By Sagar V. Mankar 
Xbox Game Pass is delivering an exciting lineup for December 2024, offering a mix of thrilling adventures, tactical challenges, and engaging multiplayer experiences. This month’s highlights include the much-anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and the remastered kart-racing classic Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled. Here’s a complete breakdown of the games arriving in the first wave:
Xbox Game Pass December 2024 Wave 1
December 4
- Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled (Ultimate, Standard, Core)
- DayZ (Core)
- Goat Simulator (Core)
- Forza Motorsport (Standard)
- Hauntii (Standard)
- Humanity (Standard)
December 5
- EA Sports WRC (Ultimate, PC)
- Overthrown (Ultimate, PC)
December 9
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Ultimate, PC)
December 10
- Wildfrost (Ultimate, PC)
January 2025 Sneak Peek
- Carrion (January 2; Ultimate, PC, Standard)
- Road 96 (January 7; Ultimate, PC, Standard)
Featured Titles in December
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
From MachineGames, the acclaimed developers behind Wolfenstein, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle immerses players in a first-person adventure filled with mystery and action. Players take on the role of Indiana Jones, exploring ancient ruins, deciphering puzzles, and uncovering a legendary artifact. A day-one addition to Game Pass, this title has sparked significant anticipation for its rich storytelling and immersive gameplay.
Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled
The nostalgic kart-racing masterpiece Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled hits Game Pass, offering vibrant tracks, challenging mechanics, and split-screen multiplayer fun. Developed by Beenox, this remaster of the 1999 classic received critical acclaim, with an OpenCritic score of 83 and a 90% recommendation rate. Fans praise its polished visuals, engaging gameplay, and memorable power-slide mechanics, making it a must-play for both new players and longtime fans.
Forza Motorsport
This iconic racing simulation returns to the Game Pass Standard tier. Renowned for its breathtaking graphics, realistic driving mechanics, and robust career mode, Forza Motorsport is a gem for racing enthusiasts seeking a detailed and immersive experience.
EA Sports WRC
Available December 5, this rally racing title brings the high-octane thrills of the World Rally Championship to life. EA Sports WRC offers stunning environments, a deep career mode, and competitive online play, appealing to fans of realistic motorsport action.
Wildfrost
This tactical roguelike deckbuilder transports players to Snowdell, a frozen world where strategic deck management is key to survival. Praised for its engaging mechanics and charming art style, Wildfrost challenges players with its blend of roguelike elements and strategic depth.
Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass in December 2024
Sadly, some beloved titles are leaving Xbox Game Pass this month. Here’s the full list of departures:
Leaving December 15
- Amnesia: The Bunker
- Forager
- Forza Horizon 4
- Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan
- Rise of the Tomb Raider
- The Quarry
- Tin Hearts
Leaving December 31
- BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle
- Close to the Sun
- Humankind
- LEGO 2K Drive
- McPixel 3
- Party Animals
Must-Play Before They Leave
Forza Horizon 4, with its stunning open-world design and expansive vehicle roster, is one of the highest-rated titles leaving on December 15. Similarly, Rise of the Tomb Raider offers a thrilling action-adventure experience, blending cinematic storytelling with exhilarating gameplay. Horror enthusiasts should prioritize Amnesia: The Bunker and The Quarry, both of which deliver spine-chilling experiences.
By December 31, multiplayer fans should explore LEGO 2K Drive and Party Animals, both known for their engaging and accessible gameplay.
Don’t miss these incredible titles before they’re gone!