August is gearing up to be a significant month in the video game industry, showcasing a variety of titles across genres, from indie gems to major AAA releases. Among the most anticipated launches are Game Science’s action-RPG Black Myth: Wukong and Ubisoft’s action-adventure game Star Wars Outlaws. Black Myth: Wukong offers players a unique blend of Soulslike combat set against a backdrop of Chinese mythology, while Star Wars Outlaws invites gamers to step into the shoes of a bounty hunter navigating the expansive galaxy.
In addition to these high-profile titles, August will also bring forth an array of smaller, diverse games. The indie adventure game Thank Goodness You’re Here!, developed by a duo, is set to be released on August 1. Following that, the PS5 and PC exclusive Concord, a first-person online hero shooter, is scheduled for launch on August 23, and Dustborn, a narrative-focused action-adventure game featuring a colorful road trip, will be available on August 20.
This month promises a rich variety of games that will cater to a wide audience of gamers. Below, we explore notable titles releasing this August and highlight must-play games for PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch consoles.
Thank Goodness You’re Here!
When: August 1
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch
Developed by the small team at Coal Supper, Thank Goodness You’re Here! captivates players with its charming, cartoonish art style. This indie comedy adventure sends players into the role of a traveling salesman tasked with fulfilling quirky requests from the inhabitants of Barnsworth, set in Northern England. The game embraces Yorkshire humor, providing a vibrant backdrop for an engaging experience.
As players immerse themselves in the game, they will encounter a diverse range of characters and engage in peculiar quests that lead to a surreal adventure. Thank Goodness You’re Here! will launch on Windows (through both Steam and Epic Games Store), PS4, and PS5 on August 1.
Cat Quest III
When: August 8
Where: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Marking five years after the release of Cat Quest II, the highly-anticipated third installment of the action RPG series arrives this month. Developed by The Gentlebros, Cat Quest III retains the franchise’s signature quirky art style and imaginative storylines while introducing new quality-of-life improvements. The pirate-themed adventure omits HP bars for non-boss enemies and implements a glowing circle to indicate enemy attacks. Weapon and armor balancing has also seen enhancements.
Players will embark on a journey as a charming cat pirate in the Purribean, seeking the legendary treasure known as the Northern Star while battling the nefarious Pi-rats. The game encourages exploration of an open world filled with various islands, treasure hunting, and weapon upgrades. While the core battle mechanics remain straightforward, improved animations elevate the overall combat experience.
Black Myth: Wukong
When: August 20
Where: PC, PS5 (Xbox Series S/X release TBA)
Since its unveiling with a gameplay trailer in 2020, Black Myth: Wukong has been highly anticipated among gamers. This action RPG showcases dynamic Soulslike combat, stunning graphics, and inventive enemy designs that have amplified excitement for its release. Developed by Chinese studio Game Science and inspired by the classic novel Journey to the West, players assume the role of Wukong, the Monkey King, on an epic quest filled with formidable boss battles.
Launching on August 20 for PS5 and PC, Black Myth: Wukong invites players to wield a magical staff and explore a captivating world while taking on challenging foes. An Xbox Series S/X release will follow at a later date.
Dustborn
When: August 20
Where: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
Dustborn is a unique single-player action-adventure title that blends robots, supernatural abilities, and complex character relationships within a road trip narrative. Presented in a graphic novel style, the game offers a story-rich experience with multiple endings.
Players will take on the role of Pax, an Anomal with a word-based superpower tasked with a mission to deliver a package across a divided American Republic. The adventure unfolds as players meet new crew members with special abilities while navigating relationships and completing various tasks.
Pax’s word-based abilities introduce a new gameplay mechanic that requires players to discover specific words to manage their crew effectively. With a combat system that allows for both solo battles and teamwork, much of the game revolves around dialogue choices that affect outcomes. The game also features a 360-degree camera for enhanced exploration.
Concord
When: August 23
Where: PS5, PC
Concord is an upcoming multiplayer hero shooter from Firewalk Studios, known for their connections to the Destiny franchise. The first project developed since the studio’s acquisition by Sony, Concord promises to deliver an action-packed experience in a vast, uncharted universe.
Players step into the roles of starship captains as they navigate through a richly detailed world. Whether engaging in negotiations with alien species, mining asteroids, or battling space pirates, Concord allows players to forge their unique paths through the galaxy.
Engaging in space skirmishes with friends or competing against them, players can customize their starships and dive deep into an immersive storyline. The game features a diverse roster of characters known as Freegunners, each equipped with unique abilities and playstyles that enhance combat dynamics.
Akimbot
When: August 29
Where: PS5, Xbox Series S/X, PC
Akimbot thrusts players into a neon-lit, PS2-inspired cityscape as they take on the role of a rogue AI determined to dismantle a corrupt megacorporation. Players will traverse an expansive open world filled with mysteries and danger while utilizing a range of gadgets and weapons to succeed.
The game’s protagonist, Exe, is a robot with extraordinary platforming and combat skills, accompanied by Shipset, a supportive AI companion. The journey begins aboard a starship as the duo escapes from intergalactic villains, leading to an adventure that unfolds on a lush, tropical beach planet.
Akimbot also features a competitive multiplayer mode for players wanting to showcase their skills and rise through the ranks. With fast-paced action and an array of abilities at the players’ disposal, the game promises an exciting gameplay experience.
Visions of Mana
When: August 29
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
The upcoming action RPG Visions of Mana from Ouka Studio is set to immerse players in the enchanting world of the Mana series, focusing on a young man named Val from the Fire Village of Tiaaneea. Together with a friend, Val embarks on a quest to visit the Tree of Mana.
The game features real-time party-based combat, allowing players to switch characters and utilize special abilities. Character progression and equipment upgrades are key elements, along with exploration in a semi-open-world environment, where players can uncover lore and complete side quests.
Star Wars Outlaws
When: August 30
Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
The highly anticipated Star Wars Outlaws marks the premiere open-world game in the franchise. Players will embody a thief named Kay Vess as she undertakes a high-stakes heist alongside her loyal companion Nix. The game offers multiple planets to traverse while completing demanding missions and engaging in battles against rival rogues.
Gamers seeking to relive the spirit of Han Solo can expect to explore diverse regions, from barren deserts to dense jungles, as they rely on their wits, gadgets, and iconic blasters. Choices made within the game significantly impact the character’s reputation as a rookie scoundrel within the universe and can influence the trajectory of the story.
Additionally, August welcomes the remastered version of Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, originally launched in 2002, available on August 1 across all platforms. Sports enthusiasts can look forward to the release of Madden NFL 25 on August 16 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X. Finally, World of Warcraft: The War Within, marking the tenth expansion for the popular MMORPG, is set to launch on August 26.
