Xbox Game Pass has four tiers in 2026 — Essential, Premium, PC Game Pass, and Ultimate. Each offers a different level of access at a different price. Here's exactly what you get with each one so you can choose the right plan for how you play. Note: As of April 2026, Microsoft reduced Game Pass prices. Ultimate dropped from $29.99 to $22.99/month and PC Game Pass dropped from $16.49 to $13.99/month. Call of Duty new releases are no longer included at launch on any tier — they will be added approximately one year after release.

Game Pass Essential (Entry Level)

Price: ~$9.99/month (unchanged as of April 2026) Game Pass Essential is the entry-level tier, previously known as Xbox Game Pass Core. It's designed for players who primarily want online multiplayer access and access to a smaller curated library of games. What's included:

• Online multiplayer — play online with friends on Xbox console
• ~25 games in a curated library including titles like Fallout 76, Doom Eternal, and Gears 5
• Member discounts — up to 50% off select games in the Microsoft Store
• Free Play Days — access to select games during limited free play periods

What's NOT included:

• No day-one first-party game releases
• No cloud gaming
• No EA Play
• No PC Game Pass
• No large game catalog (hundreds of games)

Best for: Players who mainly want online multiplayer access and aren't interested in a large game library.

Game Pass Premium (Console)

Price: ~$14.99/month Game Pass Premium is the mid-tier console plan, previously known as Game Pass Standard. It gives access to a large game library on Xbox console but without day-one releases for new titles. What's included:

• 300+ games on Xbox console including a large rotating library
• Online multiplayer
• Member discounts — up to 20% off games and add-ons
• Free Play Days
• In-game perks — exclusive content and bonuses for select games

What's NOT included:

• No day-one first-party releases — new Xbox games added 6-12 months after launch
• No cloud gaming (xCloud)
• No EA Play
• No PC Game Pass

Best for: Console-only players who want a large game library and don't mind waiting for new releases.

PC Game Pass

Price: $13.99/month (reduced from $16.49 in April 2026) PC Game Pass is designed exclusively for Windows PC players. It gives access to a large library of PC games including day-one first-party Xbox releases. What's included:

• 400+ games on Windows PC via the Xbox app
• Day-one first-party Xbox games — new Microsoft/Xbox Studio games on launch day (excludes new Call of Duty titles at launch)
• EA Play — access to 90+ EA titles including FIFA, Battlefield, and The Sims
• Member discounts

What's NOT included:

• No Xbox console access — PC only
• No cloud gaming on mobile
• No online multiplayer for Xbox console

Best for: PC-only gamers who want the largest library of PC games including new Microsoft releases on day one.

Game Pass Ultimate (Best Value)

Price: $22.99/month (reduced from $29.99 in April 2026) Game Pass Ultimate is the top tier and the best value if you play on both console and PC. It combines everything from all the other tiers into one subscription. What's included:

• 500+ games on Xbox console AND Windows PC
• Day-one first-party Xbox games on launch day (excludes new Call of Duty titles at launch — added approximately one year later)
• Cloud gaming (xCloud) — stream Xbox games on your phone, tablet, or browser — no console needed
• EA Play — 90+ EA titles included
• Ubisoft+ Classics — access to a library of Ubisoft games
• Fortnite Crew — monthly V-Bucks and battle pass access
• Online multiplayer on console
• Member discounts — up to 20% off games and add-ons
• In-game perks
• Xbox Game Pass Mobile — cloud gaming on iOS and Android

What's NOT included:

• New Call of Duty games at launch — added approximately one year after release

Best for: Anyone who plays on both Xbox and PC, wants cloud gaming, and wants the best overall value with the most games and perks.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Essential	Premium	PC Game Pass	Ultimate
Price/month	~$9.99	~$14.99	$13.99	$22.99
Xbox console games	~25	300+	❌	500+
PC games	❌	❌	400+	500+
Day-one releases	❌	❌	✅	✅
Cloud gaming	❌	❌	❌	✅
EA Play	❌	❌	✅	✅
Online multiplayer	✅	✅	❌	✅
Ubisoft+ Classics	❌	❌	❌	✅

Which Tier Should You Get?

• Just want online multiplayer on a budget? → Game Pass Essential
• Console-only player who wants a big game library? → Game Pass Premium
• PC-only gamer? → PC Game Pass
• Play on both Xbox and PC, or want cloud gaming? → Game Pass Ultimate
• Not sure? → Game Pass Ultimate is the best overall value if you play regularly

For help redeeming a Game Pass code check our guide: How to Redeem an Xbox Game Key.