To keep playing a Game Pass title after it leaves the catalog, buy that game before it departs. Game Pass access is not ownership, and Xbox does not say that cloud access continues once a title leaves. Check the game’s Xbox listing for its current price, edition, region and any member discount before purchasing.
Buy the game before it leaves
Xbox’s guidance is to purchase a departing game if you want to keep playing it. Buying gives you a separate game license rather than relying on its continued inclusion in the Game Pass catalog. Find the title in the Xbox Game Pass catalog, then open its individual listing and review the offer available to you.
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The catalog currently says members can “save up to 20%” when buying a game that is leaving. That is a maximum advertised saving, not a guaranteed discount on every title. Check the actual price and terms shown for your game, account and region before you buy.
Find out when a game is leaving
Check the catalog’s “Leaving soon” section and Xbox’s departure announcements. Xbox says it confirms departing titles in regular Xbox Wire posts and mobile notifications. Its guidance does not establish a fixed number of days’ notice, so check periodically if you have a game in mind.
#1 Best Overall
- From the creators of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption
- The deepest and most complex world Rockstar Games has ever created. 4K Ultra HD not available on Xbox One or Xbox One S consoles
- Covers a huge range of 19th century American landscapes
- Play as Arthur Morgan, lead enforcer in the notorious Van der Linde gang
- Interact with every character in the world with more than just your gun
Xbox’s November 17, 2020 Xbox Wire announcement advised members to move an exiting game up their play queue or use their member discount to buy it before it leaves. For a current offer, rely on the game’s listing rather than assuming an older announcement’s discount terms still apply.
Check these details before purchasing
- Exact title and edition: Make sure the listing is for the game and edition you want.
- Price and member offer: Confirm the current price, discount and purchase terms on the listing for your region.
- Timing: Complete the purchase before the catalog departure if you want to avoid losing access while deciding.
- Physical copies: A disc may be an option only if that game has a disc release and your console can use it. Availability and compatibility depend on the title and console.
What happens to cloud play and saves?
Xbox’s catalog promotes cloud gaming, but the information available on its catalog page does not establish that a game remains streamable after it leaves Game Pass. Do not assume cloud access will continue once the catalog listing changes.
Rank #2
- SAPIEN TECHNOLOGY – A leap forward in character technology introduces new anatomically accurate NFL player skeletons that are more responsive and true-to-life player motion.
- INCREASED CONTROL AND REALISM – The newest iteration of FieldSENSE provides an enhanced gameplay foundation giving you greater control and delivering realism to all the ways you play.
- YOUR STARDOM. YOUR STORY. – Achieve greatness in your NFL career with game-changing control. Select your position, body type and customize your Superstar and build your legacy.
- AI ENHANCEMENTS – Smarter AI enables smoother and more realistic player action and reaction to the plays you call, providing more confidence your AI teammates will execute your gameplan the way you intend.
- DUAL ENTITLEMENT - Madden NFL 24 includes Dual Entitlement, which lets you upgrade your copy of Madden NFL 24 from Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S. *Conditions apply.
The Xbox support FAQ page available for this question did not provide readable terms about save retention after a game leaves. The sources cited here therefore do not establish whether or how your saves remain available in this situation. Check Xbox’s current support guidance for your account and game before relying on a particular save outcome.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- DISCOVER UPDATE 2.0: Experience new and overhauled gameplay mechanics to fulfill your wildest cyberpunk fantasies. The free Update 2.0 brings brand new ways to play Cyberpunk 2077, including totally redesigned perks and cyberware systems, pulsating vehicle combat and car chases, a revamped police system, enhanced enemy combat AI, and more.
- CREATE YOUR OWN CYBERPUNK: Become an urban outlaw equipped with cybernetic enhancements and build your legend on the streets of Night City. · EXPLORE THE CITY OF THE FUTURE: Night City is packed to the brim with things to do, places to see, and people to meet. And it’s up to you where to go, when to go, and how to get there.
- BUILD YOUR LEGEND: Go on daring adventures and build relationships with unforgettable characters whose fates are shaped by the choices you make. · EQUIPPED WITH NEXT-GEN FEATURES: Immerse yourself in Night City like never before thanks to faster load times, improved visual and gameplay features, ray tracing and dynamic 4K support, and more.
- CLAIM EXCLUSIVE ITEMS: Claim in-game swag & digital goodies inspired by CD PROJEKT RED games as part of the My Rewards program.
- PHYSICAL EDITION GOODIES: The physical version of Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition includes an exclusive set of stickers and a rewards leaflet with a Wild Hunt Jacket and a Scorch Pistol!
Rank #4
- Standard Edition for Xbox Series X (disc) includes the full EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 game. Not compatible with Xbox One. Enjoy Franchise mode, Superstar Career, and Ultimate Team.
- DYNAMIC FRANCHISE MODE – Persona Engine brings each NFL athlete to life with unique personalities, creating a reactive and evolving league shaped by your decisions.
- AUTHENTIC NFL GAMEPLAY – Realistic WR vs DB battles, improved coverage, and new short-yardage mechanics deliver true on-field physicality and control.
- BUILD YOUR LEGACY – Progress through the Superstar G.O.A.T. Career Journey and customize your roster with Ultimate Team Captains.
Rank #3
- Standard Edition for Xbox Series X (disc) includes the full EA Sports UFC 6 game. Not compatible with Xbox One.
- Powered by fighters: advanced striking and motion systems bring UFC stars to life with more realistic movement, impact, and responsiveness in every exchange.
- Step into the Octagon: refined gameplay delivers tighter controls, fluid animations, and authentic MMA action.
- Fight your story: new immersive modes add narrative depth, making every bout feel personal and driven by your choices.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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