Microsoft has updated Xbox Game Pass with three new subscription plans: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. The new plans give players more games, cloud gaming, in-game rewards, and extra perks.
Xbox Game Pass Essential is the starter plan, great for casual gamers or beginners. It costs $9.99/month and includes over 50 games, like Hades, Cities: Skylines – Remastered, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. Essential members also get unlimited cloud gaming, online multiplayer, in-game bonuses, and can earn up to $25 a year in Xbox Store rewards.
Premium is for players who want more games and PC access. It costs $14.99/month and includes 200+ games, unlimited cloud gaming, and in-game perks. Popular titles like Diablo IV and Hogwarts Legacy are included. Premium members can earn up to $50 a year through Xbox rewards.
Ultimate is the top plan at $29.99/month. It offers over 400 games, including more than 75 day-one releases each year, Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, and better 1440p cloud streaming. Ultimate members can earn up to $100 a year in rewards and get exclusive in-game perks.
With these new plans, Xbox Game Pass now has options for every gamer—casual, PC-focused, or hardcore—giving everyone more ways to play.
New Xbox Game Pass Tiers
Microsoft has updated Xbox Game Pass with three new plans: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. Each plan is designed for different types of gamers, offering more games, cloud streaming, in-game perks, and rewards.
1. Xbox Game Pass Essential
The Essential plan is perfect for casual players or beginners. It costs $9.99/month and gives access to 50+ games, including Hades, Cities: Skylines – Remastered, Stardew Valley, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.
Key Benefits:
- Unlimited cloud gaming on PC, console, or mobile
- Online multiplayer
- In-game bonuses for popular games like League of Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone
- Earn up to $25/year in Xbox Store rewards
Essential is a simple, affordable way to start playing Xbox games.
2. Xbox Game Pass Premium
The Premium plan costs $14.99/month and is for gamers who want more games and PC access. It replaces the old Standard plan. Premium includes 200+ titles like Diablo IV and Hogwarts Legacy.
Key Benefits:
- Unlimited cloud gaming
- In-game perks, bonuses, and cosmetics
- Earn up to $50/year in Xbox rewards
- Access Xbox-published games within a year of release (Call of Duty excluded)
Premium is ideal for players who want a larger library and more flexibility without paying for Ultimate.
3. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Ultimate is the top-tier plan at $29.99/month. It’s for hardcore gamers who want the full Xbox experience. It includes 400+ games, 75+ day-one releases per year, Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, and enhanced 1440p cloud streaming.
Key Benefits:
- In-game perks and rewards up to $100/year
- Stream games smoothly on PC, console, and mobile
- Access exclusive day-one releases
Ultimate is perfect for players who want everything Xbox offers.
Cloud Gaming & PC Expansion
All three plans now include unlimited cloud gaming, so you can play games anywhere on PC, console, or mobile. Popular PC titles like Minecraft: Java Edition, Diablo IV, and Cities: Skylines II are also included, making cross-platform play easier than ever.
Rewards & In-Game Benefits
Every plan offers Rewards with Xbox and in-game bonuses:
- Essential: Up to $25/year
- Premium: Up to $50/year
- Ultimate: Up to $100/year
Even Essential and Premium members now get extra perks, not just Ultimate subscribers.
Pricing Overview
- Essential: $9.99/month
- Premium: $14.99/month
- Ultimate: $29.99/month
Current Core and Standard subscribers are automatically upgraded to Essential and Premium. Prices may vary by region.
New Game Additions
Microsoft has added 45+ new games as of October 1, 2025. Highlights:
- Ultimate only: Hogwarts Legacy, Assassin’s Creed II, Far Cry 3, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- Premium & Ultimate: Diablo IV, Minecraft: Java Edition, Cities: Skylines II
- All tiers: Hades, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Why Xbox Game Pass is Worth It
- Essential: Best for casual players or beginners
- Premium: Great for PC gamers who want more games
- Ultimate: Perfect for hardcore gamers who want day-one releases, cloud perks, and exclusive rewards
With cloud gaming, PC access, in-game perks, rewards, and constantly updated libraries, Xbox Game Pass now has something for every type of gamer. Whether you’re new to Xbox or a long-time fan, there’s a plan that fits your style and budget.
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