Xbox unveiled new tiers to its popular Game Pass service, though be warned, the Ultimate plan is getting a major price hike.

Starting October 1, Xbox is rolling out a refreshed lineup of Xbox Game Pass plans—designed to deliver more flexibility, value, and choice for gamers worldwide. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore fan, there’s a plan tailored to your style.

Introducing Game Pass Essential, Premium, and Ultimate Plans

Since its debut in 2017, Xbox Game Pass has evolved based on community feedback. The new structure reflects that commitment, offering three tiers:

Essential – $9.99/month
Premium – $14.99/month
Ultimate – $29.99/month

What’s New Across All Plans?

Relayed by our very own Don Otaku, here is the breakdown of the new tiers:

Essential ($9.99/month, previously Core):

This entry-level tier now includes a curated catalog of over 50 games playable on both console and PC, expanding from console-only access. Highlights include titles like Hades, Cities: Skylines – Remastered, Stardew Valley, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. It also offers unlimited cloud gaming, online multiplayer, and in-game benefits for select titles such as League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Overwatch 2. Rewards earning is capped at up to $25 per year (25k points globally), with points on game and add-on purchases.

Premium ($14.99/month, previously Standard):

Subscribers get access to more than 200 games across Xbox console, PC, and supported devices, with over 40 new additions like Diablo IV, Hogwarts Legacy, Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, and Grand Theft Auto V. It includes new Xbox-published games within a year of launch (excluding Call of Duty titles), unlimited cloud gaming for select owned games, and in-game perks for games like League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege. Rewards potential increases to up to $50 per year (50k points globally), with 2x points on purchases and 5% back on select Xbox Game Pass titles and add-ons.

PC ($16.49/month, previously $11.99/month):

The PC tier provides almost all the features of Ultimate tailored specifically for PC only players. Ubisoft+ Classics will be added and it will continue to receive Day 1 Xbox Game Pass releases. Fortnite Crew will be exclusive to ultimate, however other in-game benefits will apply.

All tiers now feature expanded game libraries, PC playability where previously limited, cloud gaming enhancements, and upgraded in-game benefits and rewards programs.

Game Pass Ultimate: The Powerhouse and Costly Tier

Ultimate subscribers get the biggest upgrade yet:

• 500+ games in the U.S. (400+ globally), including Blue Prince, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Hollow Knight: Silksong
• 75+ day-one releases annually, featuring Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, High on Life 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2
• Premium cloud streaming up to 1440p with minimal wait times
• EA Play, Fortnite Crew (coming Nov. 18), and Ubisoft+ Classics included
• Earn up to $100/year in Store credit just by playing

Why It Matters

It’s clear that Xbox is trying to strategically reposition its Game Pass offerings for specific users. The fact that all the plans include PC Game Pass is a welcome addition. However, the 50% increase on Ultimate is egregious. Though Xbox is trying to soften the hit to the wallet with extra goodies like Fortnite Crew, which is a huge get, expanded store credit, and Ubisoft+ Classics.

The fact that this is the second major price high in a couple of years reveals that gaming is increasingly becoming a more expensive hobby. Especially if you want all the bells and whistles on Game Pass. No doubt Game Pass initially disrupted the industry, and though it took a while, the Game Pass rollout is in full force; it does show that Xbox has a tremendous amount of content in the pipeline. The 75+ day-one releases are evidence of that, but I still can’t help but feel gamers are getting squeezed.