Do You Keep DLC From Xbox Game Pass? Unraveling the Downloadable Content Dilemma
The short answer is yes, you keep the rights to the DLC you purchase even if the game leaves Xbox Game Pass. However, to actually play that DLC, you’ll need to own the base game itself, either through a separate purchase or by resubscribing to Game Pass if the game returns to the service. Think of it like owning the keys to a car but needing to rent or buy the car to actually use them. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of DLC ownership, Game Pass, and what happens to your precious gaming add-ons.
Understanding DLC and Xbox Game Pass
What is DLC?
DLC, or Downloadable Content, refers to additional content created for an already released video game. This can range from small cosmetic items and new weapons to entire story expansions that add hours of gameplay. DLC is designed to enhance the player’s experience and extend the lifespan of a game.
How Xbox Game Pass Works
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service offered by Microsoft that provides access to a rotating library of games. For a monthly fee, subscribers can download and play any game available in the Game Pass catalog. There are several tiers, including Game Pass Core, Game Pass Console, Game Pass PC, and the most comprehensive, Game Pass Ultimate.
The Interplay of DLC and Game Pass
When a game is available on Game Pass, you can purchase DLC for it. This is where the question of ownership arises. The DLC is linked to your Microsoft account, but your access to the game itself is tied to your Game Pass subscription. When the game leaves the Game Pass catalog, or your subscription lapses, you lose access to the base game, even if it remains downloaded on your hard drive. This creates a unique situation where you might own the DLC but not the means to use it. This highlights the importance of understanding the terms and conditions of these services.
What Happens When a Game Leaves Game Pass?
Impact on Downloaded Games
Even if a game is downloaded onto your console or PC, it becomes unplayable once it departs the Game Pass service or your subscription ends. The game files remain on your storage device, but you need a valid license to access them. This license is granted through your Game Pass subscription or by purchasing the game outright.
The Fate of Your Saves
Fortunately, your game saves are typically stored in the cloud and are linked to your account. This means that if you repurchase the game, resubscribe to Game Pass, or the game returns to the service, your progress will be waiting for you. This seamless transition makes it easier to pick up where you left off without losing hours of gameplay.
Playing DLC After the Game Leaves Game Pass
As mentioned, you retain ownership of the DLC you bought. However, to actually play the DLC, you need to own the base game. You have a couple of options:
- Purchase the Game: You can buy the game digitally from the Microsoft Store or purchase a physical copy.
- Resubscribe to Game Pass: If the game returns to the Game Pass catalog at a later date, your DLC will again be usable with your subscription.
- Wait for a Sale: Keep an eye on sales and promotions where you can purchase the base game at a discounted price.
Game Pass Ultimate Perks
Game Pass Ultimate includes all the benefits of Game Pass Core, Console, and PC, as well as online console multiplayer, cloud gaming, EA Play membership, and other perks. This makes it an attractive option for gamers who want access to a wide range of games across multiple platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will game add-ons I’ve installed get deleted when they leave Game Pass?
No. Games and DLC will not be deleted from your hard drive until you want them gone, even if they’ve been removed from the Xbox Game Pass catalog. However, you won’t be able to access them without a valid license (either through Game Pass or outright ownership).
2. Can you still play DLC after Xbox Game Pass expires?
If you buy DLC for a game and that game leaves the Xbox Game Pass catalog, your rights to the DLC will not be affected. To keep playing the DLC, you need to buy the game itself from the Microsoft Store or on disc, or resubscribe if the game comes back to Game Pass.
3. Do you permanently keep games from Xbox Game Pass?
No. The games are only playable as long as you have the subscription. Once the subscription ends, then so does the access to the games. If you want to own them, you have to purchase them.
4. Do you keep downloaded games if you cancel Xbox Game Pass?
If you have just downloaded the game through Game Pass then no, you will not be able to play it once your subscription expires. The license for the game is associated with your subscription. Your saves however will still be usable if you resubscribe or purchase the game at a later date.
5. What do I lose if I cancel Xbox Game Pass?
When you turn off the automatic renewal, your access to the Xbox Game Pass and all of its features will continue until the end of your current billing period. However, you will lose access to the games once your subscription ends, but your progress is still stored on your cloud storage.
6. Do you lose downloaded games after Game Pass expires? If I download a game, will it be deleted if it leaves Xbox Game Pass or my subscription expires/is cancelled?
Games will not be deleted from your hard drive until you delete them, even if they have been removed from the Xbox Game Pass catalogue. You simply won’t be able to launch them without a valid license.
7. What’s the difference between Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
Game Pass Console includes access to more than 100 Xbox games to play but does not include online multiplayer on the console. PC Game Pass gives access to a catalog of Windows PC titles, and Ultimate covers both platforms and console multiplayer, and other perks like EA Play.
8. How do you play Game Pass games after it expires? Can I still play games after they leave Game Pass?
Games you install using Xbox Game Pass remain playable once they’ve left the Game Pass catalog only when you buy them—and you get a hefty discount when you buy games as an Xbox Game Pass subscriber. When you buy games at a discount, those games are yours to keep.
9. What does Xbox Game Pass Ultimate include?
Game Pass Ultimate provides access to hundreds of high-quality games on console, PC, and cloud, includes online console multiplayer, adds new games all the time, offers Xbox Game Studios titles the same day as release, includes EA Play membership, unlocks Riot Games benefits, and provides member discounts and deals.
10. How long do games stay on Game Pass?
Usually non first party games will be on GamePass for 1 year, but it can vary depending on what the publisher wants. Sometimes they put the first iteration of a game on GamePass until just before the sequel launches to drive sales.
11. Will Xbox Live Gold be discontinued?
Starting September 14, 2023, Xbox Live Gold transitioned to Xbox Game Pass Core. Players will still have access to online console multiplayer, plus they got access to a new collection of over 25 great games to play on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles.
12. Can I share my Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with family?
Yes, standard Xbox home sharing policies apply to Xbox Game Pass. If you have an Ultimate subscription and have designated your home Xbox, you’ll automatically share your subscription with any profile signed in on that console.
13. Is Xbox Game Pass worth it?
If you’re someone that enjoys both PC and Console Gaming, Game Pass Ultimate is worth upgrading to. Some games are better on certain formats, and the cloud gaming and Gold features built-in means you’re still getting a good deal. It provides great value for gamers who enjoy exploring a variety of titles.
14. What games are permanently on Game Pass?
Many games from Microsoft Studios and Microsoft-owned studios like Bethesda Games are available forever on Game Pass. Halo Infinite, Sea of Thieves, and Forza Horizon have been on Game Pass since day one, offering a reliable selection for subscribers.
15. Is Call of Duty on Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass Won’t Feature ‘Call Of Duty,’ ‘Warcraft’ And Other Activision Blizzard Games Until 2024, due to regulatory review.
Maximizing Your Game Pass Experience
Strategic DLC Purchases
Consider purchasing DLC for games you are confident you’ll enjoy long-term or for those with a high likelihood of remaining in the Game Pass catalog for an extended period, this can allow you to make the most out of the content for the games you love the most. Prioritize the purchase of the base game for titles you want to own indefinitely, especially if they have extensive DLC offerings.
Taking Advantage of Game Pass Discounts
Xbox Game Pass subscribers often receive discounts on games within the Game Pass catalog. If you’re enjoying a game and want to ensure you can continue playing it even after it leaves Game Pass, take advantage of these discounts to purchase the game at a reduced price.
Staying Informed
Keep an eye on announcements regarding games leaving and joining the Game Pass catalog. This will allow you to plan your gaming sessions and DLC purchases accordingly. Microsoft typically provides advance notice of games that will be removed from the service.
Understanding the interplay between DLC ownership and Game Pass requires navigating the subscription landscape carefully. While you retain the rights to your DLC, accessing it hinges on owning the base game. By employing strategic planning, maximizing Game Pass discounts, and staying informed, you can make the most of your gaming experience and ensure you never lose access to the content you love.
Understanding how gaming impacts learning is important, to learn more about that, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.