Xbox Game Pass subscribers will soon say goodbye to several popular titles at the end of March 2025. Ten games are scheduled to leave the service on March 31, including MLB The Show 24, Monster Hunter Rise, and several beloved Yakuza titles. This latest wave of departures follows the earlier March 15 removals that included No More Heroes 3, Evil West, Solar Ash, Lies of P, and SpongeBob SquarePants.
Among the most notable exits are Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, and other games from the acclaimed series. Additionally, family-friendly titles like Lil Gator Game and Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 will also be removed from the library. Subscribers still have time to enjoy these games before they leave the service, or purchase them at a discount if they wish to keep playing.
While these departures may disappoint some players, Game Pass continues to add new content with its March 2025 Wave 2 lineup. The service recently announced additions including Octopath Traveler II, Blizzard Arcade Collection, and Atomfall across Cloud, Console, and PC platforms.
10 Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass in Late March 2025
Microsoft has confirmed the second wave of titles departing Xbox Game Pass at the end of March, and this one’s a blow to the lineup. Ten games are set to rotate out on March 31, including several major franchises and some of the most popular games on the service. If you’ve been holding off on finishing (or starting) any of these, now’s the time to make them a priority.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s leaving and why it matters.
1. Yakuza 0
The prequel to the entire Yakuza series, Yakuza 0 is often the recommended entry point for newcomers. Set in 1980s Japan, it tells the origin stories of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. The game mixes gritty crime drama with offbeat humor and wild side activities, from real estate management to karaoke.
If you haven’t played Yakuza 0 yet, it’s a masterclass in storytelling and world-building. It’ll be a shame to see it go, especially since it’s been a consistent favorite on Game Pass for years.
2. Yakuza Kiwami
Yakuza Kiwami is a full remake of the original Yakuza game, rebuilt in the Dragon Engine used in Yakuza 6. It continues Kiryu’s story after the events of Yakuza 0, and while it retains the gritty tone, the improvements to combat and visuals make it the definitive way to experience the first chapter in Kiryu’s saga.
3. Yakuza Kiwami 2
Building on Kiwami, this remake of Yakuza 2 is a fan favorite thanks to its expanded side stories and refined combat. It also features the return of Majima as a playable character in his own unique side campaign. With Kiwami 2 leaving Game Pass alongside the others, this will break up the availability of the Yakuza series on the service.
4. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
A major shift for the franchise, Like a Dragon introduces new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga and turns the series into a full-on turn-based RPG. Despite the genre swap, it maintains the heart of the series—blending a deeply emotional story with over-the-top humor. This entry marked a new era for Yakuza, and for many, it was their introduction to the franchise.
If you’ve been thinking about diving into Like a Dragon, now’s the time. It’s a massive game, and its departure will leave a noticeable gap in Game Pass’s RPG offerings.
5. Monster Hunter Rise
Capcom’s Monster Hunter Rise took the refined hunting mechanics of Monster Hunter World and added verticality, speed, and Wirebug-based mobility. It’s a huge game, full of content, with dozens of monsters to hunt, craft gear from, and team up with friends to take down.
With Rise leaving the service, it’s a reminder that Capcom’s biggest games don’t stick around forever on Game Pass. If you’ve been meaning to tackle its high-level hunts or just experience the thrill of its monster battles, this is your last chance before you’ll need to buy it outright.
6. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 takes the toy racing formula and supercharges it with more vehicles, new abilities, and an expanded track editor. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s one of the most surprisingly deep arcade racers in recent memory. Losing it from Game Pass will leave racing fans with fewer options for casual, high-speed thrills.
7. MLB The Show 24
Sony San Diego’s MLB The Show 24 continues the franchise’s reputation for authenticity and polish. It’s the go-to baseball sim, and its inclusion on Game Pass has made it widely accessible to sports fans. Its departure on March 31 isn’t surprising—previous entries have followed the same pattern, leaving just as the new season kicks off and the latest version drops.
8. Lil Gator Game
A cozy, charming open-world adventure, Lil Gator Game has been a hidden gem on Game Pass. You play as a small alligator exploring a colorful world full of make-believe adventures and quirky characters. It’s short but sweet, and its focus on fun over combat has made it a standout among indie offerings.
9. Open Roads
One of the newer narrative-driven indies, Open Roads follows a mother-daughter road trip through a story full of mystery and personal discovery. From the creators of Gone Home and Tacoma, it’s an emotional, reflective experience. Its early departure from Game Pass will disappoint fans of narrative-heavy games.
10. The Lamplighters League
A turn-based tactics game with an alternate 1930s pulp adventure vibe, The Lamplighters League combines stealth, strategy, and RPG mechanics. Despite flying under the radar, it’s built a loyal following thanks to its smart systems and stylish presentation.
What This Means for Game Pass Subscribers
With these 10 games leaving on March 31, subscribers are losing a significant chunk of variety. The Yakuza series alone accounts for four major RPGs and action games, while Monster Hunter Rise and MLB The Show 24 represent two of the best examples of their genres on the service.
This kind of rotation isn’t unusual—Game Pass is a living library—but it does leave gaps, especially for players invested in long-form games. If you’ve made progress in any of these, you’ll either need to finish them up quickly or consider buying them with your membership discount before they’re gone.
What’s Next?
While Microsoft hasn’t fully revealed the next wave of titles coming in April, the expectation is that some heavy hitters will be announced soon to balance out these departures. Rumors point to a few big day-one releases, including some long-awaited indie games and the potential for another major third-party addition.
For now, though, it’s time to clear your backlog—or at least say goodbye to a few favorites.
Key Takeaways
- Ten games will leave Xbox Game Pass on March 31, including MLB The Show 24, Monster Hunter Rise, and multiple Yakuza titles.
- Subscribers can still purchase departing games at a discount to continue playing after they leave the service.
- Microsoft has announced new additions in the March 2025 Wave 2 lineup to replace departing titles across all Game Pass tiers.
Titles Leaving Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass subscribers will see several notable games departing the service at the end of March 2025. The departures include beloved franchises, indie gems, family-friendly titles, and several critically acclaimed games across various genres.
Major Franchises and Sequels
The end of March will see the departure of several major franchise titles from Game Pass. Most notably, the Yakuza series is taking a significant hit with Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza Kiwami 2, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon all leaving the service. These action-adventure games have been fan favorites for their compelling stories and unique gameplay.
Monster Hunter Rise is also departing from Console and PC Game Pass. The popular action RPG from Capcom has been a staple for players seeking challenging monster-hunting experiences.
Sports fans will need to note that MLB The Show 24 will be removed from Console and Cloud, just as baseball season is getting into full swing. The timing is unfortunate for those who enjoy the annual baseball simulation.
No More Heroes 3, the quirky action title from Grasshopper Manufacture, will also be leaving the service. The game features Travis Touchdown’s alien-fighting adventure with its characteristic style.
Indie and Genre Diverse Games
Several acclaimed indie titles are on their way out this month. Lil Gator Game, a charming adventure game, will be removed from Cloud, Console, and PC versions of Game Pass. The game has been praised for its wholesome gameplay and cute aesthetics.
Lies of P, the challenging soulslike with a dark Pinocchio twist, is also departing. This critically acclaimed title brought unique storytelling to a familiar genre.
Other indie departures include:
- Solar Ash – A stylish action-adventure game
- Evil West – A vampire-hunting western shooter
- The Lamplighter’s League – A turn-based strategy game
These games represent a diverse range of genres from roguelikes to puzzle games. Players interested in unique gameplay experiences should prioritize these titles before they leave.
Family and Co-op Experiences
Family-friendly titles are also on the departure list. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged will be leaving Console, PC, and Cloud services. The racing game has been popular among younger players and racing enthusiasts alike.
Co-op players will want to check out Monster Sanctuary before it leaves. This monster taming RPG offers an engaging multiplayer experience with team-based monster battles.
Racing fans should note that Train Sim World 5 is also departing. The simulation game offers realistic train driving experiences across various global routes.
These titles offer valuable family gaming options with lower difficulty curves and approachable content. Parents looking for gaming options to share with children should try these before they’re gone.
Upcoming Attractions
While many games are leaving, Xbox Game Pass is adding new titles in the second wave of March 2025. Octopath Traveler II will join the service, bringing its unique HD-2D art style and turn-based RPG gameplay to subscribers.
The Blizzard Arcade Collection is also coming to Game Pass, featuring classic titles like The Lost Vikings. This collection offers nostalgic gaming experiences from Blizzard’s early days.
Atomfall will provide a new action experience for subscribers looking for something fresh. The game promises intense combat in a post-apocalyptic setting.
These additions help balance the departures and give subscribers new experiences to look forward to. Players should mark their calendars for these new arrivals while saying goodbye to departing favorites.
Membership Perks and Discounts
Xbox Game Pass subscribers receive special benefits beyond just access to the game library. These perks include significant discounts on games leaving the service, allowing members to keep playing titles they enjoy.
Member Discount Information
All Xbox Game Pass members can purchase games leaving the service at up to 20% off their regular price. This discount applies to the games scheduled to leave in late March 2025, including Hot Wheels Unleashed 2, The Lamplighters League, Monster Hunter Rise, and other departing titles.
Game Pass Ultimate subscribers receive the same 20% discount but also enjoy additional perks like Xbox Live Gold inclusion and EA Play access. These extra benefits make Ultimate the more comprehensive subscription option.
Game Pass Core members have a more limited game library but still receive a 10% discount on select add-ons and DLC for games in the Core catalog. However, the full 20% leaving-soon discount is reserved for standard Game Pass and Ultimate subscribers.
The discount window typically remains active until the games are removed from the service. For the March 2025 departures, members can purchase at the discounted rate until March 31st.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xbox Game Pass subscribers often have questions about how the service works, especially when games are leaving the platform. Here’s information on purchasing departing games, library updates, and what happens to downloaded titles when they leave the service.
What process should I follow to keep a game from the Xbox Game Pass after it’s no longer available?
To keep a game that’s leaving Xbox Game Pass, subscribers need to purchase it before it’s removed. Microsoft offers a 20% discount on games currently in the Game Pass library for active subscribers.
Simply visit the Microsoft Store, find the game, and complete the purchase. The discount will be automatically applied at checkout when signed in with the Game Pass subscription account.
How often does Microsoft refresh the Xbox Game Pass library?
Microsoft typically updates the Xbox Game Pass library twice monthly. New games are added throughout the month, while games scheduled for removal are announced about two weeks before they leave.
The refresh cycle maintains a dynamic catalog with around 400 games available at any time. Microsoft aims to add more games than it removes each month to continually grow the value of the service.
Can you provide a list of games scheduled to leave Xbox Game Pass by the end of March 2025?
According to the search results, ten games are confirmed to leave Xbox Game Pass by the end of March 2025. These include Hot Wheels Unleashed 2, The Lamplighters League, Monster Hunter Rise, Evil West, Lies of P, MLB The Show 2024, No More Heroes 3, and Solar Ash.
The list also includes a SpongeBob SquarePants title. These games will be removed from the service on March 31, 2025.
Are there any discounts for purchasing games that are being removed from Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, Xbox Game Pass subscribers receive a 20% discount on games currently in the Game Pass library. This discount applies to games that are scheduled for removal.
The discount is automatically applied when purchasing through the Microsoft Store with an active subscription. DLC and add-ons for Game Pass games are also available at a 10% discount for subscribers.
What is the difference between Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in terms of game availability?
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers a more comprehensive library than the standard Game Pass. Ultimate combines Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass, EA Play, and Xbox Cloud Gaming into one subscription.
Some games may be available only on specific platforms within the Game Pass ecosystem. Ultimate subscribers have access to all platforms, while standard subscribers are limited to either console or PC libraries.
Does the removal of a game from Xbox Game Pass affect players who have already downloaded it?
Yes, once a game leaves Xbox Game Pass, subscribers lose access to it even if it’s already downloaded to their device. The system will prevent the game from launching without a valid license.
All save data is retained, however. If subscribers purchase the game later or if it returns to Game Pass, they can continue where they left off with their existing save files.
