In this article
What you get with Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (the top tier) gives you access to over 400+ games across PC, Xbox console, and cloud streaming. Every Xbox first-party game — Halo, Forza, Starfield, Indiana Jones — launches day one on Game Pass. You also get EA Play, which adds another 80+ EA titles including FIFA, Battlefield, and Mass Effect.
Cost breakdown by tier
In 2025 the tiers are: PC Game Pass at $11.99/month (PC only), Xbox Game Pass at $14.99/month (console only), and Game Pass Ultimate at $19.99/month (PC + console + cloud + EA Play). Annually that is $144, $180, and $240 respectively. Microsoft regularly offers the first month for $1 for new subscribers.
Game Pass Calculator
Calculate exactly how much Game Pass saves or costs you based on your habits
The math: does it save money?
If you buy 3 or more full-price games ($70 each) per year that are on Game Pass, the subscription pays for itself easily. The average gamer buys 4-5 new games a year — meaning Game Pass saves them $140-$210 annually versus buying those titles outright. However, if you mostly play older games, free-to-play titles, or buy games on sale, Game Pass may not be worth the ongoing cost.
Who it is actually for
Game Pass makes the most sense for players who want to try many games without committing full price, players who enjoy Microsoft first-party titles, families with multiple players on different devices, and casual gamers who play 1-2 hours a day across many titles. It makes less sense for players who finish games quickly and move on, players who only play one or two live-service games, and players who always wait for deep sales.
Verdict
For most active gamers: yes, Game Pass Ultimate is worth it at $19.99/month. The day-one first-party releases alone justify the cost if you play two or more of them per year. Use our calculator to plug in your specific habits for a personalised answer.