Microsoft is always adding a bunch of new games to its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, but just like similar services, games are occasionally removed as well. Microsoft removes games from Xbox Game Pass in two batches every month, with a set of games removed in the first half of the month and another set getting the boot at the end. It's now been confirmed that seven games are being removed from Xbox Game Pass in the first half of December 2021.
The first game leaving Xbox Game Pass in December 2021 is Destiny 2 and its expansions. The removal of Destiny 2 from Xbox Game Pass is going to be a big blow, as Bungie's looter-shooter remains immensely popular years after its release. The game's removal is coming just as Bungie is set to kick off the 30th anniversary content, so any Xbox Game Pass subscribers interested in that will now need to shell out the cash to actually own the game itself.
It was confirmed some time ago that the upcoming Destiny 2 Witch Queen expansion wouldn't be released on Xbox Game Pass, and so the writing was on the wall when it comes to the game's removal from Microsoft's subscription service. However, Destiny 2 isn't the only game being removed from Xbox Game Pass in December.
Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass December 2021
- Destiny 2 - December 8
- Beholder - December 15
- The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan - December 15
- Guacamelee! 2 - December 15
- Wilmot’s Warehouse - December 15
- Unto The End - December 15
- Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair - December 15
On December 15, six other games are leaving Xbox Game Pass, including some fairly notable titles. Horror fans may want to make sure that they've played through The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan before it leaves, especially if they enjoyed Until Dawn, while those looking for a high quality Metroidvania should definitely play Guacamelee! 2 while it's still on Xbox Game Pass, as it's one of the highest-rated games in the genre.
Another notable game that Xbox Game Pass subscribers may want to try out while they still can is Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. A sequel to Yooka-Laylee, the Impossible Lair earned more positive reviews than its predecessor, offering a well-received side-scrolling take on the series.
While some Xbox Game Pass subscribers may be disappointed that these games are leaving in December, the bright side is that there are plenty of new games coming to Xbox Game Pass this month as well.