Do I Need Xbox Gold and Ultimate? A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the world of Xbox subscriptions can feel like a complex puzzle, especially with the evolution of Xbox Live Gold into Xbox Game Pass Core. The burning question for many gamers is: “Do I need Xbox Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?” The answer, while straightforward, comes with important nuances. Let’s break it down.
The short answer is no, you don’t strictly need the former Xbox Live Gold (which is now Xbox Game Pass Core) if you are planning on purchasing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, since Ultimate includes Core features. However, you absolutely need either Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for online multiplayer in most paid Xbox games. If you’re playing free-to-play games, neither is required. In summary:
- For Multiplayer in Paid Games: You need either Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
- For Free-to-Play Multiplayer Games: You don’t need either Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
- For Access to a Wide Game Library: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is your best bet, incorporating Core and a vast library.
- For Basic Multiplayer and a Small Library: Xbox Game Pass Core provides the essentials.
- For Cloud Gaming and PC Gaming: Only Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is your option.
Ultimately, your “need” for a subscription depends on your gaming habits and budget. Let’s delve into the details to help you decide what’s best for you.
Understanding the Xbox Subscription Landscape
To clarify, Xbox Live Gold has been discontinued and replaced by Xbox Game Pass Core as of September 14, 2023. The confusion arises because many features remain similar, but there are critical differences.
Xbox Game Pass Core: The New Foundation
Xbox Game Pass Core is the new entry-level subscription that replaces the function of Xbox Live Gold. This tier provides the following:
- Access to online multiplayer for paid games on Xbox consoles.
- Access to a curated library of approximately 25 games that rotate over time.
- Discounts on games in the Microsoft Store.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: The All-in-One Solution
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the top-tier subscription that bundles all of Microsoft’s gaming services into one package. It includes:
- All benefits of Xbox Game Pass Core, including online multiplayer access.
- Access to the full Xbox Game Pass library of hundreds of games on both Xbox consoles and PC.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing you to stream games to various devices.
- EA Play membership, providing access to a library of EA titles.
- Exclusive perks, in-game content, and monthly rewards.
Making the Right Choice
The decision between Game Pass Core and Ultimate hinges on what you value most:
- Budget Gamers: If you are on a budget and primarily want to play online multiplayer with paid games and a limited amount of curated free games, Game Pass Core will suffice.
- Value Seekers: If you desire a large library, cloud gaming, PC gaming, and extra perks, Game Pass Ultimate is the clear winner, despite the higher cost.
- Multiplatform Gamers: If you game on both Xbox consoles and PC, Game Pass Ultimate is absolutely the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 common questions that can further illuminate the differences between the Xbox subscription services:
1. Do I need Xbox Gold or Ultimate to play online?
Yes, for most paid multiplayer games you will need either Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Xbox Live Gold has been sunsetted and is no longer available. Free-to-play multiplayer games do not require any subscription.
2. What happened to my Xbox Live Gold if I got Game Pass Ultimate?
If you had an active Xbox Live Gold membership before it was discontinued, it would have been converted to Xbox Game Pass Core and any active time would be converted to Game Pass Ultimate at a 3:2 ratio if you upgraded to Ultimate.
3. Do I need Xbox Gold (now Core) for Ultimate Team in FIFA games?
For the Xbox versions of FIFA Ultimate Team, yes, you need either Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for online multiplayer. The PC version of FIFA does not require an Xbox subscription.
4. Is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate worth it?
Absolutely, especially for gamers who play on both PC and Xbox. The value it offers through game libraries, cloud gaming, and other perks justifies the cost for many users.
5. What’s the difference between Xbox Game Pass and Ultimate?
Xbox Game Pass is the library on either console or PC and offers the full game library for those specific platforms. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes both console and PC game libraries, Xbox Cloud Gaming, EA Play, and Xbox Game Pass Core benefits.
6. Is Gamepass Ultimate still $1?
While promotional offers change, usually the initial subscription for Game Pass Ultimate is at a discount. Currently, new subscribers get a discounted price for their first 14 days, and then it converts to the regular monthly price.
7. Are Games with Gold included with Ultimate?
The monthly free games that were part of Games with Gold have been discontinued. However, you can still access the games you’ve previously claimed as long as you have an active Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
8. Do you not need Xbox Gold (now Core) for free games?
Correct. Microsoft removed the requirement for a Xbox Game Pass Core subscription to play free-to-play multiplayer games.
9. Do I need Xbox Gold (now Core) to play FIFA 23?
Yes, for online play, FIFA 23 (or other paid FIFA titles) requires either Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
10. Will Xbox Live Gold be discontinued?
Yes, Xbox Live Gold was discontinued and has been replaced by Xbox Game Pass Core.
11. Can I upgrade Xbox Game Pass Core to Ultimate?
Yes. Anytime you add Ultimate to a standard Core subscription it will upgrade to Ultimate.
12. How to get Xbox Game Pass Core for free?
You can participate in Microsoft Rewards to earn points that you can redeem for Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. There are other promotions occasionally as well.
13. What is better Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate?
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is superior in terms of content, features, and platforms. However, Xbox Game Pass Core is better for basic multiplayer and budget-conscious gamers.
14. What games can I play without Gold (now Core)?
Many popular free-to-play games such as Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, Halo Infinite Multiplayer, and Destiny 2 do not require any subscription for online play.
15. Is Game Pass cheaper than Gold (now Core)?
The price for Game Pass Core is the same as Xbox Live Gold was – $10 a month or $60 a year. Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate is more expensive but offers significantly more content.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether you need Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate depends on your gaming needs. If you’re primarily interested in online multiplayer for paid games and want access to a small curated library, Game Pass Core is sufficient. However, if you want access to a massive library of games, cloud gaming, PC gaming, and other exclusive perks, then Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the best option. Weigh your budget and gaming habits to choose the subscription that works for you. Happy gaming!