Xbox Gamescom 2021: Game announcements, trailers, and everything you missed

It doesn't feel like it has been that long since the massive Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021, but Xbox is back again with another event, this time at Gamescom 2021. Rather than a flurry of brand-new reveals and major surprises, Xbox instead focused on the best upcoming Xbox games with this event.

That doesn't mean there's nothing to get excited about, though, as the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event was filled with games bound to join our list of best Xbox games with a ton of new announcements, trailers, updates, and more. There's a lot to cover, so we've gathered everything announced during the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event, so you can make sure you didn't miss a thing.

The games shown off during the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event can head anywhere in the wide Xbox family of platforms, including Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC, Xbox Game Pass, and even Xbox Cloud Gaming.

What are the major announcements from the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event?

Xbox made it clear that fans shouldn't expect any of the mind-shatteringly large reveals that we saw in the last large-scale Xbox event, but that doesn't mean there weren't some major announcements and a few surprises during the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event. From games like Forza Horizon 5 and Psychonauts 2 to other exciting news drops, here are the major announcements from the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event.

Xbox Cloud Gaming

Xbox Cloud Gaming is a growing service that lets players jump into Xbox games on their phone, tablet, or PC. The service is already pretty fantastic for certain users, but Microsoft has finally confirmed a long-rumored use case for the cloud-enabled technology. Xbox Cloud Gaming is coming to Xbox consoles later this year, which includes Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

What does this means? Xbox Series X|S owners will be able to try out games before installing them on their console, potentially saving time and space. However, the move is even more significant for Xbox One owners, who will actually be able to play Xbox Series X|S exclusive games like The Medium on their aging consoles, or take advantage of Xbox Series X|S Optimized versions of games. This is a huge move for those who aren't quite willing to or are unable to upgrade to current-gen gaming hardware.

Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5 made a big appearance at the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event, but mostly featured trailers and announcements exciting to those already amped up about the upcoming racing game. Playground Games showcased the opening moments of FH5 with a new gameplay trailer, showing how players will take control of several cars all across the Mexico-bound map, before finally racing the 2021 Mercedes-AMG Project ONE to the first Horizon Festival.

Speaking of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG Project ONE supercar, Playground also finally revealed the Forza Horizon 5 cover art and cars, which is dominated by the aforementioned vehicle. The cover art looks amazing, and features a beautiful Mexican landscape in the background.

Of course, the Project ONE isn't alone, and is being joined by two 2021 Ford Broncos Badlands, which are situated in the background of the cover art (and appropriately offroad). Alongside these reveals, Forza Horizon 5 got a new collection of slick new trailers. After the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event, Playground intends to host its own Let's Go stream to talk more about Forza Horizon 5.

Forza Horizon 5 Xbox Wireless Controller

One of the biggest surprise announcements from the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event was the reveal of the limited edition Forza Horizon 5 Xbox Wireless Controller. The unique controller features a semi-transparent yellow design splashed with color, and it looks absolutely incredible. The Forza Horizon 5 Xbox Wireless Controller is available for preorder now, and should arrive by the time the full game releases on Nov. 9.

Crusader Kings 3

One of the best strategy games (and best PC games in general) you can play right now is Crusader Kings 3, which is already available through Xbox Game Pass for PC. However, Paradox Interactive announced during the event that Crusader Kings 3 is officially coming to current-gen consoles.

We don't have all the details yet (like a release date or even release window), but Crusader Kings 3 is coming to Xbox Series X|S and PS5 at some point, courtesy of a partnership with Lab42. Even better, we know that Crusader Kings 3 is launching into Xbox Game Pass on consoles, joining its PC counterpart.

Wasteland 3's second DLC

Wasteland 3 was one of the best Xbox RPGs when it first released, but since then has continued to evolve and improve under inXile Entertainment's guidance. During the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event, inXile showed off what's coming to Wasteland 3 in the future, and players should rejoice. Wasteland 3's second DLC, Cult of the Holy Detonation is arriving on Oct. 5 for all platforms, and will include a ton of new content for players.

On top of a new area, characters, enemies, bosses, weapons, armor, combat experiences, and general improvements and bug fixes, Wasteland 3 is also getting a new collection perfect for those who want the complete experience. Wasteland 3 Colorado Collection arrives on the same day as the Cult of the Holy Detonation DLC, and includes both major DLC expansions (The Battle of Steeltown and Cult of the Holy Detonation) and the Colorado Survival Gear bonus items.

State of Decay 2

Undead Labs and Xbox Game Studios are hard at work on State of Decay 3, but that doesn't mean State of Decay 2 is being left by the wayside. The community-building zombie survival game continues to evolve over time with incessant post-launch support from Undead Labs, and the next major release for State of Decay 2 is coming on Sept. 1.

State of Decay 2: Homecoming is a free update coming to all SoD2 players, and takes the original Trumbull Valley map and remasters it, adds new areas, and provides tons of new stories for players to explore. On top of the new map, there's also plenty of new weapons, gear, and missions. State of Decay 2: Homecoming arrives as State of Decay 2 celebrates officially reaching over 10 million lifetime players.

Sea of Thieves

Sea of Thieves: A Pirate's Life just barely released, and the quintessential pirate adventure game from Rare Limited and Xbox Game Studios is already moving on to its next epic collaboration. Sea of Thieves is partnering with Borderlands to release the Mayhem themed ship set, which all players can earn for free by completing the limited-time event.

When does the event happen? Right now! The Sea of Thieves and Borderlands event runs from today, Aug. 24, 2021, until Sept. 7, 2021. Be sure to hop into Sea of Thieves in the next few weeks for a chance at earning the exclusive ship. In case you missed it, this is why you should be playing Sea of Thieves in 2021.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator had a ton to show off during the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event, including a sneak peek at World Update VI and two new aircraft. However, the highlight of Microsoft Flight Simulator's updates at today's event was a teaser trailer for the introduction of true, high-speed competitive aircraft racing.

Reno Air Races are coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator for PC and Xbox consoles later this year as a free update, and will test the skills of any flyer with intense action. This will come around the time the highly anticipated Top Gun Maverick DLC is expected.

Psychonauts 2

Psychonauts 2 is finally releasing, after a 16-year-long wait from the original. While Psychonauts 2 releases for Xbox, PC, and cloud platforms tomorrow, that didn't stop the game from showing up during the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event with a new launch trailer, and even a surprise appearance from mastermind Tim Schafer.

If you're excited for Psychonauts 2, be sure to read our Psychonauts 2 review, and prepare yourself for this psychedelic 3D platforming adventure with our ultimate Psychonauts 2 beginner's guide.

Dying Light 2

Dying Light 2: Stay Human is one of the more anticipated upcoming zombie games. At the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event, Dying Light 2 got a new gameplay trailer sharing more details about the world, showcasing new parkour and combat mechanics, and more. The trailer placed a clear focus on Dying Light 2's fluid and versatile movement, which looks pretty great.

Afterward, Lead Game Designer Tymon Smektała and Animation Director Dawid Lubryka from Techland shared some of their own thoughts on Dying Light 2, as well as new details about the game. Some of these details include how humans are more numerous and dangerous, and players will need to combine a lot of the game's elements to survive.

What is every announcement from the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event?

There were a few surprises during the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event, but there were plenty of announcements that fell more in line with general expectations. Of course, there are still reasons to get excited here with new gameplay trailers and updates from some of the most anticipated upcoming games. Here's every announcement from the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event.

Dying Light 2 gameplay trailer

Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update VI trailer

Microsoft Flight Simulator Junkers JU-52 teaser

Microsoft Flight Simulator Volocopter teaser

Microsoft Flight Simulator Reno Air Races teaser

Humble Games Xbox Game Pass trailer

Into the Pit reveal trailer

Age of Empires IV trebuchet history trailer

Xbox Cloud Gaming on Xbox consoles

Wasteland 3: Cult of the Holy Detonation & Wasteland 3 Colorado Collection trailer

Sea of Thieves & Borderlands event announcement

State of Decay 2: Homecoming announcement

Stray Blade reveal trailer

Crusader Kings 3 console announcement trailer

Psychonauts 2 launch trailer

The Gunk gameplay trailer

Forza Horizon 5 Xbox Wireless Controller reveal

Forza Horizon 5 cover cars trailer

Forza Horizon 5 opening drive trailer

What are the Xbox Game Pass announcements from the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event?

Xbox Game Pass appeared at the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event plenty of times, which shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody. This event may not have been as packed with Xbox Game Pass announcements as earlier events, but there was still plenty of games shown off during the event that are heading to the subscription service. Here's every Xbox Game Pass announcement from the Xbox Gamescom 2021 event.

• Age of Empires IV (PC) — Oct. 28, 2021
• Archvale (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — No release date
• Bushiden (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — No release date
• Chinatown Detective Agency (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — No release date
• Crusader Kings 3 (Xbox Series X|S & PC) — No release date
• Dodgeball Academia (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — Available now
• Flynn: Son of Crimson (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — Sept. 15, 2021
• Forza Horizon 5 (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — Nov. 9
• Into the Pit (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, & PC) — Oct. 19
• Midnight Fight Express (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — No release date
• Next Space Rebels (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — No release date
• Psychonauts 2 (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — Aug. 25
• Signalis (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — No release date
• The Gunk (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, & PC) — December 2021
• Unpacking (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — No release date
• Unsighted (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — No release date