Game Pass Essential
Previously: Game Pass Core
- Current Core members move over automatically with no action needed.
- Library expands to 50+ games spanning console, PC, and cloud.
Xbox Game Pass Renames Its Plans and Raises Prices
Microsoft raised Xbox Game Pass pricing while reshuffling plan names to Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. As of October 2, 2025, Game Pass Ultimate jumps 50 percent to $29.99 per month and the tiers broaden access to PC and cloud libraries.
- Game Pass Ultimate rises from $19.99 to $29.99 per month - a 50% increase.
- Game Pass Core becomes Essential and Standard is now Premium, with automatic migrations.
- Essential and Premium now include PC and cloud play, while PC Game Pass folds in Ubisoft+ Classics.
How Each Game Pass Tier Is Changing
Microsoft is keeping three console-facing tiers, but the names and benefits are shifting. Existing members roll into the new setup automatically.
Game Pass Premium
Previously: Game Pass Standard
- Subscribers are upgraded automatically under the new branding.
- Includes the expanded PC and cloud library.
- Microsoft says the monthly price stays put while the catalog grows.
- More than 40 additional games arrive immediately, led by Forza Horizon 5 and Minecraft.
Game Pass Ultimate
Previously: Game Pass Ultimate
- Monthly price jumps from $19.99 to $29.99, a 50% increase.
- Keeps console, PC, and cloud access bundled together.
- Adds Ubisoft+ Classics and Fortnite Crew membership with monthly rewards.
PC Game Pass
Previously: PC Game Pass
- Now includes Ubisoft+ Classics at no extra cost.
- Adds 40 more games to the PC catalog immediately.
- Continues day-one access to every Xbox Game Studios launch, Call of Duty included.
Expanded Libraries Land Immediately
Game Pass Essential gains a catalog of more than 50 games and now grants access to PC and cloud streaming. Premium mirrors those perks, and Microsoft says more than 40 additional titles arrive immediately, including Forza Horizon 5, Minecraft, Hogwarts Legacy, Frostpunk 2, and Diablo IV.
New Additions to Premium & Essential
Microsoft highlights the following titles joining the library today:
- Forza Horizon 5
- Minecraft
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Frostpunk 2
- Diablo IV
Release Cadence
All Xbox Game Studios projects - with the exception of the Call of Duty series - are guaranteed to hit the service within a year of launch. Upcoming heavy hitters like Expedition 33 and DOOM: The Dark Ages are part of a pledge to deliver 75 day-one titles annually across the catalog.
PC Game Pass and Ultimate Perks Get a Boost
Ubisoft+ Classics is now bundled with PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate, adding more than 40 Ubisoft releases to the subscription. PC players also retain first-day access to Xbox Game Studios games, Call of Duty included. Ultimate members keep every platform (console, PC, cloud) plus Ubisoft+ Classics, and they now receive Fortnite Crew perks such as monthly V-Bucks and cosmetic drops at no extra charge.
When the New Pricing Starts
Microsoft is staggering the rollout of the updated pricing. These are the milestone dates included in the announcement:
October 1, 2025
New subscribers
Microsoft applies the updated pricing and plan names to new memberships from this date.
November 4, 2025
Existing members
Current subscribers transition to the higher pricing automatically.