Nine Popular Games Departing Xbox Game Pass This Late April

Microsoft has confirmed the final batch of nine games departing Xbox Game Pass in April 2026, with all titles set to be removed from the service on April 30th. The departing titles includes a number of notable fan favorites, most prominently the extraction shooter Hunt: Showdown 1896, the science fiction adventure Revenge of the Savage Planet, and both the original version of Goat Simulator alongside its Remastered edition. The complete selection spans across console, PC and cloud platforms, offering subscribers a final chance to play these titles before they’re removed from the service. To ease the impact, Microsoft is offering reductions of at least 20 per cent on all nine games until their removal date, with some titles potentially receiving steeper price cuts as April draws to a close.

Which Games Are Departing and Timeline

The full range of titles leaving the service showcases a broad spectrum of varied genres and formats, capturing the variety of content Xbox Game Pass typically offers its members. From indie darlings to well-known series, the departure of these nine titles constitutes a substantial transformation in the platform’s catalogue. Notably, the loss of Hunt: Showdown 1896 will be especially impactful by the extraction shooter player base, whilst the removal of both Goat Simulator titles takes away a couple of cult favourite titles that have engaged audiences for many years. Each game has created its unique position within the video game market, resulting in their joint removal a memorable event for Game Pass subscribers.

All games are scheduled to leave on April 30th, 2026, with the single exception of NHL 24, whose exact departure date remains to be confirmed. This staggered approach gives subscribers a definite timeframe to determine if they want to purchase any of these titles before they are taken away from the offering in full. The timing is particularly significant as it constitutes the biggest group of departures scheduled for April, potentially prompting subscribers to reassess their gaming priorities and buying choices before the month concludes.

For those considering buying any of these titles, Microsoft’s discount strategy provides an appealing incentive. With reductions of at least 20 per cent already available across the entire departing catalogue, players have a genuine chance to own these games at discounted prices. Certain titles, particularly Hunt: Showdown 1896, may experience even steeper discounts as the removal date approaches, rewarding those who move quickly with potentially better value propositions.

Notable Titles Exiting the Service

Hunt: Showdown 1896 and Action Favourites

Hunt: Showdown 1896 stands out as a particularly major losses in this month’s departures, having cultivated a loyal community within the extraction shooter community. This multiplayer competitive shooter has become a defining title in its category, providing intense PvP encounters situated within a gritty frontier atmosphere. Its exit from Game Pass will certainly frustrate subscribers who’ve committed significant hours perfecting its challenging mechanics and strategic complexity.

Alongside Hunt: Showdown 1896, the service is also losing Revenge of the Savage Planet, a colourful sci-fi action adventure that gave gamers diverse exploration and compelling combat encounters. This title introduced a refreshing aesthetic to the action-adventure genre, merging inventive level design with satisfying gunplay. The loss of both these action-focused experiences constitutes a considerable void in Game Pass’s library, especially for players pursuing complex, ability-based experiences across varied environments and genres.

Comedy and Indie Gems

The removal of both Goat Simulator and Goat Simulator: Remastered marks the conclusion of an era for one of the gaming industry’s most beloved comedy franchises. These surreal games transformed into cultural sensations, praised for their cheeky comedy and chaotic physics mechanics that promoted creative experimentation. Their concurrent deletion strips away a unique brand of entertainment that appealed to gamers looking for lighthearted, unconventional gaming experiences different to conventional games.

Beyond the capering caprines, Game Pass is removing a number of independent games that have carved out their own engaged communities. Citizen Sleeper, a narrative-driven cyberpunk adventure, and Creatures of Ava, an exploration-focused experience, both represent the varied independent gaming scene that Game Pass has supported. These departures underscore how the service’s constantly changing library continually reshapes the available gaming variety, requiring subscribers to remain vigilant about their preferred games.

• Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 appeals to anime and fighting game fans
• Endless Legend 2 provides strategic depth for turn-based tactics fans
• NHL 24 caters to ice hockey and sports simulation fans
• Various platforms affected across console, PC, and cloud gaming

Obtaining Discounts Before Departure

Microsoft has improved the offer for subscribers keen to preserve their access to these games being removed, offering considerable savings across the entire roster of nine games. All games leaving on 30 April will receive reductions of at least 20 per cent, giving a final opportunity for players to buy their preferred titles at lower costs before they disappear from the service in full. This promotional period represents a practical solution for those who’ve engaged in these titles and want to keep lasting ownership to them.

Notably, particular titles are likely to see even greater discounting as the departure date gets closer. Hunt: Showdown 1896, in particular, may experience steeper discounts as April winds down, rewarding strategic shoppers who wait for steeper price cuts. This layered pricing approach prompts subscribers to act with urgency whilst still providing incentive for those willing to hold out for possibly superior offers. Subscribers should check the Xbox app and official storefront attentively to capitalise on these time-sensitive promotional deals before the games depart permanently.

• Minimum 20 per cent discount available on all leaving titles right away
• Hunt: Showdown 1896 expected to receive larger discounts as April progresses
• Discounts remain active until 30 April departure date
• Monitor Xbox mobile app for real-time pricing updates and promotions
• Purchase now to maintain permanent ownership after Game Pass removal

Subscriber Guidance for the Future

The departure of nine games in April’s final weeks marks a substantial turnover in Xbox Game Pass’s collection, underscoring the transient nature of subscription gaming services. Whilst missing out on cherished games such as Hunt: Showdown 1896 and Goat Simulator represents a notable blow to the service’s catalogue, this cyclical refresh remains integral to Game Pass’s business approach. Subscribers familiar with these rotations understand the significance of staying informed about removal timelines and planning accordingly, whether by buying preferred games directly or discovering alternative gaming options during the changeover phase.

The staggered removal of these nine titles across console, PC, and cloud services demonstrates the intricacy involved in handling licensing agreements across various gaming platforms. Game Pass subscribers across different platforms should check which particular titles impact their preferred gaming experience, as some titles—such as Endless Legend 2—are exclusive to PC. This divided structure necessitates careful attention from players who utilise multiple platforms, making sure they don’t overlook important removal notices for games accessible through their particular setup.

Upcoming Changes and Fresh Inclusions

Fortunately for subscribers dealing with these departures, Microsoft has already announced several exciting additions scheduled for April 2026, ensuring the Game Pass library maintains its appeal despite losses. Titles such as Vampire Crawlers, Kiln, Aphelion, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare represent varied gaming styles and experiences, catering to various player preferences. These new titles demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to offsetting losses with fresh content, preserving the service’s value proposition and providing subscribers strong incentives to remain engaged throughout the month’s transitions.

• Vampire Crawlers provides horror and roguelike gameplay experiences
• Kiln offers artistic indie gaming and immersive atmospheric exploration
• Aphelion delivers science fiction adventure and story-focused gameplay
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare maintains high-quality multiplayer shooter gameplay persists