Fans of the Microsoft console can hardly avoid the Xbox Game Pass. But how exactly does the service work, what does it cost and what games can you play with it?
In June 2017, Microsoft launched the Xbox Game Pass subscription service for its Xbox console. It gives users access to various games and extra content. Learn all about how Game Pass works, pricing models and game content in this article.
How does Xbox Game Pass work?
Game Pass gives players access to a variety of games. These can then be played on all Xbox models as well as the PC. Those who have acquired access can then use the media library and download and play titles there. In addition, points can be collected via Game Pass Quest within the bonus program and used for rewards such as Xbox credit. For this, players must master challenges within the available games.
In addition to an Xbox, you also need a Microsoft account. This account can then also be used for other Microsoft services such as the Office package or the authentication app. PC players will also need to download the Xbox app.
In the video we explain what can be done with the Xbox GamePass:
Xbox Game Pass vs Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
The normal Xbox Game Pass is basically the basic version of the service. With it, subscribers get access to over 100 titles. Plus instant access to studio titles as soon as they’re released. Special offers and discounts for members also apply to the basic tariff, which must be booked separately for each medium, PC or console.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the next step up in Microsoft’s subscription model. Users get access to the same content as in the basic version, the offer then applies equally to PC and console. A so-called “Xbox live Gold” membership is also included. There are also additional discounts, DLCs and in-game materials for subscribers to the Ultimate version.
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The price models
Since it is a subscription, there is a monthly fee for the Game Pass, which varies depending on the model selected.
The standard version costs 9.99 euros per month and can only be used for the console for the time being. The PC Game Pass also costs 9.99 euros, which also grants access to a number of titles from Electronic Arts. Ultimate access costs a little more at 12.99 euros per month, but offers the advantages mentioned. Both or all three models can be canceled on a monthly basis.
There is also the All Access Pass, which is significantly more expensive at EUR 24.99 per month. The hardware is also included in this model: In addition to the Ultimate Game Pass, players can also get an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S from a corresponding dealer. The term is 24 months.
Xbox Game Pass: These games you get
The aforementioned 100 titles available to Game Pass subscribers are being added to every month by Microsoft. Big titles like “Halo: Infinite” are also available immediately after release. There are also some big names in the media library:
- A Plague Tale: Innocence
- Doom Eternal
- Dragon Age: Origins
- FIFA (latest games)
- Forza Horizon 5
- Halo Infinite
- Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
- Life is Strange: True Colors
- Minecraft
- MLB (latest games)
- Octopath Traveler
- Ori and the Blind Forest
- Sea of Thieves
- Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order
- The Outer Worlds
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Since 2020, EA Play has also been part of Xbox Game Pass, exclusively for Ultimate subscribers. As a result, there are also many great Electronic Arts titles in the library. It’s worth checking back regularly to see what games are available, as titles are removed or added at regular intervals.