What Happens If You Have Xbox Game Pass?

If you have Xbox Game Pass, you unlock a world of gaming possibilities. Essentially, you gain access to a vast, rotating library of games for a monthly fee, often described as a “Netflix for gamers.” The specific benefits depend on the tier of Game Pass you subscribe to, but in general, having Xbox Game Pass means you can download and play a plethora of games on your console (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S), PC, or even via cloud streaming on mobile devices. The crucial thing to understand is that you don’t own the games, but rather, you are granted access to play them as long as your subscription is active, and the games remain in the Game Pass catalog. When your subscription lapses or a game leaves the service, you lose access to that specific title. However, your game progress and saves are typically stored in the cloud, so they aren’t lost if you resubscribe. Beyond just the library of games, some versions of Game Pass, like Game Pass Ultimate, come with additional perks like Xbox Live Gold (now Game Pass Core) for online multiplayer and access to EA Play titles. In a nutshell, having Xbox Game Pass is like having a constantly refreshed digital game library at your fingertips, providing huge value for frequent gamers.

Understanding the Core Benefits of Xbox Game Pass

Having an Xbox Game Pass subscription significantly changes how you approach gaming. Here’s a more detailed look at the core benefits:

• Access to a Vast Game Library: The most obvious perk is the expansive library of games at your disposal. This catalog includes a mixture of first-party titles (games published by Xbox) and third-party games from various publishers, ensuring a wide variety of genres and styles.
• Regular Game Updates: The catalog isn’t static. New games are added regularly, sometimes day-one releases, while some games leave the service. This means there is always something new to play. These additions keep the content fresh and exciting.
• Cost Savings: If you frequently buy games, the monthly subscription fee of Game Pass can be considerably more affordable than buying individual games outright. It’s especially valuable for those who like to sample many different titles, avoiding the commitment of purchasing each one.
• Play on Multiple Devices: Game Pass Ultimate allows you to play games on your Xbox console, your PC, and even via cloud gaming on your mobile device. This makes your game library truly portable and accessible wherever you have an internet connection.
• Benefits Beyond Games: Game Pass Ultimate also provides perks like online multiplayer through Game Pass Core, and access to the EA Play library of games, giving you even more bang for your buck.
• Discounted Game Purchases: Game Pass members often receive discounts on games in the Game Pass catalog, allowing them to buy and keep games they’ve enjoyed playing through the subscription service.
• Cloud Saves: Even if your Game Pass subscription ends, or a game leaves the catalog, your game progress isn’t lost. Your save files are stored in the cloud, enabling you to continue your progress once you return to the game.

Different Tiers of Xbox Game Pass

It’s essential to understand that Xbox Game Pass comes in different tiers, each offering a slightly different set of features:

• Xbox Game Pass Core: This is the most basic tier, priced at $10 per month or $60 per year, and replaces Xbox Live Gold. It includes online multiplayer on console and a collection of roughly 25 curated Xbox Studio games.
• Game Pass for Console: This gives you access to a library of over 100 games to play on your Xbox console, but it does not include online multiplayer.
• PC Game Pass: As the name suggests, this tier gives you access to a separate library of games specifically for Windows PC.
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: The premium tier combines all the above benefits. It includes access to both console and PC game libraries, online multiplayer, cloud gaming on compatible devices, and access to EA Play.

Which Tier is Right for You?

The best tier depends entirely on your gaming habits and preferences. If you primarily play on a console and enjoy online multiplayer, Game Pass Core is a must-have, but consider Ultimate for access to a larger library. PC gamers should look at PC Game Pass, while those who game across multiple devices and platforms should consider Game Pass Ultimate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further clarify the impact of having Xbox Game Pass, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

1. Do I permanently keep games from Xbox Game Pass? No. The games are only playable as long as you have an active subscription, and the games remain in the Game Pass library. You have to purchase them separately to permanently own them.

2. What exactly does Xbox Game Pass allow you to do? It allows you to download and play a large library of games on your console, PC, or mobile via cloud streaming, based on your subscription plan. You do not own these games, you are only granted access to play them as long as your subscription is active, and the games remain in the Game Pass library.

3. What is the difference between Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? Xbox Game Pass Console gives access to over 100 games for play on console, whereas PC Game Pass gives access to a catalog of Windows PC titles. Game Pass Ultimate covers both platforms, allows for online console multiplayer, cloud gaming and EA Play.

4. Do I lose all my games if I cancel Xbox Game Pass? Yes, you lose access to the games once your subscription ends but you get to keep all your game progress as its stored on cloud storage. If you resubscribe, you can continue with your saved progress.

5. Do I pay for games if I have Xbox Game Pass? You pay for the monthly subscription, which grants access to the game library. You don’t pay separately to play the games within the library, unless you choose to purchase a game you’ve enjoyed playing.

6. Is Xbox Game Pass worth it? If you play a lot of games, regularly explore new releases, and want access to a large, constantly updated library, then Game Pass is likely worth the cost.

7. How can I get Game Pass for free? You can earn free Game Pass through the Microsoft Rewards program by using Microsoft products such as Bing and Xbox.

8. How long do games usually stay on Game Pass? First-party titles generally stay in the catalog longer, while non-first-party games usually stay for about a year, but it depends on the publisher’s agreement.

9. Can I still play games after they leave Game Pass? You can’t play them for free unless you purchase them. However, you’ll usually receive a discount on games you bought through Game Pass.

10. How does the 1-month Game Pass work? You get access to the benefits of whichever Game Pass subscription you chose (Core, PC, Console or Ultimate) for the month. If you have Game Pass Ultimate you can play with your friends on console, PC, phones, and tablets and get an EA Play membership.

11. What is the cheapest Game Pass option? Game Pass Core is the most affordable option at $10 per month.

12. Is Game Pass Ultimate really worth the money? If you enjoy both PC and console gaming and want access to online multiplayer, cloud gaming, and EA Play, then Game Pass Ultimate is worth the upgrade.

13. Are there any free-to-play games on Xbox? Yes, many popular titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone are free-to-play on Xbox, you don’t need a Game Pass subscription to play them, though you may still need a subscription for online multiplayer in some cases.

14. Does Game Pass have a free trial? Microsoft often offers trial periods, including a 14-day trial for Game Pass PC, which could be available through referrals.

15. Can I cancel my Xbox Game Pass anytime? Yes, you can cancel your subscription at any time via your Microsoft account, and your access will continue until the end of your current billing period.

Conclusion

Having Xbox Game Pass unlocks access to a vast and ever-changing library of games. Whether you’re a console gamer, a PC enthusiast, or someone who enjoys playing on multiple platforms, Game Pass offers a lot of value. However, it’s crucial to remember that you don’t own these games but rather gain access to them as long as you’re subscribed, and they remain in the catalog. By choosing the right tier of Game Pass, based on your playing style, and understanding the terms and conditions, you can maximize your gaming enjoyment.