What Is Xbox Game Pass?
Referring to Xbox Game Pass as “the Netflix of video games” may feel like a cliché at this point, yet it truly encapsulates the essence of the service. With a monthly subscription, users gain digital access to an extensive collection of games that spans from beloved indie hits to major blockbuster titles. The primary constraints you’ll encounter are related to your device’s storage capacity, the time it takes to download games, and the ever-evolving library of available titles, which currently boasts hundreds of options.
When it comes to ongoing expenses, it’s completely reasonable to seek a thorough understanding of a service before you invest your hard-earned money. Additionally, keeping yourself informed about any new updates or changes after you’ve made your decision is equally important. In this guide, we aim to provide you with all the essential information you need, covering everything from the pricing models and subscription choices to the newest and most exciting games that will be joining the extensive library.
How To Subscribe To Xbox Game Pass
The process is pretty straightforward, but there are several avenues available, including:
Directly From Your Xbox Console
One of the easiest and most popular methods to get started is by signing up directly through your Xbox console. You can do this by either clicking on a promotional tile that you’ll find right on your home screen or by navigating to the Subscriptions section within the Microsoft Store. This approach is straightforward and allows you to access the service quickly.
- Navigate to the Microsoft Store.
- Select the “Subscriptions” tab (usually located in the topmost group of tiles).
- Select the Game Pass tab and proceed as instructed.
Pre-Paid Cards & Codes
Pre-paid codes can also be purchased from retail outlets like GameStop, Best Buy, and the like. After obtaining your code, whether digitally or via a prepaid card:
- Navigate to the Microsoft Store on your console.
- Select the “Redeem” option, either from the menu on the left-hand side of your screen or from the “Subscriptions” tab.
- Enter your code and enjoy!
From Your PC Or Mobile Browser
If you want to sign up easily using your web browser or mobile device, head over to the official Xbox website. There, you can take advantage of a special offer where your first month costs just $1. Simply click on the provided link, choose the subscription plan that catches your interest, and you’re on your way to enjoying all that Xbox has to offer.
How To Cancel Your Xbox Game Pass Subscription
If you need to bow out of an existing subscription, it’s easy to do so right from your console.
- Navigate as follows from your Home Screen: Settings > Account > Subscriptions
- Select your Game Pass subscription.
- Select “View and manage subscription,” this will launch Microsoft Edge and load you into your Microsoft account page. Alternatively, you can simply log in to your Microsoft account from your device and browser of choice. Steps four and five remain the same regardless.
- Under subscriptions, select “Manage.” Under Game Pass/Game Pass Ultimate, select “Manage.” Then click on “Cancel Subscription.“
- You will be given the option to “Turn off recurring billing,” which is exactly what you’re wanting to do.
How Much Is Xbox Game Pass?
Game Pass offers a variety of four distinct plans, each featuring different subscription models tailored to meet diverse gaming needs. This means that no matter what you’re looking to achieve with the service, there’s likely a plan that aligns perfectly with your preferences and gaming habits. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated gamer, you can find an option that suits your lifestyle.
Xbox Game Pass Core
- Recurring Subscription: $9.99/mo
- 3-Month Code: $24.99
With the introduction of Core, players can now enjoy a streamlined gaming experience that combines a modest collection of Xbox games with the ability to participate in online multiplayer sessions. This change reflects a growing trend in the gaming industry, where the focus is shifting towards fostering community and interaction among players. By offering these features, Core seeks to enhance the overall enjoyment of gaming on Xbox consoles.
Xbox Game Pass Standard
- Recurring Subscription: $14.99/mo
The Standard plan has taken the place of what used to be known as Xbox Game Pass Console, but it does come with one notable change: it no longer includes access to new releases on their launch day. This means that while you can still enjoy a vast library of games, the excitement of playing the latest titles right when they come out is not part of this package.
PC Game Pass
- Recurring Subscription: $11.99/mo
Similar to the console version of Game Pass, PC Game Pass offers a dynamic library of games that changes regularly. However, one of the standout features for PC gamers is the availability of exclusive titles that can only be accessed through this subscription. This means that subscribers can enjoy a unique selection of games tailored specifically for the PC platform, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
- Recurring Subscription: $19.99/mo
- 3-Month Code: $49.99
Game Pass Ultimate stands out as the ultimate gaming subscription, offering a comprehensive experience for players. This service seamlessly combines the essential features of Xbox Game Pass, Game Pass for PC, and Xbox Game Pass Core, all bundled together for your convenience. With this all-in-one package, gamers can enjoy a vast library of titles across multiple platforms without the hassle of managing separate subscriptions.
Ultimate also includes:
- Access to the games available on EA Play (EA’s own subscription-based service)
- Member perks that manifest as in-game content and special offers
- The ability to stream games to your Android phone or device (now in beta)
- Exclusive discounts and more!
What Are Xbox Game Pass Perks?
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members also get access to a variety of perks — special offers and bits of exclusive in-game content that rotate out from month to month. They’re time-limited, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the selection to ensure that you don’t miss out!
Perks Available For Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscribers
Here are all of the perks currently available, as well as the deadlines for claiming them:
Current as of January 22, 2025
| January 30, 2025 | Discord Nitro | 3 Free Months of Nitro |
|---|---|---|
| January 31, 2025 | Persona 3 Reload | Expansion Pass |
| January 31, 2025 | NARAKA: BLADEPOINT | Perks Bonus S15 |
| February 2, 2025 | The First Descendant | Season 2: Void Chaser Bundle |
| February 3, 2025 | World of Warships: Legends | Over Northern Waves |
| February 3, 2025 | Apex Legends | Feelin’ Lucky? Weapon Charm |
| February 4, 2025 | Idle Champions | Shadowheart’s Renown Bundle |
| February 4, 2025 | Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis | January Member Monthly Bonus |
| February 7, 2025 | Metaball | Punk Pack |
| February 11, 2025 | EA Sports UFC 5 | Bruce Lee Bundle |
| February 12, 2025 | Vigor | Coast Guardian Pack |
| February 15, 2025 | War Thunder | Year of the Snake bundle |
| February 16, 2025 | Enlisted | Ultimate US Starter Pack |
| February 20, 2025 | Crossout | Midgar 2.0 Bundle |
| February 21, 2025 | Stumble Guys | RIP Streamer Pack |
| March 9, 2025 | THRONE AND LIBERTY | Lottie and Percy Items |
What Are Xbox Game Pass Quests?
Game Pass quests function as a way to earn Microsoft rewards points through various gaming achievements. At the beginning of 2024, these quests underwent a significant transformation to simplify the process, moving away from tasks tied to specific games. The new format primarily features more general challenges, such as “Play any Game Pass Game” or “Earn an Achievement in a Game Pass Game,” making it easier for players to participate without the need to focus on particular titles.
The “Quests” panel can be accessed from your Game Pass menu. These are recurring quests that you can repeat daily, weekly, or monthly.
What Games Are Currently On Xbox Game Pass?
Current as of January 16, 2025
What Are The Best Games On Game Pass?
You could always check out our master list for the best games currently on Game Pass, but if you’re looking for a particular style or genre, check these curated lists to get an idea of what you should play next.
- Best Local Co-Op & Split-Screen Games On Xbox Game Pass
- Best Strategy Games On Xbox Game Pass
- Best Indie Games On Xbox Game Pass
- Best Souls Like Games On Xbox Game Pass
- Best Open-World Games On Xbox Game Pass
- Best RPGs On Xbox Game Pass
- Best Multiplayer Games On Xbox Game Pass
- Best Xbox Game Pass Games For Kids
- Best Games Like GTA V On Xbox Game Pass
- Best Hidden Gems On Xbox Game Pass
- Best FPS Games On Xbox Game Pass
- Best Xbox Game Pass Games Like Diablo
- Best Horror Games On Xbox Game Pass
- Best PC Games On Game Pass
- Best EA Games On Xbox Game Pass
- Best Zombie Games On Xbox Game Pass
All Games Currently Available On Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
Age of Mythology Retold: Standard Edition
Aliens: Dark Descent
All You Need Is Help
Among Us*
Another Crab’s Treasure
Anuchard
Arcade Paradise
Ark: Survival Ascended
Ark: Ultimate Survivor Edition
As Dusk Falls
Ashen
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Assassin’s Creed Origins
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Astroneer*
Atlas Fallen: Reign of Sand
Banjo Kazooie: NnB
Banjo-Kazooie
Banjo-Tooie
The Bard’s Tale ARPG: Remastered And Resnarkled
The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut
The Bard’s Tale Trilogy
Batman: Arkham Knight
Battlefield 2042
Battlefield 3
Battlefield 4
Battlefield 1
Battlefield Hardline
Battlefield V
Battletoads
Bejeweled 2
Bejeweled 3
Ben 10: Power Trip
The Big Con
BLACK
Bleeding Edge
Blinx: The Time Sweeper
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Bluey: The Videogame
Botany Manor
Broforce
Broken Age
Brotato
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Brütal Legend
Burnout Paradise Remastered
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
Call of the Wild: The Angler
The Callisto Protocol
Car Mechanic Simulator 2021
Carrion
The Case of the Golden Idol
Cassette Beasts
The Cave
Celeste*
Chants of Sennaar
Chivalry 2*
Cities: Skylines – Remastered*
Citizen Sleeper
Clone Drone in the Danger Zone
Cocoon
Contrast
Control*
Cooking Simulator
Coral Island
Core Keeper
Costume Quest
Costume Quest 2
Crackdown 3
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
Creatures of Ava
Cricket 24
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
Crusader Kings III
Crysis
Crysis 2
Crysis 3
Dante’s Inferno
Darkest Dungeon
Day of the Tentacle Remastered
Day Z
Dead by Daylight: Special Edition
Dead Cells*
Dead Island 2
Dead Space
Dead Space (2023)
Dead Space 2
Dead Space 3
Dead Space Ignition
Death’s Door
Deathloop
Deep Rock Galactic*
Descenders*
Diablo IV
Dishonored 2*
Dishonored: Death of the Outsider
Dishonored Definitive Edition
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Disneyland Adventures
Donut County
DOOM (2016)
DOOM 3
DOOM 64
DOOM + DOOM II
DOOM Eternal*
Dordogne
Dragon Age: Origins
Dragon Age 2
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dune: Spice Wars
Dungeons of Hinterburg
EA Sports FC 24
EA Sports PGA Tour
EA Sports UFC 3
EA Sports WRC
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
The Elder Scroll IV: Oblivion
Evil West
The Evil Within
The Evil Within 2
Expeditions: A MudRunner Game
F1 22
F1 23
Fable Anniversary*
Fable II
Fable III
Fallout 3
Fallout 4*
Fallout 76*
Fallout: New Vegas
Far Cry 5
Far Cry 6
Farming Simulator 22
Fe
Feeding Frenzy
Feeding Frenzy 2
Fight Night Champion
Firewatch*
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
Flock
Football Manager 2024 Console
For Honor
For the King II
Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition
Forza Motorsport Standard Edition
Frostpunk: Console Edition
Full Throttle Remastered
Fuzion Frenzy
Galacticare
Gang Beasts*
Gears 5 Game of the Year Edition*
Gears of War
Gears of War 2
Gears of War 3
Gears of War 4
Gears of War Judgment
Gears of War Ultimate Edition
Gears Tactics
Generation Zero
Genesis Noir
Genshin Impact
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Go Mecha Ball
Goat Simulator
Goat Simulator 3
Goat Simulator: Remastered
GoldenEye 007
Golf With Your Friends*
GRID Legends
Grim Fandango Remastered
GRIS
Grounded*
The Gunk
Halo 5: Guardians*
Halo Infinite
Halo Wars 2*
Halo Wars: Definitive Edition
Halo: Spartan Assault
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Harold Halibut
Hauntii
Have a Nice Death
Hell Let Loose
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice*
Hello Neighbor 2
Hi-Fi Rush
Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition
Homestead Arcana
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged
House Flipper
Human Fall Flat*
Humanity
Hunt: Showdown 1896
Hypnospace Outlaw
Immortals Fenyx Rising
Immortals of Aveum
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Indivisible
Injustice 2
Inscryption
Inside*
Iron Brigade
Isonzo
It Takes Two
Jetpac Refuelled
Journey to the Savage Planet: Employee of the Month Edition
Joy Ride Turbo
Jurassic World Evolution 2
Jusant
Kameo
Killer Instinct: Anniversary Edition
Kona
Kona II: Brume
Kunistu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
The Lamplighters League
The Last Case of Benedict Fox
Legend of Mana
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Lies of P
Lightyear Frontier
Lil Gator Game
Limbo*
Little Kitty, Big City
A Little to the Left
Lords of the Fallen
Lost in Random
Mad Streets
Madden NFL 23
Madden NFL 24
Mafia: Definitive Edition
Magical Delicacy
Maneater
Maquette
Mass Effect
Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 3
Mass Effect: Andromeda
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
MASSIVE CHALICE
Max: The Curse of Brotherhood
MechWarrior 5: Clans
MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries
Medal of Honor Airborne
Medieval Dynasty
Merge & Blade
Metal Slug Tactics
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Standard Edition
Middle-earth: Shadow of War
Minecraft
Minecraft Dungeons
Minecraft Legends
Minecraft Preview
Mirror’s Edge
Mirror’s Edge Catalyst
MLB The Show 24
Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Sanctuary
Moonlighter
Mortal Kombat 11
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
Moving Out 2
My Friend Peppa Pig
My Time At Sandrock
NBA Live 19
Need For Speed Rivals
Need For Speed
Need For Speed Heat
Need For Speed Payback
Need For Speed Unbound
Neon Abyss
Neon White
New Super Lucky’s Tale
NHL 23
NHL 24
NHL 94 REWIND
Ni No Kuni Wrath of the White Witch Remastered
Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – The Prince’s Edition
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2
Nine Sols
Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge
Ninja Gaiden Sigma
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2
No Man’s Sky
No More Heroes 3
Octopath Traveler
Octopath Traveler II
Open Roads
Orcs Must Die! 3
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
Ori and the Will of the Wisps*
The Outer Worlds
Overcooked! 2*
Overthrown
Overwatch 2
Palworld
PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay
PAW Patrol World
PAYDAY 2: Crimewave Edition*
Peggle
Peggle 2
Pentiment
Perfect Dark
Perfect Dark Zero
Persona 3 Reload
Phoenix Point
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire – Ultimate Edition
Pillars of Eternity: Complete Edition
A Plague Tale: Requiem
Planet of Lana
Plants Vs. Zombies
Plants Vs. Zombies Garden Warfare
Plants Vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville
Plants Vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2
PlateUp!
PowerWash Simulator*
Prey
Psychonauts
Psychonauts 2*
Quake
Quake II
Quantum Break
Rage
Rage 2
Rare Replay
ReCore
Redfall
Remnant II – Standard Edition
Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 3
Return to Grace
Return to Monkey Island
The Rewinder
Riders Republic
Road 96
Robin Hood – Sherwood Builders
Roboquest
Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends
Rush: A DisneyPixar Adventure
Ryse: Son of Rome
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
ScreamRide
Sea of Solitude
Sea of Stars
Sea of Thieves
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem
Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition
Shadowrun Trilogy
Sifu
The Sims 4 EA Play Edition
Skate.
Skate 3
Slay the Spire*
Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengeance of the Slayer
Sniper Elite 5
SnowRunner*
Solar Ash
South Park: The Fractured but Whole
Space Engineers
Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition*
Spirittea
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
SSX
Stacking
Star Trucker
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Star Wars Battlefront
Star Wars Battlefront II
Star Wars Squadrons
Stardew Valley*
Starfield
State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition*
State of Decay: Year-One
SteamWorld Build
SteamWorld Dig
SteamWorld Dig 2
Stellaris: Console Edition
Still Wakes the Deep
Sunset Overdrive
Superhot: Mind Control Delete*
Super Mega Baseball 3
Super Mega Baseball 4
Superliminal*
Tales of Arise
Tchia
Techtonica
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge*
Tell Me Why: Chapters 1-3
Terraria
theHunter: Call of the Wild
Thirsty Suitors
This War of Mine: Final Cut
Titanfall 2
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands – Standard Edition
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege Deluxe Edition
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition
Torment: Tides of Numenera
Totally Accurate Battle Simulator (Game Preview)
Totally Reliable Delivery Service*
Trailmakers
Train Sim World 5: Standard Edition
Trials of Mana
Tunic
Turbo Golf Racing
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank
UFC 4
UFC 5
Unpacking*
Unravel
Unravel Two
Valorant
Vampire Survivors*
Viva Piñata
Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise
The Walking Dead: A New Frontier – The Complete Season
The Walking Dead: Michonne – The Complete Season
The Walking Dead: Season 2
The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season
The Walking Dead: The Final Season – The Complete Season
Wargroove 2
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Wartales
Wasteland 2: Director’s Cut
Wasteland 3
Wasteland Remastered
Watch Dogs 2
A Way Out
We Happy Few
We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie
WILD HEARTS Standard Edition
Wildfrost
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
Wolfenstein: The New Order
Wolfenstein: The Old Blood
Wolfenstein: Youngblood
World War Z: Aftermath
Wreckfest*
Yakuza 0
Yakuza 3 Remastered
Yakuza 4 Remastered
Yakuza 5 Remastered
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
Yakuza Kiwami
Yakuza Kiwami 2
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
The Yakuza Remastered Collection
Zombie Army 4: Dead War
Zoo Tycoon: Ultimate Animal Collection
Zuma
Zuma’s Revenge
Games Coming Soon To Xbox Game Pass
| January 30, 2025 | Sniper Elite: Resistance |
|---|---|
| February 15, 2025 | Avowed |
| March 27, 2025 | Atomfall |
Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass
There are currently no games set to leave Xbox Game Pass. Check back in for updated info next week!
Games Announced For Xbox Game Pass
| Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 |
| Fable |
| State of Decay 3 |
| Dead Static Drive |
| Doom: The Dark Ages |
| Mixtape |
| She Dreams Elsewhere |
| Way to the Woods |
| Winter Burrow |
| Wuchang: Fallen Feathers |
| Ara: History Untold |
| Ereban: Shadow Legacy |
| Hollow Knight: Silksong |
| South of Midnight |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens To My Game Pass Games After They’re Removed?
If you decide to stop your subscription, you will no longer be able to access that particular game. Fortunately, your saved data and progress will still be preserved, allowing you to pick up right where you left off if you choose to return. For those who subscribe to Game Pass, there’s an added advantage: when games are about to leave the service, you often have the opportunity to purchase them at a special discounted rate.