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🎮 Xbox Game Pass Overhaul & Price Hike – What You Need to Know (October 2025)
Microsoft has officially confirmed a new pricing structure for Xbox Game Pass and a major overhaul to its tiers. Here’s everything you need to know.
📈 Game Pass Price Changes
Starting October 15, 2025, Microsoft is adjusting Game Pass pricing worldwide:
- 💚 Game Pass Core: $12.99/month (was $9.99)
- ⚡ Game Pass Standard: $17.99/month (was $14.99)
- 🌍 Game Pass Ultimate: $21.99/month (was $16.99)
Regional pricing varies, with the biggest increases seen in North America and Western Europe.
🕹️ New Tier System Explained
The overhaul splits access between console, PC, and cloud tiers. Microsoft’s focus is to push players toward the cloud and Ultimate tiers with day-one access to all first-party titles.
Core members will now only get access to a rotating library of 30 games — while Ultimate retains day-one launches.
💬 Community Reaction
Fans are split. Some welcome better organization and features; others criticize the steep price jump. However, Microsoft justifies the move by highlighting increased content value and new AAA titles like Fable and Avowed launching day-one.
🎯 Quick Takeaways
- Game Pass prices rise globally this October.
- Microsoft adds new subscription tiers and features.
- Big releases like Fable, DOOM: The Dark Ages, and Avowed included in Ultimate.
- Core users lose day-one access to Xbox exclusives.
