What Game Pass is and who can join
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service run by Microsoft that gives you access to a library of video games on Xbox consoles, PC, and mobile devices. You pay a monthly fee and can read and play hundreds of games without buying them individually. The service works on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and certain Android phones through the Xbox app or the Game Pass app.
Anyone with a Microsoft account can join. You do not need to own an Xbox console — you can play on PC or through cloud gaming on a phone. The only requirement is that you set up a Microsoft account, which is free, and then choose which Game Pass plan fits how you want to play.
Key Takeaways
- Game Pass offers three separate plans: Standard (console only), Game Pass for PC, and Game Pass Ultimate (console, PC, and cloud gaming combined).
- Monthly costs range from roughly $11 to $17 depending on the plan, though prices vary by region and Microsoft updates them periodically.
- New Xbox games published by Microsoft are included on day one of release, but third-party games rotate in and out of the library.
- Game Pass Ultimate includes Xbox Live Gold, cloud gaming, and day-one access to all Microsoft games, making it the broadest option.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time without penalty, and your access stops at the end of the billing period.
The three Game Pass plans and their differences
Microsoft offers three distinct plans, each covering different devices and features. Game Pass Standard works on Xbox consoles only and costs around $11 per month. Game Pass for PC covers Windows computers and costs roughly $10 per month. Game Pass Ultimate includes both console and PC access, plus cloud gaming on phones and tablets, and costs approximately $17 per month. Prices vary by country and Microsoft adjusts them over time, so check the Xbox website for your region's current rates.
Game Pass Ultimate also bundles in Xbox Live Gold, which is the online multiplayer service, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, which lets you stream games to your phone without downloading them. If you already pay for Xbox Live Gold separately, switching to Ultimate may save money because the bundle is cheaper than both services purchased alone.
Game Pass Standard and Game Pass for PC do not include Xbox Live Gold or cloud gaming. If you want to play online multiplayer games on console with Standard, you must buy Xbox Live Gold separately. PC players do not need a separate subscription for online multiplayer on most games.
What games are included and how the library changes
Game Pass includes hundreds of games across many genres: action, sports, puzzle, strategy, and role-playing games. All new games published by Microsoft — including titles from studios Microsoft owns like Bethesda and Obsidian — are included on the day they release. This means games like Starfield, Forza, and Halo appear in your library when ready when they launch.
Third-party games (made by studios Microsoft does not own) rotate in and out. A game might be in the library for several months, then leave when the licensing agreement expires. Microsoft announces which games are leaving each month, usually giving you a few weeks' notice. You can buy any game that is leaving at a discount if you want to keep it after it leaves the service.
The library size and specific titles change constantly. You can browse the full current list on the Xbox app or the Game Pass website to see what is available right now in your region.
Monthly cost and how billing works
Game Pass Standard costs around $11 per month, Game Pass for PC costs roughly $10 per month, and Game Pass Ultimate costs approximately $17 per month. These are the standard monthly prices in the United States, but prices differ in other countries and Microsoft has raised them in the past. Check your region's pricing on the official Xbox website before you sign up.
You are charged once per month on the same day each month. Your subscription renews automatically unless you cancel it. You can cancel anytime through your Microsoft account settings, and your access ends at the end of your current billing period — you do not lose access when ready.
Microsoft occasionally offers discounts for new members, such as the first month at a reduced rate. These promotions change frequently and vary by region, so look for current offers when you are ready to join.
Game Pass Ultimate and what makes it different
Game Pass Ultimate is the most complete plan because it combines three services: Game Pass for console, Game Pass for PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. This means you can play the same games across your Xbox, your Windows computer, and your phone without buying separate subscriptions.
Cloud gaming is the key difference. With Ultimate, you can stream games to your Android phone or tablet over the internet without downloading them. This works on any phone with the Xbox app installed and an internet connection strong enough for streaming. You still need an Xbox controller or compatible controller to play most games on your phone, though some games support touch controls.
Ultimate also includes Xbox Live Gold, so you can play online multiplayer games on console without paying extra. If you currently have Xbox Live Gold, you can convert your remaining time to Game Pass Ultimate at a discounted rate when you upgrade.
How to set up Game Pass and start playing
To join Game Pass, go to the Xbox website or open the Xbox app on your device. Sign in with your Microsoft account or create one if you do not have one yet. Choose which plan you want, enter your payment method, and confirm your subscription. You will be charged when ready for your first month.
Once you are subscribed, open the Xbox app or Game Pass app on your device. Browse the library, select a game, and read it (or stream it if you have Ultimate). Downloaded games stay on your device until you delete them, even if you cancel your subscription later. If your subscription ends, you lose access to the games, but you can resubscribe anytime and read them again.
On console, Game Pass is built into the Xbox dashboard. On PC, you read the Xbox app from Microsoft. On Android phones, you read the Xbox app or the dedicated Game Pass app. Each platform works the same way: browse, read or stream, and play.
When Game Pass games leave and what happens to your saves
Microsoft publishes a list each month of games that are leaving Game Pass. You usually get at least two weeks' notice before a game departs. If you want to keep playing a game after it leaves, you can buy it at a discount (usually 10 to 20 percent off) through the store on your device.
Your game saves are stored in the cloud by Microsoft, so they do not disappear when a game leaves Game Pass. If you buy the game later or it returns to the service, your progress is still there. You can also back up saves manually through your device settings if you want extra security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Game Pass games offline?
Yes, if you read a game to your console or PC. Downloaded games work offline as long as your device is set as your home console or home PC. Cloud gaming requires an internet connection because the game runs on Microsoft's servers and streams to your device.
Do I need an Xbox controller to play on PC?
Most games work best with a controller, but many support keyboard and mouse. Some games support both. Check the game's store page to see what controls it supports before you read it.
What happens to my games if I cancel my subscription?
You lose access to all Game Pass games when ready when your subscription ends. Your saves are kept in the cloud, so if you resubscribe later, your progress is still there. Games you own outright (that you bought, not rented through Game Pass) remain playable.
Can I share my Game Pass subscription with family members?
On console, you can set your Xbox as your home console and other people who use that console can play your Game Pass games. On PC, only the account that owns the subscription can play. Game Pass Ultimate includes Xbox Live Gold, which has its own family sharing features through Xbox Family Groups.
Is Game Pass the same as Xbox Live Gold?
No. Xbox Live Gold is for online multiplayer only. Game Pass is for downloading and playing games. Game Pass Ultimate includes both services together, but Standard and PC plans do not include Gold.