Your backlog (and wallet) may weep when it’s all said and done, but these are the 15 biggest, can’t-miss games of August, starting with one of the earliest launches in…

Beast of Reincarnation

Game Freak’s foray into the triple-A space channels Nier, Clair Obscur, and Sekiro: Shadows Die in stunning fashion. As Emma and Koo explore the world to liberate it from the Blight, players must hunt down and slay the Beast of Reincarnation. Of course, this is more of a road trip than an assassination contract, one rife with danger, discovery of the old world, and more than a few colossal bosses, which helps the real-time-meets-tactical-command combat shine. Call it a dark horse or Game Freak’s most gorgeous work to date, Beast of Reincarnation kicks off the month in style when it launches on August 3rd.

Mortal Shell 2

The concept of embodying the shells of warriors, being ejected after fatal hits, made the original stand out in the crowded Souls-like space. With Mortal Shell 2, out on August 20th, Cold Symmetry is going bigger. A larger world with dozens of dungeons; more enemy types, bordering on body horror; tougher bosses that push you to the limit; and of course, more Shells. Don’t worry about not having played the first game – this is a self-contained story that promises a much beefier action RPG experience.

REKA

Between Palworld, Valheim and Enshrouded all leaving early access this year, one might be inclined to ignore REKA. In early access since September 2024, it also has its 1.0 release on August 18th. What sets it apart from the competition is its premise: you control an apprentice to Baba Jaga who seeks to become a self-made witch. Base-building, quests, and survival are definitely on the menu, but the vibes are immaculate, even as you ponder some morally questionable decisions.

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls

4v4 fighting action with Marvel’s biggest superheroes (and supervillains), duking it out for the right to save Earth against the Champion. Between the Avengers, X-Men, the one Guardian of the Galaxy, Spider-Man, and more, players are spoilt for choice, especially since each fighter has Unique properties and Assists. Even if you’re not interested in online play – robust rollback netcode aside – Episode Mode should keep you busy with over 10 hours of gameplay. With 2026 being so robust for fighters, it’s time for Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls to make its mark when it debuts on August 6th for PS5 and PC.

Duskfade

Sora from Kingdom Hearts, is that you? Don’t let the Keyblade handle fool you, though – Duskfade is more of an action platformer where Zirian ventures to save his sister from the Master Clockmakers. Between exploring fantastical forests, deserts, islands and whatnot, he has his work cut out for him. Maybe the combination of grappling, wall-hanging, dashing, and more will fill the void left by Ratchet and Clank or Jak and Daxter. It’s out on August 13th.

Mafia: The Old Country – Man of Honor

The base game’s ending may have slightly soured those expecting a broader connection to the series, but Man of Honor seeks to fix that. Debuting on August 14th, it features two new chapters wherein Enzo works with none other than Ennio Salieri, who would appear in Mafia 1. New weapons, Charms, missions and vehicles are just the start, as you can also take on tougher challenges, new jobs and more in Free Ride mode.

The Sinking City 2

Lovecraftian horror by way of modern Resident Evil/Silent Hill, Frogwares’ sequel takes us to 1920s Arkham for its best-looking – and perhaps most action-packed title yet. As Calvin Rafferty, you venture to find a solution for a ritual gone wrong, discovering body horror and cosmic apparitions in quick succession. With optional investigations, choosing your road to madness has never been more streamlined. The Sinking City 2 is out on August 18th.

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam

Expression Games’ model of all-out, brutal warfare on a massive scale has found a new place – Vietnam. And while the environment brings unique mechanics depending on the side, whether it’s tunnelling and rivers or helicopters for fire support, you can still expect massive battles with up to 100 players across 17 different roles. After suffering a delay, it’s now launching on August 13th.

Agent 64: Spies Never Die

GoldenEye 007, is that really you? You could be forgiven for thinking so because the aesthetic of Agent 64: Spies Never Die is a dead ringer for Rare’s classic. As John Walter, spy extraordinaire, you’re on a globe-trotting mission to defeat bad guy Dominic Pulp. Between objectives like rescuing hostages, hacking and whatnot, alongside split-screen and online co-op, with three difficulty levels, there’s plenty to keep even the most ardent fan occupied when it launches on August 11th.

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2

The legend finally returns. As much as Konami has redeemed itself with Vol. 1, improving on the visuals and customization options, all we’ve ever really wanted is to play Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots on other platforms. Lo and behold, Master Collection Vol. 2 offers just that with 4K/60 FPS support, and even features the equally compelling Peace Walker, complete with new High-Resolution Cutscenes. With Metal Gear Online, Flashback for recalling related events, and a new Threat Ring for detecting hostiles, this could be the most definitive version of both games yet. It’s out on August 27th.

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy

Before the shattered innocence, before the rats, before La Cuna, there was the mysterious Minotaur Island. Instead of skulking about, however, you play as Sophia, 15 years before Requiem’s events, and seeking to discover what lies hidden. But you’re not just slicing fools who seek their own share of the treasure – you’ll also travel to the past and embody Theseus in Minoan times. What is the connection between him and Sophia, and how is the Minotaur connected to the Macula? We’ll find out on August 27th when Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy launches.

Star Wars Zero Company

XCOM-style gameplay courtesy of the contemporary game’s art director, set during The Clone Wars with the vibe of Andor – what more could you possibly want from Star Wars Zero Company? Permadeath and character customisation are only just the beginning, as BitReactor wants you to actually feel the turmoil between your squadmates while synergizing their skills (which includes a Jedi and Mandalorian). Out on August 27th for $50, turn-based tactics fans can’t go wrong.

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition

Originally meant to launch last year until the performance gave many pause, Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is finally out on August 28th for the Nintendo Switch 2. It couples the base game, critically acclaimed, with the expansion, also critically acclaimed and posing some of the toughest Souls-like challenges yet, but that’s not all. You also get new content like Torrent skins, weapons, two additional starter classes, and four armor sets – all for the price of GTA 6. Except if you’re on other platforms, though, since all that new content costs $5.

EA Sports Madden NFL 27

Death, taxes, and a new Madden game (and FC, and NHL, and so on) – like clockwork, year in and year out. Nevertheless, Madden NFL 27 brings the customary changes to Franchise Mode that promise even more emergent gameplay in the week-to-week play. New gameplay mechanics, pre-play settings, and presentation elements – including camera shots of mascots on ziplines, of all things – may make it worth checking out on August 13th. Maybe.

Once Human (PS5, Xbox Series X/S)

Over two years out from launch, Starry Studio’s title doesn’t command as many players as it once did, but it’s still a supernatural looter shooter with an incredible vibe. And it’s finally coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, complete with a new first-person mode. That’s right – you can now shoot, slash, mine, and more through your character’s eyes. Add to that all the quality-of-life changes and content, and it could be your next survival crafting obsession (between all the others, of course).