If you’re a regular Xbox Game Pass user, brace yourself — more games are disappearing from the platform this May 2025. Whether you’re halfway through a story-driven campaign or planning to try a game you saved for “later,” the clock is ticking.
Microsoft’s Game Pass has been a game-changer (pun intended) for casual and hardcore gamers alike. But the way titles rotate in and out of the service means some fan favorites can vanish without much notice. So… what’s going away, what’s new, and how can you make sure you don’t miss out?
Let’s break it down.
⏳ What Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass in May 2025?
Every month, Xbox retires some titles to make room for fresh ones. This May, a surprising list of games will be gone — some of them are quite popular among the community.
📅 Leaving May 15:
- Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
- Chants of Sennaar
- Dune: Spice Wars
- Hauntii
- The Big Con
📅 Leaving May 31:
- Cassette Beasts
- Firework
- Humanity
- Remnant 2
- Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath
⛔ Important: Once these games leave, you’ll no longer be able to access them unless you buy them. Thankfully, Microsoft usually offers a 20% discount before the removal date.
💥 Why Do Games Leave Game Pass Anyway?
This is a big question — and the answer is more about licensing agreements than anything else.
Game Pass is like Netflix for video games. Just like shows come and go on Netflix based on contracts, games on Game Pass follow similar deals. When those contracts end, Microsoft either renews them or lets them expire. It’s not always in their control.
Some developers also choose to pull their games to boost direct sales or release them elsewhere.
🚀 What New Games Are Coming to Xbox Game Pass?
It’s not all bad news. As usual, Microsoft balances removals with new additions to keep the library fresh. Here’s what’s hitting Game Pass this month:
- DOOM: The Dark Ages (May 15)
- Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
- Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
- Metal Slug Tactics
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed
- Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo
- Firefighting Simulator: The Squad
- Police Simulator: Patrol Officers
- To A T
- Spray Paint Simulator
🎉 Pro tip: Always check the “Coming Soon” section in the Game Pass app to avoid missing cool new drops.
🧠 Are You Still Eligible to Play These Games?
Here’s how it works:
➡ If you’re a current Xbox Game Pass subscriber, you can play any game currently available on the service — until it’s removed.
➡ Once the game is gone, it will no longer launch unless you purchase it.
➡ If you downloaded it while it was available, it doesn’t matter. Once it’s gone from the library, you lose access unless bought.
💡 Tip: If you’re midway through a game that’s about to leave, make a plan to finish it in time or grab it at a discounted rate.
🎯 How to Make the Most of Your Xbox Game Pass
Here’s how to be a smart gamer and beat the system:
🕹 Track Removals Monthly: Xbox always gives advance notice about outgoing games.
🛍 Buy Before It’s Gone: If you love a title, grab it at 20% off while you still can.
📱 Use the Game Pass App: The app gives real-time updates about what’s coming, going, or available for pre-install.
📌 Prioritize Must-Plays: Don’t let great titles sit in your backlog forever — they could disappear.
🧾 Manage Storage: If a big game is leaving and you’re short on space, uninstall the stuff you’ve already finished to focus on the urgent ones.
💬 Gamers React: Mixed Emotions
The Game Pass community is always buzzing when removals are announced. While some understand it’s part of the deal, others feel frustrated, especially when it’s a AAA title or a beloved indie gem leaving.
One Reddit user posted:
“I was halfway through Remnant 2. Why would they remove it now?”
🎯 The key takeaway? Play the games you’re excited about when you first see them. Tomorrow isn’t promised in the Game Pass library.
🔚 Final Thoughts
The rotation of games on Xbox Game Pass is part of the evolving subscription model. Yes, it’s frustrating when titles leave — especially the ones you haven’t gotten around to playing yet — but that’s the trade-off for having such a vast, ever-changing library.
📌 Takeaway:
To make the most of your subscription, treat Game Pass like a dynamic “play now” list, not a “someday” shelf.
If you’ve had your eye on any of the games leaving this May, now’s your chance to dive in — before it’s too late.
🤔 FAQs
Which games are leaving Xbox Game Pass this May 2025?
Games like Remnant 2, Dune: Spice Wars, and Cassette Beasts are leaving the platform.
Will I lose progress if a game leaves Xbox Game Pass?
No. Your game progress is saved on your Xbox/Microsoft account. If you buy the game later, you can continue where you left off.
Can I still buy a game after it leaves Game Pass?
Yes, and Xbox usually offers at least 20% off before the game is removed.
Do Xbox Game Pass Ultimate users get more games?
They get access to console, PC, and cloud gaming titles — a wider range than standard subscribers.
Why do games leave Xbox Game Pass?
Due to licensing expiration or publisher decisions, games rotate in and out of the service regularly.
How do I know which games are leaving soon?
Check the “Leaving Soon” section on the Xbox Game Pass app or console dashboard.
