As we approach the end of March 2025, Xbox Game Pass subscribers are set to lose access to several notable titles. With Xbox routinely rotating games in and out of its library, this month’s removals include some highly regarded and fan-favourite entries.
From blockbuster action RPGs to engaging indie titles, the upcoming departures could leave a noticeable gap in the service’s lineup. Here’s everything you need to know about the Xbox Game Pass games leaving on 31st March 2025.
Why Does Xbox Remove Games from Game Pass Every Month?
Xbox Game Pass operates much like a digital library, offering access to hundreds of games across various platforms including console, PC, and cloud. This model is built on dynamic licensing agreements between Microsoft and game publishers.
As a result, titles enter and exit the service based on contractual timelines, player engagement metrics, and strategic rotation decisions aimed at refreshing the content available to subscribers.
The removal of games is a regular part of the Game Pass lifecycle. Titles are generally removed twice a month—on the 15th and the last day—allowing Microsoft to introduce new content periodically while maintaining a varied selection of genres and experiences.
Some agreements last only a few months, particularly for indie or third-party releases, while others may span years, especially for Microsoft-owned studios.
Removing games also creates space for newer additions, ensuring that long-term subscribers continue to find value in the ever-changing Game Pass catalogue. While this can be disappointing, it’s a standard practice in subscription-based platforms, not unlike what we see with streaming services such as Netflix or Disney+.
What Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass on March 31, 2025?
The end of March 2025 brings a notable wave of game removals from Xbox Game Pass. A total of ten titles will be leaving the platform on 31st March.
What makes this month significant is the calibre of the games on the chopping block—some of which are widely regarded as high-quality releases with strong followings.
The list includes a variety of genres, from sports to RPGs to narrative-driven adventures. The most high-profile departures include the Yakuza series and Monster Hunter Rise, both of which have substantial fanbases and critical acclaim. Their departure will undoubtedly leave a gap for players who haven’t yet completed or started these games.
Here’s the confirmed list of games being removed:
1. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 builds upon the success of the original arcade racer by offering an even more robust and polished racing experience. The game expands its collection of iconic Hot Wheels vehicles, now including motorbikes and ATVs, allowing for more variety in playstyle and vehicle handling.
Tracks are larger, more dynamic, and even more imaginative than before, featuring loops, jumps, and gravity-defying twists that feel like real-world Hot Wheels sets brought to life.
A standout feature is the expanded Track Builder mode, which empowers players to design and share their own custom circuits. Combined with local split-screen and online multiplayer options, the game thrives on community engagement.
Its fast-paced gameplay, punchy visuals, and vibrant colour palette make it accessible to younger audiences, yet its mechanics offer enough depth to appeal to older players looking for a nostalgic yet competitive arcade racer.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 isn’t just a game about racing—it’s about creativity, spectacle, and pure, unfiltered fun. Its departure from Game Pass means losing a title that offered both quick bursts of entertainment and deeper, long-term engagement through user-generated content and online competition.
2. Lil Gator Game
Lil Gator Game is a heartfelt indie adventure that stands out for its sincerity and charm. At its core, it’s a story about imagination, friendship, and childhood. Players control a small, adventurous gator who sets out on a whimsical journey to build a grand playground with the help of animal friends scattered across a vibrant island.
The game is heavily inspired by the carefree feeling of classic adventure games like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, but replaces combat and tension with creativity and exploration. Instead of battling enemies, you “defeat” cardboard cut-outs scattered around the world in light-hearted pretend play.
Along the way, you gather crafting materials to build new playground structures and unlock fun tools like gliders and shields made from household objects.
What makes Lil Gator Game special is its emotional core. Beneath the joyful surface lies a gentle story about growing up, trying to reconnect with a distant sibling, and holding onto the magic of play.
Its art style—soft, colourful, and storybook-like—complements the relaxed tone perfectly. Short, sweet, and meaningful, it’s the kind of game that lingers with you, making its exit from Game Pass a quiet loss for anyone seeking comfort and warmth in their gaming library.
3. MLB The Show 24
MLB The Show 24 continues to elevate its reputation as the most comprehensive baseball simulation available on any platform.
With refined mechanics, enhanced visuals, and deeper customisation options, it caters to both hardcore baseball fans and newcomers curious about the sport. While baseball isn’t as widely followed in the UK as it is in North America, the quality and depth of the game transcend regional boundaries.
Players can choose from multiple gameplay modes. Road to the Show lets you create a custom athlete and follow their journey from the minor leagues to the MLB.
Franchise Mode offers a deep management simulation where you control the finances, trades, and team dynamics of a professional baseball club. Meanwhile, Diamond Dynasty provides a card-collection-based multiplayer mode that combines strategy and player progression with real-time competition.
MLB The Show 24 also integrates live updates based on real-world baseball seasons, providing a continuously evolving experience. With full commentary, realistic stadiums, and licensed teams and players, it feels like you’re stepping onto the field. Its removal from Game Pass will primarily impact sports simulation fans and anyone who appreciates the detail and authenticity that sports games strive to deliver at the highest level.
4. Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise is one of the most content-rich and mechanically refined action RPGs available on Game Pass. It invites players into the ninja-inspired village of Kamura, where they take on quests to hunt down colossal monsters in lush, open environments. These hunts aren’t just about brute force—they require strategy, preparation, and skill.
Each monster has distinct behaviours, attack patterns, and weaknesses. Players must study their targets, craft specialised gear, and coordinate with teammates to take them down. With 14 unique weapon types to master, from the heavy Great Sword to the agile Insect Glaive, combat remains engaging and varied across dozens of hours of gameplay.
A key innovation in Rise is the Wirebug system, which allows players to grapple and traverse the environment more freely, opening up vertical exploration and aerial attacks.
Another feature, Palamutes (canine companions), speeds up travel and adds new dimensions to battle strategy. The game supports solo play but truly shines in multiplayer, where teamwork becomes essential during higher-ranked hunts.
For those who enjoy RPGs, action gameplay, and long-term progression through gear upgrades and skill mastery, Monster Hunter Rise represents a standout title. Its departure is significant, particularly for players who haven’t yet tapped into its wealth of post-launch content and expansions.
5. Open Roads
Open Roads is a narrative-focused adventure game that puts storytelling front and centre. Set in the early 2000s, the game follows Tess Devine and her mother as they embark on a road trip to uncover long-buried family secrets. What begins as a journey through abandoned houses and motels soon evolves into an emotional exploration of memory, identity, and the complexity of mother-daughter relationships.
Gameplay is minimalistic by design. You explore beautifully illustrated environments in first-person, examine objects, uncover clues, and engage in naturalistic conversations. The game avoids traditional puzzles or combat, instead focusing on atmosphere and dialogue to tell its story. The characters are voiced by well-known actors, lending a cinematic quality to their interactions.
Visually, Open Roads uses a distinctive style that blends hand-drawn 2D character animations with detailed 3D backgrounds. This fusion enhances its graphic novel aesthetic while still delivering a sense of spatial immersion. It’s a short game, usually completed in 3–5 hours, making it ideal for players looking to experience a powerful narrative in a single session or weekend.
With its emphasis on emotional storytelling, personal discovery, and minimalist gameplay, Open Roads is an excellent example of how games can deliver meaningful, introspective experiences without traditional mechanics. Its removal from Xbox Game Pass will leave a noticeable gap for fans of narrative-driven indie games.
6. The Lamplighter’s League
The Lamplighter’s League is a turn-based strategy game set in an alternate 1930s world where pulp adventure meets dark fantasy. The game combines tactical combat with real-time infiltration mechanics, giving it a distinct identity in the genre. Players command a group of unlikely heroes, each with unique backgrounds and skills, to stop a global occult threat led by a sinister organisation known as the Banished Court.
Each mission starts with real-time stealth segments where players scout the environment, avoid detection, and set up strategic positions before initiating combat.
Once engaged, the gameplay shifts into classic turn-based strategy, where cover, line of sight, and abilities must be managed carefully. Unlike traditional tactics games, the characters in The Lamplighter’s League aren’t trained soldiers—they’re con artists, mystics, and outcasts—which adds narrative flavour and distinct abilities to the team dynamic.
The game places a heavy emphasis on style and setting. From war-torn ruins to mysterious jungle temples, each map feels handcrafted and visually striking. The overarching story is delivered through well-written cutscenes and mission briefings, creating a blend of cinematic flair and strategic depth.
Its departure from Game Pass marks a loss for fans of the genre, especially those who appreciate turn-based games with story-rich campaigns, character variety, and unique visual presentation.
7. Yakuza 0
Yakuza 0 is widely regarded as one of the finest entries in the Yakuza series and often recommended as the perfect starting point for newcomers.
Set in the economic boom of 1980s Japan, the game follows the dual protagonists Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, two figures on opposite sides of the yakuza underworld. What sets Yakuza 0 apart is how it balances a gritty, emotional crime drama with bizarre and humorous side stories.
Gameplay is divided between beat-’em-up street brawling and open-world exploration in two dense city districts: Kamurocho and Sotenbori. Players can switch between multiple fighting styles, each suited to different combat scenarios. Outside of the main storyline, players can engage in countless mini-games, including karaoke, cabaret club management, bowling, dancing, and real estate empire-building.
What makes Yakuza 0 shine is its writing. The main narrative is filled with betrayal, loyalty, and honour, while the side content leans into absurdity and eccentricity.
This contrast creates an unforgettable experience that’s emotionally grounded yet unapologetically playful. Yakuza 0 is not just an introduction to a franchise—it’s a compelling, standalone experience that will be deeply missed by players once it leaves Game Pass.
8. Yakuza Kiwami
Yakuza Kiwami is a full remake of the original Yakuza game released in 2005, rebuilt using the engine and combat system from Yakuza 0. It continues Kazuma Kiryu’s story, picking up after his ten-year prison sentence for a crime he didn’t commit.
On his release, Kiryu finds himself entangled in a power struggle for control of the Tojo Clan and must uncover the whereabouts of 10 billion yen that has mysteriously disappeared.
While the story closely follows the original, Yakuza Kiwami adds several enhancements. These include improved voice acting, additional cutscenes that fill in story gaps, and the “Majima Everywhere” system, where Goro Majima pops up unexpectedly to challenge Kiryu, adding levity and combat variety throughout the game.
The game also improves environmental design, combat responsiveness, and visual fidelity, making it far more accessible to modern audiences. Players who completed Yakuza 0 will find that Kiwami builds upon character arcs and deepens emotional investments.
It serves as a vital bridge between the franchise’s early years and its more recent evolution. Its exit from Game Pass will interrupt that continuity for players working their way through the series chronologically.
9. Yakuza Kiwami 2
Yakuza Kiwami 2 continues Kazuma Kiryu’s journey and is a direct sequel to the events of Kiwami. Rebuilt from the ground up using the advanced Dragon Engine, which powers later entries like Yakuza 6 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, this remake not only updates the graphics but also overhauls combat, animations, and environmental interactivity.
The story finds Kiryu stepping back into the criminal underworld to broker peace between rival clans after the assassination of a powerful Tojo Clan officer. The plot introduces a memorable antagonist, Ryuji Goda, who challenges Kiryu’s status and sets the stage for intense confrontations. It’s widely praised for its cinematic storytelling and character-driven drama.
In addition to the main narrative, Kiwami 2 includes the “Majima Saga,” a side campaign featuring Goro Majima and shedding light on what happened to him after Yakuza Kiwami. The open world of Kamurocho is once again richly detailed, and players can also explore a second city, Sotenbori, providing even more content and side activities.
For fans of narrative-driven games, this title offers some of the most refined storytelling and combat in the franchise. Its departure from Game Pass will be a blow to those invested in completing the Yakuza series in order.
10. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon marks a bold and successful reinvention of the franchise. Departing from the series’ traditional brawler combat, it introduces a turn-based RPG system reminiscent of classic Japanese role-playing games.
This change aligns with the introduction of a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, a low-level yakuza who emerges from prison to find the world he knew has changed and that he’s been betrayed by those closest to him.
Set in the fictional city of Ijincho, Yokohama, the game blends emotional storytelling with over-the-top humour and eccentricity. Ichiban’s journey is driven by his desire to become a hero, inspired by childhood video games. His party members include a homeless ex-nurse, a disgraced cop, and a hostess—all of whom contribute unique skills and story arcs.
Combat is fully turn-based but dynamic, allowing players to interact with the environment mid-battle, perform special “summons,” and level up character jobs, much like in traditional RPGs. The job system offers comedic yet strategic depth, allowing characters to be anything from a breakdancer to a chef, each with distinct abilities.
Despite the gameplay overhaul, the heart of the Yakuza franchise remains intact: rich narrative, grounded character work, and a city bursting with life and distractions.
Mini-games, substories, and even a full in-game movie theatre add hours of entertainment. Like a Dragon is a fan favourite that broadened the series’ appeal, and its removal from Game Pass will leave a noticeable gap for RPG fans and series newcomers alike.
| Game Title | Genre |
| Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 | Racing |
| Lil Gator Game | Adventure |
| MLB The Show 24 | Sports/Baseball |
| Monster Hunter Rise | Action RPG |
| Open Roads | Narrative/Adventure |
| The Lamplighter’s League | Turn-Based Strategy |
| Yakuza 0 | Action-Adventure |
| Yakuza Kiwami | Action-Adventure |
| Yakuza Kiwami 2 | Action-Adventure |
| Yakuza: Like a Dragon | Turn-Based RPG |
Which of These Xbox Game Pass Departures Are the Biggest Losses?
Among the games being removed in March, the departure of several Yakuza titles is particularly significant. These games—Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza Kiwami 2, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon—represent a major narrative arc in the long-running franchise.
Each game features deep storytelling, rich character development, and a blend of serious themes and quirky humour. Together, they provide a comprehensive look at the fictional Japanese underworld and have been praised for their originality and emotional impact.
Monster Hunter Rise is another prominent title leaving the platform. Developed by Capcom, it offers expansive environments, intricate combat mechanics, and a rewarding multiplayer system. Since joining Game Pass, it has attracted a dedicated player base and remained one of the most popular co-op games on the service.
MLB The Show 24 also stands out due to its status as a major sports release. Though more relevant to American audiences, it maintains a niche following in the UK and provides one of the most polished baseball simulation experiences on any platform. Sports games tend to leave Game Pass annually due to licensing issues, and this title follows that trend.
Open Roads and The Lamplighter’s League cater more to niche audiences but are notable for their unique storytelling styles and genre approaches. Open Roads in particular, developed by the creators of Gone Home, is known for its narrative-driven experience, while The Lamplighter’s League offers tactical gameplay in a 1930s pulp fiction setting.
Can I Still Play These Games After They Leave Xbox Game Pass?
Once a title is removed from Xbox Game Pass, subscribers lose access to it unless they purchase the game. However, Microsoft provides an incentive for subscribers by offering a discount—usually around 20%—on games that are about to leave the service.
This discount applies only while the game is still active within the Game Pass catalogue. Once the game is officially removed, it must be bought at full price unless it’s on sale through another promotion.
Saved data, achievements, and other progress made in these games remain tied to your Xbox profile. If the game is later purchased—digitally or physically—your progress will typically resume from where you left off, assuming you have not deleted your local or cloud saves. This feature allows for a smooth transition in case you decide to continue playing the game after it has been removed.
It’s also worth noting that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers who utilise Xbox Cloud Gaming will lose access to cloud-based play for these titles, reinforcing the importance of acting quickly if a game you enjoy is on its way out.
What Should I Play Before These Games Leave Xbox Game Pass?
Given the limited time before removal, players may want to prioritise specific titles based on available playtime, personal interest, and overall impact. Here’s a quick breakdown of recommended picks based on genre and estimated playtime:
- Yakuza 0: Serves as the prequel to the main series and is often recommended as a starting point. It offers around 30–40 hours of core gameplay, with dozens more available through side content.
- Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2: Remakes of the original Yakuza games. Best played after Yakuza 0. Each title can take 25–35 hours to complete.
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon: Introduces a new protagonist and a turn-based combat system. This game alone can take 40–60 hours to finish.
- Monster Hunter Rise: Requires a significant time investment, especially if you’re interested in multiplayer hunting. Core content can be enjoyed within 20–30 hours, but endgame content extends well beyond.
- Lil Gator Game and Open Roads: These are short, narrative-driven experiences that can be completed in under 5 hours, making them ideal for players looking for quick wins.
- Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Offers arcade-style racing and customisation features. Fun in short sessions and suitable for casual players.
Focusing on shorter games first ensures that you can experience them in full before the removal date, while longer titles should be prioritised if they’ve already captured your interest.
Are There Any Alternatives Coming to Xbox Game Pass Soon?
While several high-profile games are leaving the service, April 2025 is expected to bring new titles to Xbox Game Pass. Though Microsoft has yet to confirm the full lineup, early announcements and industry speculation suggest the inclusion of:
- A remastered RPG from a well-known Japanese developer
- Two indie releases from the ID@Xbox program
- A third-party action game coming as a day-one launch title
Microsoft typically reveals new additions in two waves, matching the bi-monthly removal schedule. These updates are often unveiled through the Xbox Newswire or Game Pass social media accounts.
Historically, Xbox Game Pass has been strategic in replacing major departures with equally appealing additions. For instance, in previous months, games like Persona 5 Royal and Lies of P entered the service shortly after major franchises like Grand Theft Auto and Final Fantasy exited. It’s likely that Microsoft will continue this trend to maintain subscriber satisfaction.
How Can I Keep Track of Games Leaving Game Pass Each Month?
With games coming and going every few weeks, staying updated on Game Pass changes can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to monitor removals and additions:
- Xbox Game Pass App: Available on Android and iOS, the app includes a “Leaving Soon” section. It also provides notifications when a game is nearing its removal date.
- Xbox Dashboard: The Game Pass tab on Xbox consoles highlights upcoming departures.
- Xbox Newswire: Microsoft’s official blog often publishes monthly roundups detailing what’s being added and what’s being removed.
- Gaming Media Outlets: Websites like IGN, GameSpot, and Eurogamer frequently publish Game Pass updates alongside commentary on the significance of each change.
- Social Media: Twitter/X accounts like @XboxGamePass and @Wario64 regularly post updates about additions, removals, and discounts.
By consulting a mix of these sources, subscribers can effectively plan their gameplay and take advantage of limited-time offerings before they’re gone.
Conclusion
March 2025 brings significant changes to the Xbox Game Pass library, with ten diverse and widely appreciated titles being removed. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Yakuza series or someone looking to explore games like Monster Hunter Rise before they’re gone, now is the time to act.
Prioritising your gameplay and taking advantage of the available discounts can ensure you don’t miss out. Stay informed with monthly updates to make the most of your Xbox Game Pass subscription.
FAQs
What happens to my saved progress after a game leaves Game Pass?
Your saved data remains on your console or in the cloud. If you purchase the game later, you can pick up right where you left off.
Can I still earn achievements in a game that’s about to leave Game Pass?
Yes, as long as the game is still in the library, achievements can be earned. Once it’s removed, you’ll need to own it to continue earning achievements.
How often does Xbox update the list of games leaving Game Pass?
Typically, Xbox updates the list twice a month—once in the first half and once in the second half. Titles are usually removed on the 15th and last day of the month.
Are first-party Microsoft games removed from Game Pass?
Generally, no. First-party titles from Microsoft Studios typically remain on Game Pass permanently unless otherwise stated.
Is there a way to be notified when a game is about to leave?
Yes, the Xbox Game Pass app can notify you when games are leaving. You can also check the “Leaving Soon” section directly on your console.
Will the Yakuza series return to Game Pass in the future?
It’s possible. The Yakuza series has rotated in and out of Game Pass before. While there’s no official confirmation, returning titles aren’t uncommon.
Are the discounts for leaving games available to all Game Pass tiers?
Yes, all Game Pass subscribers—Console, PC, and Ultimate—get the same discount on titles leaving the service.
