Starting May 15, 2025, Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service, will remove eight games from its catalog. The titles departing include Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, Chants of Sennaar, Dune: Spice Wars, Hauntii, Jurassic World Evolution 2, Little Kitty, Big City, Planet of Lana, and The Big Con. This removal is part of the service’s regular practice of refreshing its lineup with new additions, but it requires players to plan their gaming time to experience these titles before they leave.
The change impacts both casual gamers and those focused on unlocking achievements. The games span various genres, from narrative adventures to strategic challenges, catering to diverse player preferences. Here are the key highlights of this catalog update:
- Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons: An emotional adventure completable in under three hours.
- Jurassic World Evolution 2: A management simulator requiring up to 90 hours for all achievements.
- Dune: Spice Wars: A strategy game with challenges lasting up to 25 hours.
With these games exiting mid-May, subscribers have a limited window to dive into these experiences. Below, we explore each aspect of this change, including the games, their features, and strategies to maximize enjoyment.
Games leaving the catalog
The lineup of games exiting Xbox Game Pass in May 2025 includes indie gems and large-scale productions. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, developed by Starbreeze Studios, is renowned for its touching story of two brothers on an epic journey. The game employs innovative dual-control mechanics, requiring players to manage both characters simultaneously. Its short duration, around three hours, makes it perfect for those seeking a quick experience before its removal.
Chants of Sennaar, an indie title, blends puzzles with cultural exploration. Set in a world inspired by myths like the Tower of Babel, players must decipher fictional languages to progress. With an average playtime of 10 hours, it appeals to those who enjoy intellectual challenges and unique narratives.
Dune: Spice Wars, rooted in Frank Herbert’s universe, delivers real-time strategy gameplay. Developed by Shiro Games, it tasks players with managing resources and battling rival factions on the planet Arrakis. Its achievements, which can take up to 25 hours, cater to fans of prolonged tactical challenges.
Achievements in the spotlight
Several games leaving Xbox Game Pass are particularly appealing for achievement hunters. Little Kitty, Big City, for instance, is a lighthearted exploration game where players control a cat in a vibrant city. Requiring about six hours, its achievements are quick to unlock, making it a favorite among trophy collectors.
The Big Con, another indie standout, offers a 1990s-themed adventure with comedy and stealth elements. Completing it takes roughly eight hours, but free updates have added extra achievements, boosting its replay value. One notable challenge is the “The Big Score” achievement, which requires amassing a specific amount of in-game money.
Jurassic World Evolution 2, one of the most expansive titles on the list, targets fans of simulation and management games. Players build and manage dinosaur parks, with campaigns and challenge modes that can take up to 90 hours to fully explore. Its toughest achievements, like earning five stars for all parks, demand careful planning and strategy.
- Quick achievements: Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and Little Kitty, Big City offer trophies unlockable in a few hours.
- Mid-tier challenges: The Big Con and Planet of Lana require about eight hours for full completion.
- Lengthy marathons: Jurassic World Evolution 2 and Dune: Spice Wars demand dozens of hours for complex trophies.
Indie games to watch
The indie titles exiting Xbox Game Pass in May 2025 deserve special attention. Hauntii, developed by Moonloop Games, is an adventure game with a monochromatic aesthetic, blending exploration and puzzles. Players control a ghost interacting with the environment to unravel mysteries. With 40 achievements, it can take 15 to 20 hours to complete, depending on exploration depth.
Planet of Lana, another notable indie, is a cinematic adventure with hand-painted visuals. It follows a girl and her companion on an alien planet. Its most demanding achievement, “Flawless,” requires completing the story without dying, adding extra difficulty. With an eight-hour runtime, it’s accessible for players seeking an engaging narrative.
Chants of Sennaar, already highlighted, stands out among indies for its unique puzzle-solving approach. Deciphering fictional languages requires keen attention, but the reward is an immersive experience few games match.
Strategies to enjoy the games
With the removal date set for May 15, Xbox Game Pass subscribers need to strategize their gaming time. For short titles like Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, a single session may suffice to complete the story. Players with busy schedules can prioritize this game to ensure they don’t miss it.
For longer games like Jurassic World Evolution 2, a different approach is necessary. Breaking playtime into weekly sessions, focusing on specific campaigns or DLC packs, can help progress steadily. Achievement-tracking tools, such as those on TrueAchievements, allow players to monitor progress and set goals.
- Focus on short games: Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and Little Kitty, Big City are ideal for quick sessions.
- Plan for longer titles: Divide time for Jurassic World Evolution 2 and Dune: Spice Wars into weekly goals.
- Leverage tools: Platforms like TrueAchievements aid in tracking achievements.
- Take advantage of updates: The Big Con includes extra content that extends gameplay.
Catalog refresh cycle
Removing games from Xbox Game Pass is part of its ongoing refresh cycle. Microsoft regularly adds new titles, including major releases and indie surprises. In May 2025, the service is expected to introduce new games to offset these exits, though the official list of additions remains undisclosed.
This cycle keeps the service dynamic but creates urgency for subscribers. Games like Jurassic World Evolution 2, which require dozens of hours, can be challenging to complete before removal. Staying updated via Microsoft’s official channels, such as the Xbox website or social media, is crucial for tracking catalog changes.
Strategy games in focus
Dune: Spice Wars and Jurassic World Evolution 2 are the primary strategy games on the removal list. Dune: Spice Wars tasks players with managing scarce resources, like spice, while facing rivals in a hostile environment. Its “insane” mode is particularly demanding, requiring advanced tactics to succeed.
Jurassic World Evolution 2 blends strategy with simulation. Building dinosaur parks involves balancing finances, safety, and visitor satisfaction. The game includes campaigns tied to the Jurassic World films, plus sandbox modes for creative freedom.
Narrative-driven experiences
Games like Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, Planet of Lana, and Chants of Sennaar cater to players who value deep stories. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons uses dual-control mechanics to emphasize the bond between its characters, delivering emotional moments that linger after the story ends.
Planet of Lana, with its striking visuals, offers a tale of connection and survival. The lack of traditional dialogue is offset by a captivating soundtrack and visuals that tell the story. Chants of Sennaar turns language deciphering into a metaphor for cultural understanding, with a narrative that unfolds as players progress.
- Short, impactful stories: Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and Planet of Lana deliver memorable narratives in a few hours.
- Cultural exploration: Chants of Sennaar provides a unique experience through its language mechanics.
- Distinct aesthetics: Planet of Lana and Hauntii stand out for their visual styles.
Games for diverse audiences
The variety of games leaving Xbox Game Pass ensures options for different players. Little Kitty, Big City is perfect for those seeking a relaxed, colorful experience. Hauntii, with its melancholic tone, appeals to players who enjoy introspective games.
For strategy enthusiasts, Dune: Spice Wars and Jurassic World Evolution 2 offer depth and longevity. The Big Con, with its humor and narrative, is accessible to both casual players and achievement hunters.
Planning gaming time
With only a few weeks until the games are removed, subscribers must be strategic. Prioritizing shorter titles, like Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and Little Kitty, Big City, allows players to experience more games before May 15. For longer titles like Jurassic World Evolution 2, focusing on main campaigns or specific modes can prevent overwhelm.
Community platforms, such as Reddit forums or Discord groups, provide valuable tips for optimizing playtime. Experienced players often share guides for tough achievements, like Planet of Lana’s “Flawless” or Dune: Spice Wars’ “insane” mode.
Upcoming additions to the service
Despite the removal of eight games, Xbox Game Pass is known for frequent additions. In past months, it has introduced major titles like Starfield and Forza Motorsport, alongside indie hits. For May 2025, Microsoft is expected to announce new games to keep the catalog appealing.
Subscribers can track updates via the Xbox Game Pass app, available on consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. The app notifies users about additions and removals, aiding in session planning. The official Xbox website also publishes monthly lists of games entering and exiting the service.
- Stay informed: The Xbox website and Game Pass app are reliable sources for updates.
- Plan ahead: Checking removal schedules helps prioritize games.
- Engage with communities: Forums and groups provide guides for achievements and strategies.