Microsoft has announced significant changes to its Xbox Game Pass subscription, including new pricing and tiered plans aimed at delivering more value and flexibility.
As of October 2025, subscribers in the UK and globally are experiencing a complete restructuring of the service.
With the introduction of Essential, Premium, and an upgraded Ultimate plan, players now have tailored options based on their gaming needs.
This update also reflects a shift in Microsoft’s strategy to enhance player engagement and cross-platform accessibility.
What Are the New Xbox Game Pass Plans in 2025?
Microsoft has officially introduced a revamped structure for Xbox Game Pass as of October 2025.
The three new plans Essential, Premium, and Ultimate are tailored to different types of players and their gaming habits.
This update follows growing demand for more customised subscription options and a rising trend in cloud gaming and cross-platform play.
The new structure replaces the previous tiers: Core, Standard, and Ultimate. Subscribers on older plans were automatically moved to the new tiers based on their existing subscriptions. Core became Essential, Standard transitioned to Premium, and Ultimate remained as Ultimate but with significant enhancements.
Each tier offers a distinct combination of features and benefits. The changes also come with a new pricing structure designed to reflect the expanded value in each subscription level.
When Will the Xbox Game Pass Price Increase Take Effect in the UK?
The updated pricing and structure officially took effect on 1 October 2025. All existing subscribers in the UK were transitioned automatically to the corresponding new tier on that date.
The billing cycle has also been aligned with the new structure. This means that subscribers began seeing the new pricing reflected in their bills from October 2025 onwards. Microsoft confirmed that this rollout was part of a global launch, with region-specific pricing adjusted based on exchange rates and local economic conditions.
There was no need for users to manually opt into the new plans. However, users who wish to change their current plan—either upgrading or downgrading—can do so through their Xbox account settings.
How Much Does Xbox Game Pass Cost After the Price Increase?
The updated pricing for the UK reflects Microsoft’s investment in game partnerships, expanded libraries, and upgraded cloud gaming. Below is a detailed breakdown of the costs for each new tier.
| Xbox Game Pass Plan | Monthly Cost (UK) | Key Features Included |
| Essential | £9.99 | 50+ games, cloud gaming, multiplayer, in-game perks |
| Premium | £14.99 | 200+ games, cloud + PC play, in-game benefits, rewards |
| Ultimate | £29.99 | 400+ games, day-one releases, Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew, 1440p streaming |
These prices are positioned competitively within the subscription gaming market, especially when considering the scope of titles, cross-device compatibility, and added benefits like exclusive partner content.
What Features Are Included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Now?
Ultimate remains the top-tier Game Pass subscription and has received the most significant upgrades in this 2025 update. It is designed for players who want complete access to the Xbox ecosystem, including console, PC, and cloud platforms.
Some of the most valuable additions to Ultimate include:
- Over 400 games accessible across all devices
- 75+ day-one releases annually including major titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and The Outer Worlds 2
- Fortnite Crew membership, which includes the Battle Pass and 1,000 V-Bucks each month
- Ubisoft+ Classics, offering access to well-known titles such as Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
- Enhanced Xbox Cloud Gaming now supports up to 1440p streaming resolution and lower latency for smoother gameplay
- Upgraded Xbox Rewards system with up to £80 in annual redeemable value through earned points
In addition to these benefits, the library is consistently updated with AAA and indie titles. Subscribers also gain access to EA Play and in-game content that unlocks cosmetics, characters, and other game enhancements.
What Can UK Players Expect from Xbox Game Pass Premium?
Premium sits in the middle of the new Game Pass tier structure. It is designed for players who want more games and flexibility than Essential provides but at a lower price point than Ultimate.
This plan now offers over 200 games, including titles across console, PC, and cloud platforms. Premium also introduces several key benefits that were previously reserved for Ultimate:
- Access to recent best-selling titles like Hogwarts Legacy and Diablo IV
- Xbox-published games become available within one year of their official release
- In-game benefits in titles like League of Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone
- Cross-platform functionality for users who switch between PC and console frequently
Premium also extends access to Xbox Rewards. Players on this plan can now earn points on purchases, which can be redeemed for store credit and discounts.
Below is a snapshot of the new benefits structure across all plans.
| Features | Essential | Premium | Ultimate |
| Monthly Price | £9.99 | £14.99 | £29.99 |
| Number of Games | 50+ | 200+ | 400+ |
| Day-One Game Releases | No | No | Yes |
| Ubisoft+ Classics | No | No | Yes |
| Fortnite Crew Membership | No | No | Yes |
| Xbox Cloud Gaming | Yes | Yes | Yes (1440p) |
| EA Play Access | No | No | Yes |
| Rewards Annual Earning Potential | £20 | £40 | £80 |
The Premium plan gives a strong balance between affordability and feature access, particularly appealing to gamers who split time between console and PC.
What Does Xbox Game Pass Essential Offer at Its New Price?
Essential is the new entry-level tier, replacing the older Core plan. At £9.99 per month, it offers a curated experience aimed at casual gamers and those just starting within the Xbox ecosystem.
The Essential plan includes:
- Access to a rotating library of 50+ games across console and PC
- Unlimited cloud gaming on supported devices
- Online multiplayer for console players
- Basic in-game perks across major titles like League of Legends and Overwatch 2
- Xbox Rewards eligibility with up to £20 annually in redeemable points
While Essential lacks access to premium partner content and day-one releases, it provides all the necessary features to enjoy Xbox gaming across devices.
The cloud gaming access also means players can enjoy console-level experiences without owning an Xbox console.
How Does the New Rewards System Work for Each Plan?
Microsoft’s overhaul of the Xbox Game Pass also includes a major upgrade to its rewards system. This system allows users to earn Microsoft Rewards points for engaging with the Game Pass library and making purchases.
Each tier now has a defined earning potential:
- Essential subscribers can earn up to 25,000 points annually, equal to approximately £20 in store credit
- Premium users can earn up to 50,000 points annually, worth roughly £40
- Ultimate members can earn up to 100,000 points per year, equivalent to £80 in value
Players can earn points by:
- Completing Game Pass quests and achievements
- Purchasing games and downloadable content
- Redeeming selected offers through Xbox Rewards Hub
The redemption options include Xbox store credit, sweepstake entries, subscriptions, and even charity donations. The upgraded system aligns rewards more closely with user engagement, offering tangible incentives for active players.
Which New Games Are Being Added to Xbox Game Pass in October 2025?
October 2025 marks one of the most content-rich months for Xbox Game Pass to date, with Microsoft rolling out an impressive wave of new titles across all three tiers Essential, Premium, and Ultimate.
The update includes blockbuster AAA games, beloved franchises, and indie gems, reinforcing Xbox’s commitment to delivering a diverse and evolving library.
Each plan offers access to a curated selection of games, with higher-tier subscribers unlocking broader libraries and exclusive titles. The selection varies based on platform compatibility—console, PC, and cloud—and plan benefits.
New Titles Available for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscribers
Subscribers to the Ultimate plan gain the most extensive access to this month’s new additions. Over 45 new titles were added in October 2025, including highly anticipated releases and several classic franchises reintroduced via Ubisoft+ Classics and EA Play.
Some of the major highlights include:
- Hogwarts Legacy (Cloud, PC, and Console): Explore the Wizarding World in this open-world RPG, now part of the Game Pass library for the first time.
- Skull and Bones (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S): Ubisoft’s long-awaited pirate adventure game, featuring high-seas battles and ship customisation.
- Assassin’s Creed Series (Multiple titles across Cloud, PC, Console): Includes classics like Black Flag, Unity, Syndicate, and The Ezio Collection, offering fans a chance to revisit the franchise in full.
- Far Cry 3 + Blood Dragon (Cloud, PC, and Console): A return of Ubisoft’s cult classic shooters, complete with expansive environments and unique storytelling.
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (Cloud, PC, and Console): A new iteration of the action-platformer, combining fluid parkour with modern visuals and combat mechanics.
- Child of Light and Valiant Hearts: The Great War: Critically acclaimed artistic indies known for their narrative depth and hand-drawn visuals.
Ultimate users also benefit from enhanced features such as cloud streaming at 1440p, faster load times, and exclusive in-game perks in titles like League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Overwatch 2.
New Games for Premium Plan Subscribers
The Premium plan also receives a substantial number of new additions in October, totalling more than 40 titles available across console, PC, and cloud. This includes a strong lineup of recent AAA releases and strategic PC-focused games.
Highlights for Premium subscribers include:
- Diablo IV (PC and Console): Blizzard’s dark, immersive action-RPG comes to Game Pass Premium with full access to campaign, seasonal content, and online features.
- Minecraft: Java Edition (PC): The original and highly moddable version of Minecraft, offering endless creative possibilities for PC players.
- Cities: Skylines II (PC): The city-building simulator returns with enhanced mechanics, larger maps, and deeper management systems.
- Frostpunk 2 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S): A society survival game where players must balance ethics and economy in a frozen dystopia.
- Ara: History Untold and Against the Storm: New strategy games that blend turn-based tactics with unique fantasy and historical themes.
- Sworn and My Friendly Neighbourhood: Quirky indie experiences that add variety and humour to the Premium library.
Premium users now benefit from access to select Xbox-published games within a year of launch, alongside expanded cloud gaming and more valuable Xbox Rewards opportunities.
Game Additions for Essential Plan Subscribers
While the Essential plan offers a more curated experience, it still brings meaningful additions in October. With a focus on accessibility and popular indie titles, these games cater to players who enjoy high-quality gameplay without the need for day-one or partner exclusives.
Some notable new entries include:
- Hades (Cloud, PC, and Console): Supergiant Games’ critically acclaimed rogue-like dungeon crawler, offering deep combat, replayability, and a strong narrative.
- Cities: Skylines – Remastered (Cloud and Xbox Series X|S): A reworked version of the original city builder with performance enhancements for newer consoles.
- Warhammer 40,000: Darktide (Cloud, PC, and Console): A fast-paced co-op shooter set in the grim Warhammer universe, featuring detailed environments and chaotic combat.
- Disney Dreamlight Valley (Cloud, PC, and Console): A cosy life-sim with familiar Disney characters, crafting, and exploration elements.
Essential users continue to receive updates to their game rotation, ensuring that the curated list remains fresh and relevant for casual and budget-conscious players.
Platform and Plan Availability Considerations
It’s important for subscribers to note that not all games are available on all platforms. Some titles are restricted to PC or console, while others are exclusive to newer hardware like Xbox Series X|S. Additionally, cloud gaming availability is tied to internet connection quality and supported devices.
Xbox recommends checking the Xbox Game Pass app or visiting xbox.com to confirm specific title availability based on platform, subscription tier, and region.
Summary of October 2025 Additions by Plan
| Game Title | Essential | Premium | Ultimate |
| Hades | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cities: Skylines – Remastered | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diablo IV | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Minecraft: Java Edition | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hogwarts Legacy | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Skull and Bones | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Far Cry 3 + Blood Dragon | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Disney Dreamlight Valley | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Warhammer 40,000: Darktide | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
This comprehensive update is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to maintain momentum in the subscription gaming market by offering choice, content variety, and consistent library updates.
For players at all levels, October 2025 delivers new experiences across genres, budgets, and devices.
Conclusion
The October 2025 Xbox Game Pass price increase introduces a more structured and value-packed subscription system.
From Essential’s affordable entry point to Ultimate’s all-inclusive premium experience, Microsoft has created plans tailored to different types of players.
For UK gamers, the new Game Pass delivers richer libraries, partner integrations, cloud gaming upgrades, and meaningful reward incentives.
While the higher cost may not suit everyone, those who invest in the platform’s full potential are likely to find the value justifiable.
FAQs About the Xbox Game Pass Price Increase
When did the new Xbox Game Pass pricing take effect?
The updated pricing went live globally, including the UK, on 1 October 2025.
Which games are exclusive to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
Titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, The Outer Worlds 2, and Fortnite Crew content are exclusive to Ultimate.
Can players switch plans at any time?
Yes, players can upgrade or downgrade their Xbox Game Pass plans through their account settings.
Does Game Pass Premium include day-one releases?
No, Premium does not include day-one releases. That feature is exclusive to Ultimate.
How many devices can I use Xbox Game Pass on?
All plans support multiple devices, but Ultimate offers the most flexibility across cloud, PC, and console.
Are Ubisoft+ Classics available on all Game Pass tiers?
No, Ubisoft+ Classics is only included in the Ultimate subscription.
Will pricing change again soon in the UK?
Microsoft has not announced any further changes, but mentions pricing is subject to exchange rates and market conditions.
