Xbox Game Pass Loses Persona 5 Royal and Four Other Titles
Last call for subscribers: Today, October 31, marks the final day for five titles in the Xbox Game Pass library, including a critically-acclaimed, universally beloved JRPG that stands as one of the highest-rated games to ever grace the service.
The regular rotation of the Xbox Game Pass catalog is a familiar rhythm for subscribers, but some departures hit harder than others. This Halloween, the service is saying goodbye to a handful of excellent games, headlined by the monumental JRPG *Persona 5 Royal*. Players have until the end of the day to dive into these worlds one last time or use their member discount to purchase them for good before they vanish from the subscription service.
The Crown Jewel Departs: Persona 5 Royal
The most significant loss from today's lineup is undoubtedly *Persona 5 Royal*. As the definitive version of Atlus's celebrated role-playing game, it boasts a staggering Metascore of 95 on Metacritic, placing it in the upper echelon of modern gaming. Its departure is a major blow for those who had it sitting in their backlog.
*Persona 5 Royal* is not a game you can rush. It’s a sprawling, stylish adventure that masterfully blends deep turn-based combat, social simulation, and a captivating story of rebellious high-school students fighting against societal corruption. Players easily invest over 100 hours to see the Phantom Thieves' journey through to its conclusion.
The game's inclusion in Game Pass was seen as a massive win for the service, bringing a formerly PlayStation-exclusive mega-hit to a new audience on Xbox and PC. For many, it was a key reason to subscribe. Its removal leaves a significant void in the service's JRPG offerings and serves as a poignant reminder to tackle those longer games on your to-do list sooner rather than later.
A Perfectly Timed Horror Farewell: Signalis
It’s a bittersweet coincidence that on Halloween, subscribers must also say goodbye to one of the best indie horror games on the platform: *Signalis*. Developed by rose-engine, this title is a masterclass in psychological survival horror, drawing inspiration from classics like *Resident Evil* and *Silent Hill* while forging its own distinct, melancholy identity.
*Signalis* immerses players in a dystopian, sci-fi world with a striking retro-tech aesthetic. You play as Elster, a Replika android searching for her lost partner on a desolate, snow-covered planet. What follows is a tense and atmospheric descent into madness, filled with challenging puzzles, scarce resources, and deeply unsettling creature encounters. The game earned widespread critical acclaim for its intricate world-building, compelling narrative, and ability to generate genuine dread. Losing this gem on the spookiest day of the year feels particularly poignant.
Rounding Out the Departures
While *Persona 5 Royal* and *Signalis* are the headliners, three other unique and engaging titles are also being removed from the library today. Each offers a distinct experience worth checking out before they're gone.
- Gunfire Reborn: An energetic blend of first-person shooter action, roguelite progression, and RPG-style character building. Playable solo or with up to three friends, this title features a cast of unique animal heroes, a vast arsenal of over-the-top weapons, and endless replayability. It’s a fast-paced, addictive co-op adventure that is perfect for a few final runs with friends.
- Kill It With Fire: If you’re looking for something more lighthearted (and happen to be an arachnophobe), this is your game. *Kill It With Fire* is a first-person action-puzzle game where your sole objective is to hunt down and eliminate spiders using an increasingly absurd arsenal. From a simple clipboard to flamethrowers and C4, you’ll wreak havoc across suburban environments in the name of extermination. It’s a short, chaotic, and hilarious experience.
- Solasta: Crown of the Magister: For fans of classic tabletop gaming, *Solasta* is an unmissable departure. It is a tactical turn-based RPG that faithfully adapts the Dungeons & Dragons SRD 5.1 ruleset. Offering a deep and authentic D&D campaign experience, *Solasta* emphasizes verticality in combat, strategic positioning, and party-based decision-making. It’s a lovingly crafted adventure that has been praised for its loyalty to the source material.
What This Means for Game Pass Subscribers
The departure of games is a standard and necessary component of the Xbox Game Pass model. Licensing deals with developers and publishers are made for specific timeframes. When these periods end, the games are removed unless a new agreement is reached.
The good news is that if you’ve grown attached to any of these five titles, you don’t have to say goodbye forever. Xbox Game Pass members have the option to purchase any game in the catalog at a discount of up to 20% before it leaves, allowing you to add it to your permanent digital library. This is the last chance for subscribers to take advantage of that discount for these specific games.
While October has seen a dozen titles leave, the Game Pass library continues to evolve, with new games added in their place to ensure the value of the subscription remains high.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What games are leaving Xbox Game Pass on October 31st?
A: Five games are leaving the service: *Persona 5 Royal*, *Signalis*, *Gunfire Reborn*, *Kill It With Fire*, and *Solasta: Crown of the Magister*.
Q: If I have a game installed, can I still play it after it leaves Game Pass?
A: No. Once a game leaves the Game Pass library, you will need to purchase it to continue playing, even if it is still installed on your console or PC. Subscribers can buy it with a member discount before it's removed.
Q: Why do games leave Xbox Game Pass?
A: Games are added to the service through licensing agreements that last for a set amount of time. When that time is up, the game is removed from the library to make way for new titles.