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Xbox Game Pass: Two unique sim games arrive this week

During the third week of May, Xbox Game Pass will add a firefighting simulation and a police simulation to its lineup. (Image source: Xbox Wire)
During the third week of May, Xbox Game Pass will add a firefighting simulation and a police simulation to its lineup. (Image source: Xbox Wire)
Flying planes, tilling fields, driving trains – these are the classic staples of simulation games. But this week, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can look forward to two new titles that break away from these well-worn routines. Shifting the focus from machines to people, they inject fresh energy into the genre by emphasizing teamwork, responsibility and human stories.

Whether you're putting out fires or upholding the law, publisher astragon Entertainment is bringing fresh energy to the Xbox Game Pass lineup this week with two innovative simulation titles. Here's a quick look at what players can expect:

Firefighting Simulator: The Squad - May 20 (PC, console and cloud)

Firefighting Simulator: The Squad delivers a realistic take on firefighting, placing players in command of a team tasked with protecting a large American city from devastating blazes. But it’s not just about putting out fires – saving lives and minimizing property damage are just as important. While there’s no traditional storyline, the game offers a wide range of missions, from house fires and hazardous car accidents to massive industrial infernos. Each scenario features dynamic fire behavior and realistic physics, making every operation feel intense and immersive.

Gameplay in Firefighting Simulator: The Squad centers around teamwork – either online with up to four players or solo with AI-controlled crew members. Coordination is key as the team breaks down doors, rescues injured civilians and battles fires together. Players can choose between different fire trucks, lay hoses, apply extinguishing foam and issue commands via a straightforward yet effective control system.

Police Simulator: Patrol Officers - May 20 (PC, console and cloud)

Police Simulator: Patrol Officers takes players to the fictional US city of Brighton, where they begin their careers as freshly minted police officers. Instead of following a linear storyline, the game features a dynamic career system – players unlock new districts and rise through the ranks by completing successful patrols. A vibrant urban environment with realistically simulated traffic and pedestrian behavior provides the backdrop for an authentic and varied police experience. From parking violations to drug offenses, the full spectrum of patrol duties is covered – and that’s exactly where the game shines.

Depending on the assigned district, patrol duties in Police Simulator: Patrol Officers vary widely – from issuing parking tickets and documenting accidents to directing traffic, questioning suspicious individuals and responding to emergency calls. Following proper procedures is essential; excessive force or unjustified penalties can lead to point deductions or even suspension from duty. In co-op mode, players can team up to secure crime scenes or carry out controlled arrests, adding a realistic and engaging layer to the experience.

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Marius Müller, 2025-05-19 (Update: 2025-05-19)