What is the difference between Game Pass and Ultimate?
The primary difference between Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate lies in the scope of benefits and access to online multiplayer on consoles, with Game Pass Ultimate offering a more comprehensive package that includes Xbox Game Pass for Console, Xbox Game Pass for PC, and online console multiplayer, making it a more valuable option for gamers who play across multiple platforms. This distinction is crucial for gamers deciding between the two, as Game Pass Ultimate essentially combines the benefits of Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass into one subscription, providing access to hundreds of high-quality games on console, PC, and cloud, as well as EA Play membership and Riot Games benefits.
Understanding Game Pass and Ultimate
To delve deeper into the differences and benefits of each, it’s essential to consider the following FAQs:
1. What does Xbox Game Pass Ultimate include?
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes all the benefits of Xbox Game Pass for Console and Xbox Game Pass for PC, plus online console multiplayer, EA Play membership, and other exclusive benefits, making it the most comprehensive subscription option for Xbox gamers.
2. Is Game Pass Ultimate worth it?
Game Pass Ultimate is considered worth it for most gamers, especially those who play on both console and PC, as it offers more than double the value of the standard Game Pass in terms of the number of games and platforms accessible, including cloud gaming.
3. How much is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
The current price for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is $16.99/month, with the first 14 days available for $1 as part of a promotional offer for new subscribers.
4. What is the difference between Xbox Live and Game Pass Ultimate?
Xbox Live Gold provides online multiplayer and free games, while Game Pass Ultimate includes these benefits plus access to a catalog of games on console and PC, EA Play, and cloud gaming, making Game Pass Ultimate a more inclusive option.
5. Can you get Xbox Game Pass for free?
While there isn’t a straightforward way to get Xbox Game Pass for free indefinitely, Microsoft offers a free trial for new subscribers, and users can utilize Microsoft Rewards to earn points redeemable for Game Pass subscriptions.
6. How many games are on Game Pass?
There are currently over 400 games available through Xbox Game Pass, with new games added regularly and some titles rotating out over time.
7. Does Game Pass Ultimate include all games?
Game Pass Ultimate includes a vast library of games, but not every game is available on the service, especially new releases from certain publishers that may not be part of the Game Pass catalog.
8. Is Call of Duty on Game Pass?
As of the latest update, Call of Duty titles, such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, are not immediately added to Game Pass, but Activision Blizzard has indicated plans to add games to Game Pass in the future.
9. How long do games stay on Game Pass?
Most games, especially those from third-party publishers, typically stay on Game Pass for about a year, but the duration can vary based on the publisher’s agreement with Microsoft.
10. Can you buy Game Pass Ultimate for 24 months?
Subscribers can purchase Game Pass Ultimate in monthly or yearly installments, and while there’s no direct 24-month purchase option, codes for Game Pass Ultimate can be stacked up to 36 months.
11. Is Xbox Live now free?
Signing up for the Xbox network is free, but a subscription is required for online multiplayer on non-free games, which is included in both Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass Ultimate.
12. Do you lose games after Game Pass expires?
If your Game Pass subscription lapses, any games you’ve downloaded will become inaccessible unless you renew your subscription or purchase the games outright.
13. How to get Game Pass Ultimate for free?
Utilizing Microsoft Rewards and taking advantage of promotional offers are among the ways to essentially get Game Pass Ultimate for free, albeit with some effort and commitment.
14. Is Game Pass Ultimate better than Xbox Live?
For gamers seeking the most value and flexibility, Game Pass Ultimate surpasses Xbox Live Gold by including a vast library of games, EA Play, and cloud gaming, in addition to online multiplayer.
15. Can you get Xbox Game Pass for lifetime?
While there have been rare instances of lifetime subscriptions being offered, these are extremely limited and not a standard option for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, with the usual subscription model being monthly or yearly payments.