Key Takeaways
- Three titles — Return to Monkey Island, Metal Slug Tactics, and Jusant — leave Xbox Game Pass on October 31.
- Return to Monkey Island exits after almost three years, making it the longest-running title in this batch.
- Players can still buy the departing games at up to 20% off before they leave the platform.
Xbox Game Pass Ends October With a Major Rotation
Microsoft is closing out October 2025 with a notable Xbox Game Pass update, as three games depart the catalog today, October 31. The outgoing titles — Return to Monkey Island, Metal Slug Tactics, and Jusant — bring the total number of removals for the month to seven.
While Game Pass users have seen dozens of new titles added throughout the month, this update marks the end of an era for one standout game: Return to Monkey Island, one of the most beloved modern adventure titles, is leaving the service after nearly three years.
A Farewell to Return to Monkey Island
Ranked in the 98th percentile on OpenCritic, Return to Monkey Island is not just another Game Pass departure — it’s one of the platform’s highest-rated games to date.
Developed by Terrible Toybox and published by Devolver Digital, the 2022 release revived the iconic Monkey Island franchise, continuing the story of swashbuckling hero Guybrush Threepwood shortly after Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge.
While newcomers can enjoy it without playing the earlier games, long-time fans appreciate the many callbacks, references, and witty humor that connect it to the original series. Its exit from Xbox Game Pass marks the end of its near-three-year run, having joined in November 2022 — just eight days short of its anniversary.
For those not ready to say goodbye, Game Pass subscribers can purchase it at up to 20% off before it’s removed around midnight local time, when the October 31 rotation takes effect.
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Other Titles Leaving: Metal Slug Tactics and Jusant
The rotation also sees two other popular titles depart:
- Metal Slug Tactics — Added in November 2024, this strategic spin on the classic Metal Slug series earned a 76 average score and a 64% recommendation rate on OpenCritic. It offers 6–44 hours of tactical, turn-based combat inspired by SNK’s arcade legacy.
- Jusant — A meditative climbing adventure from Don’t Nod, Jusant joined Game Pass in October 2023 and impressed critics with its minimalist storytelling and serene design. It averages 84 on OpenCritic, with a 91% recommendation rate, and takes about 4–8 hours to complete.
These departures, combined with mid-month removals like Cocoon, Core Keeper, Donut County, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed, bring the total October removals to seven.
October’s Net Gain: More Additions Than Departures
Despite the losses, October 2025 remains one of the most content-rich months in Game Pass history.
- Games added: 66
- Ubisoft+ Classics added: 47
- Games removed: 7
- Net change: +59
Even excluding the Ubisoft+ Classics bundle that arrived alongside the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price adjustment on October 1, Microsoft still introduced 19 new releases this month — far outweighing the number of removals.
Looking Ahead: What’s Coming to Game Pass in November
Microsoft has already confirmed the first wave of November 2025 titles. The lineup kicks off with 1000xResist and Football Manager 26 on November 4, followed by Whiskerwood, Voidtrain, Winter Burrow, and the much-anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 later in the month.
The next Game Pass departure list is expected around November 4, when Microsoft officially details its Wave 1 lineup for the new month.
Final Thoughts: A Strong Month Despite the Losses
While saying goodbye to Return to Monkey Island and other fan favorites is bittersweet, Xbox Game Pass continues to offer outstanding value with a constantly evolving library. October’s net gain of 59 titles reinforces Microsoft’s commitment to keeping the subscription fresh and expansive — ensuring there’s always something new to play, even as classics sail away.
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