What Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a subscription that gives you access to a library of games you can read and play on Xbox consoles, PC, and through cloud gaming. When you pay the monthly fee, you get the right to play hundreds of games — you do not own them, but you can install and play them as long as your subscription is active.
The subscription also includes Xbox Live Gold, which lets you play multiplayer games online and gives you access to free games each month. On top of that, Game Pass Ultimate adds cloud gaming, meaning you can stream certain games to your phone, tablet, or computer without downloading them first. You also get access to day-one releases — new games from Xbox Game Studios arrive in the library the same day they launch.
Game Pass Ultimate is the highest tier of Game Pass. If you want only the game library without online multiplayer or cloud gaming, Xbox offers Game Pass for Console (Xbox only) or Game Pass for PC (Windows only) at lower prices.
Key Takeaways
- Game Pass Ultimate includes hundreds of games for read, Xbox Live Gold for online multiplayer, and cloud gaming on phones and tablets.
- New games from Xbox Game Studios are included on the day they release, but third-party games rotate in and out of the library.
- You can play on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and through cloud gaming on compatible phones and tablets.
- Your subscription renews monthly unless you cancel, and you can pause your membership for up to three months without being charged.
- Games you read stay on your device until you uninstall them, but you lose access to play them if your subscription ends.
How to start a Game Pass Ultimate subscription
To begin, you need a Microsoft account. Go to xbox.com, sign in or create an account, and navigate to the Game Pass section. Select Game Pass Ultimate and choose your payment method — credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Microsoft will charge you the monthly subscription fee on the same day each month.
If you already have an Xbox console, you can also start the subscription directly from the console. Go to the Microsoft Store, find Game Pass Ultimate, and select it. You will be prompted to confirm your payment method and billing address.
New subscribers sometimes see promotional offers — for example, the first month at a reduced price. These offers vary and are not always available. Check the Game Pass page when you sign up to see what is currently offered.
What games are in the library and how often they change
Game Pass includes hundreds of titles across many genres: action, sports, strategy, puzzle, and story-driven games. Popular franchises like Halo, Forza, and Starfield are there, along with games from other publishers. The exact number of games changes regularly — Microsoft does not publish a fixed count.
Games rotate in and out of the library. When a game is about to leave, you will see a notification in the Game Pass app. If you want to keep playing it after it leaves, you can buy it at a discount (usually 10 to 20 percent off) before it goes. Games from Xbox Game Studios stay in the library indefinitely, but third-party games may leave after a period of time.
You can browse the full library on the Xbox app, the Xbox website, or directly on your console. You can filter by genre, see what is new this month, and read reviews and player ratings before you read.
How cloud gaming works with Game Pass Ultimate
Cloud gaming means the game runs on a Microsoft server, and you see the video stream on your device. You do not need to read the game or have a powerful device — you just need a compatible phone, tablet, or computer and a stable internet connection (Microsoft recommends at least 10 megabits per second for 1080p quality).
To use cloud gaming, open the Xbox app on your phone or tablet, or go to xbox.cloud.microsoft.com on a web browser. Sign in with your Microsoft account, select a game from the cloud gaming library, and it starts playing within seconds. You can use an Xbox controller connected via Bluetooth, or some games support touch controls.
Not every game in Game Pass is available for cloud gaming — the library is smaller than the full Game Pass library. The Xbox app shows which games support cloud gaming with a small cloud icon. Cloud gaming is included with Game Pass Ultimate at no extra cost.
Devices you can play on
Game Pass Ultimate works on multiple devices. On Xbox consoles, you can play on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One. On PC, you read games through the Xbox app on Windows 10 or Windows 11. On mobile, you can stream games through cloud gaming on iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets. You can also stream to a web browser on any computer.
You can be signed in on multiple devices at once, but you can only play on one device at a time with a single subscription. If someone else in your household wants to play at the same time, they need their own subscription or you need to set up console sharing (which has specific rules about who can play where).
Game downloads count toward your device storage. A game might take 50 to 150 gigabytes of space depending on the title. You can manage your storage by uninstalling games you are not playing and reinstalling them later.
Canceling and pausing your subscription
You can cancel Game Pass Ultimate at any time. Go to your Microsoft account settings, find your subscriptions, and select Game Pass Ultimate. Choose "Manage subscription" and then "Cancel subscription." Your access ends at the end of your current billing period — you will not be charged again, but you can still play until that date passes.
If you do not want to cancel but need a break, you can pause your subscription for up to three months. While paused, you will not be charged, and your subscription will resume automatically after the pause ends. You can pause through the same subscription management page.
If you cancel and want to rejoin later, you can resubscribe at any time. Promotional offers for new subscribers may or may not be available when you return.
Game Pass Ultimate versus other Game Pass tiers
Microsoft offers three versions of Game Pass, each with different features and prices. Game Pass for Console includes the game library and Xbox Live Gold, but only on Xbox consoles — no PC or cloud gaming. Game Pass for PC includes the game library on Windows PC only, with no console or cloud gaming. Game Pass Ultimate includes everything: console, PC, cloud gaming, and Xbox Live Gold.
The price of each tier varies by region and changes occasionally. Game Pass for Console and Game Pass for PC are less expensive than Ultimate because they cover fewer devices. If you only play on one type of device, a lower tier may save you money. If you want to play across multiple devices and use cloud gaming, Ultimate is the only option.
You can also convert an existing Xbox Live Gold subscription to Game Pass Ultimate. If you have Gold active, you can upgrade to Ultimate and it will convert your remaining Gold time at a ratio (usually one month of Gold equals a portion of one month of Ultimate). This is a one-time conversion per account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my games if my subscription ends?
You lose the right to play them. Any games you downloaded stay on your device, but you cannot launch them. If you resubscribe later, you can read and play them again. Games you purchased separately (not through Game Pass) remain yours and playable.
Can I share my Game Pass Ultimate with family members?
On Xbox, you can set up console sharing so a family member can play games on a shared console. On PC, only the account holder can play. Cloud gaming is tied to your account and cannot be shared. Each person who wants their own access needs their own subscription.
Do I need Xbox Live Gold if I have Game Pass Ultimate?
No — Xbox Live Gold is included in Game Pass Ultimate. You do not need to buy it separately. If you have both active, you are not charged twice.
Can I play Game Pass games offline?
Yes, for downloaded games. Once a game is installed on your console or PC, you can play it offline as long as your subscription is active. Cloud gaming requires an internet connection. You can set your console to offline mode and still play downloaded games.
How much does Game Pass Ultimate cost?
The price varies by region and changes occasionally. In the United States, the monthly subscription is typically in the range of $15 to $17 per month, but you should check the Xbox website for the current price in your area. Promotional rates for new subscribers are sometimes available.