Updated Xbox Game Pass Plans Explained: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate — What’s Best for You
Microsoft has officially restructured its Xbox Game Pass subscriptions — one of the company’s most successful gaming products since its launch in 2017. The updated system now offers three clearly defined tiers: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate, each targeting different types of players and budgets. The new model went live worldwide in October 2025and aims to simplify access to over 500 games across console, PC, and cloud platforms, while introducing stronger integration with EA Play, Activision Blizzard titles, and Bethesda exclusives. The update is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to unify its gaming ecosystem under Xbox Cloud Gaming and Game Pass Core, reports G.Business.
The evolution of Xbox Game Pass
Launched in 2017, Xbox Game Pass changed the gaming landscape by offering access to hundreds of titles through a monthly subscription — similar to Netflix for games. What started as a small library of 100 console titles has now grown into a massive ecosystem of over 550 games, including major franchises like Halo, Forza, FIFA, and Starfield.
The 2025 update was motivated by three key goals:
- Transparency in pricing – clearer differences between tiers.
- Wider device coverage – full compatibility with smart TVs, tablets, and Steam Deck.
- More first-day releases – a major selling point for the Ultimate tier.
The changes also follow Microsoft’s €68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which added iconic series like Call of Duty, Diablo, and Overwatch to the Game Pass ecosystem.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: For players who want it all
The Ultimate plan remains the most comprehensive and premium experience. It’s designed for those who want early access, full flexibility, and maximum benefits.
Main features of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate:
- Access to 550+ titles across Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Cloud.
- Day-one access to over 75 new releases annually, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Avowed, Fable (2025), Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2.
- EA Play membership included at no extra cost.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly xCloud) with 1080p streaming and improved latency.
- Cross-play and cross-save support across all platforms.
- Exclusive monthly perks, including DLCs and in-game currency.
Price: around €17.99/month in Europe.
This plan is ideal for players who want to play AAA releases immediately and enjoy console-level performance even on mobile or low-end devices.
Xbox Game Pass Premium: Balance between price and performance
Premium serves as a middle option — offering more freedom than Essential, but at a lower price than Ultimate. It includes over 200 titles, cross-platform compatibility, and cloud access for supported devices.
What Premium offers:
- Full access to games on Xbox, PC, and Cloud.
- In-game bonuses for League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Rainbow Six Siege.
- Access to classic titles from the Xbox 360 and early Xbox One era.
- Rewards with Xbox – up to 50,000 reward points per year, exchangeable for gift cards.
- Access to Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, GTA V, No Man’s Sky, and Fallout 76.
- Option to play on smart TVs using only a controller (no console required).
Price: around €13.99/month.
Premium is perfect for gamers who play regularly but don’t necessarily need day-one exclusives or EA Play integration.
Xbox Game Pass Essential: Affordable entry into the ecosystem
The Essential plan replaces the old Xbox Game Pass Core (and partially Xbox Live Gold). It focuses on affordability and accessibility.
Key details of Essential:
- Access to 50+ popular games, including Halo Infinite, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and Grounded.
- Free monthly updates with rotating titles.
- Access to multiplayer gaming on console and PC.
- Cloud streaming in 720p quality (basic tier).
- Discounts of up to 20% on game purchases for subscribers.
Price: about €8.99/month.
Essential is ideal for beginners, younger gamers, or anyone who wants to experience Xbox Game Pass without the full investment.
Comparison table: What each Xbox plan offers
| Feature | Essential | Premium | Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Games included | 50+ | 200+ | 550+ |
| Day-one releases | No | Limited | Yes (75+/year) |
| Cloud Gaming | Basic (720p) | Full (1080p) | Full (1080p, low latency) |
| EA Play access | No | No | Yes |
| Cross-platform play | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Rewards & bonuses | Basic | 50,000 pts/year | Exclusive perks |
| Monthly price (approx.) | €8.99 | €13.99 | €17.99 |
How to choose your ideal plan
- Ultimate – for passionate gamers who want to play every major release immediately, anywhere.
- Premium – for players who value content and flexibility at a moderate price.
- Essential – for those new to gaming or seeking casual entertainment.
What this means for the future of Xbox
This subscription overhaul represents Microsoft’s push toward a “cloud-first gaming era.” With growing competition from PlayStation Plus and NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox is positioning itself as the most versatile and inclusive platform. The goal is clear: make Game Pass the global standard for gaming access, whether you’re using a console, laptop, or smartphone.
For players, the new tiered system means more control — and the ability to scale up or down as needs change. As more studios join Microsoft’s ecosystem, including Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, subscribers can expect an even larger library of titles in 2026 and beyond.