What’s changing: The new Xbox Game Pass tiers
Microsoft has announced a major restructuring of its Xbox Game Pass lineup, rebranding and adjusting prices as it expands the service’s libraries and perks. Existing Core, Standard, and Ultimate subscribers will migrate to new tiers: Core becomes Game Pass Essential, Standard becomes Game Pass Premium, while Ultimate remains the top option with significant additions. The changes aim to simplify the structure while delivering broader access across console, PC, and cloud gaming.
Pricing at a glance
Annual price points for the new lineup are as follows: Essential at $9.99 per month, Premium at $14.99, and Ultimate continuing at $29.99. The changes bring notable increases from previous levels and align with broader pricing shifts in Microsoft’s ecosystem.
Game Pass Essential
The base tier, now called Essential, opens with a library of over 50 games (up from about 25 previously). It includes unlimited cloud gaming, PC access in addition to console play, multiplayer online access, and a rewards component in the Xbox store—allowing members to earn up to $25 per year under the Rewards with Xbox program. It’s designed as a more affordable entry point that preserves broad access across devices while introducing more frequent game additions.
Game Pass Premium
Priced at $14.99 per month, Premium expands the catalog to more than 200 games available on both Xbox and PC, along with unlimited cloud gaming—a feature that used to be exclusive to Ultimate. In addition, Premium includes early access to certain Xbox Studios titles (within a year of release, excluding Call of Duty), various in-game perks in popular titles, and Rewards up to $50 per year. Members also gain access to a growing suite of benefits designed to enhance multiplayer experiences and cross-platform play.
Game Pass Ultimate
The top tier retains its prestige, but at a higher price of $29.99 per month. Ultimate now bundles a library exceeding 400 games with a stated commitment to more than 75 titles day one each year (up from roughly 50). It also adds Ubisoft+ Classics and EA Play, and—starting November—Fortnite Crew benefits, including the Battle Pass and V-Bucks, to broaden value. Cloud access remains available with higher quality and 1440p support, and members can earn up to $100 per year through Rewards. The combination of these features makes Ultimate the most feature-rich option for players who want the broadest access and the strongest cross-service perks.
New library and service perks you’ll notice
Alongside the tier changes, Microsoft expanded several offerings tied to the service. In addition to the day-one releases from studios other than Call of Duty, Premium and Ultimate subscribers gain broader access to Ubisoft+ Classics and EA Play, widening the catalog beyond first-party releases. Fortnite Crew joining the mix adds monthly V-Bucks and Battle Pass content, while in-game perks across League of Legends, Warzone, and Rainbow Six Siege enhance the value proposition for active multiplayer players. Cloud gaming continues to improve with higher resolution and bitrate, delivering a more consistent experience across devices.
PC Game Pass price change and related shifts
The shift isn’t limited to console-focused tiers. PC Game Pass is increasing from $11.99 to $16.49 per month, a substantial jump that reflects broader platform investments. While Ubisot+ Classics aren’t part of PC Game Pass, the addition of a larger Ubisoft catalog still adds meaningful value for PC players who rely on the service for cross-title access.
Context: broader pricing moves from Microsoft
These changes come in a broader context of price adjustments within Microsoft’s ecosystem. Notably, the Xbox Series X price will rise from $599.99 to $649.99 starting October 3, alongside the PC Game Pass price increase. The shifts underscore Microsoft’s strategy to monetize subscriptions more aggressively while expanding per-month value through larger libraries and added perks.
What this means for existing subscribers
Current Game Pass subscribers will migrate to the new tiers when the changes take effect. Core users will transition to Essential, Standard to Premium, and Ultimate users will retain their status—though the exact changes to their benefits may apply as the rollout unfolds. For players evaluating whether to switch tiers, the decision hinges on device usage (console vs. PC), appetite for cloud gaming, and the value of the expanded libraries and rewards across the different tiers.
What to consider before you subscribe
If you’re considering a renewal or a new sign-up, weigh the cost against the library size you actually access and the platforms you use most. Essential offers a more affordable entry while Premium and Ultimate provide more comprehensive access and perks. For the heaviest players who want the broadest catalog, day-one releases, and cross-service benefits, Ultimate remains the strongest value—despite the higher price point.
Bottom line
Microsoft’s revamp of Xbox Game Pass moves the service into a more tiered structure with higher price points, expanded libraries, and a broader array of perks across console, PC, and cloud. For many, the change will demand a careful reassessment of subscription value—but for others, the expanded catalog and benefits could justify the new monthly costs.
