A massive Xbox Game Pass price increase has just been revealed, and it’s already sparking heated debate across the gaming community. Microsoft has overhauled the service with new subscription tiers—Essential, Premium, and Ultimate—each offering different perks and costs.
The most shocking change is the Ultimate plan, jumping from €17.99 to €26.99 per month. While the price spike is steep, Microsoft has added Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew, and better cloud gaming quality to sweeten the deal. Let’s dive into what’s new, how much you’ll pay, and whether Game Pass is still worth it in 202
Shocking New Xbox Game Pass Tiers
Microsoft now offers three main subscription tiers, plus a separate PC plan:
Essential Tier: Affordable Access for Casual Gamers
- Price: €8.99 / $9.99 per month (up from €6.99)
- Features: Access to 50+ games, online multiplayer, and now cloud gaming.
- Notes: Replaces Game Pass Core. Ideal for gamers who want flexibility without spending too much.
Premium Tier: Expanded Library and Faster Access
- Price: €12.99 / $14.99 per month (unchanged)
- Features: Everything in Essential plus over 200 games. Xbox Game Studios titles added within 12 months (except Call of Duty).
- Notes: Formerly Game Pass Standard. Perfect for players who love exploring more games without paying for Ultimate.
Ultimate Tier: Shocking Price, Unbeatable Perks
- Price: €26.99 / approx. $29.99 per month (up from €17.99)
- Features: Access to 400+ games on console and PC, day-one releases, cloud gaming with better quality and lower latency.
- Exclusive Additions:
- Fortnite Crew membership (normally paid)
- Ubisoft+ Classics library with 40+ titles, including Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry
PC Game Pass: Standalone Power for PC Players
- Price: €14.99 / $14.99 per month (up from €9.99)
- Features: Full PC library, cloud play, and day-one Xbox Game Studios titles.
Why Gamers Are Shocked by the Price Increase
The Xbox Game Pass price increase isn’t just a number—it’s about how it affects your gaming habits. Microsoft explains the new structure offers “more flexibility, choice, and value” for different types of players, from console enthusiasts to cloud gamers.
The added perks like Ubisoft+ Classics and Fortnite Crew give extra value, but many fans feel the €9 / $12 monthly spike for Ultimate is steep.
What the Price Hike Means for Your Wallet
- Casual gamers: Essential is now more appealing with cloud gaming and PC access.
- Regular gamers: Premium offers a larger library at moderate cost.
- Hardcore players: Ultimate is now expensive but loaded with perks.
This decision forces players to re-evaluate which tier fits their gaming style, balancing cost against access to day-one releases and exclusive content.
How Current Members Are Transitioning
- Core → Essential: Automatic upgrade.
- Standard → Premium: Smooth transition.
- Ultimate → Ultimate: Maintains membership with new price and benefits.
- PC Game Pass users: Continue as usual, now at higher cost.
Is Xbox Game Pass Still Worth It After the Shock?
Despite the massive price increase, Xbox Game Pass still offers huge value if you play multiple games each year or rely on cloud streaming.
- If you play casually, Essential may suffice.
- If you want the full library without extra perks, Premium works.
- For day-one releases, Ubisoft+ Classics, and Fortnite Crew, Ultimate is the only option—just prepare for the higher monthly cost.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Xbox Game Pass update is undeniably significant. With the massive price increase for Ultimate, some gamers may feel the cost is steep, while others might view the added perks—Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew, and enhanced cloud gaming—as added value that justifies the higher price.
For casual players, the new Essential tier provides an affordable way to access a wide range of games. Meanwhile, Premium and Ultimate tiers offer extensive libraries and early access to new releases, which could appeal to more dedicated gamers.
Ultimately, whether the new pricing feels fair or too high depends on how often you play and which perks matter most to you. The update clearly aims to cater to different gaming habits, giving subscribers more options—but the perception of value will vary from player to player.