What is Xbox Game Pass Core?

If you’re new to Xbox, you may have seen something called Xbox Game Pass Core. Launched in September 2023, Xbox Game Pass Core is the service that replaced Xbox Live Gold.

Previously, Xbox Live Gold existed as a service to allow Xbox gamers to play certain multiplayer games online. It also provided subscribers with a couple of free games every month.

But in September, Microsoft retired Xbox Live Gold. In its place stepped Xbox Game Pass Core which is actually more in line with Microsoft’s whole branding. Like Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Game Pass Core still grants players access to play games online. But rather than getting free games every month, it now offers a selection of over 25 games pulled from the Xbox Game Pass catalog.

Some of the games available in the catalog as of this writing are Among Us, Doom Eternal, Gears 5, Forza Horizon 4, Halo 5: Guardians, Halo Wars 2, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Ori & The Will of the Wisps, Psychonauts 2 and State of Decay 2, to name just a few. However, new titles are added to the Xbox Game Pass Core library two to three times per year.

In addition to online multiplayer and free games, being an Xbox Game Pass member grants you deals and discounts.

How much is Xbox Game Pass Core?

A subscription to Xbox Game Pass Core costs $9.99 per month or $59.99 for the year.

How is Xbox Game Pass Core different than Console or Ultimate?

For starters, it’s the cheapest of all the Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. But it’s also the most limited in terms of what you get.

Xbox Game Pass Console costs $10.99 per month but gets you access to a catalog of hundreds of games on console. This even includes new games from Xbox Game Studios and ID@Xbox the same day they launch. And you can save up to 20% off select games in the Xbox Game Pass for Console library.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the highest tier available, costing $16.99 per month. With this subscription, you get access to hundreds of games you can play on console, PC and the cloud as well as new releases from Xbox Game Studios and ID@Xbox. Ultimate also includes a membership to EA Play and unlocks Riot Games benefits. And you also get all the same member discounts and deals.