Microsoft has officially restructured Xbox Game Pass in one of the biggest shakeups since the service launched back in 2017. If you’re a subscriber, there’s a lot to unpack — new plans, new pricing, Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew bundled in, and over 45 new games landing this October. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what’s changing and which tier makes the most sense for you.
Why Xbox Game Pass is Changing
Since day one, Xbox Game Pass has been marketed as the “Netflix of gaming.” And honestly, it’s lived up to that name — day-one releases, hundreds of titles across console, PC, and cloud, and a consistent push to add more value. But here’s the thing: not every gamer plays the same way. Some of us just want a library of fun games, while others want every perk possible.
That’s where the new plans come in. Starting October 1, 2025, Microsoft has rolled out three new Game Pass tiers:
- Essential – $9.99/month
- Premium – $14.99/month
- Ultimate – $29.99/month
If you were on Game Pass Core, you’ve automatically been moved to Essential. If you had Standard, you’re now Premium. And Ultimate subscribers? You’re still Ultimate, but with a hefty price bump and a lot of new perks to make up for it.
Xbox Game Pass Essential ($9.99/month | $119.88/year)
Let’s start with the entry-level plan. Game Pass Essential is the easiest way to get into the Xbox ecosystem without overspending. It gives you a curated catalog of 50+ games that you can play on both console and PC. Yes, that’s new — the Essential tier is now fully playable on PC, something Core never offered.
Some standout games in Essential right now include Hades, Stardew Valley, Cities: Skylines Remastered, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. On top of that, you’ll also get online multiplayer, unlimited cloud gaming, and access to Rewards with Xbox, which can earn you up to $25 in Store credit per year just for playing.
This plan is perfect if you’re dipping your toes into Game Pass, or if you mostly play popular indies and multiplayer titles with friends. It’s affordable, accessible, and it doesn’t overwhelm you with an endless backlog.
Xbox Game Pass Premium ($14.99/month | $179.88/year)
Moving up a tier, Premium is where things start getting spicy. For $14.99 a month, you’re getting access to 200+ games across console, PC, and cloud. And yes — this library just expanded with 40+ new titles, including Diablo IV, Hogwarts Legacy, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 5.
One of the biggest perks of Premium is that you get Xbox-published games within a year of their launch. There’s a small catch here — this excludes Call of Duty titles (so don’t expect Black Ops 7 on day one). But still, it’s a great deal if you want access to Microsoft’s first-party lineup without paying full price.
Premium also unlocks some solid extras:
- Unlimited cloud gaming (including select games you own).
- In-game benefits for big titles like League of Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone, giving you cosmetics and characters instantly.
- Rewards with Xbox that can net you up to $50 per year in Store credit.
If you ask me, Premium hits the sweet spot for most gamers. It’s reasonably priced, it includes blockbusters, and it gives you enough flexibility to play your way without having to jump to the more expensive Ultimate plan.
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Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($29.99/month | $359.88/year)
Now, let’s talk about the big one. Game Pass Ultimate used to cost $19.99, but starting October 2025 it’s jumped to $29.99/month. Yeah, it’s a sharp increase, but Microsoft has stacked this plan with so much value that for some players, it’s still going to feel worth every penny.
Here’s what you’re getting:
- 400+ games across console, PC, and cloud.
- 75+ day-one releases every year — this is what makes Game Pass special. Imagine jumping into Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II or the next Gears game the same day as everyone else without paying $70 upfront.
- Ubisoft+ Classics, which instantly adds heavy hitters like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Far Cry 6, and Watch Dogs: Legion to your library.
- EA Play membership, giving you EA’s full vault including Battlefield 2042, Dragon Age, Mass Effect Legendary Edition, and early trials of new releases.
- Fortnite Crew subscription included, which means 1,000 V-Bucks, a monthly Crew Pack skin, and access to the full Battle Pass without paying extra.
- Cloud streaming upgrades — games now stream up to 1440p at 60fps, making it feel closer to native console play.
On top of that, Xbox is still giving out in-game perks. Right now, you can claim skins, DLC packs, and boosts for games like Sea of Thieves and Valorant. And don’t forget, Ultimate’s Rewards system can get you $100 or more in Store credit per year just for completing quests.
So yes, the price hike stings, but Ultimate is clearly built for the all-in gamer — the kind of person who wants every big release, plays across devices, and loves having bonuses bundled in.
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The October 2025 Game Pass Lineup
Alongside the new plans, Microsoft just dropped 45+ new titles into Game Pass starting October 1. Some of the most exciting additions include:
- Hogwarts Legacy – Dive back into the Wizarding World with full RPG freedom.
- Assassin’s Creed Collection – A pack of Ubisoft classics, perfect for stealth-action fans.
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – A stylish platformer that revives the franchise.
- Skull and Bones – Live the pirate life on the high seas.
- Diablo IV – Blizzard’s dark, addictive action RPG finally joins the lineup.
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II – A stunning, story-driven sequel available day-one.
And that’s just scratching the surface. Between Essential, Premium, and Ultimate, there’s something here for everyone — whether you’re into indies, AAA blockbusters, or day-one exclusives.
How It Stacks Up Against PlayStation Plus
Of course, we have to ask: how does this compare to Sony’s PlayStation Plus? Well, PS Plus Premium maxes out at $159.99/year, while Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will now cost $359.88/year. That’s more than double.
But here’s the difference: Sony doesn’t offer day-one releases in its subscription service. Microsoft does. That single feature alone could save you hundreds of dollars a year if you’re someone who plays every major release. Add in Ubisoft+ Classics, EA Play, and Fortnite Crew, and you can see where the value stacks up — but only if you’re the type of gamer who actually uses all those perks.
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Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the new Xbox Game Pass structure is all about choice. If you’re a casual gamer, Essential is cheap and simple. If you want blockbusters but don’t care about every extra perk, Premium is the sweet spot. And if you’re a hardcore gamer who wants the absolute best, Ultimate is your ticket to an unmatched library.
I’ve been covering Xbox Game Pass since its launch, and this update feels like Microsoft doubling down on its biggest strength: making gaming more accessible, flexible, and exciting. Sure, the price hike for Ultimate hurts, but if you use it to its fullest, it’s still one of the best deals in gaming.
