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What is Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that grants access to a library of readily available games. These can be played across Microsoft’s gaming platforms, including Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Many of the best Xbox Series X games are available on this platform.
The Xbox Game Pass games library includes everything from classics dating back to the original Xbox to day-one access to the latest game releases and exclusives. While there are several gaming subscription services out there, a few features make the Xbox Game Pass stand out from the competition.
You can read how it compares to others in our Xbox Game Pass vs PlayStation Plus feature.
Key Takeaways
- Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that grants players access to a wide catalog of games on consoles and PCs.
- Over 100+ games can be downloaded, but players do not own them unless they purchase the title.
- Xbox Game Pass has four tiers: Core, Standard, Ultimate, and PC, each offering different features at varying prices.
- The best way to optimize Xbox Game Pass performance is to buy a VPN service and change your console or PC settings for a smooth gaming experience.
- Xbox Game Pass is a great service for gaming enthusiasts but can be expensive depending on how often you play video games.
- Show Full Guide
History of Xbox Game Pass
Here’s a detailed Xbox Game Pass list of its history since it was first launched in 2017 to 2024:
How Xbox Game Pass Works
Xbox Game Pass charges a monthly fee to access a plethora of games that can be downloaded to the console or PC to play. It serves as an alternative to buying games individually, but they are only available as digital copies.
Players do not have ownership of the games they play through this service and will lose access when canceling their subscriptions. In some cases, Xbox Game Pass games do not offer any additional content, such as DLC or expansions. This is true when there are “Ultimate Editions” of games that coincide on the Xbox storefront.
The library of games available through this service constantly updates, with both new additions and some titles being removed. The option to purchase these games is available, and in some cases, depending on the title and the Xbox Game Pass tier, they will be sold at a discount. Microsoft announces which games are leaving soon, and when new games arrive.
Types of Xbox Game Pass Subscriptions
It’s important to know exactly how much Xbox Game Pass costs and what exactly is available to players.
At the time of writing this article, the Xbox Game Pass has four tiers: three for the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S and one for the PC. The Xbox Game Pass price increases when subscribing to tiers offering more games and features.
Core
Price: $9.99 per month
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X|S
Xbox Game Pass Core is the cheapest tier available. Core offers access to online multiplayer games and features a small selection of over 25 games to download and play.
The Xbox Game Pass Core 12-month plan costs $59.99 per year.
Standard
Price: $14.99 USD per month
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X|S
Xbox Game Pass Standard is available for a moderate price in comparison to the other tiers. Standard offers access to online multiplayer, over 100 games to download and play, and discounts on games purchased through the store.?
Ultimate
Price: $19.99 USD per month
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X|S (Mobile and PC available via Xbox Cloud Gaming)
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the highest and most expensive tier available. In addition to the features in both Core and Standard, players have access to EA Play, can stream on other devices through Xbox Cloud Gaming, can download the latest day-one releases, and can receive in-game cosmetics and consumables.
An Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 12-month plan is only available through retailers as physical codes with varying prices. A year’s worth of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate through monthly billing would cost $179.99.
PC
Price: $11.99 USD per month
Platforms: Windows 10/11 (including handhelds like Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go)
PC Game Pass is a subscription service exclusive to Windows. It allows access to its library of games, offers membership discounts, and grants day-one access to upcoming titles.?
When purchasing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, new subscribers can get their first 14 days for only $1. This offer is also available to certain territories with the Standard tier on console.
Popular Xbox Game Pass Games
We’ve compiled a list of popular and exclusive Xbox Game Pass games that you can play when you subscribe to the service.
Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite is a sci-fi first-person shooter developed by 343 Studios.
It continues the story established by Halo 5 Guardians with an open world campaign to explore and fight against The Banished. Players can also log online and compete against others in arena-style multiplayer, which constantly receives new updates through its live service.
The game’s highlight feature is its Forge mode, allowing players to explore a variety of custom-designed game modes. However, it’s worth noting that the multiplayer experience is entirely free-to-play, so you won’t need to necessarily invest if you only want to game with friends.
Starfield
Starfield is a Sci-Fi action role-playing-game (RPG) developed by Bethesda Game Studios.
Taking place in the year 2330, players can explore over 1,000 procedurally generated planets.
You can customize your ships that you can fly and fight in space with, develop your relationship with companions, and unlock various guns to fight enemy factions.
Forza Motorsport (2023)
Forza Motorsport is a simulator racing game developed by Turn 10 Studios. It puts players in the driver’s seat as they race across fictional and real-life tracks.
Players can test out and unlock over 500 cars and experiment with over 800 upgrades.
The game’s highlights include its stunning graphic visuals and its advanced physics engine to emulate an exhilarating racing experience.
Valorant
Valorant is a free-to-play tactical first person shooter (FPS) developed by Riot Games.
Xbox Game Pass members are able to access a variety of exclusive benefits to Riot Game’s catalog. This includes full access to the Valorant’s agents, who are characters with special abilities. They will also gain day-one access to future agents and get a 20% XP boost for Battle Pass and event content.?
4 Ways to Improve Xbox Game Pass Performance
Use one of the best VPNs to ensure safe and secure online play and streaming game content.
Enable Game Mode on your PC to push the performance of your system for higher framerates.
Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for the most consistent online performance.
Enable Clarity Boost when streaming via Game Pass for the highest visual fidelity.
Xbox Game Pass Pros & Cons
Xbox Game Pass was one of the first subscription models to become truly successful in recent history, and has become the service to beat for other competitors.
The service has lots to offer but isn’t for everyone. Here is Techopedia’s guide to advise on whether or not you should pass on Xbox game Pass.
Pros
- Xbox Game Pass Standard, PC, and Ultimate tiers are excellent value for money.
- Subscribing with a 12-month plan can help you save money, especially with Ultimate.
- Xbox Game Pass Core gives you Xbox Live and games for a low monthly price.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate’s game streaming works incredibly well.
- There are over 400 games to download and play through on all platforms.
- Xbox Game Pass features a great selection of older games from previous generations.
Cons
- Certain Xbox Game Pass tiers won’t be worth it for someone who games occasionally.
- You don’t own any of the games available on the service. In effect, you are leasing a license.
- Game Pass Core isn’t much cheaper cheaper than Game Pass Standard, which offers more.
The Bottom Line
It is vital for any console or PC player to know what Xbox Game Pass is and how it can completely change the way you purchase and play video games. Depending on personal circumstances and gaming preferences, the Game Pass can be either a great investment or a something you will not get much use out of.
As gaming becomes a more expensive hobby, planning ahead for which service or games to spend that hard earned cash on is more vital than ever. We recommend seeing what games and features are on offer before deciding on whether Xbox Game Pass gets the passing grade for you.
