What Game Pass is and who runs it
Game Pass is a subscription service run by Microsoft that gives you access to a library of video games on Xbox consoles, PC, and mobile devices. You pay a monthly fee and can download and play games from the library as long as your subscription is active. When you stop paying, you lose access to those games — you do not own them.
Microsoft adds new games to the library regularly and removes others, so the selection changes month to month. The service operates in more than 100 countries, though the exact games available and the price you pay depend on where you live and which version of Game Pass you choose.
Game Pass is not free, and there is no way to get it without paying. Microsoft does occasionally offer trial periods for new subscribers, but these are temporary and the terms change. After any trial ends, you will be charged the regular monthly rate unless you cancel.
Key Takeaways
- Game Pass costs different amounts depending on which tier you choose: Standard, Game Pass for PC, or Game Pass Ultimate, which also includes Xbox Live multiplayer access.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time, and you will stop being charged on your next billing date — cancelling does not refund money you have already paid.
- Games you download stay on your device, but you cannot play them once your subscription ends, even if you own the console.
- New games are added to the library regularly, but older games are removed, so the selection available to you changes throughout the year.
- Game Pass Ultimate includes access to Xbox Live Gold, which you need to play multiplayer games online with other people.
The different Game Pass tiers and their costs
Microsoft offers three main versions of Game Pass, each with a different price and set of features. The exact monthly cost varies by country and changes over time, so you should check Microsoft's official website for the current price in your region.
Game Pass Standard works on Xbox consoles only. It includes access to the game library and online multiplayer play. This is the least expensive option if you only play on Xbox.
Game Pass for PC works on Windows computers only. It gives you access to a library of games optimized for PC, which is different from the Xbox library. You do not get Xbox Live or console access with this tier.
Game Pass Ultimate is the most expensive option and includes everything: the full Xbox game library, PC games, Xbox Live Gold (which you need for online multiplayer), and access to cloud gaming, which lets you play some games on your phone or tablet without downloading them. If you want to play online multiplayer games, Ultimate is the only tier that includes this feature.
How to start and stop your subscription
To start a Game Pass subscription, you need a Microsoft account and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or other option depending on your region). You create the account on Microsoft's website or through your Xbox console, add your payment information, and choose which tier you want. Your subscription begins immediately, and you are charged on the same date each month.
To cancel, you log into your Microsoft account, go to your subscription settings, and select the option to cancel Game Pass. The cancellation takes effect on your next billing date — you will not be charged again, but you keep access to your games until that date arrives. Microsoft does not refund money you have already paid for the current month.
If you want to pause your subscription temporarily instead of cancelling, Microsoft sometimes offers this option, but it is not always available in every region. Check your account settings to see if pause is an option for you.
What happens to your games when your subscription ends
Games you have downloaded to your console or PC remain on your device after your subscription ends, but you cannot play them. When you try to open a game, your device checks whether your subscription is still active. If it is not, the game will not launch, even though the files are still taking up storage space.
If you want to play those games again, you must reactivate your subscription. You do not have to download them again — they are already on your device. However, if you delete a game to free up space, you will need to download it again if you resubscribe later.
Games you own separately (games you purchased outright rather than through Game Pass) are not affected. You can play those games whether or not you have an active Game Pass subscription.
Game Pass library changes and what games are included
The Game Pass library is not static. Microsoft adds new games regularly — sometimes games that just came out, sometimes older games. At the same time, Microsoft removes games from the library, usually because the licensing agreement with the game's publisher has ended. This means the selection available to you changes throughout the year.
Microsoft publishes a list of games coming to and leaving Game Pass each month, usually on their official blog and in the Game Pass app itself. If you are interested in a specific game, you can search for it in the app to see whether it is currently available. If it is not, you can sometimes purchase it separately at a discount if you have an active Game Pass subscription.
The exact games available also depend on which tier you have. PC games and Xbox games are different libraries, and some games appear on one but not the other. Game Pass Ultimate includes both libraries, so you have access to more games overall.
Payment methods and billing
Microsoft accepts credit cards, debit cards, and in some regions, other payment methods like PayPal or mobile carrier billing. You set up your payment method when you create your subscription, and Microsoft charges you on the same date each month. If a payment fails, Microsoft will try again a few times before suspending your subscription.
If your payment method expires or is declined, you will receive a notification. You can update your payment information in your account settings to keep your subscription active. If you do not update it and payments continue to fail, your subscription will be suspended, and you will lose access to your games until you reactivate it.
Microsoft may change the price of Game Pass at any time. If the price increases, Microsoft will notify you before the change takes effect, usually by email. You can cancel before the new price takes effect if you do not want to pay the higher amount.
Game Pass and online multiplayer
To play multiplayer games online with other people on Xbox, you need Xbox Live Gold. Game Pass Standard and Game Pass for PC do not include Xbox Live Gold, so you would need to buy it separately if you want to play online multiplayer. Game Pass Ultimate includes Xbox Live Gold, so multiplayer is covered.
Some games offer free-to-play multiplayer modes that do not require Xbox Live Gold, even if the single-player campaign does. Check the game's description in the Game Pass app to see what is included.
On PC, many games do not require any subscription for online play — it depends on the individual game. Game Pass for PC does not include Xbox Live Gold because PC games typically do not use that service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my Game Pass subscription with family members?
On Xbox, you can set up a home console and allow other people who use that console to play your games. On PC, only the account holder can play. Game Pass Ultimate includes Xbox Cloud Gaming, which lets you play on your phone or tablet, but only the account holder can use that feature. For details on sharing, check Microsoft's official account and family settings documentation.
What if I want to play a specific game that is not on Game Pass?
You can purchase the game separately through the Xbox Store or Steam (for PC). If you have an active Game Pass subscription, you may receive a discount on the purchase price. Some games are only available for purchase and never appear on Game Pass.
Do I need an internet connection to play Game Pass games?
You need an internet connection to download games and to verify your subscription when you first launch a game. After that, many games can be played offline. However, multiplayer games always require an internet connection, and cloud gaming requires a strong connection to work.
Can I get my money back if I cancel mid-month?
No. Microsoft does not refund partial months. When you cancel, your subscription remains active until your next billing date, and then it ends. You are not charged again after that date.
What is cloud gaming and how does it work?
Cloud gaming (included with Game Pass Ultimate) lets you play games on your phone, tablet, or web browser without downloading them. The game runs on Microsoft's servers, and you see the video stream on your device. You need a strong, stable internet connection for this to work well. Not all games in the library support cloud gaming.