It’s no surprise that many of the best survival games thrive in gritty, post-apocalyptic settings. Life after a major disaster is inherently tough, making for compelling gameplay. Two standout titles in this genre, Stalker 2 and Frostpunk, offer vastly different experiences. One is a realistic, immersive first-person shooter, while the other is a challenging city-builder set in a frozen wasteland. Both excel at making you feel the immense pressure of surviving in extreme conditions. Unfortunately, despite recent price increases for Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service is rotating out older titles to make way for new additions, and both Stalker 2 and Frostpunk are on the chopping block. Subscribers interested in these games have only a few days left to play them before they’re removed.
Game Pass has certainly been active lately, with major day-one releases like The Outer Worlds 2 and Ninja Gaiden 4 recently arriving on PC Game Pass and Ultimate. Upcoming titles, such as Call of Duty Black Ops 7, are also set to join the lineup soon. While Game Pass has long been considered one of the best deals in gaming, even with its rotating library, recent price hikes have made me question its value. Learning that Stalker 2 is now departing only adds to this concern.
Stalker 2, a significant day-one launch from last year, is exiting Game Pass before even completing a full year on the service. This game offers challenging first-person shooter combat within a harsh, irradiated world. Beyond managing basic survival needs like health, hunger, and sleep, players must navigate a deeply atmospheric setting, the paranormal exclusion zone surrounding the Chernobyl power plant. While friendly NPCs can be found in safe havens, the environment itself is a constant threat, especially during unsettling nights, often rivaling dedicated horror games in its ability to terrify.
A cinematic trailer for Stalker 2 showcases its intense atmosphere and challenging gameplay, highlighting its unique blend of survival and shooting mechanics in a desolate landscape.
It’s genuinely regrettable to see such a hardcore shooter and dark survival experience depart Game Pass. The disappointment is amplified by the fact that Stalker 2 has significantly improved since its initial buggy launch. Developer GSC Game World has diligently refined the game in recent months, bringing it to a much healthier state, with further enhancements still planned.
While Frostpunk’s departure isn’t quite as impactful, it’s still a shame to lose this iconic city-building game. It challenges players to construct one of humanity’s last strongholds after a global natural disaster transforms the world into a frozen wasteland. Though distinct from Stalker 2, it offers another compelling apocalyptic survival experience that comes highly recommended. The good news is that its successor, Frostpunk 2, will remain available on the service, making this particular exit a little easier to bear.
A captivating trailer for Frostpunk illustrates its unique city-building and survival challenges in a relentlessly cold, post-apocalyptic world.
Mark your calendars: Stalker 2 and Frostpunk are scheduled to leave Game Pass on Saturday, November 15, as indicated in the service’s ‘leaving soon’ section. This removal wave also includes Blacksmith Master, Football Manager 2024 (across both PC and console platforms), and Spirittea.
Even with these titles departing, Game Pass still offers a wealth of excellent games across all its tiers. For those seeking other post-apocalyptic adventures, there are many recommendations available to help immerse you in more desolate worlds.
We’d love to hear your thoughts: Are you planning to keep your Game Pass subscription, or are these recent departures and price adjustments prompting you to cancel?