Changes to Xbox Game Pass: prices, games and tiers in 2026

In April 2026, Microsoft announced major changes to its Xbox Game Pass service, including a price cut and confirmation that new Call of Duty games will no longer launch in the subscription service. This article provides a detailed overview of the changes and what they mean for current and future subscribers.

What is Xbox Game Pass?

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that gives access to a large library of first-party and third-party games. It lets users play hundreds of games across multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and compatible devices via cloud gaming. With the appeal of instant access to major Xbox games on day one, Game Pass has been a popular choice among players.

Xbox Game Pass tiers

There are multiple tiers within the Xbox Game Pass ecosystem, each with its own benefits and pricing:

• Xbox Game Pass Essential: For $10 per month, users get an entry-level package that initially included 36 games. The Essential tier does not include day-one access to new first-party games, but members do get online multiplayer, discounts, and free play days for selected titles.

• Xbox Game Pass Premium: For $15 per month, subscribers get access to a larger library of hundreds of games. New first-party games are added to this tier within 12 months of launch.

• PC Game Pass: This tier is available for PC users and costs $14 per month. Members get access to hundreds of games, including new first-party Xbox games on day one, with the exception of Call of Duty games.

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: For $23 per month, Ultimate offers the largest library with more than 500 games and access to cloud streaming. This version also includes additional memberships such as EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics. After a price increase in October 2025, Microsoft decided to lower the price in April 2026, partly due to user complaints about the cost.

Changes in 2026

The April 2026 announcements included several major changes:

• Microsoft confirmed that new Call of Duty games will no longer be available on day one in Game Pass. Fans can expect these titles to potentially arrive about a year later.

• The price cuts are intended to make the subscription more attractive to gamers again after criticism over earlier price hikes.

• The possibility that Microsoft may also exclude other popular franchises from day-one access in the future remains a topic of speculation.

The future of Xbox Game Pass

The recent changes raise important questions about the future of Xbox Game Pass and the role of new releases in the service. The absence of Call of Duty at launch could signal a notable shift in Microsoft’s strategy. For now, Game Pass remains appealing thanks to its robust game selection, but it is clear that Microsoft has some decisions to make about the future of its offering.

Whether the price cut and changes to game availability will pay off in the long run is something both gamers and analysts will continue to watch. The strength of Xbox Game Pass lies in its ability to attract players with a varied lineup and the option to access major titles on launch day.