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Microsoft is once again shaking up its Xbox Game Pass service, as it plans to slowly do away with one of its tiers and is in the process of replacing it with a new one. At the same time, the price of Xbox Game Pass will be increasing, and with several options available to consumers, things can get a little bit confusing. If you’re looking to join the service or upgrade your current membership, here’s everything you need to know about what each Game Pass tier gets you.
Table of Contents [hide]What is Xbox Game Pass?Xbox Game Pass CoreXbox Game Pass StandardXbox Game Pass for consolePC Game PassXbox Game Pass Ultimate
What is Xbox Game Pass?
Introduced several years ago, Game Pass is a subscription service that offers access to a library of first-party games from Microsoft and even more third-party titles. This a comprehensive collection of games across a wide selection of genres, and it can be accessed on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and through the cloud on compatible devices. Games come and go on the service, but the key draw to Game Pass is that you’ll get access to the biggest Xbox games on launch day. This year has quite a few big titles on the way, like the next Call of Duty game, Black Ops 6, alongside other titles like Avowed, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and more.
Get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at Amazon
Xbox Game Pass Core
$10 per month, 12 months for $60. Starting September 18, the annual subscription will increase to $75 per year.
If you’re looking to dip your feet into this program, Xbox Game Pass Core is where you may want to start. Game Pass Core launched in September 2023 with 36 games, and unlike the other Game Pass tiers, it does not get new first-party games on launch day.Numerous more games have been added to its library since its launch, and members can choose from titles like Fallout 76, Doom Eternal, and Gears 5.
In addition to the games, Game Pass Core members also get access to online console multiplayer, deals, discounts of up to 50% off select games, and access to Free Play Days for select games.
For more, check out the full rundown of all the Game Pass Core games.
Xbox Game Pass Standard
$15 per month
The newest Game Pass tier, Xbox Game Pass Standard has a library consisting of hundreds of games and is available for Xbox consoles. You also get all the Game Pass Core perks mentioned above like console multiplayer and discounts on select games, but this subscription does not include “immediate” access to first-party Xbox games when they launch.
Xbox Game Pass for console
Xbox Game Pass for console is slowly being phased out, and as of July 10, it will no longer be available for new members. Members who are already subscribed to Game Pass for console and have the automatic payment renewal option enabled will still be able to continue with this membership. Microsoft says it will share more information soon on the future of this Game Pass tier. For anyone who is subscribed to it, this membership offers day-one first-party game releases, a massive library of games, and member discounts on Xbox consoles.
PC Game Pass
$10 per month$12 per month starting September 12
If you don’t have an Xbox console and you’re not too concerned with cloud gaming, PC Game Pass is also available. You get all the Game Pass perks, all the games in the EA Play library, and access to new day-one titles. The library of available games is different, as the focus here is on PC-first games across genres that play well on this platform.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
$17 per month$20 per month starting September 12
Even with a looming price increase, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is still excellent value for money. Not only do you get full access to its library, new first-party games on day one, and member discounts, but several other exclusive perks as well. This membership gives you access to the Game Pass library on Xbox consoles, PC, and cloud-compatible devices, and you also get free access to the EA Play library of games. Additionally, there are in-game add-ons, consumables, and partner offers for select games.
The Best Xbox Game Pass Games (September 2024)
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