Can I still play games with gold after Xbox Live expires?

You can still play Xbox 360 titles redeemed through Games with Gold after your Xbox Live Gold subscription expires, but Xbox One games redeemed through the same program will only be accessible if you renew your subscription or maintain an active Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. The Games with Gold program is being phased out and replaced by Game Pass Core, which offers a new library of games and online multiplayer access for a $10 monthly or $60 yearly subscription fee.

Understanding the Changes to Xbox Live and Games with Gold

The shift away from Xbox Live Gold to Game Pass Core marks a significant change in how Microsoft approaches its subscription services, focusing more on a library of titles and less on the Games with Gold perk. This evolution is part of Microsoft’s strategy to adapt to the changing gaming landscape and offer more value to its subscribers.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. What happens to my Games with Gold titles if I cancel my subscription? You will no longer be able to access your Games with Gold titles on Xbox One if you cancel your subscription, but you can access them again if you renew. Xbox 360 titles remain yours regardless of your subscription status.
2. Can I play games after my Xbox Game Pass expires? No, you cannot play games downloaded from Xbox Game Pass after your subscription expires, but you can buy the game or renew your subscription to continue playing.
3. What games can I play without Gold? Several free-to-play games like Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone Pacific, Destiny 2, Fortnite, Halo Infinite Multiplayer, PUBG: Battlegrounds, and Roblox can be played without an Xbox Live Gold subscription.

Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass

4. Why is Xbox getting rid of Gold? Microsoft is replacing Xbox Live Gold with Game Pass Core to offer a more compelling catalog of games and to evolve its subscription service.
5. What is replacing Games with Gold? Game Pass Core is replacing Games with Gold, offering online play and a collection of over 25 games for $9.99 a month or $59.99 a year.
6. How to get Xbox Gold for free? You can earn Microsoft Points through Microsoft Rewards and redeem them for Xbox Live Gold subscriptions, or take advantage of free trials and promotions.

Game Pass and Subscription Details

7. Does 12 months of Xbox Live Gold convert to Game Pass Ultimate? Yes, Xbox Live Gold codes can be converted to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at a specific ratio, which may be subject to change.
8. Is Game Pass a yearly subscription? Xbox Game Pass Core can be subscribed to on a monthly or yearly basis, with the yearly subscription costing $60.
9. Can I play Xbox online for free? Yes, all Xbox players can access online multiplayer for free-to-play games without a subscription.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Live Gold

10. What’s the difference between Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass? Xbox Live Gold focused on online multiplayer and Games with Gold, while Game Pass Core offers a larger library of games and removes the Games with Gold perk.
11. How much does Xbox Live cost for a year? Xbox Live Gold, now replaced by Game Pass Core, cost $60 a year, which remains the same for Game Pass Core.
12. Why can’t I get Game Pass for $1? The $1 trial for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate may be unavailable due to promotions and game releases, requiring a full-month payment to trigger the conversion.

Trials and Promotions

13. Is Game Pass $1 a month? Initially, Xbox Game Pass offers a 14-day trial for $1, then charges $16.99/month.
14. Can you only get Game Pass for $1 once? Yes, the $1 trial is for new customers, who then pay the full monthly price after the trial period.
15. What happened to Games with Gold? Games with Gold is being phased out and replaced by Game Pass Core, which provides online multiplayer and access to a library of games without offering free monthly games.