Microsoft has confirmed major changes to its Xbox Game Pass subscription service. The company has introduced three new tiers—Essential, Premium, and Ultimate—alongside a significant price increase for the top tier.
The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan now costs $29.99 per month, up from $19.99, marking a 50% increase. This tier includes access to more than 400 games across console, PC, and cloud platforms. It also adds over 75 day-one releases annually, Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew starting November 18, and expanded cloud gaming with faster access and higher quality streaming. Members can earn up to $100 per year in rewards.
The Essential plan, priced at $9.99 per month, offers 50 games playable on console, PC, and cloud, along with online multiplayer, in-game perks, and up to $25 annually in rewards. Titles such as Hades, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, and Stardew Valley are included. Current Xbox Game Pass Core users will be moved to Essential.
The Premium tier, at $14.99 per month, provides access to more than 200 games, unlimited cloud play, and up to $50 per year in rewards. This tier also adds recent releases, including Diablo IV and Hogwarts Legacy. Xbox Game Pass Standard subscribers will transition to Premium automatically.
These updates also coincide with improvements to Xbox Cloud Gaming, which has exited beta and now supports higher resolution and improved performance. Microsoft aims to expand the reach of Game Pass while providing clearer options for different types of players.
