Everything you need to know about Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.
Since its launch in 2017, Xbox Game Pass has grown from a simple “Netflix for games” pitch into a multi-tier subscription ecosystem that spans Xbox consoles, Windows PC, handheld PCs, and cloud streaming across multiple platforms.
In October 2025, Microsoft revamped Xbox Game Pass into three main tiers – Essential, Premium, and Ultimate – while keeping PC Game Pass as a separate plan. Each tier combines a different mix of game libraries, online play, cloud streaming, and member perks.
At the same time, prices increased, particularly for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which jumped by around 50% in many markets. There’s an argument that Ultimate still offers good value, if you can take advantage of everything it includes, but the increase has been a tough pill to swallow for long-term subscribers. It remains to be seen whether the change will affect subscriber numbers.
If you’re a first-time subscriber to Xbox Game Pass, the new options can be confusing. This guide breaks down what’s included in each tier and offers a few suggestions on which plan might be right for you.
Last updated: 17 December, 2025.
Xbox Game Pass at a glance
Xbox Game Pass Essential
What’s included:
- Online console multiplayer.
- A catalogue of around 50 games, playable on both console and PC, that rotates over time.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming: stream selected titles to supported devices such as Mac, mobile, PC, and smart TVs.
- Microsoft Store: member-only deals and discounts on digital games, plus the ability to earn up to 25,000 Rewards points a year.
- In-game benefits for selected titles including Call of Duty: Warzone.
Price:
- Canada: $13.99/month
- UK: £6.99/month
- US: $9.99/month
Who is it for?
Essential is the new baseline for most Xbox players. It combines what used to be Xbox Live Gold with a modest game library and limited access to cloud gaming. It’s probably the best option for players who still prefer to own physical or digital games but need access to core online services.
Xbox Game Pass Premium
What’s included:
- Online console multiplayer.
- Access to a larger library of around 200 games, with new Xbox-published titles typically arriving within the first year of release. There are some exceptions, most notably new Call of Duty games.
- Microsoft Store: member-only deals and discounts on digital games, plus the ability to earn up to 50,000 Rewards points a year.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming: stream selected games – with shorter wait times – to supported devices such as Mac, mobile, PC, and smart TVs.
- In-game benefits for selected titles including Call of Duty: Warzone.
Price:
- Canada: $17.99/month
- UK: £10.99/month
- US: $14.99/month
Who is it for?
Premium offers more games and flexibility than Essential but without the full day-one treatment. It’s a good option for players who like to play online, want access to a larger library, but can live without immediate access to brand new Xbox first-party releases. This is probably the best value tier of Xbox Game Pass.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
What’s included:
- Online console multiplayer.
- Access to a library of around 400 first-party and third-party titles, plus day-one access to new first-party Xbox games.
- EA Play membership: free trials, access to a back catalogue of EA titles, and discounts on EA digital game purchases.
- Ubisoft+ Classics: access to a selection of Ubisoft titles, including games from the Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry franchises.
- Microsoft Store: member-only deals and discounts, plus the ability to earn up to 100,000 Rewards points a year.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming: stream games to supported devices such as Mac, mobile, PC, and smart TVs, with shorter wait times and stream quality up to 1440p.
- Access to Fortnite Crew.
- Additional in-game benefits for supported titles, plus Riot Games rewards for games including League of Legends and Valorant.
Price:
- Canada: $33.99/month
- UK: £22.99/month
- US: $29.99/month
Who is it for:
Ultimate is the complete version of Xbox Game Pass. It folds in everything from the lower tiers, then adds more games and an enhanced cloud streaming experience. This is the tier to go for if you want day-one access to first-party Xbox titles and the broadest possible library, including marquee titles from EA and Ubisoft. It’s not cheap, but if you live, breathe, and dream Xbox – and somehow have enough hours in the day to dedicate to gaming – Ultimate offers access to a significant amount of content.
PC Game Pass
What’s included:
- Access to a substantial PC-only catalogue via the Xbox app on Windows.
- EA Play: trials, access to a vault of EA titles, and store discounts via the EA app.
- Microsoft Store: member-only deals and discounts, plus the ability to earn up to 50,000 Rewards points a year.
- In-game benefits for selected titles, including League of Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone.
Price:
- Canada: $19.99/month
- UK: £13.49/month
- US: $16.49/month
Who is it for?
PC Game Pass is managed separately from the console-focused tiers. It’s aimed at users who primarily play on PC and want a rotating library of games. This tier is a good choice for owners of the ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally.
Things to know
New Xbox Game Pass titles for December 2025
The availability of Xbox Game Pass titles changes over time. Games rotate in and out of the catalogue and, apart from first-party titles, nothing is guaranteed to stay forever. Microsoft usually announces additions and removals in advance, and members get exclusive discounts if they want to buy games that are leaving.
Here is this month’s line-up of games announced so far:
- Monster Train 2 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – Added to Game Pass Premium
- Spray Paint Simulator (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Added to Game Pass Premium
- 33 Immortals (Game Preview) (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Added to Game Pass Premium
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – Added to Game Pass Premium
- Routine (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – Added to Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass
- A Game About Digging A Hole (Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – Added to Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass
- Death Howl (Handheld & PC) – Added to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass
- Dome Keeper (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – Added to Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass
- Mortal Kombat 1 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – Added to Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass
- Bratz: Rhythm & Style (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Added to Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass
Is there an annual subscription for Xbox Game Pass?
Unlike Sony and Nintendo, Microsoft does not offer discounted 12-month subscriptions to Xbox Game Pass. However, prepaid 3-month or 12-month Xbox gift cards from retailers like Amazon or Best Buy can be applied to your subscription.
How to subscribe and cancel Xbox Game Pass
You can subscribe to Xbox Game Pass or manage your membership on your console or via the official Xbox website.
- On‑console: Navigate to the Game Pass icon at the top of the Home Screen → Join Game Pass (you may need to choose ‘Other Plans’ to see each tier).
- Online: Log in at xbox.com, click your Profile → My Microsoft account → Game Pass → Join Game Pass
To cancel Xbox Game Pass, go to ‘My Microsoft account’ on xbox.com and end your subscription before the next billing date. You’ll still have full access until the end of your current paid period.
Playing on PS5? Check out our guide to PlayStation Plus.
