TL;DR
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is adding six games between December 4-11, 2024, headlined by Mortal Kombat 1 on December 10. The lineup includes day-one releases Routine (Dec 4) and Death Howl (Dec 9), plus indie hit A Game About Digging a Hole (Dec 9), Dome Keeper (Dec 9), and Bratz: Rhythm and Style (Dec 11). Meanwhile, Mortal Kombat 11, Still Wakes the Deep, and Wildfrost leave on December 15, with Carrion and Hell Let Loose departing December 31.
Quick Read: December 2024 Game Pass Ultimate Additions
- December 4: Routine (day-one sci-fi horror)
- December 9: A Game About Digging a Hole, Death Howl (day-one), Dome Keeper
- December 10: Mortal Kombat 1 (6.2+ million copies sold)
- December 11: Bratz: Rhythm and Style
- Leaving Dec 15: Mortal Kombat 11, Still Wakes the Deep, Wildfrost
- Leaving Dec 31: Carrion, Hell Let Loose
Mortal Kombat 1 Brings Next-Gen Fighting to Game Pass Ultimate
The biggest addition to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate this December is Mortal Kombat 1, arriving December 10 for Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. NetherRealm Studios’ 2023 reboot represents the best-selling fighting game of the current console generation, surpassing Street Fighter 6 in commercial performance.
Mortal Kombat 1’s Impressive Track Record
Creator Ed Boon revealed earlier in 2024 that Mortal Kombat 1 had sold over 6.2 million copies, establishing it as this generation’s most successful fighting game launch. The title holds an 87 percent critic recommendation rate on OpenCritic, reflecting strong critical reception for its comprehensive Story Mode and competitive multiplayer features.
For Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers who haven’t experienced the latest Mortal Kombat entry, December 10 provides an opportunity to join the established player base without the upfront purchase cost. The game’s robust online community ensures matchmaking viability, while the single-player Story Mode offers substantial content for solo players.
What Makes Mortal Kombat 1 Stand Out:
- Complete franchise reboot with reimagined storylines
- Kameo Fighter system adding tactical depth
- Cross-platform multiplayer support
- Regular content updates and seasonal characters
- Signature brutal fatalities and kombat mechanics
Complete December 2024 Game Pass Ultimate Release Schedule
December 4: Routine (Day-One Launch)
Platforms: Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC
Lunar Software’s sci-fi horror game Routine launches directly into Xbox Game Pass Ultimate as a day-one release. Set in a creepy lunar base environment, the game delivers atmospheric horror in an isolated space station setting. Day-one Game Pass inclusion allows subscribers immediate access without waiting for the title to join the catalog later.
The lunar base setting and horror elements position Routine as an intriguing option for fans of games like Dead Space or Alien: Isolation, offering tense exploration and survival mechanics in an extraterrestrial environment.
December 9: A Game About Digging a Hole
Platforms: Cloud, Handheld, PC, Xbox Series X|S
Developer DoubleBee’s viral indie sensation A Game About Digging a Hole has become a surprise hit since its February 2024 release. The backyard hole-digging simulation tasks players with tunneling into the earth to collect valuable ores, blending simplistic mechanics with subtle mystery and horror elements as players descend deeper.
Impressive Performance Metrics:
- Over 1 million copies sold on Steam
- “Overwhelmingly Positive” 96% recommendation rate on Steam
- Popularized by major streaming personalities
- Addictive gameplay loop despite minimalist presentation
The game’s success demonstrates how straightforward concepts executed well can capture player imagination. Its arrival on Game Pass Ultimate exposes the title to console audiences who may have missed its PC success.
December 9: Death Howl (Day-One Launch)
Platforms: Handheld, PC
Published by 11 Bit Studios—the acclaimed creator behind Frostpunk and The Alters—Death Howl represents the second day-one addition to December’s lineup. Initially available exclusively on PC and handheld devices, the game combines RPG elements with card game mechanics, offering strategic depth for subscribers seeking thoughtful gameplay.
The 11 Bit Studios pedigree suggests quality production values and innovative design philosophy, characteristics that defined their previous titles. Death Howl’s card-based combat and RPG progression provide an alternative to action-focused releases.
December 9: Dome Keeper
Platforms: Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC
Bippinbits’ 2022 tower defense game Dome Keeper arrives on Game Pass Ultimate with cross-platform availability. The game blends mining mechanics with base defense, requiring players to excavate resources while protecting their dome from enemy attacks. This dual-focus gameplay creates tension between resource gathering and defensive preparation.
Dome Keeper’s 2022 release means the title has matured through post-launch updates and community feedback, offering a polished experience for new players discovering it through Game Pass.
December 11: Bratz: Rhythm and Style
Platforms: Cloud, Console, PC
Recotechnology S.L.’s Bratz: Rhythm and Style features the iconic doll line characters traveling to major cities worldwide. The game emphasizes outfit customization and rhythm-based gameplay, targeting younger audiences and fans of the Bratz brand. Players design customizable outfits while exploring global locations.
This family-friendly addition diversifies Game Pass Ultimate’s December offerings, providing content suitable for younger subscribers alongside the mature-rated Mortal Kombat 1.
Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass in December 2024
Departing December 15, 2024
Mortal Kombat 11
Interestingly, as Mortal Kombat 1 arrives on December 10, the previous franchise entry Mortal Kombat 11 exits just five days later. Subscribers interested in experiencing the predecessor before its departure have a limited window. The game’s soul-collecting mechanics and comprehensive roster make it worth revisiting before removal.
Still Wakes the Deep
The adventure survival horror game set on an oil rig departs December 15, giving players approximately two weeks to complete its narrative-driven experience.
Wildfrost
This roguelike deck-builder exits the same day, requiring strategy game enthusiasts to finish their runs before mid-December.
Departing December 31, 2024
Carrion
The reverse horror game where players control the monster has until year-end before leaving the service. Its unique perspective and fluid movement mechanics make it worth experiencing before departure.
Hell Let Loose
The tactical multiplayer World War II FPS gives subscribers until the final day of 2024 to engage in its realistic large-scale battles. The game’s emphasis on teamwork and communication distinguishes it from arcade-style shooters.
November 2024 Game Pass Additions Recap
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate maintained strong momentum throughout November with several notable additions:
- Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault: Dungeon-crawling with shop management
- The Crew: Motorfest: Open-world racing set in Hawaii
- Kill It With Fire! 2: Comedic spider-elimination gameplay
- Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden: Action-RPG with supernatural themes
- Monsters Are Coming! Rock & Road: Action title with creature encounters
December continued this momentum with Marvel: Cosmic Invasion (December 1) and Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (December 2) before the six-game wave arriving through December 11.
How to Maximize Your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Value
Prioritize Day-One Releases
Games like Routine and Death Howl launching directly into Game Pass represent maximum value, as subscribers access full-price titles without additional cost. Prioritizing day-one releases ensures you experience games alongside the broader gaming community.
Download Departing Games First
With Mortal Kombat 11, Still Wakes the Deep, and Wildfrost leaving December 15, subscribers should download these titles immediately if interested. The two-week window provides limited time for completion, especially for story-driven experiences.
Explore Indie Discoveries
A Game About Digging a Hole exemplifies how Game Pass introduces subscribers to viral indie hits they might have overlooked. These smaller titles often provide disproportionate entertainment value relative to their modest scope.
Platform Flexibility
Many December additions support Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC platforms, allowing subscribers to play across devices. This flexibility enables gaming during commutes (handheld/cloud) or at home (console/PC) without losing progress.
What December’s Lineup Reveals About Game Pass Strategy
Microsoft’s December 2024 offerings demonstrate several strategic priorities:
1. Balancing Blockbusters and Indies: Mortal Kombat 1 provides marquee value while A Game About Digging a Hole and Dome Keeper offer indie diversity.
2. Day-One Commitments: Two day-one releases (Routine, Death Howl) reinforce Game Pass’s value proposition for early adopters.
3. Family-Friendly Options: Bratz: Rhythm and Style ensures younger audiences have appropriate content alongside mature-rated titles.
4. Genre Diversity: Fighting games, horror, simulation, tower defense, rhythm, and deck-builders span multiple player preferences.
This balanced approach maintains subscriber engagement across demographic segments while justifying the Ultimate tier’s premium pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Mortal Kombat 1 come to Xbox Game Pass?
Mortal Kombat 1 arrives on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on December 10, 2024, available for Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S platforms. This is separate from the standard Game Pass tier—only Ultimate subscribers gain access to the NetherRealm Studios fighter.
What games are leaving Xbox Game Pass in December 2024?
Five games depart in December: Mortal Kombat 11, Still Wakes the Deep, and Wildfrost leave December 15, 2024, while Carrion and Hell Let Loose exit December 31, 2024. Subscribers should download these titles immediately if interested, as removal dates are firm.
Is A Game About Digging a Hole worth playing on Game Pass?
A Game About Digging a Hole has sold over 1 million copies with a 96% “Overwhelmingly Positive” Steam rating, indicating strong player satisfaction. The simple digging simulation adds mystery and subtle horror elements as you descend, creating an addictive gameplay loop. Its viral popularity among streamers validates its entertainment value despite minimalist presentation.
Do I need Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for these December games?
Yes, all six games listed (Routine, A Game About Digging a Hole, Death Howl, Dome Keeper, Mortal Kombat 1, Bratz: Rhythm and Style) are confirmed for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate specifically. Standard Game Pass and PC Game Pass tiers have different catalogs, so verify your subscription level before expecting access.
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Official Xbox Game Pass Information:
