What is Xbox Game Pass?

The short answer

Xbox Game Pass is a monthly subscription from Microsoft that lets you download and play hundreds of games for one flat fee, instead of buying each game separately.

How does it work?

Think of it like Netflix, but for video games. You pay a monthly fee and get access to a library of games you can download and play as much as you want. New games are added regularly, and some are removed over time.

The key things to know:

• You download full games — they’re not streamed, so they run just like a game you bought
• Games rotate in and out — Microsoft adds new titles and removes others each month
• First-party games launch day one — every new game Microsoft publishes (like Halo or Forza) is available on Game Pass the day it releases
• You lose access if you cancel — just like any streaming subscription

What are the different tiers?

Microsoft offers a few plan levels:

• Game Pass Standard — access to the game library on Xbox consoles
• Game Pass Ultimate — includes console, PC, and cloud gaming, plus online multiplayer and EA Play
• PC Game Pass — the library on Windows PC only

Do you need an Xbox console?

Not necessarily. PC Game Pass works on Windows computers, and Game Pass Ultimate includes cloud gaming, which lets you stream games to phones, tablets, and browsers without a console.

Is Game Pass worth it?

If you play more than a couple of new games per year, Game Pass almost certainly saves you money. A single new game costs $60 to $70, while Game Pass gives you access to hundreds for a fraction of that. It’s especially valuable if you like trying different games without committing to buying each one.