game Pass continues to be a compelling choice for gamers. Whether you’re into open-world adventures, action-packed trilogies, or immersive RPGs, there’s something for everyone this month.

Also Read: