Gaming subscriptions are changing how we play. The Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s top service. This is often referred to as “Netflix for Games.” This gives you access to a large library of titles.
This guide breaks down all your questions. We cover cost, features, and the different tiers available in 2025.
Xbox Game Pass Cost and Tiers Explained
The Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service from Microsoft Gaming. It lets you download and play hundreds of video games. The service is available across many devices.
As of October 1, 2025, Microsoft updated the service. There are now three main tiers:
| Tier | Monthly Price (Approx.) | Key Features |
| Essential (formerly Core) | £10 / month | Limited game library (50+ games). Required for online multiplayer for non-free-to-play games. |
| Premium (formerly Standard) | £14.99 / month | Wider game library (200+ games). Includes Xbox Cloud Gaming access. |
| Ultimate | £22.99 / month or $30 / month | Largest library (400+ games). Includes Day One releases of new Xbox Game Studios games. Faster cloud gaming and extra perks like Ubisoft+ Classics. |
How much will an Xbox Game Pass cost? The cost depends on the tier you choose. It ranges from about £10 ($12.50) per month for the basic Essential tier up to £22.99 or $30 per month for the top Ultimate tier.
What You Get with Game Pass
The value of Game Pass is huge. It gives you immediate access to a massive and rotating collection of games.
How many games do I get with an Xbox Game Pass?
You get access to a large library of games.
- Essential offers a minimum of 50 games.
- Premium offers over 200 games.
- Ultimate offers the biggest library with over 400 games.
Microsoft adds and removes games over time. This keeps the library fresh. New games from Xbox Game Studios are available on day one for Ultimate subscribers.
Does the Xbox Game Pass let you play all games?
No, Game Pass does not include every single game ever made. It offers a rotating library of games.
However, all new games from Xbox Game Studios (including Bethesda and Activision Blizzard) are added to the service immediately upon their release, but only for Ultimate subscribers as of the 2025 structure.
Can I play the game on Xbox without a Game Pass?
Yes, you can absolutely play games on Xbox without a Game Pass subscription. You can buy games digitally or physically.
However, if you want to play non-free-to-play games online in multiplayer, you must have a subscription to at least the Essential tier (which includes the online multiplayer service). Free-to-play games do not require a paid subscription for online play.
Can you play offline with Game Pass?
Yes, you can play offline with Game Pass. You download the full game to your console or PC. You can play these downloaded games for up to 30 days offline. After that, you must reconnect to the internet to verify your active subscription.
The Ultimate Difference and Device Flexibility
Game Pass is more than just a console service. It works across many platforms.
What is the difference between Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate?
Game Pass Ultimate is the most comprehensive and expensive tier. It is designed to give you everything.
- Ultimate includes the PC Game Pass library.
- It includes the console library (Essential/Premium features).
- It includes Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) for mobile and web browsers.
- It includes Day One releases of major new first-party games.
- It includes EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, and extra perks like Fortnite Crew.
The lower tiers (Essential and Premium) offer a smaller library and lack the day-one releases and mobile cloud gaming capabilities.
How many devices can I use on my Xbox game?
You can use your Xbox Game Pass on multiple supported devices:
- Xbox consoles (One and Series X/S)
- PCs running Windows 10/11 (via the PC Game Pass part of the subscription)
- Mobile devices (Android and iOS) via Xbox Cloud Gaming (Ultimate/Premium tiers only)
- Smart televisions and web browsers via Cloud Gaming.
Your subscription is linked to your Microsoft account. You can sign in and play across these platforms.
Can I play Xbox on my phone?
Yes, you can play Xbox on your phone using Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud). This feature is included with the Premium and Ultimate tiers.
Cloud Gaming allows you to stream games over the internet directly to your Android or iOS mobile device. You do not need to download the full game. You just need a strong internet connection.
Is the Game Pass Price Worth It?
Microsoft has recently increased the prices of the various Game Pass tiers. For example, the Ultimate tier saw a significant hike to $30 or £22.99 per month. This has caused some player anger and cancellations.
However, the value proposition is still strong for many. New blockbuster games, which can retail for £70 individually, are included on day one with the Ultimate tier.
The biggest benefit of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate remains the access to hundreds of games for one monthly fee, including all first-party exclusives at launch. It is often much cheaper than buying multiple games outright.
Do you think the price increase is fair, or is it getting too expensive for the average gamer?
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