Cost of Xbox Game Pass Subscription: What You Need to Know

Understanding the tiered structure and recurring costs associated with a Game Pass subscription can be quite perplexing for potential users. This subscription service allows gamers to access a vast library of titles on both Xbox consoles and Windows PCs. Members can download and play any game within the service at no extra charge, as long as they maintain their subscription and the games remain in the catalog. Additionally, many Game Pass titles are available for cloud streaming, enabling gaming on-the-go.

Game Pass caters to a diverse audience, offering everything from classic Microsoft games to indie hits and major releases like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on launch day. This platform is particularly advantageous for players eager to explore new gaming experiences, making it an essential offering for many Xbox enthusiasts. Below, you’ll find key details regarding Game Pass pricing, benefits, and the different subscription tiers available.

Understanding Game Pass Tiers

Overview of Game Pass Tiers for Xbox and PC

Game Pass consists of several tiers, each offering unique benefits. Let’s break down the three tiers available for console gamers:

Core: This is the most affordable tier, providing limited access to a rotating selection of games along with essential online multiplayer functionality for Xbox. The library includes widely acclaimed titles such as Minecraft, Fallout 4 and 76, Doom Eternal, Forza Horizon 4, Among Us, Cities: Skylines, and The Elder Scrolls Online. While the selection is smaller, it still boasts quality content.
Standard: Priced slightly higher, this middle-tier option offers hundreds of games. In addition to all titles in the Core library, Standard subscribers can enjoy popular games like Rainbow Six Siege, Sea of Thieves, Palworld, No Man’s Sky, and Skyrim, giving them a wealth of gameplay options.
Ultimate: The highest tier, Ultimate, is the most comprehensive package available, accessible on both Xbox and PC. Subscribers benefit from the entire Standard and Core libraries and gain immediate access to new releases, including hot titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Ultimate also includes a subscription to EA Play, enhancing the library with popular sports titles like Madden, UFC, and MLB The Show.

Ultimate additionally provides cloud streaming capabilities, allowing subscribers to play games from anywhere with internet access, whether on mobile devices, laptops, or compatible smart TVs. This is an essential feature for gamers who prefer portability.

For PC users, there exists a dedicated Game Pass tier simply labeled “PC.” Although it is priced lower than Ultimate and includes a similar array of titles, it lacks cloud streaming and some exclusive Ultimate perks.

Cost of Each Game Pass Tier

Pricing Overview for Game Pass Tiers

Custom image by Katarina Cimbaljevic

The following table outlines the monthly subscription fees for each Game Pass tier, along with their respective platforms:

Tier	Price	Platform
Core	$9.99/month	Xbox only
Standard	$14.99/month	Xbox only
Ultimate	$19.99/month	Xbox & PC
PC	$11.99/month	PC only

New PC subscribers can currently take advantage of a promotional offer, receiving their first month of the PC tier for just $1. Afterward, the subscription will revert to the standard price of $11.99 per month.

Determining the Right Game Pass Tier for You

Guidance on Selecting a Game Pass Tier

Before committing to a Game Pass subscription, it is essential to evaluate several factors:

Platform: Your choice of Game Pass tier is dictated by the intended platform. PC players can only access the PC or Ultimate tiers, while Xbox users can select from Core, Standard, and Ultimate. Notably, PC gamers don’t require a Game Pass subscription for online play.
Game Preferences: Evaluate the games available on each tier. Xbox gamers interested in select titles may find Core sufficient, allowing the purchase of additional titles individually. For those wishing to explore a more substantial library of games, the Standard tier presents ample opportunities. However, for avid gamers eager for the latest launches, Ultimate is the clear choice.
Cloud Streaming Needs: In considering PC vs. Ultimate, cloud streaming is the primary factor. If accessing games remotely is important, the Ultimate tier is recommended.

It’s important to remember that a Game Pass subscription can be modified or canceled at any time without penalties. You might consider starting with a lower tier and upgrading later, or vice versa. Players can switch to an Ultimate subscription temporarily to experience new titles and revert back as needed. Note that downgrading may result in losing access to certain games unless they are independently purchased.

This comprehensive overview of Microsoft’s Game Pass service should better equip potential subscribers with the necessary information to make an informed decision on which plan fits their gaming needs best.

Source & Images