Microsoft has revamped Xbox Game Pass, introducing new tiers and altering the benefits that subscribers have come to expect. Here’s what you need to know about each tier.
In July 2024, the company announced significant changes to its popular service. While subscribers have enjoyed features such as a vast game library and day-one access to first-party releases from Xbox studios, these will change with the introduction of new tiers.
Xbox has outlined four Game Pass tiers, each offering various benefits at different price points. Below, we’ll detail what’s included in each tier and identify which one offers the best value.
Each Xbox Game Pass Tier Explained
The four Game Pass tiers are as follows: PC, Core, Standard, and Ultimate.
PC
Price: $11.99 a month
PC Game Pass remains largely unchanged but has seen a $2 price increase. It includes the following benefits:
- Day-one releases
- Access to hundreds of games
- EA Play
- Riot Games benefits
- Member discounts
Core
Price: $9.99 a month
Game Pass Core is a newer tier that replaces Xbox Live Gold. While it’s the most affordable option, it offers limited benefits.
With Core, subscribers will not have access to the extensive Game Pass library; instead, it features a smaller selection that includes games like Fallout 4 and Stardew Valley.
- Online console multiplayer
- Access to 25+ games
- Member discounts
Standard
Price: $14.99 a month
Standard is the latest tier, replacing Game Pass for Console. It offers most of the benefits subscribers have enjoyed but with a significant change: Standard tier users will no longer receive day-one access to first-party games.
This means users on this tier will miss out on games like Starfield and Diablo 4, which are exclusively available to Ultimate subscribers.
Here’s what Game Pass Standard includes:
- Access to hundreds of games
- Online console multiplayer
- Member discounts
Ultimate
Price: $19.99 a month
Like PC Game Pass, Ultimate remains intact but has increased from $16.99 to $19.99 a month.
Here’s what Game Pass Ultimate includes:
- Day-one releases
- Access to hundreds of games
- Online console multiplayer
- EA Play
- Member discounts
- Cloud gaming
Which Xbox Game Pass Tier is the Best Value?
If you’re a dedicated PC gamer, then PC Game Pass is clearly your best value. It delivers all the classic Game Pass benefits like day-one releases for first-party games and a vast library for just $11.99 a month.
For those with both an Xbox console and a gaming PC, the Ultimate tier is the best choice, providing all the benefits of both platforms, along with Cloud gaming.
The decision becomes more complex for console-only gamers. Excluding Core, which primarily caters to those seeking access to online multiplayer in Xbox games, the main distinction among tiers lies in access to day-one releases.
Thus, Game Pass Standard offers the best value for its price. While it may not allow you to play some newly released titles immediately, you will still have access to hundreds of games.
Microsoft has indicated that significant first-party releases may eventually be added to Standard, although specifics have not been provided and decisions will likely be made case-by-case.
If the allure of Game Pass for you revolves around day-one launches, then Ultimate tier remains a worthwhile option even with the price increase.
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