Mortal Kombat 1, ROUTINE, Lost Records Bloom and Rage and More Join Xbox Game Pass This Month
Microsoft has unveiled the first wave of titles joining Xbox Game Pass for the first half of December, marking a strong close to 2025 for the subscription service. According to Xbox Wire, this month will feature high profile arrivals such as Mortal Kombat 1 and the long awaited ROUTINE. December’s rotation is also notable for expanding several previously Ultimate tier exclusive games down to the Premium and Essential tiers.
New Day One Titles Arriving on Xbox Game Pass
Two new releases launch directly into the service this month. ROUTINE lands after more than a decade of anticipation following its original Gamescom 2012 reveal. The atmospheric sci fi horror title has been highly requested and finally comes to PC, Cloud, Console, and Handheld via Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass starting December four.
Death Howl also joins the lineup as a day one release. This unique Soulslike deck builder enters Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on December nine.
Mortal Kombat 1 is the flagship triple A title joining Game Pass this month. It arrives on December ten for PC, Cloud, and Xbox Series X and S through Game Pass Premium and above. Its arrival comes with a trade off, as Mortal Kombat 11 officially leaves the service on December fifteen.
In similar timing, ROUTINE’s addition mirrors the departure of Still Wakes the Deep on December fifteen.
More Titles Opening Up to Lower Game Pass Tiers
A major highlight for wider access this month is the expansion of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Previously exclusive to Game Pass Ultimate, the title is now available to Premium tier subscribers beginning December four.
33 Immortals, currently in a game preview phase, also enters the Premium tier on December three.
Meanwhile, World War Z Aftermath, Stellaris, and Medieval Dynasty are now accessible at the baseline Essential tier starting December three. This expanded availability gives Essential tier subscribers a robust mix of action, strategy, and survival experiences.
Additionally, Xbox has begun identifying titles optimized for the ROG Ally and Ally X handheld systems. In the new format, the Xbox Wire listings will now include a dedicated “Handheld” platform tag. While all PC Game Pass titles already run on these devices, this tag helps highlight games with tailored or verified handheld support.
Full Xbox Game Pass Lineup for Early December 2025
Titles Leaving the Service
• December fifteen
Mortal Kombat 11
Still Wakes the Deep
Wildfrost
• December thirty one
Hell Let Loose
Carrion
This lineup announcement extends through December eleven, the same day as The Game Awards. Given the timing, it is entirely possible that Xbox may shadow drop a surprise Game Pass title during the event. Fans should keep an eye on the stage for potential announcements.
