As we close out 2024, Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass continues to be a popular choice for gamers seeking access to a diverse library of titles. This December, Xbox Game Pass users will have a chance to explore exciting new additions to the catalog, but unfortunately, some beloved titles are bidding farewell. If you’re a subscriber and want to squeeze in some last-minute playtime before they leave, make sure to check out these fan-favorites that will be exiting the service.
From racing sims to interactive horror dramas, these are the games you’ll need to say goodbye to in December 2024.
1. Forza Horizon 4
Genre: Racing, Open World
Release Year: 2018
Forza Horizon 4 is an iconic open-world racing game set in a fictionalized version of Great Britain. Known for its vast collection of cars and dynamic weather system, this title gives you the freedom to race through seasons, from ice-covered roads to rainstorms. The game is delisting due to licensing issues, so if you haven’t driven through its scenic roads yet, now is the time.
2. Rise of the Tomb Raider
Genre: Action, Adventure
Release Year: 2015
The Tomb Raider reboot introduced a grittier, more realistic Lara Croft, and Rise of the Tomb Raider continued that trend. The game features a globe-trotting adventure, with a more personal story and exhilarating action set pieces. If you’re a fan of the series, you don’t want to miss the chance to relive Lara’s next great adventure before it leaves Xbox Game Pass.
3. The Quarry
Genre: Horror, Interactive Drama
Release Year: 2022
If you’re into interactive horror games with a branching narrative, The Quarry is one to experience. Set in a summer camp, players guide a group of teenage counselors as they try to survive a night filled with danger. The choices you make will determine who survives and how the story ends. With a star-studded voice cast and multiple endings, this is a game you’ll want to revisit before it disappears from Game Pass.
4. Hello Neighbor 2
Genre: Stealth, Puzzle, Horror
Release Year: 2022
In this stealth puzzle game, you play as a journalist investigating the creepy neighbor from the first Hello Neighbor game. With its eerie atmosphere and challenging puzzles, Hello Neighbor 2 offers a thrilling, albeit brief, experience. While the controls can be tricky, if you enjoy suspenseful puzzles and stealth mechanics, now’s the time to check it out.
5. Amnesia: The Bunker
Genre: Survival, Horror
Release Year: 2023
Amnesia: The Bunker takes a fresh approach to the series with psychological thrills instead of its usual shock-based horror. Set in a World War I-era bunker, you must escape a dangerous creature using limited resources, all while keeping the lights on to fend off the monster. Fans of psychological survival horror should play it before it’s gone.
6. Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle, Platformer
Release Year: 2021
In Rainbow Billy, players control a non-binary protagonist who sets out to restore color to a monochromatic world stolen by the Leviathan. The game features a unique combat mechanic based on symbol-matching and allows players to resolve conflicts through empathy. Its wholesome adventure and platforming make it a standout, so catch it while it’s still available.
7. Tin Hearts
Genre: Puzzle, Adventure, Narrative
Release Year: 2023
Tin Hearts is a visually stunning puzzle game where you guide mechanical soldiers to solve various challenges. The game’s emotional narrative unfolds as you unlock new inventions and immerse yourself in the protagonist’s life story. With its touching story and beautiful world, it’s definitely worth playing before it leaves the service.
8. Forager
Genre: Adventure, Open World
Release Year: 2019
Forager is an underrated gem that blends exploration, crafting, and base-building. In this open-world game, you’ll forage resources, craft items, defeat enemies, and unlock new areas. The game’s quirky and colorful style, combined with its addictive gameplay loop, makes it a must-play before it leaves Xbox Game Pass.
The Final Countdown: Why These Games Matter
With the upcoming games set to leave Xbox Game Pass in December, it’s the perfect time to play these titles one last time or even experience them for the first time. Whether you’re into action-packed adventures like Rise of the Tomb Raider, spine-chilling horror in Amnesia: The Bunker, or quirky puzzle-platformers like Rainbow Billy, each of these games offers something special. So, make sure to check them out before they vanish from the service.
As always, Xbox Game Pass continues to offer a constantly evolving library, with fresh new titles on the horizon to keep things exciting for subscribers. But if any of these games are on your list, don’t wait—December will be here before you know it!
