Get ready to say goodbye to some beloved titles, as Xbox Game Pass is set to lose another seven games in January 2026. But here's the kicker: some of these games were already on the chopping block last month, only to be spared at the last minute. Will they survive again, or is this truly their final farewell?
Microsoft has officially announced the second wave of departures, and it’s a bittersweet list. Titles like Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders, Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap, Starbound, Shady Part of Me, PAW Patrol World, and Cataclismo will all exit Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass on January 31. Here’s the full lineup of games leaving the service:
- Cataclismo (Windows) – A real-time strategy/management game with a notoriously tough achievement list.
- Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector – A narrative-driven RPG with 30 challenging achievements to unlock in 15-20 hours.
- Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders – A serene yet demanding biking adventure that can be completed in under 10 hours, though full completion may take up to 30 with DLC.
- Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap – Prepare for an 80-100 hour grind to conquer this tower defense game’s achievement list.
- PAW Patrol World – A family-friendly action-adventure game that’s perfect for a quick Gamerscore boost in under 8 hours.
- Shady Part of Me – A captivating puzzle-platformer with a straightforward achievement list, though finding all collectibles can be tricky.
- Starbound – A 2D sandbox game that can be completed in under 10 hours on Xbox (with some console command tricks) or 12-15 hours on Windows.
And this is the part most people miss: Some of these games, like PAW Patrol World and Cataclismo, were slated to leave in December 2025 but were given a temporary reprieve. Now, they’re back on the list, leaving players wondering if they should rush to complete them before they’re gone for good.
If you’re hunting for achievements, here’s a quick breakdown: PAW Patrol World and Shady Part of Me are ideal for quick completions, while Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap and Cataclismo will test your patience and skill. Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders offers a balanced challenge, and Citizen Sleeper 2 is a must-play for RPG fans, despite its tricky achievements.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Microsoft cycling out games too quickly, or is this just the nature of a subscription service? Some players argue that the constant churn makes it hard to fully enjoy titles before they’re removed, while others appreciate the opportunity to try games they might not otherwise buy. What do you think? Are you racing to complete any of these games before they leave, or do you feel the rotation is too fast to keep up?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! And if you’re looking for walkthroughs or achievement guides, we’ve got you covered with links to help you maximize your gaming time before these titles disappear.
Written by Sean Carey, a passionate Xbox enthusiast with a journalism degree from Solent University. Sean is dedicated to exploring the best RPGs, racing games, and first-person shooters on Xbox Game Pass. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to subscribe for the latest Xbox news delivered straight to your inbox!
