Microsoft has officially restructured Xbox Game Pass for 2025, rolling out a new three-tier system Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. The update brings fresh benefits, higher-quality cloud gaming, and a significant price jump for Ultimate subscribers. The new plans went live on October 1, 2025 for new users, while existing members are set to transition automatically in early November.
New Plans and Pricing
Here’s how the updated plans are structured in the US and UK:
| Plan | Monthly Price (US/UK) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | $9.99 / £6.99 | Online multiplayer, 50+ curated console & PC games, unlimited cloud access for select titles, entry-level Rewards |
| Premium | $14.99 / £10.99 | 200+ games across console, PC, and cloud, Xbox-published titles added within a year, expanded Rewards, in-game perks |
| Ultimate | $29.99 / £22.99 | 400+ games, 75+ day-one titles each year, EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew, cloud gaming up to 1440p, and the best Rewards value |
See Here : https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/10/01/xbox-game-pass-ultimate-premium-essential-plans/
Microsoft says regional pricing will continue to vary by currency and exchange rates. Players outside the US and UK can check the official Xbox “Join Game Pass” page for local rates.
What Changed in 2025
The update does more than rename plans:
- Core is now Essential and Standard is now Premium.
- Ultimate received a major upgrade: Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew membership (rolling out Nov. 18), and improved cloud streaming at up to 1440p.
- A big content drop of 45+ games accompanied the announcement.
- PC Game Pass now costs $16.49 in the US and £13.49 in the UK.
These changes reflect Xbox Cloud Gaming’s move out of beta, signaling Microsoft’s confidence in cloud as part of its long-term strategy.
Who Should Choose Which Plan?
- Essential ($9.99 / £6.99): Best for casual players who just want online multiplayer, a small rotating library, and some cloud flexibility at the lowest cost.
- Premium ($14.99 / £10.99): A middle ground for players who want access to a large cross-platform library and cloud play, but don’t need instant day-one releases.
- Ultimate ($29.99 / £22.99): Ideal for hardcore players and creators. It offers the full library, frequent day-one launches, EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew, and premium cloud features.
Transition for Existing Members
- Core subscribers will move to Essential at the same $9.99/£6.99 price.
- Standard subscribers will be shifted to Premium at $14.99/£10.99.
- Ultimate subscribers will remain in Ultimate, now at the higher $29.99/£22.99 price but with expanded perks.
The transition begins November 4, 2025, giving current members about a month of overlap to prepare.
Why This Matters
Game Pass has been one of Xbox’s strongest selling points, offering flexible access to a huge library of games across console, PC, and mobile. By adding third-party partnerships like Ubisoft+ Classics and Fortnite Crew, Microsoft is clearly positioning Game Pass as more than just a subscription, it’s evolving into an all-in-one gaming ecosystem.
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For casual players, Essential still offers great value at a low cost. Premium is the sweet spot for variety without breaking the bank. And for those who want every perk and play across multiple platforms, Ultimate now packs the most content Xbox has ever offered in one subscription.
