New games are added to Xbox Game Pass in two week batches, and almost every single time, more games are coming to the service in a two-week period than there are games leaving. However, that's not the case for the second half of August 2022. Not only is Xbox Game Pass losing more games in the second half of August than it is gaining, it is also losing some of the absolute best games in its lineup.

On August 31, a number of critically-acclaimed games are being removed from the Xbox Game Pass subscription service, and so subscribers should definitely give them a try while they still can. Out of all the games leaving Xbox Game Pass on August 31, subscribers may want to give priority to Hades from Supergiant Games. It's not only one of the highest-rated games available on Xbox Game Pass right now, but it's one of the highest-rated game releases ever. Even those that don't typically enjoy roguelike games may want to give it a shot.

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Hades isn't the only highly-rated indie that's getting the boot from Game Pass on August 31. Spiritfarer earned rave reviews at the time of its release for its emotional storytelling and rewarding gameplay loop, where players are able to build on to a ship that they use to bring souls to the afterlife. Spiritfarer even has a local co-op mode that lets players go through the entire game with a friend, which is really just icing on the cake.

Xbox Game Pass Games Leaving August 31

Stella talking to a spirit in Spiritfarer
  • Elite Dangerous
  • Hades
  • Myst
  • NBA 2K22
  • Signs of the Sojourner
  • Spiritfarer
  • Twelve Minutes
  • Two Point Hospital
  • What Remains of Edith Finch
  • World War Z

What Remains of Edith Finch is another award-winning, critically-acclaimed game that is being removed from Xbox Game Pass on August 31. For those unfamiliar with the game, What Remains of Edith Finch is a first-person adventure game that has players experiencing the lives of various members of the Finch family, all of whom have died in mysterious, untimely, and tragic ways. Each new Finch family member has their own gameplay mechanic tied to them, ensuring constant variety as players experience the story.

Hades, Spiritfarer, and What Remains of Edith Finch stand out as perhaps the most significant games being removed from Xbox Game Pass on August 31, but the other titles are worth checking out as well. Myst is a fresh release of a gaming classic, while NBA 2K22 is the latest entry in the blockbuster basketball sim franchise. Two Point Hospital is a well-received simulation/management game, while World War Z may appeal to fans of Left 4 Dead.

Xbox Game Pass subscribers should also keep in mind that all of these games are available at a 20% discount while they're still on Game Pass. So even though it's unlikely one would have time to play through them all before they're removed, they can at least give them a shot and purchase them if they so desire.

MORE: Xbox Game Pass Subscribers Should Play What Remains of Edith Finch While They Still Can