Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Price Jumps to $29.99 with Ubisoft+ and Fortnite Crew Added
Ddos 
Since its launch in 2017, Xbox Game Pass has been regarded as one of the most disruptive subscription services in the gaming industry, winning over tens of millions of players through its vast library, cross-platform accessibility, and day-one release strategy. After several rounds of adjustments, Microsoft has once again announced a restructuring of Xbox Game Pass subscription tiers and pricing: the entry-level Core plan will be rebranded as Essential, the Standard plan will become Premium, while Ultimate remains unchanged in name.
Existing Core and Standard subscribers will be automatically migrated to the new tiers. Pricing will stay the same at $9.99 per month and $14.99 per month respectively. However, the Ultimate plan—which now includes Ubisoft+ Classics in partnership with Ubisoft, the Fortnite Crew subscription through Epic Games, access to over 400 games, and more than 75 day-one releases annually—will see its price increase to $29.99 per month.
The Ultimate tier undergoes the most significant transformation. Microsoft confirmed that its cloud gaming feature has officially exited beta, now supporting streaming at resolutions up to 1440p. It also ties into an enhanced Rewards with Xbox program, allowing players to accumulate up to 100,000 reward points annually—equivalent to $100 in value—simply by playing games.
For the Premium plan, while the price remains unchanged, the content expands to over 200 titles, covering Xbox consoles, PC, and cloud streaming. High-profile releases such as Diablo IV and Hogwarts Legacy are included, with Microsoft’s own first-party titles added within a year of launch. However, to avoid renewed accusations of monopolistic behavior, the plan notably excludes the Call of Duty franchise, which is simultaneously released on rival platforms. Subscribers also benefit from cross-device play, exclusive Riot Games rewards, and up to 50,000 reward points annually—a value of $50.
The Essential plan, rebranded from Core, continues to provide around 50 curated titles, PC and cloud play support, online multiplayer access, and in-game perks. Subscribers also receive up to 25,000 reward points annually, equivalent to $25, making it the most approachable option for newcomers or casual players.
This restructuring underscores Microsoft’s long-term strategy in cloud gaming, cross-platform ecosystems, and subscription-driven growth. By aligning Ultimate with third-party integrations like Ubisoft and Epic, reinforcing Premium as the “mainstream” option at a fair price, and keeping Essential affordable, Microsoft ensures Xbox Game Pass remains a flexible yet deeply entrenched pillar of its gaming ecosystem.
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