What is XBOX Game Pass and Is It Worth It?

XBOX Game Pass is a gaming subscription that gives you access to the best classic and new video game titles. It's similar to video streaming services, where members can try as many games as they like, with no requirement to buy them.

This article explains how XBOX Game Pass works, including a look at the features of each membership tier, the games available, and how the program compares with another top gaming subscription.

What is XBOX Game Pass?

XBOX Game Pass is one of the more popular video game subscription services around. Instead of splurging on a new game that you're not sure you'll want to keep playing, you can subscribe to Game Pass and try it out first.

With your subscription, you have access to hundreds of games across devices for 1 month (or longer). Once you cancel your subscription, you lose access to the game unless you subscribe again or decide to buy it.

Even better, you might be able to score up to 20% off the digital version of a game if you decide you like it and want to purchase it.

Just because it's called XBOX doesn't mean you're limited to console games. Game Pass gives you plenty of great PC games to try out, too!

Games available with XBOX Game Pass

At the time of writing, XBOX Game Pass offers 400+ console games to explore. As long as you're playing on a supported device or PC, you can try out the standard version of all available games. If a game has add-ons, you have to pay for those.

Call of Duty is a good example. Although the standard edition is available in Game Pass, downloadable content costs extra.

XBOX Game Pass is always updating and changing the available games. Availability is also based on your subscription tier.

Here's a sample of the console games available at the time this article was written:

• Among Us
• Batman: Arkham Knight
• Call of Duty: Warzone
• Control
• DayZ
• Enlisted
• Fable Anniversary
• Fallout 4
• Halo 5: Guardians
• Medieval Dynasty
• The Elder Scrolls Online

And here are some of the PC games:

• Age of Mythology: Retold
• Age of Empires I – IV
• Among Us
• Atomfall
• Baldur's Gate I and II: Enhanced Editions
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
• DOOM
• DREDGE
• Final Fantasy I – VI
• Forza Motorsport
• Mirror's Edge

XBOX is constantly refreshing gaming content, so it doesn't hurt to check out the complete game list from time to time. Overall, there's a high-quality library of titles waiting for you to discover.

XBOX Game Pass subscriptions

Here's a look at the various tiers and features available with an XBOX Game Pass subscription:

* Prices do not include taxes or fees

PC-Only subscription

The PC-only subscription through XBOX Game Pass costs $1 CAD for the first 14 days, then increases to $16.99 CAD per month.

With this, you'll get access to 300+ games, including a mix of familiar classics and brand new games. You'll be able to play new games as soon as they're released

You'll also earn reward points at 2x the base rate and enjoy benefits for select games like League of Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone.

Like the other subscription tiers, this membership gives you access to EA games.

Best credit cards to use for gaming

To make the most of your XBOX Game Pass, pay with a credit card that earns rewards on your payments, whether that's points or cash back.

The rewards you earn depend on which merchant category code (MCC) your card issuer assigns to your purchase.

To find out whether you'll earn points for XBOX Game Pass, you'll need to know which MCC your card issuer assigns to it. There's a good chance it's MCC 5816, which is "Digital Goods – Games," but each issuer can determine how to assign each vendor.

Cards like RBC ION Visa and Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card advertise gaming-specific rewards. But since XBOX Game Pass is a subscription, it can also count as a recurring payment, which earns 5% back on the MBNA Rewards World Elite^® Mastercard^®. That's $1.30 back each month on an Ultimate Pass.

You may be surprised to find that the Neo World Elite^® Mastercard - Gas & Grocery is also a solid credit card for gaming. You'll earn 4% back on recurring bills – and that includes MCC 5816.

These are our credit card recommendations to help you get the most value from your gaming:

Tangerine credit cards let you choose which 2-3 categories earn bonus cash back. Your options include e-games and recurring bill payments. E-games reward MCC 5816, and recurring payments can be any automatic, regularly scheduled bill payment.

If Tangerine is your main credit card, you may earn more rewards choosing broader categories like groceries and gas. But if most of your Tangerine purchases are gaming-related, this is a rare opportunity to earn bonus rewards on this spending.

You can also consider charging your XBOX Game Pass to a credit card with a high flat rate that applies to all types of purchases.

XBOX Game Pass vs. PlayStation Plus

If you're trying to decide between the options, here's a look at how XBOX Game Pass compares with PlayStation Plus:

* Prices do not include taxes or fees

Is XBOX Game Pass worth it?

Whether XBOX Game Pass is worthwhile depends on the games you play and the devices you already own. We checked Reddit to see what real users had to say, and, as usual, there are people on both sides of the fence.

This person prefers Game Pass over PS Plus:

Users also tend to appreciate the price and the fact that you can switch between memberships to play games you'd like to try. So, if you're on the fence about whether to get Game Pass or PlayStation Plus, you can alternate memberships for the best of both worlds.

FAQ

How does an XBOX Game Pass work?

An XBOX Game Pass is a monthly subscription for gaming. You'll first subscribe, then log in to your account on the device of your choosing and browse your available game library. You can access and play as many games as you like while you're a subscription member.

What are the tiers to choose from for an XBOX Game Pass subscription?

Game Pass offers 3 tiers: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. The Essential tier is the most basic option, while Premium provides you with more gaming options and faster cloud play. The Ultimate tier allows you to rack up rewards faster and access the largest gaming library.

What's the XBOX Game Pass price?

The price you pay depends on your membership tier. Essential is $13.99 CAD per month. Premium costs $1 CAD for the first 14 days and $17.99 per month thereafter. Ultimate is $25.99 CAD per month. These prices don't include taxes and fees.

Is the Game Pass for XBOX the best gaming subscription?

This is a matter of opinion and usually depends on the devices you own and the types of games you prefer to play. Game Pass costs slightly less than PlayStation Plus and has a competitive number of games, so many argue that it's the best gaming subscription option.

Is an XBOX Game Pass even worth it?

Yes, it can be. If you want to confirm you enjoy a game before buying it, Game Pass is a worthwhile investment. You'll save money by not purchasing games you don't end up playing, and if you do want to buy a game, you can get a discount on digital versions.