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? Let’s dive into the details and explore what’s at stake.
Microsoft has officially confirmed the second wave of departures from Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass this January. The lineup includes Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders, Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap, Starbound, Shady Part of Me, PAW Patrol World, and Cataclismo, all scheduled to exit the service on January 31. Here’s the full list of games leaving:
- 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.
- Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders – A serene yet demanding biking adventure.
- Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap – A tower defense game requiring hours of grinding for completion.
- PAW Patrol World – A family-friendly action-adventure game perfect for quick Gamerscore.
- Shady Part of Me – A puzzle-platformer with a focus on collectible hunting.
- Starbound – A 2D sandbox game with varying completion times depending on the platform.
And this is the part most people miss: While we eagerly await the next batch of Game Pass additions, it’s worth noting that some of these departing titles offer excellent opportunities for achievement hunters. For instance, PAW Patrol World and Shady Part of Me can both be completed in under eight hours, making them ideal for a quick boost to your Gamerscore. Our walkthroughs (linked below) can guide you through every step.
For those seeking a slightly greater challenge, Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders offers a 1,000G base list in under ten hours, though full completion—including DLC—can stretch to 30 hours. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is it worth investing time in a game that’s about to leave the service, especially when completion isn’t guaranteed to be easy?
If you’re up for a deeper dive, Starbound provides a unique experience, though completing it in under ten hours on Xbox may require using console commands—a method not everyone enjoys. PC players, however, can tackle the Windows version, which takes 12-15 hours to complete.
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is another standout title, offering 15-20 hours of gameplay with a mix of missable achievements and a challenging Dangerous difficulty mode. It’s a gem worth exploring before it’s gone.
For the truly dedicated, Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap demands 80-100 hours, primarily spent grinding kills and mastering Mission 5 on the highest difficulty. Is this a fair ask for a game leaving the service, or is it a test of loyalty?
Finally, Cataclismo returns to the departure list after narrowly avoiding removal in December 2025. Its achievement list is notoriously difficult, with limited data available to estimate completion time. Does this make it a must-play before it’s gone, or a title best left untouched?
As we bid farewell to these games, it’s worth asking: Are you planning to complete any of these titles before they leave Xbox Game Pass at the end of the month? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Whether you’re a completionist, a casual player, or somewhere in between, this is your chance to make the most of these games before they’re gone.
Written by Sean Carey – An Xbox achievement enthusiast with a passion for RPGs, racing games, and first-person shooters. Sean’s journalism background from Solent University fuels his commitment to delivering the latest Xbox news straight to your inbox. Join us for weekly updates and stay ahead of the gaming curve!
