Exciting news – Indie Selects is bringing you a monster new Demo Fest next week. From September 9-30, players on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One can dive into more than 40 demos, including upcoming titles and games with new content.  

Whether you’re eager to try something new or get a sneak peek at games coming in future, this demo event is one you won’t want to miss!

Here are a few things to keep in mind:  

• While some may return to the Demo channel later, most of these demos will only be available to play this month, so don’t delay – if you see something you like the sound of, try it now! 

• These game demos differ from the usual ones in our Demo channel, as they’re shared before the games are finished and may not reflect the final product. Think of them more like “showfloor demos,” giving you early access and a chance to provide feedback. Expect these games to develop and improve before release.   

• Speaking of feedback – please share your thoughts with the developers via social media, or their websites! You could help shape the future of these games. 

We’ll announce the full list of demos on September 9, but here are some games you can expect to see:  

Echo Weaver – Moonlight Kids/Akupara Games

Can you master time itself? Echo Weaver is a “metroidBRAINia” where time is your best resource and secrets are your only upgrades. You’re the last of the Weavers, a remnant of a ruined society trapped in a glitching time loop. The Congregation set out to explore the stars and find paradise. What they found instead has led their utopian project to ash and cinders – can you break the loop? 

Mina The Hollower – Yacht Club Games   

Descend into a frightful world of action-adventure in Mina the Hollower. Take control of Mina, a renowned Hollower hurled into a desperate mission to rescue a cursed island. Burrow beneath hazards and monsters, whip foes into oblivion, and gear up with an arsenal of sidearms and trinkets.  

Explore a vast world filled with pixel-perfect graphics, masterful gameplay, beastly bosses, and infectious music. Encounter a cast of bizarre characters, search out secrets in an array of exotic locales, and illuminate the omnipresent darkness in Mina the Hollower, a brand-new game from the developers who brought you Shovel Knight! 

The Jackbox Party Pack 11 – Jackbox Games 

The Party Pack is back! The Jackbox Party Pack 11 catapults you and your crew into the best timeline of party game pandemonium. Whether you’re a trivia titan, a joke mastermind, or the resident undercover detective of your friend group, there’s something for everyone in this pack. No extra controllers needed – players simply join the game and play using phones, tablets or computers!  

Five brand-new games will change the way you party this holiday season and beyond. Play two of these games in our demo: 

• Doominate (Writing): Take a perfectly lovely situation and destroy it in this head-to-head joke game where it feels so good to be so bad. Doominate supports 3-8 players. 
• Hear Say (Sound Effects): Record sound effects and dialogue directly from your phone in a foley-inspired game where laughter is the soundtrack. Then, watch your voices come to life in a series of short movie clips! Hear Say supports 2-8 players. 

Yooka-Replaylee – Playtonic Games/PM Studios

Yooka-Replaylee is the definitive remade and enhanced version of the 3D indie platforming collectathon darling, Yooka-Laylee, developed by key creative talent behind the Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country games.  

New, remixed challenges and old favorites await as you embark to explore the huge, beautiful open worlds as the lovable buddy-duo Yooka (the green one) and Laylee (the purple one) once more, all while backed by a beautiful orchestral soundtrack. Did we mention there is a map now? A shiny new currency? And tons of customization options? It’s never moved, looked, or sounded better! 

And there’s so much more in store. The ID@Xbox Indie Selects Demo Fest will offer a wide variety of games to discover and enjoy. When you get the chance to check them out, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Discord, Twitch, Bluesky and YouTube. Stay tuned to Xbox Wire to learn more about what Team Xbox has planned!  

Anybody got their ears on?

It’s September 3, and Star Trucker has been out for one year!

It’s been a mighty long road to this point, and we’re so happy to share this moment with all our fellow truckers. We thought that it might be a good time to go back through some of the bigger updates that we’ve released for Star Trucker. If it’s been a bit of time since you go out into the galaxy – now might is a great time to come back!

Additional Customization

Since September 3^rd 2024, a whole range of new options to customize your rig with have been released. From new hood ornaments, to changing the color of the metal on your chassis, to custom license plates. See the galaxy in style and make your truck your own!

Free Play Mode

For all those who want to haul instead of holla, the Free Play Mode has made that possible! This mode starts the game with the entire galaxy unlocked and all truck features enabled. Furthermore, convoy side jobs have been disabled so you can cruise in peace.

Mid-Session Difficulty, Rebalancing and Job Adjustments

Cash was a bit slow to flow when our Truckers first got out on the open galaxy – but with a couple tweaks we’ve made sure that you’re getting your trucking career off to the right start. Still finding it a bit too hard? You can now adjust the difficulty mid-session to truck a little easier.

Sleeping and Parking Tickets

Camp out in your cab for the night! But be careful where you decide to pull over because we’ve also added in the ability to get ticketed. Sleep for too long in a restricted area and end up paying a fine – so be careful out there!

New! Speed Traps

Brand new to Star Trucker, and due to the utter disregard of highway safety, the DIV has no choice but to install speed checks across key zones and sectors. Speeders beware – if you thought that those sleeping tickets were rough, just wait until you see the speeding tickets!

More to Come

We shared a road map back in July to showcase what we’ve got planned for the rest of the year, and while this is a smaller update – you have a lot more to look forward to in a couple months including:

• Exciting new business ventures.
• New jobs and interior customization .
• A possible brand-new DLC – stay tuned!

Until then, we hope you’ve enjoyed your first year with Star Trucker as much as we.

Over and out!

Star Trucker

Raw Fury

☆☆☆☆☆
298

★★★★★

$24.99

$19.99

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Hop into the driver’s seat of your rocket-powered big rig as you haul cargo, scavenge for salvage and interact with an eclectic cast of star-hopping truckers in this Americana-infused journey on the ultimate open road – space!

HAUL AND HOLLER

Cruise the hyper highways, taking on a variety of jobs such as fuel hungry long hauls and hazardous drop-offs to earn cash and unlock new content.

And don’t forget to monitor the CB radio for chatter from fellow truckers; it’s a fantastic way to uncover side gigs and stay updated on galactic gossip.

MANAGE AND MAINTAIN

Keeping your rig runnin’ isn’t always easy. You’ll need to keep your core systems online, gravity compensator spinnin’ and hull patched to prevent your cab from leaking lung juice.

Be sure to make pre-trip shop stops for replacement parts, and consider upgrading your truck at a local garage. These improvements are vital for safely navigating volatile sectors and ensuring timely deliveries.

HYPERJUMP!

Use the galactic map to plan your journey and warp jumps, while keeping an eye on your fuel reserves and power levels.

Once your route is set, kick back, crank up the cab hi-fi and cruise to a selection of original songs covering starburst blues, galactic rock and asteroid infused americana. The open road is waiting!

MADE BY MONSTERS
Star Trucker is the passion project of a small team: Monster and Monster. A two-person indie studio with a love for all things sci-fi and sim.

With the help of some talented friends they’ve developed an out of this world experience filled with emergent challenges and complex systems to master. So buckle up and join them for the long haul!

An ingenious new Operator is lighting up Rainbow Six Siege with laser tripwires that you can design and deploy on the fly, creating brazen barriers or sneaky snares that damage and slow any Attackers who happen to get zapped. The new Defender’s name is Denari and he arrived today with the launch Operation High Stakes on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. This new season also delivers modernized versions of the Consulate, Lair, and Nighthaven Labs maps, adding more-immersive lighting and strategically destructible items like gas pipes and fire extinguishers. Operator balancing changes, R6 Shieldguard improvements to game security, and evolving content for the 6v6 Dual Front mode are just some of the other impactful updates in Operation High Stakes.

But only one of those updates can cause you laser problems. To help you prepare to face this new threat or to inspire you to diversify your devious designs, we’ve put together a starter guide of different approaches to making the most of Denari, Rainbow Six Siege’s clever and creative new Operator.

Concentrate Lasers for Maximum Threat

Denari gives you the power to turn any room into an EDM rave-worthy laser display. Attackers that touch any laser will take damage and suffer a temporary slowing effect, and this happens for every laser they touch, so a laser danger room with multiple potential points of contact is a deadly proposition indeed. Your opponents will need to deal with this threat, and herein lies one of Denari’s superpowers: making Attackers waste time. The more time they spend on dismantling your perilous party room, the less time they have to complete their objective.

Denari’s lasers are also a visual distraction: A handy side-effect of a room full of highly visible lasers is that they really grab the eye. And if an Attacker is even slightly distracted by danger beams, that’s an advantage for Denari’s Defender allies. Position yourself in such a way that a laser breaks up your silhouette and they’ll never see you coming.

Place Connectors in Easily Overlooked Spots

Denari likes his foes to know they’re on his turf, and the lasers created by his T.R.I.P. Connectors are easy to spot. Still, he can take a cue from fellow Defender Kapkan’s laser-triggered Entry Denial Devices and try to catch aggressive Attackers unawares. Denari’s lasers can be placed lower than Kapkan’s traps, so try a floor-level laser connection across a doorway. Make sure to position the Connectors wider than the doorframe itself so that Attackers can’t get an angle to shoot them. Connectors can be shot and destroyed easily, so keeping them out of your enemies’ line of sight is a must.

Don’t put Connectors too close to existing lasers: Denari’s lasers can destroy gadgets like drones, grenades, and his own Connectors that you place too close to them. Though it is tempting to stack lasers to maximize the damage your enemies take, you must be careful to not overlap them lest you lose a precious Connector. A tight little criss-cross of lasers can pack a mean punch, but is also more visible, so consider hiding it behind one of Denari’s deployable shields to give vaulting Attackers a nasty surprise. This tactic is a classic for a reason.

Beware the Single Point of Failure

Denari has a whole bunch of T.R.I.P. Connectors and each one is capable of connecting to as many other Connectors as it has line of sight to. As tempting as it can be to create a dazzling pinwheel of laser connections all emanating from a single Connector, all it takes is one shot to remove the majority of the threat. Consider a more durable example: four Connectors placed in a square shape will form lasers not just around the four sides, but crossing diagonally through the middle as well. When one of the Connectors gets taken out, the other three still form a triangular shape that is more than capable of obstructing an offensive push. Keep this in mind when attempting to criss-cross a key hallway or objective site entry: grids with redundancy built in can last longer, costing the Attackers precious time.

The Glaive-12 shotgun is great for making safer connections: Verticality is a great way to get even more redundancy built into your grid, and Denari has just the thing to help make it happen. His Glaive-12 shotgun sidearm – a new addition to Rainbow Six Siege – shoots destructive and deadly slugs that are perfect for punching holes in soft ceilings. Aim at an angle and try to destroy just the ceiling material and not the floor above, then throw a T.R.I.P. Connector into the gap between the metal beams to get both vertical connections and sightline protection.

Explore Gadget Synergies with Teammates Like Azami

The Operators of Rainbow Six Siege always shine brighter when they work together, and the dazzling duo of Denari and Azami is the perfect combo of creativity. Azami is able to deploy her Kiba Barriers to create new cover positions, patch over doorways or breach holes, and reshape the geometry of a room to her team’s advantage. Denari can use these barriers to hide his Connector placement, making his grids harder to destroy. Azami, in turn, can create new surfaces for Connectors to deploy on, opening up new potential laser angles. While Attackers attempt to dismantle these defenses, Denari can use his three-speed mobility to get somewhere the Attackers don’t expect him to be and use his Scorpion EVO 3 SMG or FMG-9 SMG to take them out.

Use the preview lasers to intentionally obstruct Connectors for a late-round surprise: When deploying a Connector, Denari can see a solid line where a laser connection will be made and a blinking line where a laser connection is currently obstructed. This allows him not only to troubleshoot the grid he wants to make (perhaps by blasting impediments with his Glaive-12 shotgun), but also to plan where a grid could be built if only a certain obstruction was removed. One judiciously placed Connector blocked by a Kiba Barrier could be ready to make several laser connections as soon as the barrier is broken. Wait for your opponents to push into the area, shoot the Kiba Barrier yourself, and watch the laser-fueled chaos erupt.

How Do I Counter Denari?

In addition to destroying Denari’s T.R.I.P. Connectors with bullets, explosives, and melee, Attackers can use Impact EMP grenades (or Thatcher’s EMP for a larger radius) to temporarily disable the devices. IQ and her electronics detector can help you pinpoint connector positions, and when it comes to destroying the connectors from a safe distance, the drones of Twitch and Brava – as well as Zero’s Argus Camera – are excellent options.  

Denari can counter Attacker gadgets: Denari’s gadget options include the deployable shield and the observation blocker, both helpful for blocking physical line-of-sight and drone/camera line-of-sight to his connectors, respectively. But when teamed up with Mute and his Signal Jammers, Denari has even more protection from drones, while Jäger and Wamai can snatch grenades of all varieties out of the air before they have a chance to cause trouble.

Denari has entered the fray, so watch out for lasers when you fire up Operation High Stakes today. You can download and play Rainbow Six Siege in free access for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, or play the Ultimate Edition with a Ubisoft+ subscription and instantly unlock more benefits, including 52 additional Operators. Denari can be unlocked today as part of the Operation High Stakes Battle Pass, or in two weeks’ time with Renown or R6 Credits.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege X – Ultimate Edition

Ubisoft

☆☆☆☆☆
2007

★★★★★

$39.99

$31.99

Get it now

The Ultimate Edition includes:
– Access to Quick Match, Unranked and Dual Front game modes with a selection of operators
– Access to Ranked playlists and Siege Cup
– Instant unlock of 52 additional operators
– The Disruptor Pack, containing cosmetic bundles for four operators: Nøkk, Warden, Frost, and Maverick

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege X is an elite, tactical team-based shooter where superior planning and execution triumph.

Siege X marks the biggest evolution in its history and deepens the game’s tactical core.

HIGH STAKES 5v5 ATTACK VS. DEFENSE
Alternate between attack and defense, adapting your approach to operators and maps. Feel the thrill and intensity of the action as you leverage next-level destruction and gadgetry to outsmart your opponents in every round.

– On defense, transform your surroundings into fortified strongholds. Use surveillance tools to track enemies and adapt to their tactics.

– On attack, gather intel on enemy positions and the bomb site with your drones. Coordinate with your team to breach defenses and strike from unexpected angles.

TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION
Destruction is more than chaos; it is a key tool for your success. Use the environment to your advantage – turn walls into windows of opportunity.

DUAL FRONT: DYNAMIC TACTICAL 6v6 WARFARE
Engage in intense 6v6 battles, where attackers and defenders fight side by side and push to capture enemy sectors while defending their own.
Select an operator among attackers and defenders, fighting side by side and unlocking new tactical possibilities. Respawn and enter the Neutral Sector for high-risk, high-reward assignments that can turn the tide instantly.

FROM RECRUIT TO ELITE
A solid onboarding journey for new players, including a new clearance level path that helps you learn the basics progressively and build the skills and confidence you need before jumping into tactical action.

This game leverages Smart Delivery allowing access to both the Xbox One title and the Xbox Series X|S title.

Internet connection, Ubisoft account, Microsoft Account and Game Pass Ultimate or Core (subscriptions sold separately) required to access online multiplayer/features.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege X – Elite Edition

Ubisoft

☆☆☆☆☆
2211

★★★★★

$19.99

$14.99

Get it now

Xbox Game Pass

The Elite Edition includes:
– Access to Quick Match, Unranked and Dual Front game modes with a selection of operators
– Access to Ranked playlists and Siege Cup
– Instant unlock of 16 additional operators

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege X is the undisputed reference in tactical team shooters, where elite strategy and execution triumph.

Siege X marks the biggest evolution in its history, and deepens the game’s tactical core.

HIGH STAKES 5v5 ATTACK VS. DEFENSE
Alternate between attack and defense, adapting your approach to operators and maps. Feel the thrill and intensity of the action as you leverage next-level destruction and gadgetry to outsmart your opponents in every round.

– On defense, transform your surroundings into fortified strongholds. Use surveillance tools to track enemies and adapt to their tactics.

– On attack, gather intel on enemy positions and the bomb site with your drones. Coordinate with your team to breach defenses and strike from unexpected angles.

TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION
Destruction is more than chaos; it is a key tool for your success. Use the environment to your advantage – turn walls into windows of opportunity.

DUAL FRONT: DYNAMIC TACTICAL 6v6 WARFARE
Engage in intense 6v6 battles, where attackers and defenders fight side by side and push to capture enemy sectors while defending their own.

Select an operator among attackers and defenders, fighting side by side and unlocking new tactical possibilities. Respawn and enter the Neutral Sector for high-risk, high-reward assignments that can turn the tide instantly.

FROM RECRUIT TO ELITE
A solid onboarding journey for new players, including a new clearance level path that helps you learn the basics progressively and build the skills and confidence you need before jumping into tactical action.

Dual Front mode is not supported on Xbox One.

This game leverages Smart Delivery allowing access to both the Xbox One title and the Xbox Series X|S title.

Internet connection, Ubisoft account, Microsoft Account and Game Pass Ultimate or Core (subscriptions sold separately) required to access online multiplayer/features.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege X – Free Access

Ubisoft

☆☆☆☆☆
2240

★★★★★

Get it now

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege X is an elite, tactical team-based shooter where superior planning and execution triumph.

Enjoy free access to Quick Match, Unranked and Dual Front game modes with a selection of operators.
Certain features like Ranked playlists, Siege Cup, additional operators, and cosmetics, require payment to unlock.

Siege X marks the biggest evolution in its history, that deepen the game’s tactical core.

HIGH STAKES 5v5 ATTACK VS. DEFENSE
Alternate between attack and defense, adapting your approach to operators and maps. Feel the thrill and intensity of the action as you leverage next-level destruction and gadgetry to outsmart your opponents in every round.
On defense, transform your surroundings into fortified strongholds. Use surveillance tools to track enemies and adapt to their tactics.
On attack, gather intel on enemy positions and the bomb site with your drones. Coordinate with your team to breach defenses and strike from unexpected angles.

TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION
Destruction is more than chaos, it is a key tool for your success. Use the environment to your advantage — turn walls into windows of opportunity.

DUAL FRONT: DYNAMIC TACTICAL 6v6 WARFARE
Engage in intense 6v6 battles, where attackers and defenders fighting side by side push to capture enemy sectors while defending their own.

FROM RECRUIT TO ELITE
A solid onboarding journey for new players, including a new clearance level path, helping you learn progressively the basics and build the skills and confidence before jumping into tactical action.

Dual Front mode is not supported on Xbox One.
This game leverages Smart Delivery allowing access to both the Xbox One title and the Xbox Series X|S title.

This game leverages Smart Delivery allowing access to both the Xbox One title and the Xbox Series X|S title.

Internet connection, Ubisoft account, Microsoft Account and Game Pass Ultimate or Core (subscriptions sold separately) required to access online multiplayer/features.

You’ve been asking “when?” and I am so excited to tell you exactly when a certain group of games are coming to Game Pass (looking at you, Hollow Knight: Silksong!). We have games, Perks, updates, and more – let’s get to the details.

Available Today

I Am Your Beast (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

I Am Your Beast is a shortform covert revenge thriller FPS about getting hunted across the North American wilderness by the military-industrial complex — and turning the tables. Break your opponents. Use their own equipment against them. Duck into your tunnel network before enemy forces zero in on your location. Repeat.

Coming Soon

Nine Sols (Xbox Series X|S) – September 3
Now with Game Pass Standard

Nine Sols is a lore-rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer with Sekiro-inspired, deflection-based combat. Embark on a journey through an Asia-inspired fantasy world, explore a land once ruled by an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero on a quest to slay the 9 Sols – the powerful rulers of this forsaken realm.

Hollow Knight: Silksong (Cloud, Console, and PC) – September 4
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with Game Pass: Ascend to the peak of a vast, haunted kingdom in Hollow Knight: Silksong! The sequel to the award-winning action-adventure, Hollow Knight. Explore, fight and survive as Hornet, princess-protector of Hallownest, as she discovers a land ruled by silk and song.

Cataclismo (PC) – September 4
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Design and build fortresses brick by brick to stand against endless hordes of Horrors in this real-time strategy game with resource management, siege defense, and exploration. Lead from the ramparts, push back the darkness, and hold fast against the creatures of the Mist.

PAW Patrol World (Cloud, Console, and PC) – September 10
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

Returning to the Game Pass library, explore the world of the “PAW Patrol” cartoon like never before, in a 3D action adventure where anything is PAWsible. Play as your favorite pups, drive their vehicles, and save the day by taking on fun rescues and missions either in single-player or with your family in couch co-op. It’s the ultimate PAW Patrol playtime!

RoadCraft (Cloud and Xbox Series X|S) – September 16
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Standard

In the wake of natural disasters, RoadCraft calls on you to rebuild what’s broken. Operate a fleet of over 40 authentic construction vehicles to clear debris, repair roads and bridges, and restore essential infrastructure. Tackle realistic challenges solo or in cooperative play across expansive, physics-driven environments shaped by destruction and recovery.

DLC / Game Updates

Overwatch 2 Season 18: Stadium Quick Play – Available now 
Season 18: Stadium Quick Play reshapes the current as you master the rhythm of new aquatic Support Hero Wuyang, dive into Quick Play or Competitive Stadium with Winston, Brigitte, Pharah, and (later this season) Tracer plus the new Payload Race mode, and climb the ranks now that our full-system PvP refresh has reset the playing field. Whether you’re drafting Stadium comps, experimenting with over 50 new Perks, or flexing your skills in third-person Lúcio Ball, it’s time to make a splash. 

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants – September 4
An all-new  chapter that takes Indiana Jones to the ancient streets of Rome where forgotten catacombs twist into something far more sinister. Indy must outwit a dangerous cult and decipher intricate puzzles designed by emperors to uncover the dark legacy of the Nephilim giants. Game Pass members can save 10% on the Digital Premium Upgrade to get access on day one or purchase the DLC separately on September 4 (base game required).

EA Sports NHL 26: EA Play Early Access Trial – September 5
Tell the world to Check My Game with the EA Play early access trial on Xbox Series X|S. Game Pass Ultimate members can take to the ice for up to 10 hours in EA Sports NHL 26. If you decide to buy, your progress carries over to the full game, so you can get ready for the next match. 

In-Game Benefits

Asphalt Legends Unite: Monthly Gift Bundle (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Available now
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Speed into action with the Jaguar C-X75, 10 Card Packs, and 500,000 credits to upgrade, enhance, and dominate the track!

The Finals: Welcome Pack (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – September 11
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

The Season 8 Welcome Pack includes 500 Multibucks, a 25% Bonus XP boost, and the “Scale of Heaven” set featuring weapon skin, an emote, a gun charm, and an outfit.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

Skate 3: The Unlock Bundle – September 2
Upgrade your skate. 3 experience with The Unlock Bundle and EA Play. You’ll get Danny’s Hawaiian Dream, the San Van Party Pack, and the Time is Money Pack.

Leaving September 15

The following games will be leaving the Game Pass library soon, so there’s no better time to jump back in! Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% off your purchase to keep them in your library.

• All You Need is Help (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Wargroove 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• We Love Katamari Reroll+ Royal Reverie (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Don’t forget that we’re continuing to add more games over time to the stream your own game collection for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members. Keep an eye on Xbox.com/Play for the current list of available cloud playable games to stream on supported devices.

Stay tuned here and on social at Xbox, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass as the announcements come. Talk soon!