Microsoft launched Xbox Game Pass in 2017, and since then, the gaming service has grown to be one of the best values in gaming for gamers. All Game Pass plans offer member discounts for non-Game Pass titles and other perks, but figuring out which plan is right for you can be difficult to determine.
That choice can be especially tough after Microsoft announced on July 9 it would no longer allow new members to subscribe to its Game Pass Console tier — though previous subscribers can keep their subscription. The company is also adding a new Game Pass Standard option in the coming months, which will cost $15 a month, and it's increasing the price of Game Pass Ultimate from $17 to $20 a month for new members now — the price for recurring members will increase on Sept. 12.
I've covered the service in the past, including future releases and whether Game Pass Ultimate will save you money compared to buying single games. And with all the new titles that Microsoft announced would be joining the service as Day 1 releases, like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, you might be wondering what the difference is between different Game Pass plans.
Here's what you need to know about the current Game Pass plans so you can decide which one is right for you.
Xbox Game Pass tiers
| Game Pass Core | PC Game Pass | Game Pass Ultimate | |
| Day 1 releases | No | Yes | Yes |
| PC games | No | Yes | Yes |
| Online multiplayer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EA Play | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud Gaming | No | Yes (select games via GeForce Now Ultimate) | Yes (via Xbox Cloud Gaming and select games via GeForce Now Ultimate) |
| Monthly price | $10 | $12 | $20 |
Game Pass Core is tied for the cheapest Game Pass option at $10 a month. It's aimed at console gamers who want to play online multiplayer. Here's what to know about Game Pass Core.
Pros of Game Pass Core
With this plan, you can access over 40 titles, including Doom: Eternal, Fallout 4 and Halo 5. You also get access to online multiplayer with this subscription.
Cons of Game Pass Core
You don't get as many games with Game Pass Core as other plans on this list. This level of the service rarely adds new titles, and subscribers won't be able to access Day 1 releases. That means you won't be able to play the upcoming Indiana Jones game upon release. And sorry, Star Wars fans, but EA Play's not included in this plan.
Who should subscribe to Game Pass Core?
If you mostly play online multiplayer games, like Halo or Gears of War, and you only play on console, this is the plan for you. You're mostly paying for access to play online multiplayer with this plan, but the added discounts and game library — despite its smallish size — are nice perks, too.
PC Game Pass is $12 a month, and it caters to PC gamers who want a large library of games and Day 1 releases. Here's what to know about PC Game Pass.
Pros of PC Game Pass
This subscription plan gives you access to about 400 Game Pass titles, which is most of the Game Pass library. New games are usually added every month, and you'll have access to Day 1 releases as well, so you'll always have something new to play. This plan also includes EA Play, which gives you access to EA games, like the Madden series and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
Cons of PC Game Pass
As you might have guessed, you need a PC for this plan so console gamers need not apply. Even if you have a PC, machine requirements might limit which games you can play and how well others run on your PC.
Who should subscribe to PC Game Pass?
People who only play on PC. It may not offer every game in the Game Pass library, but PC Game Pass does bring new games to the service every month, including a host of Day 1 releases coming soon.
This is the most expensive plan, and you get a lot for the price tag, including access to games on console and PC. However, the price could be overkill if you primarily play on one platform, so here's what to know about Game Pass Ultimate.
Pros of Game Pass Ultimate
This is the top-tier Game Pass plan, and it offers top-tier features. You get access to over 500 titles in the game library — including EA Play and Day 1 releases — online multiplayer and Xbox Cloud Gaming Beta so you can play on any compatible device, not just your console or PC. Game Pass Ultimate gives you the most bang for your buck out of these plans.
Cons of Game Pass Ultimate
The price is the major hurdle for Game Pass Ultimate, and the price continues to go up. When Game Pass was introduced in 2017, there was only one plan and it cost $10 a month. Then in 2019, Microsoft unveiled Game Pass Ultimate with a price of $15 a month, and in 2023 the company raised the price for the service to $17 a month. And in July, the company raised the price of Game Pass Ultimate again to a staggering $20 a month. These price increases especially over the last two years — are likely a pain point for some gamers.
Who should subscribe to Game Pass Ultimate?
Most gamers will be satisfied with Game Pass Ultimate, although you probably don't need it if you only play on PC or if you mostly play free-to-play online multiplayer games, like Fortnite or Overwatch. The price — and its potential to increase — might send people to other plans, but if you're a console gamer the only other plan is Core which has a relatively sparse game library. If price is an issue you can always unsubscribe at any time and resubscribe when a game you want to play is added. Otherwise, this is the plan for you.
For more on Xbox, here's everything Microsoft announced at its Xbox Summer Showcase, some titles available on Game Pass Ultimate now and everything to know about that gaming service.
