Xbox Game Pass July departures are once again drawing attention as Microsoft updates its subscription catalog with a fresh mix of arrivals and removals. As of July 21, 2026, the company has confirmed another wave of games that will leave the service before the end of the month. Subscribers still have a limited window to finish these titles or purchase them at a discounted price before they are removed from the Game Pass library.
Microsoft follows a consistent monthly schedule for Xbox Game Pass. New releases arrive throughout the month while older titles rotate out as licensing agreements expire. This approach keeps the catalog evolving and gives subscribers regular opportunities to discover new games across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and cloud gaming.
Confirmed Games Leaving on July 31
Microsoft has officially confirmed the next batch of games scheduled to leave Xbox Game Pass on July 31, 2026.
| Game | Platforms |
|---|---|
| Back to the Dawn | Console, PC, Cloud |
| Celeste | Console, PC, Cloud |
| Crusader Kings III | Console, PC, Cloud |
| Crusader Kings III (Windows) | PC |
| Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord | Console, PC, Cloud |
| My Friendly Neighborhood | Console, PC, Cloud |
| Rain World | Console, PC, Cloud |
| Sniper Elite: Resistance | Console, PC, Cloud |
Subscribers can continue playing these games until the final day of July. Once removed, they will no longer be available through an active Game Pass membership unless purchased separately.
Why Games Leave Xbox Game Pass
Departures are a normal part of Microsoft’s subscription strategy.
Every title joins Game Pass through a licensing agreement between Microsoft and the publisher or developer. When those agreements expire, games usually leave the catalog unless both parties agree to renew the partnership.
Common reasons include:
- Licensing contracts reaching their end
- Publisher decisions to conclude Game Pass availability
- Catalog refreshes to make room for newer releases
- Business agreements ending after a fixed period
Microsoft’s first-party games often stay much longer, but many third-party titles rotate regularly.
What Happened Earlier This Month
July has already seen one major wave of departures.
Games removed during the first half of the month included:
- Dungeons of Hinterberg
- EA Sports FC 24
- Golf With Your Friends
- PowerWash Simulator
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition
- Splitgate: Arena Reloaded
- Stellaris
- Super Fantasy Kingdom
- Techtonica
These removals opened space for several new additions announced during Microsoft’s July Game Pass updates.
Celeste Remains One of the Biggest Indie Losses
Among the departing titles, Celeste stands out as one of the most celebrated indie platformers available on Game Pass.
The game combines precise platforming mechanics with an emotional narrative centered on overcoming personal challenges. Its assist mode also made the experience approachable for players of varying skill levels.
Despite being several years old, Celeste continues to receive praise from players discovering it through subscription services.
Those who have postponed playing it still have a short opportunity before its scheduled removal.
Crusader Kings III Leaves After Years on the Service
Strategy fans are also losing one of Game Pass’ deepest experiences.
Crusader Kings III allows players to guide medieval dynasties through diplomacy, warfare, succession, religion, and political intrigue across generations.
The game offers nearly endless replay value because no two campaigns unfold exactly the same way.
Its developer has confirmed that the Game Pass agreement ends on July 31, while reminding players that purchased downloadable content remains available if they own the base game after removal.
Read More – Xbox Game Pass June Updates Deliver New Day-One Releases, Fan-Favorite Returns, and Major Library Changes
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Still Offers Hundreds of Hours
For players who enjoy sandbox role-playing games, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord represents another significant departure.
The game blends:
- Open-world exploration
- Kingdom management
- Massive medieval battles
- Character progression
- Tactical warfare
Unlike traditional RPGs, Bannerlord lets players create their own stories through dynamic campaigns.
Even after years on the market, it remains one of the most ambitious medieval simulation games available.
Rain World Delivers a Different Survival Experience
Not every survival game relies on crafting and resource gathering.
Rain World challenges players with a living ecosystem where wildlife behaves independently rather than simply reacting to the player.
The game’s difficulty has earned it a passionate community that appreciates its unpredictable environments and atmospheric world design.
Its departure removes one of the more distinctive indie adventures currently available on Game Pass.
Back to the Dawn Nears the End of Its Run
Back to the Dawn attracted attention for combining prison escape mechanics with role-playing elements.
Players build alliances, investigate conspiracies, gather resources, and carefully plan their escape while navigating a dangerous prison environment.
Its unique setting helped it stand apart from many traditional adventure games available through the subscription.
My Friendly Neighborhood Offers Horror With a Twist
Horror fans still have time to experience My Friendly Neighborhood before it leaves.
Instead of relying entirely on traditional monsters, the game transforms colorful television puppets into unsettling enemies while mixing exploration, puzzle-solving, and survival mechanics.
Its unusual premise earned positive reactions from players looking for something different within the horror genre.
Sniper Elite: Resistance Joins the Departure List
Another notable removal is Sniper Elite: Resistance.
The tactical shooter expands the long-running Sniper Elite franchise with stealth-focused missions, detailed sniper mechanics, and large environments that reward patience and planning.
Players interested in completing the campaign should consider prioritizing it before July concludes.
Can You Keep Playing After Removal?
Once a game leaves Xbox Game Pass, access through the subscription ends.
However, several things remain unchanged:
- Save files stay attached to your Xbox account.
- Achievements remain permanently unlocked.
- Cloud saves continue to exist.
- Progress transfers automatically if you purchase the game later.
This means players can resume exactly where they stopped after buying the title digitally.
Subscribers Can Save Money Before Games Leave
Microsoft offers one useful benefit before departures occur.
Game Pass members generally receive a discount on games while they remain in the catalog.
Many departing titles can be purchased for less than their regular retail price during their final days on the service.
For players planning to continue long campaigns in games like Crusader Kings III or Bannerlord, purchasing them before removal can be an attractive option.
July Also Brings New Additions
Although departures receive plenty of attention, Microsoft has also introduced several new games throughout July.
Recent additions include high-profile releases, returning franchises, and day-one launches, continuing Microsoft’s strategy of refreshing the Game Pass catalog every month.
This steady rotation ensures subscribers always have something new to explore, even as older titles leave.
How Microsoft Announces Departures
Microsoft generally follows a predictable schedule each month.
Subscribers can expect:
- A list of new arrivals early in the month
- Mid-month departures
- Another announcement covering late-month removals
- Additional updates if changes occur
Occasionally, games are removed from the “Leaving Soon” section after Microsoft revises its plans, although final confirmed lists are typically accurate once officially announced.
Which Games Should You Finish First?
With only days remaining, prioritizing shorter games may be the smartest approach.
If time is limited, consider finishing:
- Celeste
- My Friendly Neighborhood
- Back to the Dawn
Longer experiences such as Crusader Kings III and Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can require dozens or even hundreds of hours, making them better candidates for purchase if you plan to continue playing after July.
Why Monthly Departures Matter
Game Pass has become one of gaming’s most popular subscription services because it offers a constantly changing catalog.
Monthly departures encourage players to discover titles they may otherwise overlook while giving publishers additional exposure during each game’s time on the service.
Although favorite games eventually leave, new arrivals help maintain variety across genres including action, strategy, role-playing, racing, sports, simulation, and indie adventures.
Looking Ahead
As July comes to a close, Xbox Game Pass subscribers have one final opportunity to enjoy several well-regarded games before they rotate out of the library.
From the strategic depth of Crusader Kings III to the challenging platforming of Celeste and the large-scale medieval battles in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, this month’s departures span a wide variety of genres.
Players interested in any of these experiences should plan their remaining playtime before July 31, 2026, or consider purchasing their favorites while subscriber discounts are still available.
Which game are you planning to finish before it leaves Xbox Game Pass? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more gaming updates.