The Xbox Game Pass library is a dynamic collection, with games regularly entering and exiting the service. December 2024 sees a significant shift, with 13 titles leaving the platform, including popular games like Rise of the Tomb Raider and Forza Horizon 4. This news may disappoint subscribers, particularly regarding Forza Horizon 4, which remains a beloved racing title even alongside its successor. This departure isn’t entirely unexpected, however, as its DLC was already delisted in June. While these games are still accessible, Game Pass members can purchase them at a 20% discount to keep them in their libraries permanently.
This December’s departures are especially impactful for horror game enthusiasts, as the interactive narrative experience The Quarry is a fan favorite. Similar in style to Until Dawn, it blurs the line between gaming and cinematic storytelling. Several family-friendly titles, including Lego 2K Drive and the charming resource-management adventure Forager, are also leaving the service.
The news isn’t all bleak, though. December 4 introduces new additions to Game Pass, including the acclaimed Forza Motorsport, expanding its availability from Game Pass Ultimate and PC to the Standard tier. The high-octane kart racer Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is also joining both the Ultimate and Standard tiers. More games are expected throughout the month, offering fresh experiences for those receiving new Xbox consoles this holiday season.
Further details can be found on the official Xbox Wire.
Departing Games: Mid-December
Several games are scheduled to depart the Xbox Game Pass library on December 15, 2024. This wave includes a variety of genres, from horror and adventure to puzzle and racing:
- Amnesia: The Bunker (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Forager (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Forza Horizon 4 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Rise of the Tomb Raider (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Tin Hearts (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- The Quarry (Cloud and Console)
Departing Games: End of December
Another set of games will be leaving Xbox Game Pass at the end of December, specifically on December 31, 2024. These titles encompass fighting games, narrative adventures, strategy, and more:
- BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Close to the Sun (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Humankind (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Lego 2K Drive (Cloud and Console)
- McPixel 3 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Party Animals (Cloud and Console)
The departure of these games provides an opportunity for Game Pass subscribers to explore titles before they leave the service or take advantage of the discount to add them permanently to their collections. The continuous evolution of the Game Pass library ensures a rotating selection of experiences for players to enjoy.