Bottom Line Up Front: Microsoft is once again cycling out a significant chunk of its Xbox Game Pass library, with five notable titles set to vanish mid-January. While the departures sting, especially for fans of certain indie darlings and narrative experiences, two intriguing new titles are confirmed to arrive, offering a glimpse into the evolving Game Pass ecosystem.

We’ve seen this dance before. While new Game Pass additions are often trumpeted with fanfare, the exit of existing titles is typically a more muted affair. This time around, five games have been quietly flagged for removal under the “Leaving Soon” banner in the Xbox app. This isn't just a minor refresh; the departures include games that have offered substantial playtime and unique experiences, leaving a notable gap for subscribers.

For those of us who have been navigating the subscription service landscape for years, this constant flux is hardly surprising. Game Pass is a living, breathing entity, always in motion. However, some genres, like the perennial casino simulation and gambling games, tend to remain staples due to their reliable player engagement and straightforward transaction models. While 2026 promises many shifts, we anticipate many of the core, long-standing offerings will persist.

January 2026: The Games We're Losing

As of mid-January 2026, the following titles will no longer be available on Xbox Game Pass:

• Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
• Neon White
• Road 96
• The Ascent
• The Grinch: Christmas Adventures

This list features some real standouts. Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, a game that launched directly into Game Pass in 2024, offered a robust action RPG experience. Its departure, alongside the beloved indie gem Neon White, is particularly galling for many of our readers. The Ascent, with its cyberpunk neon-noir aesthetic, served as a competent alternative for those waiting for broader RPG experiences, while Road 96 continued to impress with its wildly unpredictable narrative adventure.

While The Grinch: Christmas Adventures might not evoke the same level of outrage, it provided a charming, low-stakes experience for those seeking a quick, uncomplicated gaming session. These games aren't necessarily massive time sinks, and many can be completed within a few days, offering a final sprint for dedicated players.

Time to Finish: A Quick Guide

If you're looking to squeeze these games in before they vanish, here's a rough estimate of completion times:

• The Grinch: Christmas Adventures: ~5 hours (a weekend breeze)
• Road 96: ~1 day of consistent play to unlock achievements (your narrative mileage may vary)
• The Ascent: ~25 hours (a solid playthrough)
• Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn: Variable, but manageable on Easy settings (plan for a decent chunk of your week)
• Neon White: ~44 hours (a significant commitment for its excellent gameplay loop)

Many of these titles are also currently available at a discount of 20% to 75% for Game Pass subscribers looking to own them outright. Even if you don't finish them, the time spent exploring their worlds will undoubtedly be enjoyable.

January 2026: New Blood Arriving

Microsoft has confirmed two fresh titles making their debut on Game Pass towards the latter half of January. While more announcements are expected, these two offer a taste of what’s to come:

• MIO: Memories in Orbit: This anime-styled Metroidvania promises exploration and a compelling narrative. Players will inhabit a robot awakening on a derelict spaceship, tasked with uncovering its lost memories and the truth behind its predicament.
• Nova Roma: A strategy and city-building game where the objective is to transform a humble settlement into a powerful Roman metropolis. Expect intricate resource management, population control, and appeasing the Roman pantheon.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on further announcements as Microsoft continues to shape the Game Pass library for the new year.