As we enter the swan song of 2024, we see various video game subscription services aiming to end the year on a high note with new additions to their gaming catalogues. However, for some of the older titles on the aforementioned catalogues, things aren’t as rosy. With the Xbox Game Pass too, we are seeing some important games leaving in December 2024.
For the uninitiated, Microsoft‘s subscription service boasts a rich library of titles, spanning genres, that cater to subscribers of all tastes. Like most months, the Xbox Game Pass December 2024 lineup is also quite enticing, with the latest Indiana Jones title being its crown jewel.
On the flip side, the list of games making way for the new titles this month also includes fan-favourite triple-As and beloved indies. If you want to play them one last time, scroll away to learn about the games leaving Xbox Game Pass in December 2024.
These games are leaving Xbox Game Pass in December 2024
1. Forza Horizon 4
Genre: Racing, open world
Release year: 2018
Forza Horizon 4 is an open world racing title developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft Studios. Just like the other entries in the franchise, this one features hundreds of cars and a fictionalised version of a real location — Great Britain — for players to drive around and explore. Some areas in this fictitious isle draw inspiration from Edinburgh, the Lake District, Ambleside and Bamburgh (among others places).
The gameplay is a mix of simulation and arcade driving. While handling the cars is not as difficult as it is in racing simulators like Forza Motorsport, you’ll need some time to adapt to it. The dynamic weather system signifies the change of seasons — at times you come across ice-covered roads, and on other occasions, you have to race amidst a raging thunderstorm.
Though this title offers an incredible open world driving experience, it is getting delisted from every digital store due to ‘licensing and agreements‘ issues, according to Playground Games. So, if you want to take it for a spin before the ship sails, now’s the time to do so.
2. Rise of the Tomb Raider
Genre: Action, adventure
Release year: 2015
In 2013, Crystal Dynamics rebooted the Tomb Raider franchise and brought back everyone’s beloved adventurer and archaeologist, Lara Croft. The title became an instant hit, both critically and commercially.
Rise of the Tomb Raider is the sequel to that game and does a bunch of things better than its predecessor. It features a more personal story — unlike the first game, which was set on a singular island, this one takes you around the globe. Moreover, the action set pieces are even more exciting this time around. In other words, you won’t be able to get enough of this adventure once you start travelling the world with Lara Croft and her trusty companion, Jonah.
3. The Quarry
Genre: Horror, interactive drama
Release year: 2022
The Quarry is a horror interactive drama with a branching narrative that will test your decision-making skills and nerves simultaneously. The story is set at a summer camp where nine teenage counsellors are trapped with a killer on the loose. They have to run, hide, make tough decisions and even fight back to save their lives.
In terms of its gameplay, this game is quite basic — on most occasions, you need to act within a brief time frame. However, you need to be mindful that every choice you make will impact the narrative accordingly, including the ending.
Supermassive Games went all guns blazing to assemble a star-studded voice cast that features Ted Raimi (filmmaker Sam Raimi’s brother), Siobhan Williams (Deadly Class, Hell on Wheels) and Skyler Gisondo (The Righteous Gemstones, Family Guy). Their stellar performances, coupled with the multiple intriguing endings, make The Quarry worth playing one last time before it makes way for the new games in the Xbox Game Pass December 2024 lineup.
4. Hello Neighbor 2
Genre: Stealth, puzzle, horror
Release year: 2022
The first Hello Neighbor title tasked players with sneaking into their creepy neighbour’s home and finding out what he was up to. Its sequel follows a similar tone — you have to play as a journalist and, once again, investigate the house of the first game’s antagonist.
Players have to explore the house, solve various puzzles to uncover secrets, find numerous articles and stay as quiet as possible to hide from the neighbour. While Hello Neighbor 2 might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it can offer a thrilling experience if you can get over its few shortcomings such as its brief length and non-user-friendly controls.
5. Amnesia: The Bunker
Genre: Survival, horror
Release year: 2023
The Bunker is the latest entry in the popular Amnesia series and changes many things to make the gameplay more thrilling. While the previous titles worked hard to fill you with dread and nausea, The Bunker substitutes such feelings with straightforward psychological thrills.
The story is set during World War I, where you are trapped in a bunker with a dangerous creature. Your task is simple — you have to escape before the creature gets to you. To make matters worse, the only weapons at your disposal are a gun, some grenades, flares and a noisy flashlight. Since the monster is photosensitive, you have to stay in the light to keep it at bay. While the bunker’s generator keeps the lights on, you have limited fuel and ammunition which you need to use judiciously if you don’t want to complete all the missions in the dark.
6. Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan
Genre: Adventure, puzzle, platformer
Release year: 2021
This game follows Rainbow Billy, the titular character who is a non-binary kid, looking to restore their world to its original state. For context, all the colour in his world was stolen by Leviathan as a consequence of Billy’s refusal to grow up.
Players will get to explore several open world locations throughout this title. However, the combat mechanics are a tad unorthodox — you have to match symbols to inflict damage upon your enemies. And, in case you want to resolve conflict without resorting to violence, you can simply choose to have an empathetic conversation with your foes.
7. Tin Hearts
Genre: Puzzle, adventure, narrative
Release year: 2023
Tin Hearts is undoubtedly the most visually pleasing entry in this list of Xbox Game Pass titles leaving in December 2024.
In Tin Hearts, you get to play as an inventor who controls his troop of tiny mechanical soldiers to solve various puzzles. Complementing its puzzle-based gameplay is an emotional narrative that you are likely to find immersive. With every invention you unlock, you turn a new page in the life of the protagonist that reveals some touching details Not to mention, the game’s world is so extensively detailed that it’ll elevate your overall experience.
Fair warning — the game’s ending might leave you stunned.
8. Forager
Genre: Adventure, open world
Release year: 2019
Forager is an open world exploration and base-building game in which players can create a thriving ecosystem. As its name suggests, you have to forage raw building materials, crops and other resources to expand your base.
Besides foraging, players can also explore small dungeons and defeat a host of monsters. You can level up, unlock new skills, purchase new land, craft new items and even interact with NPCs (non-playable characters) in this underrated gem.
(Hero and Featured Image credits: Square Enix)
This article first appeared here
