Updates to Xbox Game Pass: Introducing Essential, Premium, and Ultimate Plans



 Xbox Wire:

Our goal with Game Pass has been clear: deliver unmatched value, benefits, and a deep library of games for our players. Since launching in 2017, we’ve steadily grown our subscriber and creator satisfaction – and today, creator participation and player engagement in Game Pass are at an all-time high. But we have the opportunity for Game Pass to help more players find the creators and games they love.

We know not everyone wants the same thing in their Xbox experience, so we’re evolving Game Pass to offer more flexibility, choice, and value to all players, whether you love day one releases, discovering hidden gems, or playing across multiple devices and screens and across Xbox consoles, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud.

Starting today, we’re introducing three upgraded Game Pass plans based on how players play: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. Each includes expanded game libraries, including PC titles, unlimited cloud gaming, in-game benefits (including Riot Games titles), and a revamped Rewards with Xbox experience. Today’s Game Pass Core subscribers will automatically move to Essential, Standard subscribers will transition to Premium, and Ultimate subscribers will remain in the Ultimate plan.

It’s all a part of our commitment to meet players where they are, so you can choose what works best for you, no matter how or where you love to play.

Game Pass Breakdown Infographic


Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Just Got Its Biggest Upgrade Yet

Ultimate has been upgraded for players who want the best of everything. We’re rolling out our most expansive upgrade yet, including more day one games than ever before, Fortnite Crew & Ubisoft+ Classics for the first time ever, enhanced Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming quality up to 1440p, Rewards with Xbox, and more. Now players can have it all.

Ultimate subscribers now get access to over 75 day one releases a year. That includes some of the most anticipated upcoming games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, High on Life 2, Keeper, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2. These join a growing library of more than 400 games playable on Xbox consoles, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud on supported devices, with more than 45 new games added today. Think of hits like Blue Prince, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, plus exclusive benefits like access to EA Play.

We’re also welcoming major additions to the Ultimate experience. Starting November 18, Fortnite Crew – an $11.99/month value – will be included in Ultimate, with access to the Fortnite Battle Pass, 1,000 V-Bucks each month, and more. This is just the beginning of Xbox and Epic’s work together toward an open gaming ecosystem where friends can play and create together, anywhere, across devices. And today, Ubisoft+ Classics (~$15.98/month) joins Ultimate, offering access to a curated selection of Ubisoft games playable on console, PC, and cloud, like Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, and more.

Cloud gaming is also getting a major boost. Ultimate subscribers exclusively enjoy our best quality streaming and shortest wait times, so it’s easier than ever to jump into your favorite games. Xbox Cloud Gaming has also officially exited “Beta,” as part of our commitment to make gameplay smoother and more responsive. And we’ll keep expanding the Stream your own game collection for all subscribers. Keep an eye on Xbox.com/Play for the latest list of cloud playable games.

Ultimate subscribers can now earn up to $100 per year (100k points globally) in the Store just by playing games. With our upgraded Rewards program, players can get up to 30% value on select Game Pass games, with 4x points on purchases of games and add-ons, 10% back in points on select Game Pass library titles and add-ons, and up to 20% off select Game Pass games.

Game Pass Ultimate Breakdown Infographic


Xbox Game Pass Premium – More Games, More Flexibility

Premium has been upgraded to offer even more flexibility and value for those who want to play on their own terms at exceptional value. Premium provides access to a broader library of great games and extends the Xbox gaming experience across console, PC, and cloud.

We’re now giving Premium subscribers more games than ever before, from gaming’s biggest hits to hidden gems, now with access to 200+ games on Xbox console, PC, and supported devices, all still at $14.99. This library, with more than 40 new games available today, is also now playable on PC, including timeless hits like Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, and Grand Theft Auto V. Plus, Premium subscribers get newly added fan-favorites like Diablo IV and Hogwarts Legacy starting today, and new Xbox-published games within a year of their launch (excludes Call of Duty titles).

Cloud gaming is also expanding in Premium. Subscribers now enjoy unlimited cloud gaming, including select games you own, and newly added in-game benefits in some of the biggest games like League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege X, instantly unlocking cosmetics, characters, and more to enhance your gameplay.

Premium also brings new value through Rewards with Xbox. Premium subscribers can also get up to $50 per year (50k points globally) in the Store just by playing games, earning 2x points on purchases of games and add-ons, plus 5% back in points on select Game Pass library titles and add-ons.

Game Pass Premium Breakdown Infographic


Xbox Game Pass Essential: A Great Way to Get Started

Essential is for players who want the essence of everything Xbox. With access to games across console, PC, and cloud, Essential makes it easy to jump in and start playing, whether you’re diving into solo adventures or teaming up with friends.

Our revamped Essential plan now includes unlimited cloud gaming, online multiplayer, in-game benefits, and Rewards with Xbox, plus a curated catalog of 50+ games playable on both console and PC.

The Essential library is now fully playable on PC, featuring standout titles like Hades, Cities: Skylines – Remastered, Stardew Valley, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. You also get unlimited cloud gaming, allowing you to play games, including select games you own, on the devices you choose — giving you more freedom to play your way.

Subscribers also get access to in-game benefits in some of the biggest games like League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Overwatch 2.

And with our Rewards with Xbox program, Essential members can earn up to $25 per year (25k points globally) in the Store just by playing. You’ll also get points on purchases of games and add-ons.

Game Pass Essential Breakdown Infographic


Getting Started with the New Xbox Game Pass Plans

As we continue to evolve Xbox Game Pass, we’re focused on delivering more value, more benefits, and more great games across every plan. Whether you play on console, PC, cloud – or all three – there’s a Game Pass option designed to fit your playstyle.

With the latest upgrades, Ultimate is now priced at $29.99/month, reflecting the expanded catalog, new partner benefits, and upgraded cloud gaming experience. Standard subscribers will be upgraded to Premium remaining at $14.99/month, offering exceptional value for players who want flexibility and access to new Xbox-published titles within a year of launch. Core subscribers will be upgraded to Essential remaining at $9.99/month, providing a curated library, online multiplayer, and cloud gaming for those who want to jump in and start playing.

We regularly evaluate exchange rates and market conditions, so pricing may vary by region. For the most up-to-date information on plan features and pricing in your area, visit the plan picker on Xbox.com.

To learn more about each plan and find the one that’s right for you, head to the Xbox Game Pass site and our Xbox social channels for more details.

More Games Join Xbox Game Pass Today

We continue to add more games to Xbox Game Pass. Check out the latest games available starting today below, along with in-game benefits available across each plan. As a reminder, game titles, features, and availability vary over time, by region, Game Pass plan, and platform. Learn more about supported regions here.

Ultimate – Available Today

  • Hogwarts Legacy (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Assassin’s Creed II (PC)
  • Assassin’s Creed III Remastered (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag: Freedom Cry (PC)
  • Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (PC)
  • Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: Russia (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD (PC)
  • Assassin’s Creed Revelations (PC)
  • Assassin’s Creed Rogue Remastered (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection (Cloud and Console)
  • Assassin’s Creed Unity (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Child of Light (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Far Cry 3 (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Far Cry Primal (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Hungry Shark World (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Monopoly Madness (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Monopoly 2024 (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • OddBallers (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Prince of Persia The Lost Crown (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Rabbids Invasion: The Interactive TV Show (Cloud and Console)
  • Rabbids: Party of Legends (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Rayman Legends (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Risk Urban Assault (Cloud and Console)
  • Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Skull and Bones (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
  • South Park: The Stick of Truth (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Starlink: Battle for Atlas (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Steep (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • The Crew 2 (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • The Settlers: New Allies (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Tom Clancy’s The Division (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Trackmania Turbo (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Transference (Cloud and Console)
  • Trials Fusion (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Trials of the Blood Dragon (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Trials Rising (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Uno (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Valiant Hearts: The Great War (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Watch_Dogs (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Wheel of Fortune (Cloud and Console)
  • Zombi (Cloud, PC, and Console)

Premium – Available Today (also in Ultimate)

  • 9 Kings (Game Preview) (PC)
  • Abiotic Factor (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
  • Against the Storm (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Age of Empires: Definitive Edition (PC)
  • Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition (PC)
  • Age of Mythology: Retold (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
  • Ara: History Untold (PC)
  • Arx Fatalis (PC)
  • Back to the Dawn (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Battletech (PC)
  • Blacksmith Master (Game Preview) (PC)
  • Cataclismo (PC)
  • Cities: Skylines II (PC)
  • Crime Scene Cleaner (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
  • Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
  • Diablo (PC)
  • Diablo IV (PC and Console)
  • An Elder Scrolls Legends: Battlespire (PC)
  • The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard (PC)
  • Fallout (PC)
  • Fallout 2 (PC)
  • Fallout: Tactics (PC)
  • Football Manager 2024 (PC)
  • Frostpunk 2 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
  • Halo: Spartan Strike (PC)
  • Hogwarts Legacy (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Manor Lords (Game Preview) (PC)
  • Minami Lane (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Minecraft: Java Edition (PC)
  • Mullet Madjack (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
  • My Friendly Neighborhood (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • One Lonely Outpost (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Quake 4 (PC)
  • Quake III Arena (PC)
  • Return to Castle Wolfenstein (PC)
  • Rise of Nations: Extended Edition (PC)
  • Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
  • Sworn (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
  • Terra Invicta (Game Preview) (PC)
  • Volcano Princess (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Warcraft I: Remastered (PC)
  • Warcraft II: Remastered (PC)
  • Warcraft III: Reforged (PC)
  • Wolfenstein 3D (PC)

Essential – Available Today (also in Ultimate and Premium)

  • Cities: Skylines Remastered (Cloud and Xbox Series X|S)
  • Disney Dreamlight Valley (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Hades (Cloud, PC, and Console)
  • Warhammer 40,000 Darktide (Cloud, PC, and Console)

More Rewards with Game Pass

Game Pass Rewards Breakdown Infographic




 Source:

 
do not ever ever EVER give them your CC #### !!!
 

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“At this time, these increases will only affect new purchases and will not affect your current subscription for the market in which you reside, as long as you are on an auto-recurring plan,” explains Microsoft in an email that was sent to some Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers overnight. “Should you choose to cancel your plan and repurchase, you will be charged at the new current rate.”

Xbox.webp
 

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System One System Two

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    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
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    Custom self build
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    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
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    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
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    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
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  • Operating System
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    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
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It has begun...got the e-mail not very long time ago. The new price for Ultimate is not worth it anymore. It is more expensive for us in the long run than buying the actual games we play. Combine that with great deals (if you're patient) and you get a huge discount for the most expensive games too.

We would spend about $100-200 a year on games (mostly Steam, Epic and GOG)...now it will cost about $360 a year, just to get day 1 access for AAA games "for free", which we mostly don't play anyways. Not worth it at all.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8457 / Linux Mint 22.3
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo A485
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 2700U Pro
    Motherboard
    Lenovo (WiFi/BT module upgraded to Intel Wireless-AC-9260)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    iGPU Vega 10
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" FHD (built-in) + 14" Lenovo Thinkvision M14t (touch+pen) + 32" Asus PB328
    Screen Resolution
    FHD + FHD + 1440p
    Hard Drives
    Intel 660p m.2 nVME PCIe3.0 x2 512GB
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    125W(Dock)/65W(Travel Adapter)
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    Thinkpad / Logitech MX Keys
    Mouse
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    TPM2.0: Enabled
    AMD-V: Enabled
  • Operating System
    Win 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8521(RP)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    i7-7700k @4.8GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus PRIME Z270-A
    Memory
    32GB 2x16GB 2133MHz CL15
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GTX1080Ti FTW 11GB
    Sound Card
    Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32" 10-bit Asus PB328Q
    Screen Resolution
    WQHD 2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    512GB ADATA SX8000NP NVMe PCIe Gen 3 x4
    PSU
    850W
    Case
    Fractal Design Define 7
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black
    Keyboard
    Logitech MX Keys
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 2S
    Internet Speed
    1/1Gbit
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    AC WiFi Card
Don't think it will bother most regular users, i get between 6-8 months free per year from rewards.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro.(25H2)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self build
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 9600X
    Motherboard
    Aorus elite wifi7 B850
    Memory
    T-Create expert 2 x 16GB 6000 CL30-36-36.
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    RX9070XT Hellhound
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    Onboard/Logitech Z313 speakers
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    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440, 144Hz
    Hard Drives
    Lexar NM790 2TB
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    Defender
Don't think it will bother most regular users, i get between 6-8 months free per year from rewards.
After the price change you still pay $160/year for the sub even after max rewards.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8457 / Linux Mint 22.3
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo A485
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 2700U Pro
    Motherboard
    Lenovo (WiFi/BT module upgraded to Intel Wireless-AC-9260)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    iGPU Vega 10
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" FHD (built-in) + 14" Lenovo Thinkvision M14t (touch+pen) + 32" Asus PB328
    Screen Resolution
    FHD + FHD + 1440p
    Hard Drives
    Intel 660p m.2 nVME PCIe3.0 x2 512GB
    PSU
    125W(Dock)/65W(Travel Adapter)
    Keyboard
    Thinkpad / Logitech MX Keys
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 2S
    Internet Speed
    1/1Gbit
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    SecureBoot: Enabled
    TPM2.0: Enabled
    AMD-V: Enabled
  • Operating System
    Win 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8521(RP)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    i7-7700k @4.8GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus PRIME Z270-A
    Memory
    32GB 2x16GB 2133MHz CL15
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GTX1080Ti FTW 11GB
    Sound Card
    Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32" 10-bit Asus PB328Q
    Screen Resolution
    WQHD 2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    512GB ADATA SX8000NP NVMe PCIe Gen 3 x4
    PSU
    850W
    Case
    Fractal Design Define 7
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black
    Keyboard
    Logitech MX Keys
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 2S
    Internet Speed
    1/1Gbit
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    AC WiFi Card

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