Ethan Crossfield 
Xbox’s latest Free Play Days promotion runs from August 13 through August 16, with three games available to Game Pass subscribers. The main attraction is the Gears of War: E-Day beta, which gives players an early opportunity to try its multiplayer and Horde content. Sunderfolk and Asdivine Cross round out the lineup, although access is not completely free: an active Game Pass subscription of any tier is required for every title.
What changed for this Free Play Days lineup
The promotion is smaller than Xbox’s usual five-game selection, but it includes a major upcoming exclusive. Gears of War: E-Day is a prequel focused on Marcus and Dom, and its beta provides access to online modes rather than the campaign. Players can join through the Xbox Store by opening the subscriptions tab and scrolling to the Free Play Days section. The beta remains available slightly longer than the other entries, ending on August 17 at 10 AM PT.
Who should use their Game Pass access
Gears fans should start with E-Day, particularly if they enjoy cover-based multiplayer or the series’ Horde format. Sunderfolk is aimed at groups, using a companion mobile app as a character sheet, guide, and controller for a digital tabletop-style experience. It supports couch co-op and is built around shared play. Asdivine Cross offers a very different option: a retro, turn-based JRPG about the outlaw Harvey and a supposed princess. Its main story takes roughly 15 hours, with additional side content available.
What happens after the trial period
Sunderfolk remains listed at its $49.99 base price, so interested players should decide whether the group-focused format suits them before buying. Asdivine Cross is discounted from $14.99 to $7.49 during the promotion, making it the cheapest permanent purchase among the featured games. Gears of War: E-Day is scheduled for release on October 6, 2026, but the campaign will not be part of this beta. A broader campaign look is expected at Gamescom.
What players should know
- All three August 13 Free Play Days entries require a Game Pass subscription of any tier.
- The promotion runs from August 13 to August 16, while the Gears of War: E-Day beta lasts until August 17 at 10 AM PT.
- The E-Day beta includes multiplayer and Horde content, not the campaign.
- Asdivine Cross is discounted to $7.49 from $14.99 for players who want to keep it.
- Sunderfolk uses a mobile app as a controller and companion guide for couch co-op.
Expert View
This is a targeted rather than generous Free Play Days selection. The E-Day beta gives Game Pass subscribers the clearest reason to participate, while Sunderfolk is worth considering for local groups and Asdivine Cross provides a low-cost JRPG purchase afterward. Players without Game Pass should not expect a genuinely free trial, since the subscription requirement applies across the entire lineup.
