Does Xbox Game Pass Include Live? Understanding Xbox’s Subscription Landscape
The short, definitive answer is: It depends on the specific Xbox Game Pass subscription tier you have. Not all Xbox Game Pass subscriptions include online multiplayer access, which is what “Live” traditionally refers to. Let’s break down how the different Xbox subscription services work together and which ones give you access to online play.
Xbox Game Pass Core: The Foundation for Online Multiplayer
The evolution of Xbox Live Gold has resulted in Xbox Game Pass Core. This subscription is the entry-level option that specifically includes access to the Xbox online multiplayer network. Think of it as the modern equivalent to Xbox Live Gold. Game Pass Core provides:
- Online console multiplayer capabilities, allowing you to play with friends and other gamers around the world on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles.
- A select collection of over 25 games to play, offering a rotating catalog of titles.
- Exclusive member deals and discounts on games and add-ons.
This is important to understand: Game Pass Core is primarily about online multiplayer access and a small game library. It is not the all-encompassing option that provides a full buffet of games.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: The Complete Package
If you’re looking for the most comprehensive Xbox experience, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the way to go. This premium tier bundles all the benefits of Game Pass Core, along with many extra features:
- Everything in Game Pass Core: This includes online multiplayer access, the rotating game library, and exclusive member deals.
- Access to hundreds of high-quality games on console, PC, and even through the cloud (via mobile devices and other compatible platforms).
- EA Play Membership is included, providing access to many EA games on the service.
- Riot Games benefits are unlocked.
- New games are added regularly, expanding the library and keeping the experience fresh.
- Xbox Game Studios titles the same day as release, meaning you get access to first-party Xbox titles on launch day.
Essentially, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate provides both online multiplayer access and the broader library of games. It’s the complete package.
Free-to-Play Games and Online Multiplayer
A crucial point to remember is that free-to-play online multiplayer games no longer require an Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription. This means you can jump into titles like Fortnite, Warzone, and many others without paying for a subscription service. However, this exception only applies to free-to-play games; most other online multiplayer games will still require Game Pass Core or Ultimate.
Understanding the Transition from Xbox Live Gold
It’s important to note that Xbox Live Gold has officially been replaced by Xbox Game Pass Core. This change occurred in September 2023. If you had an active Xbox Live Gold subscription, it was automatically converted to Xbox Game Pass Core, maintaining the same price point and online multiplayer access.
Key Takeaway
To succinctly answer the question: No, not every Xbox Game Pass subscription includes online multiplayer. Game Pass Core is the base subscription that provides access to online multiplayer, while Game Pass Ultimate includes online multiplayer plus a large library of games. If your primary goal is to play multiplayer online with your friends or in other online experiences, you’ll need either Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
Xbox Game Pass Core provides online console multiplayer, a select collection of games, and member deals. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes all of the above, plus access to hundreds of high-quality games on console, PC, and cloud, as well as EA Play and other perks.
2. Can I play online without Xbox Game Pass?
For most online multiplayer games, yes, you need either Xbox Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate. However, free-to-play online multiplayer games no longer require a subscription.
3. Is Xbox Live Gold still available?
No, Xbox Live Gold has been discontinued and replaced by Xbox Game Pass Core. Existing Xbox Live Gold subscriptions were converted to Game Pass Core.
4. Does Xbox Game Pass include free games each month?
Game Pass Core does NOT provide free games each month. This perk was discontinued with the transition from Xbox Live Gold. Game Pass Ultimate includes a regularly rotating library of hundreds of games you can access, but they are not “free” to keep unless you purchase them.
5. Do I keep games from Xbox Game Pass if my subscription ends?
No, games installed using Xbox Game Pass are not permanently yours. They are only playable while your subscription is active. You can, however, buy games from the Xbox Game Pass library at a discounted price, and those you keep even if you end the subscription.
6. Is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate worth it?
If you play a lot of games on both console and PC, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is generally worth it. It provides significant value by combining online multiplayer access, a large library of games, EA Play, and cloud gaming.
7. Does Xbox Game Pass Ultimate include cloud gaming?
Yes, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes cloud gaming. This allows you to stream games to your PC, mobile devices, and other compatible platforms.
8. Can I get Xbox Game Pass for free?
Microsoft occasionally offers free trials for new accounts and through promotions. You can also earn free Game Pass subscriptions through the Microsoft Rewards program.
9. How much does Xbox Game Pass Core cost?
Xbox Game Pass Core costs $9.99 USD per month or $59.99 USD per year.
10. How much does Xbox Game Pass Ultimate cost?
The price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate varies slightly by region and can be subject to change. Check the Xbox website or your Microsoft Account for the most up-to-date pricing.
11. Does Xbox Game Pass include EA Play?
Yes, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes an EA Play membership. Some tiers of Game Pass do not include EA Play, check your subscription level for EA Play access.
12. Can I share my Xbox Game Pass subscription with my family?
Xbox Game Pass Core benefits cannot be shared. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can be shared with other accounts on your home Xbox.
13. Do I need Xbox Game Pass to play games I own online?
If the game you own requires online multiplayer and it is not a free-to-play game, you will still need either Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to play that game online.
14. Does Xbox Game Pass include Call of Duty?
No, not at the moment. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard means Call of Duty games are expected to come to Game Pass at some point, but not in the near term of 2023.
15. How do I cancel my Xbox Game Pass subscription?
You can manage and cancel your Xbox Game Pass subscription through your Microsoft account on the Xbox website or on your console.