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It is a bittersweet Sunday for Xbox fans. As we navigate through the first month of 2026, the inevitable cycle of the Xbox Game Pass library continues to turn. Today, on January 18, 2026, news has broken that Xbox Game Pass loses another seven games at the end of the month. While saying goodbye to beloved titles is never easy, this rotation is the heartbeat of the service, clearing the way for fresh adventures and blockbuster hits that keep us all glued to our screens.
The announcement comes just days after the first wave of January departures, confirming that subscribers have a limited window to finish up some truly unique experiences. However, there is no need for despair! The gaming ecosystem is thriving, and for every door that closes, a massive window opens—often revealing a galaxy far, far away or a spooky European village. Let’s dive into the details of what is leaving, what has already left, and the incredible games arriving to take their place.
The Seven Games Leaving on January 31
According to reports from TrueAchievements and Pure Xbox, a total of seven titles are scheduled to depart the service on January 31, 2026. This second wave of departures affects Console, PC, and Cloud users, making it essential to prioritize these games over the next two weeks.
The most notable loss for narrative RPG fans is undoubtedly Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector. The sequel to the indie hit was a massive success, praised for its deep storytelling and tabletop-inspired mechanics. If you haven’t experienced its gripping sci-fi world yet, now is your final chance to do so as part of your subscription.
Strategy enthusiasts will need to act fast as well. Cataclismo, the fortress-building real-time strategy game that captivated PC players, is also on the way out. Known for its creative mix of tower defense and architectural construction, it is a title that demands one last playthrough.
Here is the complete list of games leaving Xbox Game Pass on January 31, 2026:
- Cataclismo (PC)
- Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (Console, PC, Cloud)
- Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders (Console, PC, Cloud)
- Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap (Console, PC, Cloud)
- PAW Patrol World (Console, PC, Cloud)
- Shady Part of Me (Console, PC, Cloud)
- Starbound (Console, PC, Cloud)
According to Twisted Voxel, Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders offered a fantastic multiplayer twist on the downhill biking formula, while Starbound has been a sandbox staple for explorers. Remember, subscribers can purchase these titles at a discount of at least 20% before they leave the store, so if you want to keep PAW Patrol World for the little ones, now is the time to buy.
A Look Back: The First Wave of January Departures
To fully understand the scope of this month’s changes, we must acknowledge the games that have already bid us farewell. Just a few days ago, on January 15, the service saw the removal of five other titles. According to Eurogamer, this first wave included the high-octane speedrunning FPS Neon White and the procedurally generated road trip adventure Road 96.
Other titles that left earlier this month included the cyberpunk action-RPG The Ascent, the “souls-lite” Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, and the festive platformer The Grinch: Christmas Adventures. While it is sad to see them go, their departure has already made room for some of the most exciting additions we have seen in months.
New Adventures Await: The Bright Side of 2026
Now, let’s shift gears to the good news—and there is plenty of it! The removal of older games is merely the prelude to an influx of top-tier entertainment. January 2026 has already been a stellar month for additions, proving that Microsoft is committed to keeping the momentum high.
Leading the charge is the arrival of Star Wars Outlaws. According to GameSpot, Ubisoft’s open-world scoundrel adventure joined the service earlier this month, allowing players to explore the galaxy like never before. If that wasn’t enough to get your heart racing, horror fans are in for a treat with Resident Evil Village. The eighth main installment in the legendary franchise is set to terrify players on January 20, bringing Ethan Winters’ harrowing journey directly to your console and PC.
Indie fans also have reasons to celebrate. The stylish Metroidvania Mio: Memories in Orbit and the city-builder Nova Roma are adding incredible variety to the catalog. As noted by Screen Rant, these day-one additions ensure that whether you want to manage an empire or explore a mysterious ark, there is something fresh for you to play.
In Brief (TL;DR)
Xbox Game Pass subscribers must prepare to lose seven distinct titles from the service on January 31, 2026.
High-profile departures include Citizen Sleeper 2 and Cataclismo, giving players a final chance to finish these acclaimed experiences.
The rotation makes room for massive new hits, including Star Wars Outlaws and Resident Evil Village, keeping the library fresh.
Conclusion
While the headline “Xbox Game Pass loses another seven games in January 2026” might sting initially, it is a reminder of the dynamic nature of the service. We are losing gems like Citizen Sleeper 2 and Starbound, but we are gaining blockbuster experiences that define the current generation of gaming. You have until January 31 to finish your playthroughs of the departing titles, so fire up your Xbox or PC and make these final days count. The future of Game Pass in 2026 looks brighter than ever, and we can’t wait to see what February brings!
Frequently Asked Questions
A total of seven titles are scheduled to depart the service at the end of the month. The list includes high-profile indie sequels like Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector and strategy hits such as Cataclismo. Other notable departures affecting Console, PC, and Cloud users include Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders, Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap, PAW Patrol World, Shady Part of Me, and the sandbox exploration game Starbound. Subscribers should prioritize these titles immediately as they will no longer be accessible via the subscription after this date.
Yes, active subscribers can purchase games scheduled for removal at a reduced price. According to the service terms mentioned in the report, you are eligible for a discount of at least 20 percent off the store price before the titles officially leave the library. This is an excellent opportunity to permanently add games like PAW Patrol World or Starbound to your digital collection if you wish to continue playing them after January 31.
To balance the departures, Microsoft has introduced significant blockbuster titles to the catalog. The open-world adventure Star Wars Outlaws was added earlier in the month. Additionally, horror enthusiasts can look forward to Resident Evil Village, which arrives on January 20. Other fresh additions include the Metroidvania title Mio: Memories in Orbit and the city-builder Nova Roma, ensuring a diverse mix of genres for all subscribers despite the removal of older games.
Yes, the narrative RPG sequel Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is confirmed to leave the service on January 31, 2026. This departure affects players across Console, PC, and Cloud platforms. Since this title is praised for its deep storytelling and tabletop-inspired mechanics, narrative RPG fans are strongly advised to finish their playthroughs within the remaining two-week window before it is removed from the library.
Before the end-of-month wave, a first group of games departed on January 15. This earlier removal included the speedrunning FPS Neon White and the road trip adventure Road 96. Other titles that have already left the service this month are The Ascent, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, and The Grinch: Christmas Adventures. If you missed these, they are no longer available to play for free through the subscription.
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