Xbox Game Pass 2025 Update: Prices & Features of Essential, Premium, and Ultimate Packages
Xbox Game Pass 2025 officially arrives with three new packages: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. Check out the differences in features, game lists, and the latest prices here.
Microsoft has made a major refresh to Xbox Game Pass to provide clearer choices tailored to every player’s play style. Now Game Pass comes in three new tiers — Essential, Premium, and Ultimate — designed for different needs: from casual players, cross-platform gamers, to hardcore fans seeking the most complete experience. Here are the details of the changes and benefits.
Why the change?
Since its launch in 2017, Game Pass has grown rapidly with creator and player engagement reaching new heights. Microsoft saw an opportunity to make Game Pass more flexible so every gamer can find their favorite games and creators. The goal is simple: clearer package choices, richer benefits, and a better cloud gaming experience.
Summary of new packages
- Essential — basic option with curated game catalog, online multiplayer, and cloud gaming.
- Premium — for gamers who want more games and flexibility on console, PC, and cloud.
- Ultimate — the most complete package with day-one releases, premium partners, higher cloud quality, and various exclusive benefits.
Existing customers will be automatically migrated: Core → Essential, Standard → Premium, and Ultimate remains Ultimate.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate — the most complete experience
Ultimate is aimed at players who want an “all-in-one package.” Key features:
- More than 75 day-one release games per year, including major titles.
- Library of over 400 games on console, PC, and cloud.
- Premium partners: Fortnite Crew (starting November 18, valued at $11.99/month) + Ubisoft+ Classics.
- Advanced cloud gaming — up to 1440p, low latency, out of beta phase.
- Rewards with Xbox — up to 100,000 points/year (≈ $100), plus discounts and cashback.
- Includes access to EA Play and other additional benefits.
Reference price: $29.99/month.
Xbox Game Pass Premium — flexible and broader
Premium offers a balance between a large collection and affordable price:
- More than 200 games on console, PC, and cloud.
- Xbox-published games available up to 1 year after release (except Call of Duty).
- Unlimited cloud gaming, including owned titles.
- In-game benefits for popular games (League of Legends, CoD: Warzone, Rainbow Six Siege).
- Rewards up to 50,000 points/year (≈ $50).
Reference price: $14.99/month (Standard → Premium automatic).
Xbox Game Pass Essential — simple & valuable
Essential is the ideal entry point for casual players:
- More than 50 games on console and PC.
- Unlimited cloud gaming for some titles.
- Includes online multiplayer and in-game items in several popular games.
- Rewards up to 25,000 points/year (≈ $25).
- Collection now available on PC with games like Hades, Stardew Valley, and Cities: Skylines – Remastered.
Reference price: $9.99/month (Core → Essential automatic).
Rewards Program & purchase benefits
Each tier offers the Rewards with Xbox program:
- Ultimate: up to 100k points/year, discounts, cashback.
- Premium: up to 50k points/year + bonus points.
- Essential: up to 25k points/year.
Some packages also include partner benefits like Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics, as well as access to third-party services (EA Play).
Customer migration & pricing
- Core → Essential (price remains).
- Standard → Premium ($14.99/month).
- Ultimate → Ultimate ($29.99/month, regional prices may vary).
Microsoft emphasizes that prices may change by region, but the added value provided will be maintained.
This update makes Xbox Game Pass more structured with three clear package options.
- Essential: economical & simple.
- Premium: flexible with a broader collection.
- Ultimate: the most complete experience with premium benefits.
In short, Microsoft gives players more choices, more games, and a more advanced cloud gaming experience.