Xbox Game Pass continues to dominate gaming conversations in the United States, and October 2025 has brought some of the most significant updates to the subscription service in its history. With new tier names, a major price increase, expanded cloud gaming, and a refreshed lineup of day-one titles, Microsoft is making bold moves to reshape how millions of players experience gaming.
Price Increase Hits Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
The biggest headline for subscribers is the steep rise in the cost of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The top-tier plan, which previously cost $19.99 per month, now jumps to $29.99 per month. This is a 50% increase, and many longtime subscribers are reacting strongly to the sudden change.
Microsoft explains that the increase reflects the added value of new features, expanded streaming options, and the growing number of day-one releases hitting the service. While the lower tiers remain more affordable, the price jump for Ultimate represents the largest in Game Pass history.
Tier Restructure: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate
To make things clearer, Microsoft has rebranded the Xbox Game Pass tiers.
- Essential: Replacing the old “Core” tier, Essential now provides multiplayer access and a rotating selection of games.
- Premium: Formerly called “Standard,” this plan includes the Game Pass library for console and PC, as well as cloud gaming options.
- Ultimate: The most comprehensive plan, offering everything in Premium plus day-one releases, EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, and advanced cloud streaming options.
The rebrand is part of Microsoft’s strategy to simplify the service for new players while still giving veterans the flexibility to choose what fits their needs.
Cloud Gaming Expands to More Players
One of the most requested changes is finally here: cloud gaming is no longer restricted to Ultimate subscribers. Both Essential and Premium members now get access to streaming features.
Alongside this expansion, Microsoft has introduced higher-quality streaming at up to 1440p resolution, with improved bitrate that makes games look sharper and run smoother. This is a major step forward for players who want to jump into games instantly without downloading them, especially on mobile devices, tablets, or weaker PCs.
The move makes cloud gaming a central part of Xbox Game Pass, not just a premium add-on.
Over 40 New Games Available in October
To strengthen the appeal of the new pricing model, Microsoft is adding more than 40 titles to the Game Pass library this month. A large chunk of these come from the Ubisoft+ Classics collection, which is now included with Game Pass Ultimate.
Some of the standout games arriving in October include:
- Ninja Gaiden 4 – launching October 21 as a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass.
- Keeper – the latest project from Double Fine, available October 17 day one.
- Moonlighter 2 – continuing the beloved indie action-RPG series.
- Bounty Star – a fresh mech-combat title blending action and strategy.
- The Outer Worlds 2 – one of the most anticipated RPGs of the year, joining later this fall.
With blockbuster sequels and indie gems arriving side by side, the lineup reflects Microsoft’s commitment to variety in its subscription offering.
Microsoft Rewards Change Frustrates Users
Alongside the major updates, Xbox players also face a shift in how they redeem Microsoft Rewards for subscriptions. In the past, subscribers could directly exchange Rewards points for Game Pass time. Starting this month, that option has been removed.
Now, users must redeem points for Xbox gift cards and then use those to pay for their subscription. While the end result is the same, this extra step adds frustration for those who regularly relied on Rewards to cover their monthly subscription.
Games Leaving the Service
As new games enter the catalog, others must leave. While October sees a strong list of additions, certain older titles are rotating out. Game Pass subscribers are always encouraged to check the “Leaving Soon” section of the app so they don’t miss a chance to play or purchase titles at a discount before they exit.
Interestingly, one first-party game briefly appeared on the “Leaving Soon” list before being removed, suggesting it was likely a mistake. Still, the regular cycle of removals remains part of the subscription’s design.
How U.S. Gamers Are Affected
For players in the United States, these changes carry a mix of positives and negatives.
- Higher Ultimate cost: $29.99 per month could price out some longtime subscribers.
- Better value at lower tiers: Essential and Premium now include more features, especially with cloud gaming access.
- More day-one games: Titles like Ninja Gaiden 4 and Keeper make the service feel fresh and exciting.
- Rewards program slowdown: The added step in redeeming points makes things less convenient.
- Cloud improvements: Streaming at higher quality with wider access brings Xbox closer to its goal of making gaming available anywhere.
Overall, U.S. gamers now face a decision: stick with Ultimate at its higher cost, or downshift to one of the cheaper plans that still offer solid benefits.
The Bigger Picture for Xbox Game Pass
Microsoft’s overhaul of Xbox Game Pass in October 2025 marks a turning point in the platform’s history. The rebranded tiers, price restructuring, and expanded streaming options signal the company’s push toward a future where subscription gaming and cloud services take center stage.
This transformation aligns with Microsoft’s long-term vision: making Xbox Game Pass the backbone of its gaming ecosystem. By integrating Ubisoft titles, securing major day-one releases, and enhancing cloud gaming technology, the company is betting that players will see enough value to justify the higher price tag.
Xbox Game Pass has always been known for shaking up the way people access games, and this latest update continues that trend. Whether you’re excited about Ninja Gaiden 4 arriving day one, happy to see cloud gaming available across more tiers, or frustrated by the Ultimate price hike, one thing is certain: the service remains a central part of the gaming conversation in the U.S. What do you think about these changes to Xbox Game Pass? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for more updates.