Xbox Game Pass is Adding a Lot of Games in December; a Lot of Games Are Going Away Too

Xbox Game Pass is closing out 2024 with a bang, offering a stellar lineup of new games across its tiers—Core, Standard, Ultimate, and PC. With iconic franchises, day-one debuts, and nostalgic favorites, December is packed with gaming goodness. However, this month also marks the departure of some notable titles from the library, giving players a limited window to enjoy or purchase these games.

New Games Coming to Xbox Game Pass in December

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled (Dec. 4, Console)

Rev up your engines with this remastered classic. Offering the full original CTR experience plus upgraded visuals, modes, and features, this high-speed kart racer is perfect for fans of the franchise.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Dec. 9, Cloud, PC, Console)

Set in 1937, this first-person adventure lets players step into the shoes of Indiana Jones during an untold chapter in his story. Developed by MachineGames, this title is packed with puzzles, action sequences, and historical intrigue. Players will explore exotic locations while combating sinister forces seeking the secret of the Great Circle. It promises an authentic Indiana Jones experience that captures the spirit of the film.

Forza Motorsport (2023) (Now on Standard, Dec. 4, Console)

Originally available on Game Pass Ultimate, this modern installment of Forza Motorsport now extends to Standard members. Featuring over 500 cars, 20 dynamic tracks, and a suite of technical enhancements, it delivers an immersive racing experience. With live scoring, realistic weather effects, and new car models, every race feels unique. It’s a simulation paradise for racing enthusiasts.

Hauntii (Dec. 4, Console)

Step into the role of a ghostly entity on a journey to uncover mysteries and reshape the world. Hauntii combines puzzle-solving, possession mechanics, and stunning hand-drawn art. Its serene yet challenging gameplay offers a compelling narrative, making it ideal for players seeking an emotional and visually rich adventure.

Humanity (Dec. 4, Console)

This unique action-puzzle game lets you guide massive crowds of humans through complex challenges as an adorable Shiba Inu. Featuring over 90 handcrafted levels and a robust community-driven level editor, Humanity blends strategic thinking with heartwarming charm. It’s a creative and engaging title that has garnered widespread acclaim.

EA Sports WRC (Dec. 5, Cloud, PC, Console)

Rally racing fans can dive into EA Sports WRC, which features realistic terrain challenges on dirt, snow, and asphalt. Build and customize your dream car and tackle some of the sport’s most iconic tracks. This game is perfect for adrenaline junkies and car enthusiasts alike.

Overthrown (Game Preview) (Dec. 5, Cloud, PC, Console)

This whimsical city-building adventure supports up to six-player co-op. Players harness the power of a mystical crown to build kingdoms, fight enemies, and manage resources. With its anime-inspired art and chaotic gameplay, Overthrown offers an exciting mix of strategy and action.

Also read: 343 Studios Rebranded to Halo Studios With a Bold Move to Unreal Engine 5

Wildfrost (Dec. 10, Cloud, Console, PC)

In this tactical rogue-like deck builder, players traverse an icy wilderness while assembling powerful card decks. Strategy is key as you combat enemies and overcome challenging scenarios. With a mix of charming visuals and deep gameplay, Wildfrost stands out as a fresh addition to the genre.

Carrion (Jan. 2, Cloud, Console, PC)

Returning to the library, Carrion flips the script on traditional horror games. You play as a terrifying amorphous creature escaping a laboratory, evolving and growing stronger as you consume the humans who imprisoned you. It’s a deeply satisfying reverse horror experience.

Road 96 (Jan. 7, Cloud, Console, PC)

With its branching storylines, this narrative-driven road trip adventure offers endless replayability. Players journey toward freedom, making impactful choices that shape their experience and the lives of the characters they meet. Road 96 is a deeply personal tale that combines exploration with social commentary.

Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass

While the new additions are exciting, December also sees the departure of some of the beloved titles. Among the most significant exits:

• Forza Horizon 4 (Dec. 15)
  An open-world racing masterpiece, this title leaves Game Pass after a long run. Grab it now with a membership discount before it’s gone.
• Rise of the Tomb Raider (Dec. 15)
  Follow Lara Croft on one of her most acclaimed adventures. Don’t miss the chance to experience its breathtaking exploration and action.
• The Quarry (Dec. 15)
  This interactive horror tale will vanish soon, making now the perfect time to gather friends for one last fright night.

Additional farewells include Amnesia: The Bunker, Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan, and BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle. As always, members enjoy up to 20% off on these titles

Forza Horizon 4 is getting delisted from storefronts

Forza Horizon 4, one of the most beloved entries in the Horizon racing series, will be permanently delisted from digital storefronts on December 15, 2024. This means the game will no longer be available for purchase on platforms like Steam and the Microsoft Store. Xbox Game Pass subscribers will also lose access to the game on the same date.

The removal stems from expiring licensing agreements, which include contracts for the cars, music tracks, and branding used in the game. Such licensing expirations are a recurring issue for racing games, as they rely heavily on agreements with automotive manufacturers and artists. Despite being a major success since its 2018 launch, Forza Horizon 4 is following a trend seen with its predecessors, like Forza Horizon 3, which was delisted in 2020 for similar reasons.

While the game won’t be available for new purchases, players who already own it can continue to download and enjoy the game, including all its offline and online features. DLC content purchased prior to its removal will also remain accessible. Notably, all Festival Playlist-exclusive cars will become permanently unlockable via in-game mechanics, ensuring that existing players can still expand their car collections.