What Is Xbox Game Pass?

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service for Xbox consoles and PCs. You pay a monthly fee to subscribe to the service, and in exchange, you can download and play games from the Xbox Game Pass library on your console.

There are no limitations on how many games you can download, and the games are not limited in any way.

How Does Xbox Game Pass Work?

Xbox Game Pass is pretty simple. With the subscription, you gain access to a large library of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even original Xbox games that you are then able to play for free.

You have basically three options for a Game Pass subscription (although two are basically identical but work on different platforms):

• Game Pass Core for Console: This plan replaced Xbox Live Gold and lets you play online with friends or others. It also includes a small, rotating catalog of first- and third-party titles.
• Game Pass Core for PC: This option is the same as Core for Console, but it works on PC. If you only use one platform, you should be sure to pick the correct plan.
• Game Pass Ultimate: Ultimate works on both console and PC, so it's the best choice for multi-platform gamers. It also has a much larger library of games that you can download or stream to save space.

Xbox Game Pass requires a monthly subscription. The Core plans run $9.99 per month, while Ultimate is $16.99. Microsoft offers free trials and special pricing from time to time, and you can also find deals on quarterly or yearly subscription cards from retailers.

While your subscription is active (and specific games are available), you can play as many as you want for as long as you like. If you run out of space on your Xbox One, you need to delete games that you aren't using before you can download new ones, or stream them if you have an Ultimate membership.

You only retain access to Xbox Game Pass games as long as you have an active subscription. When your subscription expires, you are no longer able to play any of the games you downloaded. You will, however, retain any progress you made in those games if you renew your subscription or buy them.

If you find a game you really enjoy, but you don't want to remain subscribed, your subscription provides you with the option to buy Xbox Game Pass titles at a discount.

What Platforms Does Xbox Game Pass Work On?

Xbox Game Pass works with consoles from the Xbox One onward.

In addition to Xbox consoles, Game Pass also allows you to play some games on Windows 10 computers. Again, Game Pass Core has a PC option, and Ultimate works on both platforms.

What Games Are Available on Xbox Game Pass?

Xbox Game Pass includes a large selection of both brand-new games and popular classics. Microsoft even includes games that it publishes itself, such as Forza Horizon 4, Sea of Thieves, and State of Decay 2 on the service the day they are released for sale.

Hundreds of games are included with Xbox Game Pass. New titles are added each month, and some may eventually be removed, so check out Microsoft's official list to see if there are any you're interested in.

How to Get Xbox Game Pass

Since Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service, you need to sign up if you want to use it. You'll need a Microsoft account to complete the transaction. To get the most out of the service, you should have an Xbox One.

However, you can sign up without an Xbox One and play on your Windows 10 computer if you're satisfied with the Xbox Play Anywhere games on the service.

How to Sign Up for Game Pass on Your Xbox Console

You can sign up for Game Pass through your console, online, or using a prepaid card. The following instructions use Xbox One screenshots, but the process will be similar on other hardware.

1. Turn on your Xbox One, and open the Store tab.

2. Scroll down to the Xbox Game Pass section, and select Get more info.

   

3. Select the Xbox Game Pass drop down box, and choose a subscription option or select the free trial.

   

4. Select Join.

   

5. Download any Xbox Game Pass games you want, and play them for the duration of your membership.

How to Sign Up for Xbox Game Pass on a PC

You can also sign up for Xbox Game Pass using a web browser on your computer through the Xbox website.

1. Navigate to Xbox Game Pass online, and click Join Now.

   

2. Select a plan, then click Join Now. (If you're selecting a higher-tier plan, click Join for $1; you'll get a small period for free, after which you'll pay the stated price).

3. Select I accept to create an Xbox profile.

   

4. Click Join to confirm.

   

5. Select PayPal or click Add a New Payment Method, then select Credit Card.

   

6. Enter your payment details and click Save. You've purchased your Xbox Game Pass subscription.

   

7. Download any Xbox Game Pass games you like, and play them for the duration of your membership.