Xbox Game Pass

What is Xbox Game Pass?

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that grants access to a library of readily available games. These can be played across Microsoft’s gaming platforms, including Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Many of the best Xbox Series X games are available on this platform.

The Xbox Game Pass games library includes everything from classics dating back to the original Xbox to day-one access to the latest game releases and exclusives. While there are several gaming subscription services out there, a few features make the Xbox Game Pass stand out from the competition.

You can read how it compares to others in our Xbox Game Pass vs PlayStation Plus feature.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. What is Xbox Game Pass?
2. Key Takeaways
3. History of Xbox Game Pass
4. How Xbox Game Pass Works
5. Types of Xbox Game Pass Subscriptions
6. Popular Xbox Game Pass Games
7. Halo Infinite
8. Starfield
9. Forza Motorsport (2023)
10. Valorant
11. 4 Ways to Improve Xbox Game Pass Performance
12. Xbox Game Pass Pros & Cons
13. The Bottom Line
14. FAQs
15. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. What is Xbox Game Pass?
2. Key Takeaways
3. History of Xbox Game Pass
Show Full Guide
4. How Xbox Game Pass Works
5. Types of Xbox Game Pass Subscriptions
6. Popular Xbox Game Pass Games
7. Halo Infinite
8. Starfield
9. Forza Motorsport (2023)
10. Valorant
11. 4 Ways to Improve Xbox Game Pass Performance
12. Xbox Game Pass Pros & Cons
13. The Bottom Line
14. FAQs
15. References

History of Xbox Game Pass

Here’s a detailed Xbox Game Pass list of its history since it was first launched in 2017 to 2024:

How Xbox Game Pass Works

Xbox Game Pass charges a monthly fee to access a plethora of games that can be downloaded to the console or PC to play. It serves as an alternative to buying games individually, but they are only available as digital copies.

Players do not have ownership of the games they play through this service and will lose access when canceling their subscriptions. In some cases, Xbox Game Pass games do not offer any additional content, such as DLC or expansions. This is true when there are “Ultimate Editions” of games that coincide on the Xbox storefront.

The library of games available through this service constantly updates, with both new additions and some titles being removed. The option to purchase these games is available, and in some cases, depending on the title and the Xbox Game Pass tier, they will be sold at a discount. Microsoft announces which games are leaving soon, and when new games arrive.

Types of Xbox Game Pass Subscriptions

It’s important to know exactly how much Xbox Game Pass costs and what exactly is available to players.

At the time of writing this article, the Xbox Game Pass has four tiers: three for the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S and one for the PC. The Xbox Game Pass price increases when subscribing to tiers offering more games and features.

Core

Xbox Game Pass Core is the cheapest tier available. Core offers access to online multiplayer games and features a small selection of over 25 games to download and play.

The Xbox Game Pass Core 12-month plan costs $59.99 per year.

Standard

Xbox Game Pass Standard is available for a moderate price in comparison to the other tiers. Standard offers access to online multiplayer, over 100 games to download and play, and discounts on games purchased through the store.?

Ultimate

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the highest and most expensive tier available. In addition to the features in both Core and Standard, players have access to EA Play, can stream on other devices through Xbox Cloud Gaming, can download the latest day-one releases, and can receive in-game cosmetics and consumables.

An Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 12-month plan is only available through retailers as physical codes with varying prices. A year’s worth of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate through monthly billing would cost $179.99.

PC

PC Game Pass is a subscription service exclusive to Windows. It allows access to its library of games, offers membership discounts, and grants day-one access to upcoming titles.?

When purchasing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, new subscribers can get their first 14 days for only $1. This offer is also available to certain territories with the Standard tier on console.

Popular Xbox Game Pass Games

We’ve compiled a list of popular and exclusive Xbox Game Pass games that you can play when you subscribe to the service.

Halo Infinite

Halo Infinite is a sci-fi first-person shooter developed by 343 Studios.

It continues the story established by Halo 5 Guardians with an open world campaign to explore and fight against The Banished. Players can also log online and compete against others in arena-style multiplayer, which constantly receives new updates through its live service.

The game’s highlight feature is its Forge mode, allowing players to explore a variety of custom-designed game modes. However, it’s worth noting that the multiplayer experience is entirely free-to-play, so you won’t need to necessarily invest if you only want to game with friends.

Starfield

Starfield is a Sci-Fi action role-playing-game (RPG) developed by Bethesda Game Studios.

Taking place in the year 2330, players can explore over 1,000 procedurally generated planets.

You can customize your ships that you can fly and fight in space with, develop your relationship with companions, and unlock various guns to fight enemy factions.

Forza Motorsport (2023)

Forza Motorsport is a simulator racing game developed by Turn 10 Studios. It puts players in the driver’s seat as they race across fictional and real-life tracks.

Players can test out and unlock over 500 cars and experiment with over 800 upgrades.

The game’s highlights include its stunning graphic visuals and its advanced physics engine to emulate an exhilarating racing experience.

Valorant

Valorant is a free-to-play tactical first person shooter (FPS) developed by Riot Games.

Xbox Game Pass members are able to access a variety of exclusive benefits to Riot Game’s catalog. This includes full access to the Valorant’s agents, who are characters with special abilities. They will also gain day-one access to future agents and get a 20% XP boost for Battle Pass and event content.?

4 Ways to Improve Xbox Game Pass Performance

Xbox Game Pass Pros & Cons

Xbox Game Pass was one of the first subscription models to become truly successful in recent history, and has become the service to beat for other competitors.

The service has lots to offer but isn’t for everyone. Here is Techopedia’s guide to advise on whether or not you should pass on Xbox game Pass.

The Bottom Line

It is vital for any console or PC player to know what Xbox Game Pass is and how it can completely change the way you purchase and play video games. Depending on personal circumstances and gaming preferences, the Game Pass can be either a great investment or a something you will not get much use out of.

As gaming becomes a more expensive hobby, planning ahead for which service or games to spend that hard earned cash on is more vital than ever. We recommend seeing what games and features are on offer before deciding on whether Xbox Game Pass gets the passing grade for you.

FAQs