Grand Theft Auto 5 Leaving Xbox Game Pass

The Departure of Grand Theft Auto 5 from Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass subscribers are in for some disappointing news as the time to play Rockstar's open-world epic Grand Theft Auto 5 is running out. Recently confirmed by Microsoft, Grand Theft Auto 5 will be leaving the Xbox Game Pass lineup on Friday, January 5. This announcement has left many subscribers with limited time to enjoy the game before its departure.

Motorbike

Adding to the surprise, Grand Theft Auto 5 was added to Xbox Game Pass on July 5, 2023, making it available for subscribers to play for six months by the time it's removed. However, Grand Theft Auto 5 has always been treated differently than other Game Pass games. It was added with no prior announcement confirming its arrival and tends to leave on days other than the 15th and last days of the month, unlike other Game Pass games.

Despite being listed in the Leaving Soon section last month, the actual departure date of Grand Theft Auto 5 caught many subscribers off guard. Initially, it was assumed that the game would be removed on December 31, but it remained available. Subsequently, it was believed that Grand Theft Auto 5 would be departing on January 15, but now it's confirmed that it will actually be leaving the service 10 days earlier, on January 5.

With January 5 being the final day for Xbox Game Pass subscribers to play Grand Theft Auto 5, they are encouraged to make the most of the remaining time unless they decide to purchase the game.

Games Leaving and New Additions in January 2024

In addition to Grand Theft Auto 5, four other games are leaving Xbox Game Pass on January 15. These include Garden Story, MotoGP 22, Persona 3 Portable, and Persona 4 Golden. Subscribers are advised to prioritize playing these games before their departure.

However, there's a silver lining for Game Pass subscribers as new games are set to join the lineup in January 2024. Hell Let Loose is arriving on January 4, followed by Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Figment on January 9. Super Mega Baseball 4 is coming to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on January 11, alongside We Happy Few. Horror games Resident Evil 2 and Those Who Remain are scheduled for release on January 16. Additionally, Turnip Boy Robs a Bank and Go Mecha Ball are confirmed to join Xbox Game Pass on January 18 and January 25, respectively.

Upcoming Game Releases and Replacements

Looking ahead, there are exciting announcements for upcoming game releases and replacements. Persona 3 Reload is set to join Xbox Game Pass on February 2 as a day one game, providing a new way to experience the classic game and softening the blow of Persona 3 Portable's departure.