Xbox Game Pass Is Losing 4 Games on October 15 — What You Need to Know

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If you’re an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, mark your calendar: October 15, 2025 is the date when four games will be removed from the service.  Whether you play on console, PC, or via cloud streaming, you’ll want to make sure you wrap up any progress or consider owning the game if you want to keep playing after that day.

Don’t forget, Xbox Game Pass Is Losing 4 Games on October 15 — What You Need to Know as you plan your gaming schedule.

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Which Games Are Leaving On 15 October ?

Xbox Game Pass Is Losing 4 Games on October 15 — What You Need to Know

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According to official listings and news reports, the four titles departing the Xbox Game Pass library on October 15 are:

1. Cocoon (Console, PC)  

2. Core Keeper (Console, PC)  

3. Donut County (Console, PC)  

4. TMNT: Mutants Unleashed (Console, PC)  

Microsoft typically flags these departures in the “Leaving Soon” section of the Game Pass app and sometimes offers discounted purchase options before the removal.

Quick summary:

GamePlatform(s)Genre / Notes
CocoonConsole, PCPuzzle-adventure with atmospheric visuals
Core KeeperConsole, PCSandbox / mining / exploration type
Donut CountyConsole, PCPhysics puzzle game with quirky mechanics
TMNT: Mutants UnleashedConsole, PCAction / beat ’em up with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme

Why Do Games Leave Xbox Game Pass?

It’s natural to wonder: why do games get removed at all? Here are the common reasons:

1. Licensing agreements

Many games on Game Pass are included through temporary licensing deals. When those contracts expire, Microsoft may not renew unless it makes business sense to do so.

2. Publisher or developer decisions

Sometimes the rights holder decides not to extend inclusion in a subscription service, or to push sales of their title outside Game Pass.

3. Low engagement

If a title isn’t getting much traction or playtime under the subscription model, it may not justify remaining in the catalogue.

4. Rotating library model

Game Pass has always followed a “hub and rotate” model: add new games, remove older ones to manage costs and refresh interest.

While removals are frustrating, Xbox typically offsets that by adding new titles (including first-day releases) each month.  

What You Can Do Before October 15

Here are some steps you should consider taking so you don’t lose progress or get caught off guard:

1. Finish or archive your progress

If you’re partway through one of the departing titles, play as far as you can before October 15. After removal, you will typically lose access—even your save data via Game Pass.

2. Buy the game (often discounted)

Often, Microsoft or the publisher offers a discount (commonly 20% or more) for those who want to own the game permanently before it leaves.   Keep an eye on the store for that option.

3. Check for “Play Anywhere” support

If the game supports Xbox Play Anywhere, your purchase often works across console and PC, letting you keep playing after Game Pass removal.

4. Watch for replacements or new additions

As some games leave, others will join Game Pass. Microsoft has several titles slated to arrive in October 2025, so you’ll have new content to jump into.  

Is This a Big Deal?

Losing four games is relatively routine in the Game Pass ecosystem. However, how it feels to users often depends on which games are leaving and how attached players are to them. For instance:

Cocoon is considered a hidden gem by many: its departure may disappoint fans of narrative puzzle-adventures.

Core Keeper has a more active and loyal player base, so some may feel more directly impacted.

Donut County is shorter and more casual, so some players might already be done with it.

TMNT: Mutants Unleashed likely appeals to a niche within the TMNT fan community.

While it’s never fun to lose content, the more important metric for Game Pass is the balance: how many new, high-quality titles are being added versus what is removed. If additions outpace removals, the service remains compelling.

If you’re a frequent Game Pass user, here are some habits that’ll help you avoid surprises:

Check the “Leaving Soon” section in the Game Pass app regularly

Set reminders for removal dates (e.g. October 15)

Maintain a wish list of games you want to own permanently

Follow Xbox / Microsoft announcements & blogs

Take advantage of discounts offered before removals

Conclusion

October 15, 2025 marks the day when Cocoon, Core Keeper, Donut County, and TMNT: Mutants Unleashed depart Xbox Game Pass. Though losing games can sting, it’s part of the subscription model. The good news? You have time to complete your playthroughs or grab discounted ownership.

As long as Microsoft continues to introduce exciting new titles, Game Pass remains a powerful deal — as long as you stay informed and act before removal dates.