Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to claim Darkwood and When The Past Was Around in July 2023 as part of the Games with Gold Line-up. As many know, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate combines the massive catalog of Game Pass with the benefits of Xbox Live, GwG included, and various perks too. For example, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate perks have included DLC content for Hi-Fi Rush, benefits for Walmart Shoppers, and subscriptions to things like Peacock in the past.
Because of the massive quality packed into Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, fans are able to claim more than just games, but games are always going to be its key identifier. Survival horror game Darkwood will be available from July 1 to July 31, while When the Past Was Around will be available from July 16 to August 15.
Darkwood is a survival horror game where a key defining feature is its day-night cycle. During the day, players can explore the world of Darkwood to find weapons and materials, but players must hole up, hide, and defend themselves at night using whatever they've found to hide from or fight off the creatures of Darkwood. On the opposite end of the spectrum is When The Past Was Around, a point-and-click adventure game that tells a story of love and loss between two characters, Eda and Owl.
Xbox Games with Gold List for July 2023
- Darkwood: Available July 1 to 31
- When the Past was Around: Available July 16 to August 15
Of course, until July 1 and July 16 roll around, there are currently two other games to claim on Xbox Games with Gold. Adios is available until June 30, meaning anyone interested will need to act quickly, while The Vale: Shadow of the Crown will be available until July 15 (when it'll be replaced by When The Past Was Around). Adios is about a Kansas pig farmer trying to cut ties with the mob, while The Vale is an audio-based action-adventure game where an enemy's breath, two weapons clashing, and more are highly detailed to immerse players in the genuine moment, as genuine as it can be anyway.
Overall, the sheer amount of content, perks, and benefits made available by Xbox Game Pass prove why it is often considered to be the best, most consumer-friendly service in the industry. While there may be some drawbacks and detractors, it's hard to deny its overall popularity.