Can You Gift Game Pass to a Friend? Everything You Need to Know
The short answer is: Yes, you can gift Xbox Game Pass to a friend, but it’s not as straightforward as gifting a specific game. While you can’t directly send a Game Pass subscription as a digital gift like you might with a single game title, there are several effective methods to share the joy of Game Pass with your friends. This article will explore the various options available to you and address all your related questions.
How to Gift Game Pass: The Available Methods
While direct gifting of a subscription isn’t an option, here are the workarounds and official methods to get your friend started with Xbox Game Pass:
1. Using the “Friend Referral” Program
Microsoft has offered “Friend Referral” invitations, though their availability can sometimes vary. You could find these invitations on the Game Pass Home screen in the Xbox App on Windows. The button or link often reads “Give PC Game Pass” or something similar. You can share this link via email or directly through Xbox.com or the Xbox app to give a friend a trial of PC Game Pass.
2. Sharing via Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family (Where Available)
In select regions, there was an option to share Game Pass under a “Game Pass Friends & Family” subscription. If this option is available in your area, you would be able to share your subscription with up to 4 others. You could then send an invite via email. This feature has been discontinued in many areas but may return in the future.
3. Purchasing an Xbox Gift Card
This is perhaps the most reliable and universal method. You can purchase an Xbox gift card online or from a retailer, and then give the gift card to your friend. They can then use the gift card to purchase their own Xbox Live Gold subscription (now Game Pass Core) or an Xbox Game Pass subscription. After purchasing, you need to manually pass the code to the recipient.
4. Sharing through Home Xbox Settings (Console Only)
If you have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, you can share its benefits with other profiles on your designated home Xbox console. This is done by simply making that console your “home Xbox“. Any profile that signs in to that console will automatically get to use your subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I directly gift an Xbox Game Pass subscription through the Xbox store?
No, there is no direct option to purchase an Xbox Game Pass subscription and send it as a digital gift to another account. You must rely on the methods listed above (gift cards, referral links, or sharing on a home console).
2. Can I share Game Pass Ultimate benefits with friends on PC?
Technically, there is no direct game sharing or subscription sharing on PC in the same way as on Xbox consoles. The home Xbox feature only works on consoles. For PC, it is not officially supported, but using the Xbox app on your friend’s PC and ensuring the correct account is signed in may work. However, it is not a guaranteed method.
3. How does the “Home Xbox” feature work for sharing Game Pass?
When you designate an Xbox console as your “home Xbox”, all the profiles on that console get to use your Xbox Live Gold subscription (now Game Pass Core), games, downloadable content from the Microsoft Store, and downloaded games from an Xbox Game Pass subscription.
4. What is the difference between Game Pass Core, Game Pass Console, and Game Pass Ultimate?
- Game Pass Core provides access to online multiplayer on consoles and a selection of games. It’s essentially the replacement for Xbox Live Gold.
- Game Pass Console provides access to a catalog of Xbox games to play on consoles, but it does not include online multiplayer.
- Game Pass Ultimate combines both the console and PC Game Pass catalogs, and also includes online multiplayer and cloud gaming.
5. Can I use Xbox Game Pass on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, you can sign in to multiple devices at once, such as an Xbox One console, Xbox Series X|S console, mobile device, Windows device, or via cloud gaming. However, you are limited to one console being actively used at a time for your own account.
6. If I buy a game on Game Pass, will it still be playable after it leaves the service?
If you have installed a game via Game Pass, it will become unplayable once it has left the catalog, unless you buy it. Game Pass subscribers often get discounts on titles they buy. Purchased games are yours to keep regardless of their availability in Game Pass.
7. Is it possible to get Xbox Game Pass for free?
Yes, through the Microsoft Rewards program. By using Microsoft products like Bing and Xbox, you can earn points that can be redeemed for free months of Xbox Game Pass.
8. How many people can share Xbox Game Pass Ultimate via the “Friends & Family” option?
When available, the Friends & Family plan allows sharing with up to 4 family members or friends—one “primary account holder” and four “group members.” However, this plan has limited availability and might not be offered in all regions.
9. What happens if I buy a game I already have from Game Pass?
If you already have a game installed from Game Pass and you buy it separately, you will continue to play it. Essentially, buying the game permanently adds it to your library.
10. Are the games on Xbox Game Pass permanent?
No, games are added and removed from the Game Pass library over time, similar to how streaming services like Netflix add and remove content. Games are usually removed because their publisher’s contract with Microsoft has expired.
11. Is Xbox Live Gold the same as Game Pass?
No. Xbox Live Gold has been replaced by Game Pass Core. Game Pass Core is the most basic form of Game Pass and includes online multiplayer on consoles and a selection of games. However, Xbox Live Gold no longer exists as a stand-alone product.
12. Can I share my Game Pass subscription with someone using game sharing?
Yes, the home Xbox feature is the method for sharing. But keep in mind that you must set the home console to be the console of the person you want to share with.
13. Why can’t I gift a digital game directly on Xbox?
There are limitations on the number of digital gifts you can send to protect the gaming community. You may need to wait a while before trying again if you’ve reached a certain limit.
14. What’s the cheapest Xbox Game Pass option?
At $10 per month (or $60 a year), Game Pass Core is the most affordable membership available. It is mainly for console gamers and includes access to online multiplayer and a selection of games.
15. Is CDKeys a legit place to buy Xbox Live/Game Pass codes?
CDKeys is generally considered a legit website because they handle everything in their own team. You can find good deals, and they accept crypto payments too, increasing flexibility. However, always do your own research and be cautious when purchasing codes from third-party sites.
Conclusion
While you cannot gift a subscription directly, several effective methods exist to share the benefits of Game Pass with friends, most notably via Xbox gift cards, home console sharing, or potentially with a friend referral link when available. Understanding the differences between the Game Pass tiers and how the “home Xbox” function works will ensure you and your friends get the most out of the Xbox ecosystem.