Xbox Game Pass gets perfect The Witcher 3 replacement with day one AAA release

As part of its ever-changing roster, Xbox Game Pass is losing one of the best RPGs of all time. But not to fear; a new day-one release coming to the service can absolutely fill that void and more.

It's set to be a big few years for The Witcher franchise, as the Netflix series hurtles towards a Season 5 climax in 2025, rounding off the adaptations of the final two books (The Tower of the Swallow and The Lady of the Lake).

Geralt and Ciri's adventures won't end there, though, as the semi-canon games pick up following the conclusion of the books and are coming thick and fast to our consoles.

A remaster of the original two titles is planned to be on the way, while a fourth mainline game will kick off an entirely new trilogy based on Cirilla of Cintra and her journey on the path.

But the series is renowned for its best-in-class RPG, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and just as the fantastical realm gets its biggest expansion in nearly a decade with a final DLC, Xbox users are losing access to the title.

Having been added in February 2026, The Witcher 3 will be leaving the Xbox Game Pass on August 31, just days after the Songs of the Past DLC gets detailed in full during a Gamescom-exclusive reveal.

It's unfortunate for fans who were gearing up for a magical expansion, with the Complete Edition now costing £35.

Still, Xbox Game Pass isn't leaving you high and dry, as it's replacing The Witcher 3 with a huge new RPG release that will leave you drowning in lore and action.

Read More: The Witcher DNA runs strong in The Blood of Dawnwalker, but AAA RPG stands apart

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy drops on Game Pass Ultimate on day one

Serving as a prequel title in the A Plague Tale universe, Legacy has promised to switch up its stealthy storyline for a more action-packed adventure, operating between two timelines that directly impact each other.

Initial gameplay teasers revealed that the The Last of Us-style approach persists in this medieval game, but with frequent explosions of action that will undoubtedly be popular with Geralt fans.

"Set 15 years before A Plague Tale: Requiem, play as Sophia, a fierce young plunderer, on the run but determined to uncover the secrets of her past," reads the description.

"Dive into an original story blending combat, myth, and fate with a brand new take in the universe of A Plague Tale.

"Sophia’s journey leads to the Minotaur Island, where she faces deadly trials, navigates treacherous trails, solves puzzles, all while fighting and staying one step ahead of the army chasing her. But the true challenge awaits, as the terrifying creature hidden behind the myth will soon resonate with her…"

The game has already been dubbed the franchise's best in early reviews, which comes as huge praise considering the second game, Requiem, scored an exceptional 9/10 in our review, being slated as "an utter masterclass."

While it will be a change of scenery for The Witcher fans, this modern-day piece of art will be the perfect replacement for you to sink endless hours into while costing nothing.

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy arrives on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on August 27.