Xbox Game Pass July 2024 Lineup Shines with Elden Ring and Stalker 2

July just got a major upgrade for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, as Microsoft has officially announced a powerhouse lineup headlined by FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed *Elden Ring* and the hotly anticipated *STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl*. The additions signal a major win for the subscription service and a bold move as competition among gaming platforms continues to intensify.

Starting July 10, *Elden Ring*, the 2022 Game of the Year, will be available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. The dark fantasy open-world RPG, co-developed by Hidetaka Miyazaki and *Game of Thrones* author George R.R. Martin, took the gaming world by storm with its vast landscapes, punishing combat, and deep lore. Its inclusion marks one of the service’s most significant third-party gets so far in 2024. The move also comes on the heels of a recent DLC release, *Shadow of the Erdtree*, sparking speculation that Bandai Namco aims to double down on engagement.

Also joining the Game Pass lineup later this month is *STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl*, launching day one on the service. The long-delayed survival horror shooter from Ukraine-based GSC Game World has been eagerly anticipated by fans of the cult-classic franchise. Promising a hauntingly atmospheric open world set in the radioactive Exclusion Zone, *STALKER 2* combines immersive storytelling, emergent gameplay, and next-gen visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5. With its arrival on July 23, gamers will finally be able to return to The Zone after over a decade.

Microsoft has also teased smaller indie gems coming in July, including puzzle-platformer *Planet of Lana* and the retro-inspired brawler *Final Vendetta*. The diverse additions reflect Game Pass’s ongoing effort to cater to a wide spectrum of gamers, blending blockbuster experiences with under-the-radar hits.

With *Elden Ring* and *STALKER 2* anchoring a stellar July lineup, Xbox Game Pass continues to solidify its reputation as one of the best values in gaming today — and may just set a new standard for what players can expect from game subscription services.