Xbox Game Pass tiers explained: prices, Game Pass core, and how the new tier will work
Not sure which version of Xbox Game Pass is right for you? Here's all the important facts to help you pick.
Xbox Game Pass is undergoing some changes later this year by introducing a new tier which replaces Xbox Live Gold. Here's what you need to know about each version of Xbox Game Pass.
Xbox Game Pass Core is the brand new tier of the famed Xbox subscription service, and will replace Xbox Live Gold on September 14, 2023. It joins Xbox Game Pass Console, Xbox Game Pass PC, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate as the fourth tier and will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
But much like PS Plus, things can get a bit confusing when there's multiple tiers of the same subscription service, so we've got the rundown of everything you need to know about Xbox Game Pass' many tiers.
Xbox Game Pass Tiers explained
Once September 14, 2023 arrives Xbox Game Pass will have four separate tiers available, we're going to go over each of them one by one, starting with the newest addition.
Unlike PS Plus – which has set dates for game reveals – Xbox Game Pass games are announced twice a month – once at the beginning and once in the middle – with releases dropping over the month. Core on the other hand will launch with 25 games, with Microsoft confirming on Xbox Wire that more titles will join the Core library two to three times a year.
Microsoft doesn't currently offer yearly subscriptions for Xbox Game Pass so you'll need to pay monthly regardless of which tier you subscribe to.
Xbox Game Pass Core
Xbox Game Pass Core is the new tier set to replace Xbox Live Gold on September 14, 2023, with current Gold subscribers being automatically transferred onto a Core subscription. Here's the main facts:
- Price: £6.99 / $8.99 / AU$10.95 monthly
- Online play: Included
- Free games: Over 25 Xbox Game Pass games at launch, with more to be added
- Deals: Xbox Game Pass member deals and discounts, free play days.
Unlike a typical Xbox Game Pass offering where you'll have full access to the Xbox Game Pass library, or Xbox Live Gold's Games with Gold where you would receive two new games every month; Xbox Game Pass Core instead offers up a list of 'high-quality games' from the Xbox Game Pass catalogue.
This tier is best for players who only care about online play, the extra Xbox Game Pass games are a nice addition, but if you're not likely to play anything other than Call of Duty or FIFA on your Xbox, this is your best bet.
Xbox Game Pass Console
Xbox Game Pass Console is the original iteration of the subscription released in 2017. Here's the main facts:
- Price: £8.99 / $10.99 / AU$11.95 monthly
- Online play: Not included
- Free games: Full access to the Xbox Game Pass library on console
- Deals: Xbox Game Pass member deals and discounts, free play days, Riot Games benefits
This version of Xbox Game Pass is best for players who have no interest in playing games online, as you get access to the full Xbox Game Pass lineup without paying extra for the online play functionality. However, those who do want to play online are better suited with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Xbox Game Pass PC
Xbox Game Pass PC is – as the name implies – a version of Xbox Game Pass on PC. Here's the main facts:
- Price: £7.99 / $9.99 / AU$10.95 monthly
- Online play: Online play is free on PC regardless
- Free games: Full access to the Xbox Game Pass library on PC and includes an EA Play subscription
- Deals: Xbox Game Pass member deals and discounts, Riot Games benefits.
Unsurprisingly, this version of Xbox Game Pass is best for players who mainly play games on PC. Unlike its console counterpart this version not having online isn't an issue when PC games don't require an online subscription.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate lives up to its name by being the all-encompassing version of Xbox Game Pass. Here's the facts:
- Price: £12.99 / $16.99 / AU$18.95 monthly
- Online play: Online play included on console, free on PC regardless
- Free games: Full access to the Xbox Game Pass library on both console, PC, and cloud. It also Includes an EA Play subscription.
- Deals: Xbox Game Pass member deals and discounts, Riot Games benefits.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the best deal for those who play games on both Console and PC. It's also the best for console players who want to play online, as it cheaper than paying for Xbox Game Pass Console and Xbox Live Gold/Game Pass Core together. Plus, you'll still be able to redeem the final Games with Gold lineups before that benefit goes away when Core is introduced.
Plus, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also comes with cloud gaming, so you can take your Xbox Game Pass games on the road with you. Obviously this is the absolute best Xbox Game Pass offer out there, but you'll need to weigh up if the extra price is worth it for how you play.