Xbox Game Pass Loses 5 Games Today 2026: 3 Co-Op Hits Exit
Xbox Game Pass is removing 5 games on August 31, 2026, including three cherished co-op experiences: Borderlands 3, Sea of Stars, and PAW Patrol: Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay. These departures mark another rotation in Microsoft’s subscription service catalog, with the co-op losses particularly impacting families and gaming groups who’ve been enjoying these multiplayer experiences together.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about today’s Game Pass departures from tracking the service for years, including why these specific games are leaving, what it means for co-op gaming on the platform, and the smartest alternatives for affected players.
| Departure Category | Key Impact | Affected Players |
|---|---|---|
| Co-Op Games (3) | Loss of multiplayer experiences | Families, friend groups |
| AAA Title (Borderlands 3) | Major franchise departure | Looter shooter fans |
| Indie Gem (Sea of Stars) | Acclaimed RPG removal | JRPG enthusiasts |
Complete List of Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass Today
After monitoring the Xbox Wire announcements and community discussions throughout August 2026, I can confirm these five titles are departing the service as of August 31. What strikes me most about this wave is the heavy concentration of cooperative gaming experiences – three out of five games offer multiplayer features that families and friend groups have been actively enjoying.
The Co-Op Gaming Casualties
Borderlands 3 leads the departure list as the most significant loss. I’ve spent countless hours in Pandora’s chaotic landscapes with my gaming crew, and seeing it leave after just four months on the service feels particularly abrupt. This looter shooter supports up to four players in online co-op, delivering that signature Borderlands mayhem that’s defined cooperative gaming for over a decade. The timing here isn’t coincidental – with Borderlands 4 recently announced for 2026 release, 2K Games appears to be repositioning their franchise strategy.
What makes Borderlands 3’s departure especially frustrating is how it showcases the double-edged sword of Game Pass. My squad had just started a new playthrough with the Psycho and Beastmaster classes, taking advantage of the Borderlands 3 cross-platform capabilities to include friends on different systems. Now we’re faced with either purchasing the game outright or abandoning our progress entirely.
Sea of Stars represents a different kind of loss entirely. This indie masterpiece from Sabotage Studio has been a Game Pass staple for over two years, introducing countless players to its gorgeous pixel art and innovative turn-based combat. While primarily a single-player experience, the game’s local co-op mode for up to three players has made it a hidden gem for couch gaming sessions. I’ve personally recommended Sea of Stars to dozens of friends looking for that classic JRPG feel with modern sensibilities.
The departure of Sea of Stars hits particularly hard for those of us who appreciate best RPG co-op experiences for couples. Its relaxed pacing and beautiful visuals made it perfect for sharing with non-gamer partners, offering an accessible entry point into the RPG genre.
PAW Patrol: Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay might seem like a smaller loss to core gamers, but I’ve watched this title become a gateway drug for young gamers in my extended family. The family-friendly co-op gameplay has been invaluable for parents looking to game with their kids without exposing them to violence or complex mechanics. Its departure leaves a noticeable gap in Game Pass’s family gaming lineup.
The Single-Player Departures
While the co-op losses dominate the headlines, two single-player experiences are also leaving the service today. Ben 10: Power Trip joins PAW Patrol in the exodus of kid-friendly content, further diminishing Game Pass’s appeal for family subscriptions. Meanwhile, This War of Mine: Final Cut represents the loss of a critically acclaimed survival experience that’s educated as much as it’s entertained.
I spent a harrowing week with This War of Mine when it first arrived on Game Pass, and its departure removes one of gaming’s most important commentaries on civilian wartime survival. The Final Cut edition included all DLC content, making this departure particularly valuable for those who haven’t experienced its emotional narrative.
Why These Games Are Leaving: The Business Behind the Departures
Understanding why games leave Game Pass requires looking beyond simple licensing agreements. Through my years of tracking the service, I’ve identified several patterns that explain today’s departures.
The Borderlands 3 Promotional Strategy
Borderlands 3’s removal after just four months reveals a calculated promotional strategy by 2K Games. The game arrived on Game Pass in May 2026, generating renewed interest in the franchise just as Borderlands 4 marketing was beginning to ramp up. This limited-time availability model serves multiple purposes: it reintroduces the franchise to lapsed players, creates urgency around the current game, and positions Borderlands 4 as a must-buy rather than a “wait for Game Pass” title.
I’ve seen this pattern repeatedly with major publishers. They’ll place an older title on Game Pass for a brief window, reignite community interest, then pull it back to maximize direct sales as sequel hype builds. It’s frustrating for subscribers but understandable from a business perspective.
The Indie Game Lifecycle on Game Pass
Sea of Stars represents a different departure pattern – the successful indie graduate. After two years on the service, Sabotage Studio has likely extracted maximum value from the Game Pass exposure. The game’s critical acclaim and word-of-mouth success mean it can now thrive through direct sales, especially with physical editions and collector’s versions becoming available.
From tracking similar indie departures, I’ve noticed that two years seems to be the sweet spot for many developers. It’s long enough to build a fanbase and generate significant revenue through Microsoft’s compensation model, but not so long that the game becomes permanently associated with “free” access.
The Family Content Rotation
The simultaneous departure of PAW Patrol and Ben 10 suggests a deliberate rotation of licensed children’s content. These games typically have shorter Game Pass tenures due to complex licensing agreements involving multiple parties (game publishers, IP holders, merchandise partners). My hypothesis is that Microsoft cycles this content regularly to keep the family section fresh while managing licensing costs.
Community Impact and Player Reactions 2026
The gaming community’s response to today’s departures has been surprisingly nuanced. Browsing through the Xbox Game Pass subreddit and official forums this morning, I’m seeing less outrage and more resignation – a sign that players are becoming accustomed to the subscription model’s rotating nature.
The most vocal complaints center on Borderlands 3’s brief tenure. One Reddit user perfectly captured the frustration: “Four months isn’t enough time for a game this size. I just convinced my friends to try it last month.” This sentiment echoes throughout the community, with many players reporting incomplete playthroughs and abandoned co-op campaigns.
Sea of Stars departures are generating a different response – gratitude mixed with sadness. Players are thanking Game Pass for introducing them to this indie gem while lamenting that future players won’t have the same opportunity. I’ve seen multiple threads recommending that affected players take advantage of the 20% member discount to purchase it before losing access.
What’s particularly interesting is the emerging discussion about Game Pass’s value proposition. While August 2026 still sees a net positive with 13 games added versus 8 removed, players are increasingly questioning whether the constant rotation enhances or diminishes their gaming experience. As one community member noted, “I spend more time worrying about games leaving than actually playing them.”
Smart Alternatives: Best Co-Op Games Still on Game Pass
Losing three co-op experiences in one day stings, but Game Pass still offers excellent multiplayer alternatives. Based on my extensive testing and community feedback, here are the best Xbox Game Pass multiplayer games still available that can fill the void.
For Borderlands 3 Fans: Deep Rock Galactic
If you’re mourning Borderlands 3’s departure, Deep Rock Galactic should be your next download. This cooperative first-person shooter delivers similar four-player chaos with a unique twist – you’re space dwarves mining hostile alien planets. The procedurally generated caves ensure no two missions feel the same, and the community is legendarily welcoming to newcomers.
I’ve logged over 200 hours in Deep Rock Galactic, and it captures that same “one more mission” addictiveness that makes Borderlands special. The class system offers similar build diversity, and the regular updates keep the content fresh. Plus, unlike Borderlands 3, Deep Rock Galactic seems permanently committed to Game Pass as a platform partner.
For Sea of Stars Enthusiasts: Minecraft Dungeons
While not a direct RPG replacement, Minecraft Dungeons offers accessible co-op gameplay that captures some of Sea of Stars’ casual-friendly appeal. Supporting up to four players locally or online, it’s perfect for those couch co-op sessions that Sea of Stars enabled. The difficulty scaling makes it approachable for all skill levels, maintaining that inclusive feel.
I initially dismissed Minecraft Dungeons as too simple, but playing with younger family members revealed its genius. The game grows with player skill, offering surprising depth through its apocalypse difficulty tiers and ancient hunt system.
For Family Gaming: It Takes Two
With PAW Patrol departing, It Takes Two stands as Game Pass’s premier family-friendly co-op experience. While rated for older children than PAW Patrol, its creative gameplay and wholesome story make it perfect for parent-child gaming sessions. The game requires only one Game Pass subscription thanks to its Friend’s Pass feature, making it incredibly accessible.
My experience playing It Takes Two with my partner transformed our gaming sessions. Each level introduces completely new mechanics, keeping both players engaged and preventing the “passenger” feeling common in co-op games. It’s educational in its problem-solving requirements while remaining genuinely fun for adults.
Strategic Purchasing Advice: Making the Most of Your 20% Discount
If you’re planning to purchase any departing games, timing and strategy matter. Game Pass members receive a 20% discount on games leaving the service, but this window is limited. Here’s my tested approach for maximizing value.
Priority Purchase: Sea of Stars
Among today’s departures, Sea of Stars offers the best long-term value for purchase. At roughly $25 with the Game Pass discount, you’re getting 30-40 hours of premium RPG content with high replay value. The game’s complete experience without DLC or microtransactions makes it a one-time purchase with no hidden costs.
I’d especially recommend purchasing if you’re midway through the adventure. The game’s pacing rewards patient exploration, and rushing to finish before the departure deadline diminishes the experience. The physical versions releasing later this year will likely cost more, making the digital discount particularly attractive.
Wait and See: Borderlands 3
Despite my love for the franchise, I’m recommending patience with Borderlands 3. The game frequently goes on deep discount during sales, often dropping to $10-15 for complete editions. Unless you’re actively playing with friends who own it, waiting for a better deal makes sense.
The game’s history shows it’ll likely return to Game Pass eventually, possibly as part of a Borderlands collection promoting the fourth game. If you must buy now, ensure you’re getting a complete edition with all DLC, as the base game feels incomplete without the additional content.
Consider Alternatives: Family Titles
For PAW Patrol and Ben 10, consider whether purchase or alternative entertainment makes more sense. These games often appear in bargain bins and used game stores for under $10. Additionally, with the best co-op games to play this weekend constantly rotating on Game Pass, finding replacements might be easier than committing to purchases.
Historical Context: How Today’s Departures Compare
Today’s removal of five games continues a pattern I’ve tracked throughout 2026. August marks the third consecutive month with 5+ departures, though the impact varies significantly based on the titles involved. Looking at the previous Xbox Game Pass departures this month, we see Microsoft maintaining a careful balance.
What makes August 31’s departures notable isn’t the quantity but the quality concentration. Previous waves typically mixed AAA titles with smaller indie games and older catalog entries. Today’s list includes a recent AAA release, a critically acclaimed indie darling, and three games with active multiplayer communities – a unusually impactful combination.
The timing also matters. End-of-month departures on a Saturday reduce the immediate community backlash, as many players are engaged with weekend gaming rather than browsing gaming news. I’ve noticed Microsoft increasingly uses weekend departures for higher-profile removals, perhaps learning from previous midweek controversies.
The Broader Subscription Gaming Landscape
Today’s departures highlight the fundamental tension in subscription gaming models. While services like Game Pass democratize access to premium titles, they also create a transient gaming culture where nothing feels permanent. This affects how we approach gaming experiences.
I’ve found myself changing play habits due to Game Pass rotations. Instead of savoring games at my own pace, I’m constantly checking departure dates and rushing through experiences. The “fear of missing out” has replaced the joy of discovery for many subscribers. This psychological shift represents subscription gaming’s hidden cost – beyond the monthly fee, we’re paying with our peace of mind.
Comparing Game Pass to PlayStation Plus subscription comparison, Sony’s approach of permanent monthly game additions avoids this anxiety but offers less day-one content. Neither model is objectively superior, but understanding their differences helps set appropriate expectations.
Looking Forward: What September Brings
Despite today’s losses, September 2026 promises exciting additions to Game Pass. The confirmed arrival of Hollow Knight: Silksong on September 4 should somewhat soften the blow of losing Sea of Stars, offering another premium indie experience with Metroidvania elements instead of turn-based combat.
Based on historical patterns and industry rumors, I’m expecting Microsoft to announce significant co-op replacements in the coming weeks. The service rarely leaves major gaps unfilled, and the family gaming vacuum created by today’s departures practically guarantees new kid-friendly additions soon.
For those invested in Xbox Game Pass reaching 100 new games in 2026, today’s departures are a necessary evil. The service needs roster turnover to maintain freshness and manage costs. While losing favorites hurts, it enables the constant influx of new experiences that defines Game Pass’s value.
Making Peace with the Game Pass Rotation
After years of Game Pass membership, I’ve developed strategies for managing the emotional and practical challenges of game departures. The key is accepting impermanence as a feature, not a bug, of the subscription model.
I now maintain a simple rule: if a game matters enough that its departure would upset me, I buy it during a sale regardless of Game Pass availability. This hybrid approach – subscribing for discovery while purchasing for preservation – offers the best of both worlds. Games like Sea of Stars and Borderlands 3 taught me that Game Pass is for sampling, not completing, extensive experiences.
The service excels at exposing us to games we’d never purchase individually. I wouldn’t have tried Sea of Stars without Game Pass, but having discovered its brilliance, I’m happy to buy it. This discovery-to-purchase pipeline might be Microsoft’s intended design, creating informed consumers rather than perpetual renters.
Essential Tips for Current Game Pass Subscribers
Based on today’s departures and my extensive Game Pass experience, here are crucial tips for managing your subscription effectively:
Track Departure Dates Actively
Don’t rely solely on Xbox’s two-week warnings. I maintain a simple spreadsheet tracking games I’m playing, their announced departure dates, and my completion percentage. This prevents the surprise and disappointment of unexpected removals. The best Xbox Game Pass games available this week always includes departure warnings, making it a valuable weekly check-in resource.
Prioritize Shorter Experiences
With rotation anxiety real, I’ve shifted toward completing shorter games while they’re available. Save massive RPGs and open-world epics for purchases or games with confirmed long-term availability. Sea of Stars’ two-year run was exceptional; most games last 6-12 months.
Leverage Cloud Saves Strategically
Even when games leave Game Pass, your save files remain in the cloud. I’ve successfully returned to games months later during sales, picking up exactly where I left off. This continuity makes temporary departures less painful and enables strategic purchasing during deep discounts.
Engage with the Community
The Game Pass community excels at identifying hidden gems before they leave. Regular participation in forums and subreddits reveals departure rumors weeks before official announcements, providing extra time for completion. Community recommendations also highlight worthy alternatives when favorites depart.
The Real Cost of Today’s Departures
Calculating the true impact of losing five games requires considering more than retail prices. Borderlands 3’s departure affects active co-op groups who must now coordinate purchases or abandon shared campaigns. Sea of Stars leaves players mid-adventure, forcing rushed completions or purchases. The family titles create gaps in kid-friendly content that parents relied upon for safe entertainment.
These indirect costs – fragmented friend groups, incomplete experiences, and limited family options – represent Game Pass’s hidden friction. While the service’s value remains strong with best open-world co-op games and constant additions, each departure wave tests subscriber loyalty.
I estimate today’s departures will prompt 20-30% of affected players to purchase at least one game, generating significant post-Game Pass revenue for publishers. This “graduation” model might explain why publishers accept limited-time Game Pass deals – the service functions as an extended demo driving eventual sales.
Final Thoughts: Navigating the Game Pass Ecosystem
Today’s departure of five games, particularly the three co-op titles, marks another evolution in Xbox Game Pass’s ongoing transformation. While losing quality experiences like Borderlands 3 and Sea of Stars stings, the service’s fundamental value proposition remains intact. The key is adjusting our relationship with Game Pass from one of ownership to one of access.
I’ve learned to treat Game Pass as a discovery platform rather than my primary library. It introduces me to experiences I’d never buy blindly, like Sea of Stars, while providing value through day-one releases and constant variety. When games prove worthy of permanent collection, the 20% departure discount softens the purchase decision.
For affected co-op groups and families, today’s departures necessitate difficult decisions. But with strong alternatives still available and September’s promising additions ahead, Game Pass continues delivering value despite the losses. The subscription gaming model isn’t perfect, but for those who understand and accept its limitations, it remains gaming’s best deal.
As we bid farewell to these five titles, remember that gaming’s joy comes from experiences, not ownership. Whether you’re purchasing departing favorites or discovering new gems from Game Pass’s vast catalog, the important thing is that we’re playing, sharing, and creating memories together. Today’s departures are tomorrow’s nostalgia, and the cycle continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time exactly do games leave Xbox Game Pass on August 31?
Games typically leave Xbox Game Pass at 11:59 PM PT on their departure date, which translates to 2:59 AM ET on September 1. However, I’ve noticed some variations based on region and platform. If you’re mid-session when a game leaves, you can usually continue playing until you quit, but you won’t be able to restart it without purchasing.
Can I still play Borderlands 3 if I’ve already downloaded it?
No, downloading a Game Pass game doesn’t grant permanent access. Once Borderlands 3 leaves the service today, you’ll need to purchase it to continue playing, even if it’s installed on your system. Your save data will remain intact in the cloud, allowing you to resume progress if you buy the game later.
Will Sea of Stars ever return to Xbox Game Pass?
While Microsoft doesn’t announce return schedules, history suggests popular indies like Sea of Stars could return eventually. Games like Outer Wilds and Spiritfarer have left and returned to Game Pass multiple times. However, I wouldn’t count on it happening soon – if you’re invested in the game, the 20% discount today might be your best opportunity.
Do I keep my achievements if a game leaves Game Pass?
Yes, all achievements earned while playing Game Pass games are permanent. Your gamerscore and achievement history remain intact even after games leave the service. If you later purchase a departed game, you’ll continue from your existing achievement progress.
Why does Microsoft remove games from Game Pass?
Microsoft removes games due to expiring licensing agreements with publishers. These contracts typically run 6-24 months and require renegotiation for extensions. Publishers might choose not to renew if they believe direct sales would be more profitable, or if they’re preparing sequels or remasters. The rotation also keeps the service fresh and manages Microsoft’s licensing costs.
Is the 20% Game Pass discount better than waiting for a sale?
It depends on the game and your urgency to play. The 20% discount is guaranteed but modest. Many games, especially older titles like Borderlands 3, often see 50-75% discounts during major sales. However, for newer indies like Sea of Stars, the 20% Game Pass discount might be the best deal you’ll see for months. I recommend checking price history on tracking sites before deciding.