Xbox Game Pass December 2021: All new games and everything leaving on console and PC

December 2021 Xbox Game Pass lineup featuring Halo Infinite plus strategic gaming tips and departure dates

December Game Pass Lineup Overview

For Xbox Game Pass subscribers, December 2021 delivers an exceptional gaming experience with over twenty new titles joining the service. This month’s standout addition is undoubtedly Halo Infinite, marking a significant milestone for both the franchise and subscription service.

Microsoft’s gaming subscription platform introduces a diverse collection of new experiences this December, highlighted by the long-awaited Halo Infinite campaign. Discover the complete December gaming calendar below.

Xbox Game Pass continues to establish itself as an essential service for modern gamers, whether playing on console, gaming PC, or mobile devices through cloud streaming. Following November’s impressive additions including Forza Horizon 5 and Football Manager 2022, December’s lineup raises the bar with Master Chief’s return alongside numerous indie gems and family-friendly titles. The strategic value lies in understanding which games to prioritize before they potentially leave the service.

  • Complete December Game Additions
  • Games Exiting Xbox Game Pass This Month
  • Xbox Game Pass December Announcement Schedule

Here’s the comprehensive list of confirmed games arriving on Xbox Game Pass throughout December. If your preferred genre isn’t represented initially, stay tuned as Microsoft typically announces additional titles throughout the month. Recently confirmed additions appear in bold formatting for easy identification.

Complete December Arrivals List

  • Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector (Console, PC) – December 2 – Tactical turn-based strategy set in the grimdark universe
  • ANVIL (Console, PC) – December 2 – Cooperative roguelike shooter with persistent progression
  • Archvale (Console, PC, Cloud) – December 2 – Bullet-hell RPG with crafting and exploration
  • Final Fantasy XIII-2 (Console, PC) – December 2 – Time-travel JRPG sequel with enhanced combat
  • Lawn Mowing Simulator (Console, PC, Cloud) – December 2 – Unusual simulation with licensed equipment
  • Rubber Bandits (Console, PC, Cloud) – December 2 – Chaotic physics-based party game
  • Stardew Valley (Console, PC, Cloud) – December 2 – Beloved farming simulation with deep mechanics
  • Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator – December 7 – Unconventional management simulation
  • Serious Sam 4 (Console, PC, Cloud) – December 7 – High-intensity classic shooter revival
  • Halo Infinite (Console, PC, Cloud) – December 8 – Flagship FPS with campaign and multiplayer
  • One Piece Pirate Warriors (Console, PC, Cloud) – December 9 – Anime-inspired musou action
  • Among Us (Console) – December 14 – Social deduction hit comes to Xbox
  • Aliens: Fireteam Elite (Console, PC) – December 14 – Cooperative survival shooter
  • Ben 10: Power Trip (Console, PC, Cloud) – December 16 – Family-friendly action adventure
  • Broken Age (Console, PC, Cloud) – December 16 – Point-and-click adventure classic
  • Firewatch (Console, PC, Cloud) – December 16 – Narrative-driven walking simulator
  • The Gunk (Console, PC, Cloud) – December 16 – Exploration puzzle game
  • Lake (Console, PC, Cloud) – December 16 – Relaxing delivery simulation
  • Mortal Kombat 11 (Console, PC, Cloud) – December 16 – Fighting game masterpiece
  • Paw Patrol: Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay (Console, PC, Cloud) – December 16 – Children’s platformer
  • Race With Ryan (Console, PC, Cloud) – December 16 – Kid-friendly racing game
  • Transformers: Battlegrounds (Console, PC, Cloud) – December 16 – Tactical robot combat

Shredders, an anticipated snowboarding simulation, also joins Xbox Game Pass as a day-one release, though it currently lacks a specific date beyond the general December timeframe. Regarding Halo Infinite, the multiplayer component remains accessible as a free-to-play experience on Xbox and PC platforms, while Game Pass subscribers gain exclusive access to the complete campaign narrative. Additional titles frequently appear throughout the month, typically announced via the official Xbox Game Pass Twitter channel.

Games Leaving Game Pass

Microsoft’s subscription service maintains a rotating game library, meaning several titles will exit this month. Subscribers receive advance notification, providing opportunity to either complete these games or purchase them at discounted rates before removal.

  • Read More: Best Xbox Game Pass Games (December 2021 update)

Games exiting on December 15:

  • Beholder (Cloud and Console) – Dystopian surveillance simulation
  • The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan (Console and PC) – Horror narrative adventure
  • Guacamelee! 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Metroidvania with Mexican folklore
  • Wilmot’s Warehouse (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Organizational puzzle game
  • Unto The End (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Minimalist combat platformer
  • Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Platforming challenge

Games exiting on December 31:

  • Pro Evolution Soccer 2021 (Cloud and Console) – Soccer simulation
  • The Little Acre (Cloud and Console) – Short narrative adventure
  • Yakuza 0 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Prequel to crime drama series
  • Yakuza Kiwami 1 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Series remake
  • Yakuza Kiwami 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Second installment remake

Game Pass title announcements follow no fixed schedule, with Microsoft typically revealing additions through regular social media updates. Anticipate initial lineup mentions during early November, followed by supplementary reveals via Twitter communications (occasionally incorporating memes) throughout subsequent weeks. We maintain constant monitoring and will promptly update this resource with new information.

Strategic Gaming Tips

Xbox Game Pass full games list: January 2026

These are the 25 best games to play on Xbox Series X / S

15 best Xbox Game Pass games in November 2025

For additional free gaming opportunities this December, consult our guides covering December’s PlayStation Now offerings plus current PlayStation Plus lineup information.

Optimizing Your December Game Pass Experience

Maximize your gaming time with these strategic approaches to December’s Game Pass lineup. With numerous arrivals and departures, intelligent planning ensures you experience the best content.

Priority Gaming Strategy

Begin with games exiting December 15, particularly the Yakuza series if you haven’t experienced these acclaimed crime dramas. These narrative-rich games require significant time investment, so start immediately. Follow with December 31 departures, then focus on major new releases like Halo Infinite.

Time Management Techniques

Allocate gaming sessions based on game length and your available time. Stardew Valley and Halo Infinite campaign demand extended play sessions, while titles like Among Us and Rubber Bandits work well for shorter gaming bursts. Schedule longer games for weekends and shorter experiences for weekday evenings.

Platform Optimization

Leverage cloud gaming for titles available across multiple platforms. Games like Archvale and The Gunk perform well on mobile devices via cloud streaming, freeing your console or PC for graphically intensive experiences like Halo Infinite and Mortal Kombat 11.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t overlook the discount purchase option for departing games—if you’re midway through a story-driven title like Yakuza 0, the subscriber discount makes ownership affordable. Avoid starting multiple long-form games simultaneously, as this reduces completion chances before departure dates.

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