Xbox Game Pass is closing out 2024 with one of its strongest months yet. Microsoft announced on December 2 that over a dozen games are joining the service throughout December, headlined by Mortal Kombat 1, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and the long-awaited sci-fi horror Routine. Whether you subscribe to Ultimate, Premium, or Essential tiers, there’s something new to play before the year ends.
The Headliners
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – December 9
MachineGames’ highly anticipated first-person adventure launches December 9 for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers as a day-one release. Set between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, the game follows Indy investigating an ancient power connected to mysterious sites forming a perfect circle around the world. Players travel from Marshall College to the Vatican, Egyptian pyramids, and Sukhothai’s sunken temples.
The game mixes exploration, puzzle-solving, and Indy’s signature whip-based combat. Stealth infiltration, melee brawling, and gunplay combine to create what developer MachineGames describes as their most ambitious project yet. Reviews have praised the authentic Indiana Jones experience, with detailed environments and Troy Baker’s convincing performance as the iconic archaeologist. This is Microsoft’s biggest exclusive release of the holiday season, making it available on Game Pass day one represents massive value.
Mortal Kombat 1 – December 10
The latest entry in NetherRealm Studios’ legendary fighting franchise arrives December 10 for Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass subscribers. This isn’t a remaster or remake – Mortal Kombat 1 completely reboots the timeline under Fire God Liu Kang, creating a new universe from scratch. The game features an updated fighting system, fresh game modes, and all the brutal fatalities fans expect from the series.
Mortal Kombat 1 launched in September 2023 to strong reviews, earning praise for its refined combat mechanics and impressive roster of classic characters reimagined for the new timeline. The Game Pass version includes the base game, though the extensive DLC roster featuring Omni-Man, Homelander, and Peacemaker requires separate purchases. Still, getting access to the core game with 20+ fighters and story mode represents excellent value for fighting game fans.
Routine – December 4
After being announced way back in 2012, Routine finally launches December 4 as a day-one Game Pass release for Ultimate and PC subscribers. This first-person sci-fi horror game takes place on an abandoned lunar base designed around an 80s vision of the future. Players explore and investigate their surroundings while surviving against unknown threats in an atmosphere inspired by classic films like Alien and Moon.
The 12-year development cycle raised concerns about whether Routine would ever release, but recent previews suggest the wait was worthwhile. The game emphasizes exploration and environmental storytelling over constant combat, creating tension through isolation and creeping dread. Permadeath mechanics mean mistakes have real consequences, forcing careful decision-making during each run through the lunar facility.
Day-One Indie Releases
Marvel Cosmic Invasion – December 1
This beat ’em up launched December 1 with 15 playable Marvel heroes fighting against the Annihilation Wave threatening the galaxy. Developed by Square Enix, the game features classic arcade-style brawling across locations from New York City to the Negative Zone. Co-op multiplayer lets you team up with friends to punch through hordes of cosmic threats using characters like Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, and Rocket Raccoon.
Death Howl – December 9
This Soulslike deck-building roguelike combines punishing combat with strategic card play. Death Howl challenges players to build powerful decks while navigating dangerous encounters, blending genres in ways that appeal to both card game enthusiasts and action fans. The December 9 release comes to Ultimate and PC tiers.
33 Immortals (Game Preview) – December 4
This ambitious 33-player co-op action roguelike enters Game Preview on December 4 for Premium subscribers. Players control damned souls rebelling against God’s final judgment in massive cooperative raids. Instant “pick-up and raid” matchmaking throws 33 players together to survive hordes of monsters and challenging bosses while collecting relics to permanently upgrade characters.
Previously Released Games Joining Game Pass
Dome Keeper – December 9
This critically acclaimed roguelike about digging deep underground to gather resources while defending your dome from alien attacks joins Ultimate, Premium, and PC tiers December 9. The addictive loop of excavation and tower defense has earned Dome Keeper overwhelmingly positive Steam reviews since its 2022 release.
Other Notable Additions
Several other quality titles round out December’s lineup. Clover (December 1) offers roguelite gameplay built around slot machine mechanics. Lost in Play (December 2) delivers a charming point-and-click adventure about childhood imagination. Young Suns (December 1) provides a multiplayer narrative life sim set in Jupiter’s moons. Monster Train 2 (December 3) brings strategic deck-building to Premium tier subscribers.
What About Death Stranding
Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding Director’s Cut did come to Xbox in November 2024 via a surprise shadow drop, but it’s not part of Xbox Game Pass. The game launched November 7 with a 50% discount and cross-play support between Xbox Series X/S and PC. While many assumed Death Stranding would eventually join Game Pass given Microsoft’s relationship with other third-party publishers, it remains a premium purchase requiring $39.99 for the discounted version or $79.99 at full price.
The Director’s Cut includes high frame rate support, photo mode, ultra-wide monitor compatibility, and all DLC content from the PlayStation 5 version. Kojima Productions recently announced they now own the Death Stranding IP after purchasing it from Sony, suggesting Death Stranding 2 could eventually come to Xbox and possibly Game Pass in the future. For now though, Xbox players need to buy it separately.
Game Pass Essential Gets Three Major Games
The lower-tier Game Pass Essential subscription adds three significant titles December 3. Stellaris brings Paradox Interactive’s grand strategy space empire management to console players. World War Z Aftermath delivers cooperative zombie shooting action across global locations. Medieval Dynasty combines survival, farming, and town-building in a first-person medieval setting. These additions give Essential subscribers excellent value despite lacking day-one releases.
Games Leaving Game Pass in December
While December brings plenty of new games, several titles are departing the service. Microsoft hasn’t officially announced the full departure list yet, but subscribers should expect the usual mid-month removals around December 15. Games typically announce departures two weeks in advance, so keep an eye on the “Leaving Soon” section in the Game Pass app to catch anything you want to finish before it’s gone.
Content Updates for Existing Games
Several Game Pass titles are receiving major updates throughout December. Sea of Thieves launches new seasonal content December 11. Dead by Daylight’s Bone Chill event runs December 9 through January 6. Palworld’s Home Sweet Home update drops December 17 with expanded base-building features. Fallout 76 released its Burning Shores update December 2, adding new questlines and locations.
FAQs
What games are coming to Xbox Game Pass in December 2024?
Major additions include Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (December 9), Mortal Kombat 1 (December 10), Routine (December 4), Marvel Cosmic Invasion (December 1), Dome Keeper (December 9), and over a dozen other titles across all subscription tiers.
Is Death Stranding Director’s Cut on Xbox Game Pass?
No. Death Stranding Director’s Cut launched on Xbox Series X/S in November 2024 but is not included with Game Pass. It’s available for purchase at $39.99 with launch discount or $79.99 at full price.
When does Indiana Jones and the Great Circle come to Game Pass?
December 9, 2024, as a day-one release for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. It’s also available on cloud gaming for Ultimate members.
What Game Pass tier do I need for Mortal Kombat 1?
Mortal Kombat 1 requires Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, or the new Game Pass Premium tier. It’s not available on the lower Essential or Standard tiers.
Are there any day-one releases on Game Pass in December?
Yes. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Routine, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Death Howl, 33 Immortals (Game Preview), and several other indie titles launch day-one on various Game Pass tiers throughout December.
What’s coming to Game Pass Essential in December?
Game Pass Essential subscribers get Stellaris, World War Z Aftermath, and Medieval Dynasty on December 3, 2024.
Does Mortal Kombat 1 on Game Pass include DLC characters?
No. The Game Pass version includes the base game with the original roster. DLC fighters like Omni-Man, Homelander, Peacemaker, and Ghostface require separate purchases.
How long has Routine been in development?
Routine was first announced in 2012, making it a 12-year development cycle from announcement to release. The sci-fi horror game finally launches December 4, 2024, exclusively on Xbox Game Pass at launch.
What games are leaving Xbox Game Pass in December?
Microsoft hasn’t officially announced December departures yet. Games typically receive two weeks notice before removal, so check the “Leaving Soon” section in the Game Pass app for updates.
Conclusion
Xbox Game Pass closes 2024 with an impressive December lineup that justifies the subscription cost for multiple play styles. Indiana Jones and Mortal Kombat 1 alone represent huge value for Ultimate and Premium subscribers, while day-one indie releases like Routine and Marvel Cosmic Invasion provide variety. Even Essential tier subscribers get quality additions like Stellaris and World War Z Aftermath. While Death Stranding Director’s Cut would have been the cherry on top, it remains a separate purchase despite launching on Xbox in November. With over a dozen games joining throughout December and content updates for existing favorites, Game Pass subscribers have plenty to play before 2025 arrives. Just remember to finish anything in the “Leaving Soon” section before it disappears – those games won’t stick around forever.