How much does an Xbox Game Pass subscription cost?

The tiered subscription format and recurring charges for a Game pass the subscription price represents a confusing pricing plan for some. Game Pass is a subscription service that allows subscribers to access an extensive library of games. It is available on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs. Players can download any number of titles available on Game Pass at no additional cost and can play them as long as they remain subscribed (and as long as the games remain available on Game Pass). Game Pass titles are also available for cloud streaming anywhere.

With a wide variety of titles, from Microsoft classics to exclusive indies and massive day one releases like Indiana Jones and the Great CircleGame Pass truly has something for every gamer. It can also be of great value for those who like to try new games frequently and is undoubtedly a necessity for certain Xbox gamers. Here's everything you need to know about Game Pass pricing, perks, and subscription tiers.

Xbox Game Pass tiers explained

All Game Pass tiers for Xbox and PC

Game Pass is available in multiple tiers, each with certain perks. Let's start with the three levels available on consoles. Core is the cheapest Game Pass tierand offers two main benefits: a small but constantly rotating game library and access to online multiplayer on Xbox consoles. But just because Core's library is limited doesn't mean it's low quality. Includes titles as beloved and critically acclaimed as minecraft, Fallout 4 Effect (and 76), Eternal Destiny, Forza Horizon 4, Among us, Cities: Horizonsand The Elder Scrolls Online – mostly older games, but with a lot to explore.

note that a player must be a Game Pass subscriber to access online multiplayer on Xbox. It doesn't matter what level. However, this is not the case for PC players, who can access online multiplayer at no additional cost. Subscribing to any level of Game Pass also grants the player access to exclusive offers and discounts when purchasing games.

Next up is the Standard tier, which sits in the middle of the three console tiers in terms of price. Although not much more expensive, Standard includes a much larger game librarywith hundreds of titles for you to choose from. Some titles included in the Standard level include Siege of Rainbow Six, Sea of ​​Thieves, Pal World, No man's skyand Skyrim. Of course, Standard subscribers can also access the entire Core library, plus the hundreds of additional games available to them.

Finally, there's Ultimate, the most expensive – but also most inclusive – Game Pass tier. Ultimate is the only level available on PC and Xbox consoles. It includes all Standard and Core libraries, but most importantly, it also regularly receives new games as soon as they are released. This means subscribers can play things like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle as soon as they leave.

Ultimate also includes an EA Play subscriptiona similar service offered by prolific video game publisher EA, which greatly expands its library. EA is best known for publishing sports games like Crazy, UFCand MLB the showwhich Game Pass Ultimate subscribers usually have access to as soon as it launches.

Ultimate is also the only tier that allows cloud streamingmeaning gamers can access their game library from virtually anywhere with an internet connection, even if they don't have access to their console/PC. Cloud streaming works on most cell phones, desktops, laptops, and even some smart TVs, so it's an excellent option for gaming on the go.

Finally, PC subscribers can access an exclusive Game Pass tier simply called PC. It's priced slightly lower than Ultimate, but features a similar library, including day one releases and EA Play. However, PC tier players cannot access cloud streaming or the special perks offered to Ultimate subscribers.

How much does each game pass tier cost

Game Pass Pricing and Tiers

The table below lists each Game Pass tier along with its monthly price in US dollars and the platforms it is available for. Again, the PC level is exclusive to PC players, while all other levels are available on Xbox consoles. Ultimate is available on both platforms.

For PC gamers interested in a Game Pass subscription, please note that Microsoft is running a promotion in which New subscribers can get their first month of the PC tier for just $1. After that, the monthly price starts at $11.99.

Which Game Pass Level is Right for You?

How to choose a Game Pass tier

There are a few factors to take into consideration before subscribing to a Game Pass tier, and the first for any player should be platform. The choice of Game Pass levels is strictly limited by the platform the player intends to use them on; if they want to play on PC, only PC and Ultimate will be available to them, but if they are on Xbox, they will only be able to choose between Core, Standard and Ultimate. Keep in mind, though, that PC gamers don't need a Game Pass subscription to play online.

Next, consider the types of games included in each. If an Xbox gamer is only interested in a few specific games, then the Core is perfectly fine; they can buy any other games they want individually and play them online as much as they want, while always having a small library of free games to peruse when they want something new to play. If they're not sure what they'd like and are interested in trying a larger library, Standard offers plenty of options. If they want to stay up to date with the latest releases, it can only be Ultimate.

Since the only real difference between PC and Ultimate is cloud streaming, PC gamers can decide based on the importance of remote gaming. If they want to access the Game Pass library from outside the home, they'll almost certainly want to jump to the Ultimate tier.

Keep in mind, however, that A Game Pass subscription can be changed or canceled at any time without penalties or fees. Feel free to start with a cheaper tier to test first, or try a more expensive one to determine if the perks are worth it and then switch later as needed. You can even switch to an Ultimate subscription for a month or two to check out a new title and then switch back to Core. You may lose access to part or all of your Game Pass library when you downgrade or cancel your subscription, but you will still be able to play any of the included games if you purchase them individually.

And that's all there is to know about the logistics of Microsoft's game subscription services. With knowledge of all its levels and what's included, interested buyers can make an informed purchasing decision when it comes to a Game pass subscription.