Microsoft today announced a major refresh of Xbox Game Pass, introducing three distinct plans — Essential, Premium, and Ultimate — along with an expanded game library, improved cloud streaming, and a revamped Rewards experience. The changes are designed to give players more choice and value, whether they prefer day-one releases, discovering hidden gems, or playing across console, PC, and cloud.
What’s changing
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Three new tiers: Xbox Game Pass Core subscribers will automatically move to Essential, Standard subscribers will transition to Premium, and existing Ultimate subscribers will remain on Ultimate.
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Price update for Ultimate: Game Pass Ultimate will now cost $29.99/month, an increase of $10 (about a 50% rise) from the previous price. Microsoft says this reflects the expanded catalog, new partner benefits, and upgraded cloud experience.
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Cloud gaming included more widely: Unlimited cloud gaming is now included in Essential, Premium, and Ultimate, making it easier to stream games on supported devices.
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Rewards and in-game benefits expanded: Each tier includes an upgraded Rewards with Xbox program and in-game benefits across major titles (including Riot Games titles and other popular games).
Ultimate — the most comprehensive package
Ultimate has been significantly upgraded for players who want everything. Key upgrades include:
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More day-one releases: Ultimate subscribers will get access to over 75 day-one releases per year, including high-profile upcoming titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, High on Life 2, Keeper, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2.
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Larger library: More than 400 games across Xbox consoles, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud, with 45+ new games added immediately.
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New partner inclusions: Fortnite Crew will be included in Ultimate starting November 18 (an $11.99/month value, including the Battle Pass and V-Bucks), and Ubisoft+ Classics (valued at $7.99/month per platform) will be added, giving access to a curated selection of Ubisoft titles on console, PC, and cloud.
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Cloud streaming upgrade: Improved Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming quality — up to 1440p for Ultimate — and officially exiting beta for the service.
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Rewards value: Ultimate members can earn up to $100/year (100k points globally) through playing and purchases, including boosted points rates and up to 30% value on select Game Pass games.
Premium — more games and flexibility at great value
Premium aims to deliver breadth and flexibility:
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Expanded library: Access to 200+ games across console, PC, and cloud (more than 40 new games added immediately). Many PC favorites are included, such as Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, and Grand Theft Auto V. Premium members also get newly added fan favorites like Diablo IV and Hogwarts Legacy, and Xbox-published games within a year of launch (Call of Duty titles excluded).
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Unlimited cloud gaming: Premium includes unlimited cloud streaming, including select games you own.
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In-game benefits: Unlock cosmetics, characters, and other bonuses in big titles like League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege.
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Rewards value: Premium subscribers can earn up to $50/year (50k points globally), with boosted points on purchases and select library titles.
Essential — the entry point with cloud and rewards
Essential is designed for players who want the core Game Pass experience:
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Curated catalog: A curated selection of 50+ games playable on console and PC, now fully playable on PC as well.
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Unlimited cloud gaming & multiplayer: Essential now includes unlimited cloud gaming and online multiplayer.
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In-game perks: Selected in-game benefits are available in major titles such as League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Overwatch 2.
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Rewards value: Essential members can earn up to $25/year (25k points globally) through play and purchases.
Lineup and availability
Microsoft continues to add games across all plans. Ultimate’s library includes long lists of new and existing titles (examples added today include Hogwarts Legacy, multiple Assassin’s Creed entries, Far Cry titles, Rayman Legends, Skull & Bones, and more). Premium and Essential also received sizable additions, from new releases to remastered classics and cloud-ready favorites.
Microsoft notes that specific titles, features, and availability may vary by region, plan, and platform, and that it regularly evaluates exchange rates and market conditions — so local pricing may differ. For detailed, region-specific information and the complete, up-to-date cloud-playable list, Microsoft directs players to the Game Pass site and the plan picker on Xbox.com.
The Microsoft Xbox Game Pass logo is seen at the Paris Games Week (PGW), a trade fair for video games in Paris, France, November 5, 2023
