Xbox Game Pass explained: Is the subscription worth your money after recent changes?

Xbox Game Pass now lets you play hundreds of games instantly on Xbox, PC, or cloud. Here’s how.

If you play games on Xbox, PC, or even your phone, Xbox Game Pass could change how you access games. Instead of buying each title separately, the subscription service lets players explore hundreds of games instantly. From popular blockbusters like Call of Duty and Starfield to indie hits such as Hollow Knight: Silksong and Blue Prince, Game Pass gives you the option to download or stream without owning the games individually.

Xbox Game Pass lets you play hundreds of games instantly on console, PC, or even your phone.(Xbox )

Xbox Game Pass recently underwent major updates that reshaped its offerings, adjusted prices, and added new features. With multiple subscription tiers and frequent library changes, it can be tricky to figure out which plan suits you. This guide explains how Game Pass works, what it costs, and which option fits your gaming habits.

What is Xbox Game Pass?

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service giving access to a rotating library of games on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and through cloud streaming. Subscribers pay a flat monthly fee and can play any available game as long as their subscription is active.

Subscription tiers:

• Xbox Game Pass Essential: Access to a curated library of games, online multiplayer, and support across Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and cloud devices.
• Xbox Game Pass Premium: Includes hundreds of games on Xbox, PC, and cloud, with first-party releases added within a year, plus online multiplayer and faster cloud gaming access.
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Combines the largest library across Xbox, PC, and cloud, day-one launches for 75+ games yearly, EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics, cloud gaming queue priority, and console multiplayer.
• PC Game Pass: Focused on PC players, offering the largest PC library, day-one releases for first-party and select third-party titles, and EA Play.

Game Pass can be used on Xbox One and Series X|S consoles, Windows PCs, Android devices via the Game Pass app, and even Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K or Samsung TVs. Subscribed players can access games across devices and share the library with others on the same Xbox account.

Subscriptions can be started on your console or through the Microsoft website. The latest Xbox OS integrates Game Pass into “My games and apps,” allowing direct game installation without opening the store.