Do you still need Xbox Live on PC?

To answer the question directly, Xbox Live is not required to play online multiplayer games on PC, and there’s no additional charge for playing online multiplayer games on PC, but Xbox Game Pass Core is needed for online console multiplayer and access to a collection of games. The Xbox Live Gold subscription has transitioned to Xbox Game Pass Core, offering access to online console multiplayer and a collection of over 25 great games to play on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Do I need Xbox Game Pass Core to play online multiplayer games on PC? No, there’s no additional charge to play online multiplayer games on PC. You will, however, need a wired or wireless internet connection to play online.
2. Do you need Xbox Live anymore? Starting September 14, 2023, Xbox Live Gold transitioned to Xbox Game Pass Core, which includes online console multiplayer and access to a new collection of games.
3. Is Xbox free on PC? There is no additional cost for playing online multiplayer games on PC, but Xbox Game Pass is available for a subscription fee.

Xbox Live and Game Pass

4. Do PC players have to pay for Xbox Live? No, Xbox Live is not required for PC players to play online multiplayer games.
5. Do I need Xbox Game Pass Core to play online multiplayer games on PC? No, Xbox Game Pass Core is not required for PC players to play online multiplayer games.
6. How much is Xbox Game Pass? Xbox Game Pass costs $9.99/mo, with the first 14 days available for $1, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $16.99/mo.

Games and Compatibility

7. What games no longer require Xbox Live? Several games, including 3on3 FreeStyle, Aegis Wing, Apex Legends, and Armored Warfare, no longer require Xbox Live to play online.
8. Can I play Xbox online for free? Yes, Xbox offers a selection of free-to-play games that can be played online without a subscription.
9. Are games with gold free forever? Yes, once you claim a Games with Gold title, it’s yours to keep, even if you cancel your Xbox Live Gold subscription.

Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass Core

10. How much is Xbox Live a year? Xbox Live Gold has transitioned to Xbox Game Pass Core, which costs $10/mo or $60/year.
11. Do you need Xbox Live for party chat? No, Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is not required to join or create a party on Xbox, Laptop, or mobile device.
12. Do you need Xbox Live for Minecraft? No, Xbox Live is not required to play Minecraft on PC, but it’s required for online multiplayer and certain features on Xbox.

PC and Xbox Compatibility

13. Can PC players join Xbox realms? Yes, PC players can join Xbox realms, and most versions of Minecraft allow players to play together regardless of device.
14. Do I need Xbox Live to play Sea of Thieves on PC? No, Xbox Live is not required to play Sea of Thieves on PC, but it’s required for online multiplayer on Xbox.
15. Can I play all my Xbox games on PC? If the Xbox game is included in Xbox Game Pass for PC and you have Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you can play the game on PC for free, but some games may require purchase or subscription.