Microsoft has confirmed a new price increase for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, with the Ultimate tier now set to cost $30 per month. This adjustment comes shortly before the anticipated November release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, and follows a recent price hike for Xbox consoles themselves.
Microsoft justifies these price adjustments by asserting that it is providing subscribers with `more` value than ever before. The company stated, “We recognize that player preferences for their Xbox experience vary, so we are evolving Game Pass to provide enhanced flexibility, choice, and value for all users.”
Updated Game Pass Tiers and Pricing
As of October 1, Microsoft has introduced three revised Game Pass subscription tiers: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. The previous Xbox Game Pass Core tier has been discontinued, with existing Core subscribers automatically transitioning to the new Essential plan. Similarly, the Standard tier is no longer available, and its members have been moved to the Premium plan. The Ultimate tier retains its original name.
- Xbox Game Pass Essential (previously Core): $10/month (unchanged)
- Xbox Game Pass Premium (previously Standard): $15/month (unchanged)
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: $30/month (up from $20/month)
- PC Game Pass: $16.50/month (up from $12/month)
Game Pass Ultimate: Enhanced Features and Benefits
Despite a 50% price increase, from $20 to $30 per month, Microsoft touts Game Pass Ultimate as receiving its “biggest upgrade yet.” This translates to subscribers gaining access to an unprecedented number of day-one game releases, plus the inclusion of Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics. Furthermore, Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming quality has been improved, now supporting up to 1440p. Fortnite Crew, valued at $12/month separately, will be integrated into Game Pass Ultimate starting November 18, providing the latest Fortnite battle pass, 1,000 V-Bucks monthly, and other exclusive perks. Ubisoft+ Classics, typically $16/month, also joins the Ultimate tier, offering a diverse collection of Ubisoft titles playable across PC, console, and cloud platforms.
Additional enhancements for Game Pass Ultimate include “best quality streaming and shortest wait times” for Xbox Cloud Gaming, which has officially transitioned out of its beta phase and is now designated as version 1.0.
Ultimate members will also benefit from an upgraded Rewards program. Microsoft stated that players can receive “up to 30% value on select Game Pass games, with 4x points on purchases of games and add-ons, 10% back in points on select Game Pass library titles and add-ons, and up to 20% off select Game Pass games.”
What`s New for Game Pass Essential
The Game Pass Essential tier, previously known as Core, now offers unlimited cloud gaming, online multiplayer capabilities, access to a library of over 50 games, and specific in-game benefits for certain titles. Microsoft has also confirmed that all games within this tier`s catalog are now “fully playable on PC,” expanding beyond console-only access. The monthly price remains $10.
Game Pass Premium: Key Updates
Game Pass Premium, which replaces the Standard tier, boasts an expanded library of over 200 titles available across both console and PC, while maintaining its $15 monthly price. Recent additions include popular games like Diablo 4 and Hogwarts Legacy. Moving forward, Premium subscribers will gain access to Microsoft`s first-party titles within a year of their release, with the notable exception of Call of Duty games. Access to Call of Duty titles requires either an Ultimate subscription or a separate purchase.
PC Game Pass
Although not explicitly detailed in Microsoft`s official announcement regarding Game Pass updates, it was quickly noted that PC Game Pass will see its price increase from $12 to $16.50 per month. This tier will continue to offer new day-one releases from Microsoft, including upcoming Call of Duty titles.