As is always the case around the beginning of the month, we have learned what titles will be leaving the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. Often times these are smaller games leaving, but every so often a big title leaves, and November is one of those months. Among the 5 games leaving is one of Xbox’s biggest console exclusives of 2024.
Games Leaving Game Pass Mid November
- Stalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl
- Spirittea
- Frostpunk: Console Edition
- Frostpunk (Windows)
- Football Manager 24
- Football Manager 24 (Windows)
- Blacksmith Master (Windows)
The biggest loss here is of course Stalker 2. Originally releasing in November of 2024 it was one of the most anticipated games of 2024 and was an Xbox console exclusive. Having been in development for years and receiving many delays due to the war in Ukraine, the hype for the title only grew as time went on.
Overall the game mostly lived up to the hype receiving solid reviews and making first person shooter fans happy. In our review we gave it a 7.5 saying “Stalker 2 is proof of a game being too ambitious for it’s own good. If it had a much more condensed map or better travel system it would have made for a much more enjoyable experience and would have likely helped with polish. It had genuine Game Of The Year potential.” Since last November the game has received multiple patches to help it realize that potential.
Of course not only is the game leaving Game Pass later this month, but it is also losing its exclusive tag as well. Stalker 2 is releasing on PlayStation 5 on November 20th, exactly 1 year to the day it released on Xbox and PC.
Beyond the big loss of Stalker 2, there are a couple other noteworthy games leaving the service, though both were expected. Both Frostpunk and Football Manager 24 will leave the service in the middle of the month. While both are fairly popular titles, they are leaving for good reason. Football Manager 25 will be releasing later this month and as is usually the case with annual titles, the previous game leaves.
Same goes with Frostpunk. The unforgiving city builders sequel recently launched on console and has joined the Xbox Game Pass service, so it makes sense why the original would leave. Of course Frostpunk 2 has already been on PC Game Pass since it’s PC release last year.
Lastly we have 2 smaller titles departing as well with Spirittea and Blacksmith Master. Neither title moved the needle too much for the service, but I’m sure they have their fans that will be wanting to finish up the games before they depart.
With the games leaving the service we should hopefully find out later this week what will be joining the service to take their places. Of course we all know that the next Call of Duty, Black Ops 7, will be joining the service and will have everyone’s attention. There’s also the cozy looking Winter Burrow if you are looking for an indie experience. What else will come? We will find out soon!
