Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass subscription has seen its biggest overhaul yet. On October 1, 2025, the company launched new Game Pass tiers—Essential, Premium, and Ultimate—while adding more than 45 blockbuster PC games and console releases to the game pass library, including Hogwarts Legacy, Ubisoft’s back catalog, and Outer Worlds. Alongside the refresh, Microsoft increased the regular price of Ultimate by 50%, from $19.99 to $29.99 per month .
This expansion strengthens Xbox’s push toward a subscription model that spans PC Game Pass, Xbox Series X, and cloud streaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming.
The Essential tier serves as the entry-level option. It provides:
A rotating library of select games for console and PC
Access to online console multiplayer through Xbox Live
Perks and promotional offers for new subscribers
This is best for gamers who just want a core game library without cloud streaming.
The Premium plan introduces expanded benefits:
Access to xbox cloud gaming for play on mobile, PC, and xbox console
Additional limited time rewards and perks tied to eligible purchases
Enhanced support for popular titles like League of Legends (via Riot Games integration) and Rainbow Six Siege
The Ultimate tier, now $29.99/month, remains the most feature-rich:
Over 75 new games annually, including titles from Xbox Game Studios, Activision Blizzard, and third-party partners
EA Play integration for sports titles and franchises like FIFA and Battlefield
Cloud access across Windows PC, console, and mobile via the Xbox app
Exclusive rewards for games like Fortnite Crew and ongoing access to fan favorites like Outer Worlds
While the promotional period offers discounts for new subscribers, most players will face the new regular price once offers expire.
The 50% Ultimate price hike has stirred debate among game pass subscribers. Microsoft cites the inclusion of blockbuster PC games, major franchises from Activision Blizzard, and cloud integration as the reason for the increase .
For game pass subscribers who play multiple AAA games a year, the math still works out. But casual players may find the game pass core or Essential tier more appealing, especially during available offers and discounts.
The October 2025 update adds more than 45 titles, instantly strengthening the game library across platforms:
Hogwarts Legacy
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Final Fantasy XVI
Ubisoft classics (Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Watch Dogs)
Elden Ring
Outer Worlds
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
These new games enhance the value proposition for pc game pass and console players alike.
Signing up for Xbox Game Pass on PC is simple. Download the Xbox app on your Windows PC, sign in with a Microsoft account, and choose a subscription tier. After payment, you can instantly access the PC Game Pass library, download new games, and start playing.
Microsoft is betting heavily on Xbox Cloud Gaming, especially for those using devices like the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X. These handhelds, running Windows PC, can tap into the full xbox game pass library without relying on console hardware.
This approach allows players to start a title on their xbox series x, continue on a laptop, and finish on a handheld—all through the xbox app tied to their Microsoft account.
With Windows Central and other outlets highlighting Xbox’s aggressive push, the competition is heating up:
PlayStation Plus Premium still emphasizes exclusives
Nintendo Switch Online leans into retro offerings
Nvidia GeForce NOW competes on cloud quality
Even at the higher regular price, Microsoft’s combination of EA Play, day-one new games, and cloud-first flexibility gives xbox game pass subscribers more options than ever.
Essential/Core – Best for casual players who want access to select games and online console multiplayer.
Premium – Ideal for gamers who want xbox cloud gaming flexibility without the full Ultimate price.
Ultimate – Still the best choice for hardcore fans who want every benefit: EA Play, activision blizzard launches, new games day one, and exclusive available offers.
For those who frequently buy AAA releases, the subscription still saves money compared to buying at regular price.
You can follow official Xbox Game Pass social media channels to stay up to date with new games, promotions, and events:
Twitter / X: @XboxGamePass
Instagram: @xboxgamepass
Facebook: Xbox Game Pass
YouTube: Xbox Official
TikTok: @xbox
For in-depth news, you can also check Windows Central and the official Xbox News site.
The 2025 Xbox Game Pass refresh—with game pass core, Essential, Premium, and Ultimate tiers—marks a turning point in Microsoft’s subscription model. Despite the price hike, the inclusion of 45+ new PC games and console titles, EA Play, and integration with Xbox Cloud Gaming ensures strong value for both new subscribers and longtime xbox game pass subscribers.
From Fortnite Crew to League of Legends, from xbox series x to the ROG Xbox Ally, Microsoft is positioning Game Pass as the ultimate all-in-one gaming service across windows pc, console, and the cloud.
Alice Robbins · Editor
Editor
