Xbox Game Pass subscribers are losing one of the service’s most acclaimed open-world RPGs today. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt’s 2015 masterpiece, is among five games leaving the subscription on August 31, 2026, according to a report from Game Rant. The departure ends a relatively brief six-month run for the game on Game Pass, which had been added in February 2026. The news was reported by Gamerant.
The other four titles leaving today include the indie darling Another Crab’s Treasure, the stylish shooter I Am Your Beast, the roguelike Neon Abyss, and the colony sim One Lonely Outpost. Each has had a varied tenure on the service, from Neon Abyss‘s six-year stay to The Witcher 3‘s short visit. For players who haven’t finished these games, today is the last chance to play them through Game Pass before they’re pulled from the catalog.
What’s Leaving Game Pass Today
Here’s the full list of games departing on August 31, 2026, along with their addition dates, stint lengths, and critical reception, per Game Rant’s report:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Added Feb 2026, 6-month stint, OpenCritic average 93, 52–174 hours to beat.
- Another Crab’s Treasure — Added Feb 2025, 1 year 6 months, OpenCritic average 78, 14–22 hours.
- I Am Your Beast — Added Sep 2025, 11 months, OpenCritic average 80, 3–11 hours.
- Neon Abyss — Added Jul 2020, 6 years 1 month, OpenCritic average 76, 11–62 hours.
- One Lonely Outpost — Added Mar 2025, 1 year 5 months, no OpenCritic average or completion time listed.
The most notable loss is The Witcher 3, which holds a 93 OpenCritic average and offers a massive 52–174 hour campaign. Its departure after just six months may surprise subscribers who expected a longer stay, though Game Pass rotations are common. Neon Abyss, by contrast, had been a fixture since July 2020, making its exit a significant removal for long-time players.
Game Pass Additions Outpace Removals in 2026
Despite today’s departures, Game Pass has seen a net positive year in 2026. According to Game Rant’s tracking, the service added 129 games and removed 89 between January and August, a net gain of 40 games. That’s 32 more than the same period in 2025, indicating Microsoft is expanding the catalog faster than it’s trimming it.
Monthly breakdowns show a mixed picture: February was the strongest month with 20 additions and only 5 removals (net +15), while July and August both saw net losses of 2 games. August specifically added 7 games and removed 9, making this wave part of a slight contraction in recent months. Still, the overall trend remains positive, with the service adding more than it removes across the year.
What It Means for Subscribers
For players, today’s departures underscore the importance of checking the leaving soon list. The Witcher 3‘s exit is particularly impactful given its critical acclaim and length; those mid-playthrough will need to purchase the game or miss out. The other titles, while smaller, have dedicated followings—Another Crab’s Treasure and I Am Your Beast both earned solid reviews, and Neon Abyss‘s long tenure made it a reliable pick for roguelike fans.
Game Pass’s churn is a double-edged sword: it brings fresh titles regularly, but also removes favorites. The 2026 data suggests Microsoft is leaning into growth, but the loss of a flagship RPG like The Witcher 3 will be felt. As always, subscribers should prioritize finishing games before they vanish, or be ready to buy them at a discount.
