What is Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service from Microsoft that allows gamers to access a vast library of games for a small monthly fee. You can play hundreds of games, from classic favorites like Age of Empires and Diablo to the latest releases like Avowed—the moment they’re available. The game library is continuously expanding, with Microsoft’s own studios and big names in the gaming industry like Bethesda, EA Games, and Ubisoft adding new titles regularly.
Instead of purchasing individual games, you can subscribe and enjoy access to a wide variety of games on demand. Xbox Game Pass is perfect for gamers who want to try out new titles, revisit old classics, or explore a range of genres without the pressure of spending a lot of money.
Related: The Top 5 Best Xbox Games To Play
Xbox Game Pass vs. Game Pass Ultimate: Which One Should You Choose?
When deciding how much Xbox Game Pass fits your needs, it’s essential to understand the different plans. Microsoft offers subscriptions for both consoles and PCs, making it easy to choose based on your platform.
Xbox Game Pass for Console
This plan is designed for gamers who play on Xbox consoles. It gives you access to hundreds of games for your Xbox and is ideal for those who primarily game on a console.
Xbox Game Pass for PC
For PC gamers, this plan provides access to a huge library of games that you can download and play directly on your Windows PC. It’s a great option if you’re looking for how much is game pass for a PC setup.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
This is the most comprehensive plan, offering access to both Xbox and PC games. With Game Pass Ultimate, you get the best of both worlds. You can play on your Xbox console, PC, or even both platforms. Plus, you enjoy additional features like cloud gaming, which lets you play on your phone or tablet, making it the ultimate choice for gamers who use multiple devices.
Game Pass Core vs. Ultimate: Key Differences
Game Pass Core is a basic plan for a single platform (either Xbox or PC), providing access to a limited selection of games. It’s great for those who don’t need the full library but still want a good selection of titles to enjoy.
However, Game Pass Ultimate offers full access to the entire library, including new releases on launch day, exclusive offers, and cloud gaming. Plus, Game Pass Core now replaces Xbox Live Gold, so online multiplayer is included in the Core plan.
If you play on both Xbox and PC, Game Pass Ultimate is the best option. It’s packed with features like Xbox Live Gold, cloud gaming, and exclusive discounts for a complete gaming experience.
Xbox Game Pass Subscription Plans & Prices
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Xbox Game Pass cost and what you get with each plan:
- Game Pass for PC (Standard Plan):
- First 14 days for $1, then $11.99/month
- Access to a large collection of games, including both older and new titles (excluding the very latest releases).
- Xbox Game Pass Core:
- $9.99/month
- Provides access to a limited selection of games each month. This is perfect for casual gamers who want to enjoy a smaller, more affordable game library. It also replaces Xbox Live Gold, including online multiplayer.
- Xbox Game Pass for Console:
- $14.99/month
- Access to the full Xbox library, including both old favorites and new releases like Xbox Game Studios titles when they launch.
- Game Pass Ultimate:
- $19.99/month
- Ultimate covers both Xbox and PC gaming, including everything in the other plans. You also get extras like cloud gaming (play on your phone or tablet), Xbox Live Gold (for online multiplayer), and the ability to play new releases on launch day.
Related: How To Play Xbox Games On PC Without Console?
Can You Buy Xbox Game Pass for Multiple Months?
Microsoft doesn’t offer discounts for longer subscriptions directly through the official store. However, you can still buy Game Pass Ultimate for 3 or 12 months through third-party websites. This is an excellent way to save money, as these subscriptions are often priced lower than the regular monthly rate.
For example, you can purchase 12 months of Game Pass Ultimate for around $50-$70, which means you’re paying about $4-$6 per month—much cheaper than paying on a monthly basis.
Important Disclaimer:
When purchasing from third-party sites, always ensure the site is reputable to avoid potential issues. Always check reviews and confirm that the seller is trustworthy before making a purchase.
Why Do Gamers Love Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass is loved by gamers for a simple reason: it saves you money while providing access to an extensive game library. Even with the basic plan, you get access to a variety of games, so you don’t have to buy each game individually. You can explore new games and dive into favorites, all for an affordable monthly price.
For hardcore gamers, Game Pass Ultimate is a dream. You get full access to both Xbox and PC games, along with new releases on day one, cloud gaming, and Xbox Live Gold for online play. It’s everything you need for a complete, all-in-one gaming experience.
Redemption Instructions
If you purchase Xbox Game Pass via third-party sites, here’s how to redeem the code:
- Go to Microsoft Store on your Xbox or visit redeem.microsoft.com on your PC.
- Click the “Subscriptions” tab and select “Redeem Code”.
- Enter your 25-digit key and follow the on-screen instructions to activate your subscription.
After activation, you’ll have immediate access to all the games available with your plan.
Final Thoughts
If you love gaming, Xbox Game Pass is a must-have. Whether you game on Xbox, PC, or both, you get access to hundreds of games at an affordable price. Game Pass Ultimate is even better, with extra features like cloud gaming, new releases on launch day, and Xbox Live Gold for online play.
How much is Xbox Game Pass? It depends on the plan you choose, but it’s a steal when compared to the price of buying individual games. If you’re looking to save more money, third-party sites like G2A offer discounted subscription keys, so you get even more value for your money.
Don’t wait—dive into Microsoft Game Pass today and explore an endless library of games!
