End of an Era: Saying Goodbye to These Must-Play Games on Xbox Game Pass

As the sun sets on another fantastic month of new releases on Xbox Game Pass, a bittersweet reality looms for subscribers. Every month, a handful of titles are removed from the service to make way for new games, and August 31, 2025, is going to be a particularly sad day for many players. In a recent update to the “Leaving Soon” section, Microsoft has confirmed that five high-profile games will be departing the service at the end of the month, and for many, this is a call to action to play them before they are gone. This is a critical piece of Xbox Game Pass news for anyone who is looking to catch up on some of the service’s most beloved titles before it’s too late.

The list of games leaving the service on August 31 is a mix of genres and styles, and each one offers a unique and memorable experience. The most notable departures are Borderlands 3 and the critically-acclaimed indie title, Sea of Stars. These two games alone represent a significant loss for the service, and their removal will leave a gaping hole in the Game Pass library. While the service is always adding great new games, the removal of a fan-favorite is always a painful moment for the community.

The Full List of Games Leaving on August 31, 2025

Here is the full list of games that will be leaving Xbox Game Pass at the end of the month:

• Borderlands 3: Ultimate Edition (Console, PC, and Cloud)
• Sea of Stars (Console, PC, and Cloud)
• This War of Mine: Final Cut (Console, PC, and Cloud)
• Ben 10: Power Trip (Console, PC, and Cloud)
• PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay (Console, PC, and Cloud)

While the departure of Paw Patrol and Ben 10 is likely to go unnoticed by most of the hardcore gaming community, the removal of Borderlands 3 and Sea of Stars is a major blow. Borderlands 3, in particular, has been a fantastic addition to the service. The Ultimate Edition, which includes all the DLC, has been a great way for players to experience the entire loot-shooter experience. With the upcoming release of Borderlands 4, it is not a surprise that the game is leaving the service, as it is a common practice for publishers to remove older titles when a new one is on the horizon. However, for those who haven’t had a chance to dive into the chaotic world of Pandora, the clock is now ticking.

The removal of Sea of Stars is arguably the most heartbreaking for many subscribers. This critically-acclaimed retro RPG was a day-one Game Pass title, and it has been a staple of the service for two years. With its beautiful pixel art, engaging turn-based combat, and charming story, it has been a favorite for RPG fans. The game is a significant time commitment, and many players may have started it but not finished it. For those who are in the middle of a run, the next two weeks will be a mad dash to the finish line. Luckily, Microsoft offers a 20% discount on all games that are leaving the service, so if you are in the middle of a run, it may be a good idea to purchase the game at a discount to avoid losing your progress.

What to Do Before They’re Gone

For players who want to get a head start on these departing games, here are a few tips:

• Prioritize your playthroughs. If you’re short on time, focus on the games that you are most interested in. Sea of Stars is a 40-50 hour commitment, so it is highly unlikely you will be able to finish it in two weeks. However, you can still play a few hours of it to see if it is worth the purchase.
• Use your discount. Remember that all games leaving the service are available for purchase with a 20% discount. This is a great way to save a few dollars on a game that you were already going to buy.
• Don’t forget the other games. While Borderlands 3 and Sea of Stars are the biggest losses, don’t forget to check out This War of Mine: Final Cut. It is a powerful and emotional survival game that offers a different perspective on war.

While it is always sad to see great games leave the service, it is also a reminder of the amazing value that Xbox Game Pass provides. For a single monthly fee, you get to experience dozens of games, and even when they leave, there is always a new wave of great titles on the horizon. It’s time to get your controllers ready and make the most of the last two weeks with these fantastic games before they are gone forever. It’s the end of an era, but a new one is always just around the corner.