What does Xbox Game Pass Core do?

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Xbox Game Pass Core is a subscription service that gives players access to online console multiplayer, a select collection of games to play with friends around the world on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, plus special member deals. It is essentially the replacement for Xbox Live Gold, offering a similar set of benefits, including online multiplayer and a catalog of over 25 high-quality games, all for a monthly fee of $9.99.

Understanding Xbox Game Pass Core and Its Benefits

Xbox Game Pass Core is designed to provide an affordable entry point for gamers who want to enjoy online multiplayer and a curated selection of games without the full commitment of the more comprehensive Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This service is ideal for those who primarily focus on playing with friends online and are interested in exploring a variety of games without the need for the additional features included in the Ultimate package, such as EA Play, cloud gaming, and the PC library.

Key Features of Xbox Game Pass Core

• Online Console Multiplayer: Access to play games online with friends.
• Select Collection of Games: A catalog of over 25 games, including titles from Microsoft’s own franchises and top indie games.
• Special Member Deals: Exclusive discounts on games and in-game content.
• Affordable Pricing: Available for $9.99 per month, with the option to pay yearly for $60.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Xbox Game Pass Core

1. Is Game Pass Core the same as Game Pass?

• No, Game Pass Core is not the same as the regular Xbox Game Pass. While both offer access to a collection of games, Game Pass Core includes online multiplayer, which the standard Game Pass does not. For the full benefits of both Game Pass and online multiplayer, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is required.

1. Can you play online without Game Pass Core?

• Yes, depending on the game. Free-to-play online multiplayer games no longer require a subscription to Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Live Gold. However, for other games that support online multiplayer, you would need either Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or a separate subscription to Xbox Game Pass Core.

1. Can I convert Game Pass Core to Ultimate?

• Yes, if you have Game Pass Core active and you redeem Game Pass Ultimate, a conversion is made from your Core to Ultimate at a conversion rate of 3:2.

1. Is Game Pass Core better than Game Pass Ultimate?

• No, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is considered the better value, especially for console gamers who play games online regularly, as it includes the PC library, EA Play, and cloud gaming in addition to online multiplayer and a larger game catalog.

1. What games will be in Xbox Game Pass Core?

• The service includes a selection of games from Microsoft’s own franchises like Gears 5, Halo 5, and top indie games such as Among Us, Stardew Valley, and Vampire Survivors.

1. How to get Xbox Game Pass for free?

• Utilizing Microsoft Rewards, a loyalty program that rewards users for using Microsoft products, can help accumulate points to get a free month of Xbox Game Pass.

1. Do you get to keep games from Game Pass Ultimate?

• No, games are only playable as long as the subscription is active. Once the subscription ends, access to the games also ends, unless the games are purchased separately.

1. How much is Game Pass Ultimate per month?

• $16.99/month after a 14-day trial for $1.

1. How much does Game Pass Core cost?

• $9.99/month, with the option to pay $60 for a yearly subscription.

1. Is Xbox Gold still a thing?

   • No, Xbox Live Gold has been replaced by Xbox Game Pass Core, offering similar benefits including online multiplayer.

2. Can you pay for Game Pass yearly?

   • Yes, Xbox Game Pass Core can be paid for in yearly installments for $60, similar to the previous Xbox Live Gold subscription.

3. Does Game Pass have full games?

   • Yes, Game Pass members enjoy access to high-quality, full games in the PC or console catalog, though the availability can vary over time and by region.

4. Are Game Pass games worth it?

   • Xbox Game Pass is a solid deal for those who like to try new games and play a variety of titles, offering a regularly refreshed library of over 100 games for $17 a month with Game Pass Ultimate.

5. Do I need Game Pass or Gold?

   • If you play a few games online regularly, Xbox Live Gold (now replaced by Game Pass Core) might be sufficient. However, for a “Netflix for video games” experience with a wide library and online multiplayer, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the better choice.

6. What happens to the games when the pass expires?

   • If you cancel your subscription, you’ll lose access to the games included in the Game Pass catalog. You won’t be able to download new games, and you may encounter ads or have to pay for in-app items in free-to-play games.