One of my favorite Xbox Game Pass games is leaving this month — I can’t believe this huge FPS title is departing

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As a researcher studying gaming subscriptions, I’ve been following Xbox Game Pass closely. It’s a really popular service because it gives you access to a huge library of games – everything from classics to the latest releases, and they’re constantly adding new titles each month. However, it can be a bit disappointing when games leave the service, even though new ones are always coming in.

Gamers recently discovered that STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl will be removed from the game subscription service this month. The game launched on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC on November 20, 2024, and was immediately available to Game Pass subscribers. After almost a year, it’s now being taken off the service.

Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass website confirms that STALKER 2 will be removed from the service on November 15th, as listed on their “Leaving Soon” page.

Several other games are also leaving Game Pass soon, including Football Manager 2024 and Spirittea. The removal of Frostpunk is especially significant, as this popular and highly-rated city-building game has been available on the service for quite a while. Its sequel, Frostpunk 2, was also recently added in September.

It’s common for games to leave Xbox Game Pass after a year or two, but it’s still unexpected when popular titles are removed. I was particularly surprised to see STALKER 2 go, considering it initially launched as an exclusive for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC (through Steam and the Xbox app).

I’ve been following the development of STALKER 2, and it’s been quite a journey. Microsoft and Xbox really stepped up to support GSC Game World through some incredibly difficult circumstances. They helped the studio relocate from Kyiv to Prague after the war started in Ukraine, and continued to back them as they worked on the game despite everything. It’s been amazing to see them persevere.

As someone who follows Game Pass closely, I’ve come to expect games eventually leave the service after a year or two. But even knowing that, I was surprised to see STALKER 2 removed – it felt like a particularly big loss.

The publisher not only supported the game’s development but also provided a platform for the developers to share their personal story of creating a video game during wartime. GSC Game World was able to present their difficult experiences at an Xbox event in 2022, and Microsoft also funded the studio’s 2024 documentary, “War Game.” Recently, STALKER 2 and GSC Game World also received the Xbox Excellence Award.

Although GSC Game World isn’t directly owned by Microsoft like some Xbox studios, it’s obvious they collaborated closely. That’s why it’s surprising to see STALKER 2 removed from Game Pass, particularly since sales haven’t been strong since its 2024 release.

As for why this happened, my initial thought was that a contract between Xbox and the game’s creator had ended. However, it seems like both companies would benefit from keeping the game available, so removing it doesn’t really make sense for either Microsoft or the developer.

It’s possible the removal of STALKER 2 from Game Pass is related to its upcoming release on PlayStation 5 on November 20th – exactly one year after the game was initially planned to launch. Some believe Sony may have required the game to be removed from Game Pass as a condition for releasing it on PS5, but this is just a theory.

We probably won’t know the exact reason STALKER 2 is leaving Game Pass unless Microsoft or GSC Game World officially explains it. However, it’s definitely a letdown for Xbox and PC players who were hoping to play the game through the service.

The shooter has received many updates and improvements in 2025, and more are planned. However, Game Pass subscribers will need to purchase the game separately to access them.

It’s especially frustrating for players who were excited about STALKER 2 when it first released and planned to revisit it later through Xbox Game Pass after major updates. While 2025 has brought significant improvements and bug fixes to the game, Game Pass subscribers will now need to purchase the game separately to enjoy them.

Here’s some great news: you can currently get the Deluxe Edition of STALKER 2 on Steam for only $42.19 at Loaded (previously known as CDKeys). This is a fantastic deal, as the Deluxe Edition usually costs $79.99, compared to the standard version’s $59.99, and includes extra content.

This is a fantastic deal – the game is almost half price! If you have a powerful gaming computer and want to own STALKER 2 even after it’s removed from Xbox Game Pass, now’s the time to buy. Not sure if your computer can handle it? Check the official STALKER 2 system requirements to see if it meets the specs.

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2025-11-04 00:12