Xbox Game Pass Skips Upcoming Strategy Game Sequel

SteamWorld Heist 2 Officially Skips Xbox Game Pass Launch

Contrary to earlier marketing materials, SteamWorld Heist 2 will not be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch. This was confirmed by the game's PR team, Fortyseven, who stated the Game Pass logo's inclusion in initial promotional materials was an unintentional oversight. All previous social media posts advertising a Game Pass release have since been removed.

The turn-based tactics sequel, a follow-up to the popular 2015 title, maintains its August 8th release date across PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The unique 2D tactical shooting gameplay remains a key feature.

This isn't the first time a game's Game Pass appearance has been mistakenly advertised. A similar incident recently occurred with Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance, where a promotional image incorrectly included the Game Pass logo.

While disappointing for Game Pass subscribers anticipating SteamWorld Heist 2, Xbox Game Pass still offers other titles from the SteamWorld franchise, including the recently added SteamWorld Dig and SteamWorld Dig 2, along with last year's day-one release, SteamWorld Build.

July's Xbox Game Pass lineup remains strong, featuring six confirmed day-one releases: Flock and Magical Delicacy (July 16th), Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn and Dungeons of Hinterberg (July 18th), Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (July 19th), and Frostpunk 2 (July 25th). Although these games differ in genre from SteamWorld Heist 2, they offer a diverse range of options for players throughout the month.