Two Top Games Departing from Xbox Game Pass on December 15

Heads up, gaming enthusiasts! Two standout titles from the Xbox Game Pass roster, Forza Horizon 4 and Rise of the Tomb Raider, are set to bid farewell to the service on Sunday, December 15. Regular fans know the drill: Xbox Game Pass updates its library monthly, typically pulling a batch of games mid-month and another at month’s end.

Interestingly, Microsoft has chosen to change things a bit with its December 2024 announcement schedule. This shift, likely a nod to the busy holiday period, reveals the departure of 13 games from Xbox Game Pass this month. Of note, the biggest headliners—Forza Horizon 4 and Rise of the Tomb Raider—exit mid-month, on December 15.

For those who cherish these iconic games, it’s bittersweet news. December 15 marks the last chance to dive into the action-packed world of Rise of the Tomb Raider or race through Forza Horizon 4 on Xbox Game Pass. Both games are critically acclaimed, boasting impressive ratings—92 for Forza Horizon 4 and a solid 86 for Rise of the Tomb Raider. Luckily, gamers can snag these titles at significant discounts before they leave the service for good. Forza Horizon 4’s departure is particularly notable, as it won’t just leave Xbox Game Pass but will also be delisted entirely due to licensing issues. Thankfully, physical copies and active online servers ensure fans can still enjoy its multiplayer features.

While the loss of these titles stings, they’re not the only games making an exit. Others leaving on December 15 include Amnesia: The Bunker, Forager, Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan, The Quarry, and Tin Hearts. By month’s end on December 31, Xbox Game Pass will also part with Close to the Sun, Humankind, LEGO 2K Drive, McPixel 3, and Party Animals—a day-one title.

Here’s the comprehensive list of what’s leaving soon:

– Amnesia: The Bunker – December 15
– Forager – December 15
– Forza Horizon 4 – December 15
– Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan – December 15
– Rise of the Tomb Raider – December 15
– The Quarry – December 15
– Tin Hearts – December 15
– BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle – December 31
– Close to the Sun – December 31
– Humankind – December 31
– LEGO 2K Drive – December 31
– McPixel 3 – December 31
– Party Animals – December 31

Despite the departures, the Xbox Game Pass subscription has gained some high-profile day-one releases, such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, with more exciting additions slated for January. Although the complete lineup for January 2025 is still under wraps, gamers can look forward to Eternal Strands and Citizen Sleeper 2 hitting the service on day one.

For those looking to get the most out of their gaming experience, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate remains an excellent value, granting access to a vast library of over 100 titles. If you’re on the lookout for a blend of variety and convenience, this top-tier subscription has you covered.