Xbox Game Pass June 2026 Wave 1: Persona 5 Royal Returns + 8 New Games

Xbox Game Pass just dropped its first wave of June 2026 games, and the headline act is one of the greatest JRPGs ever made. Persona 5 Royal is back on Game Pass, more than two years after it was removed from the service. If you missed it the first time, this is your second chance.

Here's everything you need to know about the Wave 1 lineup, what's leaving, and whether it's worth subscribing or buying a cheap CD key instead.

What Is Xbox Game Pass June 2026 Wave 1?

Microsoft typically releases Xbox Game Pass games in two batches each month — an early wave (Wave 1) and a late wave (Wave 2). The first batch for June 2026 was confirmed on June 3, 2026, ahead of the Xbox Games Showcase at Summer Game Fest.

This wave includes 9 titles across a range of genres from cozy life sims and indie platformers to a legendary turn-based RPG.

Full List: All Games in Xbox Game Pass June 2026 Wave 1

Here's the complete schedule of games joining Game Pass in the first half of June 2026:

Game - Date Available - Platforms - Game Pass Tier

Herdling - June 4 - Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC - Premium, Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Total Chaos - June 4 - Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC - Premium, Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Solarpunk - June 8 - Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC - Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Undisputed - June 8 - Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC - Premium, Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Persona 5 Royal - June 9 - Cloud, Console, PC - Premium, Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Beastro - June 11 - Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC - Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Frog Sqwad - June 11 - Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC - Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions (Game Preview) - June 11 - Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC - Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Junkster - June 16 - Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC - Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Persona 5 Royal: The Star of June 2026

Persona 5 Royal is undisputably the biggest game in this lineup. It's a turn-based JRPG developed by Atlus where you play as a high school student who leads a secret group called the Phantom Thieves, stealing corrupt adults' hearts through supernatural dungeons called Palaces.

Why is this a big deal? Persona 5 Royal was previously available on Xbox Game Pass but was removed on October 31, 2023. It's now returning ahead of the highly anticipated Persona 4 Revival, which is also expected to land on Game Pass later in 2026.

Key facts about Persona 5 Royal

• Genre: Turn-based JRPG / Social Simulation

• Developer: Atlus

• Playtime: 80–130+ hours

• Platforms: Cloud, Console (Xbox Series X|S), PC

• Available via Game Pass: June 9, 2026

• Buy price (if Game Pass ends): $59.99 on Xbox.com

If you want to own Persona 5 Royal permanently and not risk it leaving Game Pass again, compare CD key prices across stores at CDKeyCompares to get the best deal.

Spotlight: Other Notable Games in This Wave

Solarpunk

A floating island survival sandbox where you build, farm, and explore a lush post-apocalyptic eco-world. A great pick for fans of relaxed survival games like Subnautica or Astroneer.

Undisputed

A realistic boxing simulation game is hitting Game Pass on June 8.  Available on Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC, making it ideal for portable gaming sessions.

Beastro

A unique cozy life sim that blends deckbuilding mechanics with a puppet adventure narrative. Think a quirky hybrid of Stardew Valley and Slay the Spire.

Frog Sqwad

A co-op extraction puzzle-platformer built for teamwork. Great for friends who want something light and co-op-friendly.

Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions Game Preview

A lighthearted sci-fi sandbox arriving in Game Preview mode, meaning it's still in active development. Think Astroneer-style exploration with a new twist.

Herdling

An atmospheric adventure game where you guide animals through stunning natural landscapes. Ideal for players who love calming, narrative-driven experiences.

Total Chaos

A survival horror game built in the Doom engine, praised by indie horror fans for its unsettling atmosphere.

Junkster

A 3D action platformer rounding out Wave 1 on June 16. Available on Cloud, Handheld, and PC Game Pass tiers.

Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass on June 15

Act fast, these titles are leaving Game Pass mid-month:

• Jurassic World Evolution 2 (Cloud, Console, PC)

• Lost in Random: The Eternal Die (Cloud, Console, PC)

• Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game Complete Edition (Cloud, Console, PC)

• Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine Master Crafted Edition (Cloud, Console, PC)

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge (Cloud, Console, PC)

• Splitgate: Arena Reloaded

If you want to keep any of these games after June 15, buy a CD key at a discounted price now. CDKeyCompares helps you find the cheapest legitimate key across verified stores.

Is Xbox Game Pass Worth It in June 2026?

With Persona 5 Royal returning, a game that retails for $59.99 on its own, Game Pass offers excellent value this month. If you're a JRPG fan or enjoy variety gaming, the Ultimate or PC Game Pass tier makes strong financial sense in June.

However, if you're only after one specific game like Persona 5 Royal, buying a discounted CD key may be the smarter long-term investment, since the game could be removed again in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When does Persona 5 Royal return to Xbox Game Pass?

Ans: Persona 5 Royal returns to Xbox Game Pass on June 9, 2026, available on Cloud, Console, and PC.

Q2: Why was Persona 5 Royal removed from Game Pass before?

Ans: Persona 5 Royal was removed from Xbox Game Pass on October 31, 2023, as part of a routine game rotation. It is now returning as part of the June 2026 Wave 1 lineup.

Q3: Which Xbox Game Pass tier do I need for Persona 5 Royal?

Ans: You need Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, or PC Game Pass to access Persona 5 Royal.

Q4: What other games are coming to Xbox Game Pass in June 2026 Wave 1?

Ans: Other Wave 1 additions include Solarpunk, Undisputed, Beastro, Frog Sqwad, Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions, Herdling, Total Chaos, and Junkster.

Q5: What games are leaving Xbox Game Pass in June 2026?

Ans: Games leaving on June 15 include Jurassic World Evolution 2, TMNT: Shredder's Revenge, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Warhammer 40K: Space Marine Master Crafted Edition, Lost in Random: The Eternal Die, and Splitgate: Arena Reloaded.

Q6: Where can I buy Persona 5 Royal cheaply if it leaves Game Pass again?
You can compare CD key prices across trusted stores at CDKeyCompares to find the best legitimate deal before or after it leaves Game Pass.

Q7: Is Persona 5 Royal worth playing in 2026?
Absolutely. Persona 5 Royal remains one of the highest-rated JRPGs ever made, with over 80–130 hours of content, a memorable cast, and critically acclaimed storytelling. It's essential for any RPG fan.

Compare game CD key prices and find the cheapest deals at CDKeyCompares to buy at the best available prices.