Xbox Game Pass adds 45+ games following 50% price increase
What's the story
Microsoft has announced a massive update for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, adding over 45 new titles. The list includes popular games like Hogwarts Legacy and Diablo IV, as well as Ubisoft's extensive library. The move comes with a major overhaul of the subscription tiers and a significant price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, sparking global debates about value and affordability among gamers.
New addition
Ubisoft+ Classics now available for Ultimate subscribers
The most notable update is the inclusion of Ubisoft+ Classics in the Microsoft Xbox Game Pass Ultimate library. This means players can now enjoy titles from popular franchises like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Watch Dogs, Ghost Recon, and Rayman Legends. However, IGN reported that Hogwarts Legacy will only be available for Game Pass Ultimate and the newly launched Premium tier, but not for Essential tier subscribers.
Price hike
Price hike and tier rebranding
Along with the game additions, Microsoft has also hiked the price of Game Pass Ultimate from $19.99 to $29.99 per month. The other tiers have also been rebranded and upgraded, with Premium replacing Standard and Essential taking over Core. The price increase has drawn mixed reactions from the community, with some welcoming the expanded game lineup while others worry about affordability for casual players.
Game variety
A massive October update for Game Pass
The October 2025 lineup for Xbox Game Pass is one of the largest single updates to date. Ultimate subscribers now have access to over 45 games, including Hogwarts Legacy, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Far Cry Primal, The Crew 2, Skull and Bones, Trials Rising, and Watch Dogs.Premium subscribers get access to heavyweights like Diablo IV and Age of Mythology: Retold, while Essential subscribers get a curated library of over 50 fully playable games across PC and console.
Game exclusions
What's not included in the new lineup?
Interestingly, Microsoft has confirmed that Fortnite is not part of the new Game Pass lineup and will continue its free-to-play model. The company also clarified that first-party Xbox titles will hit Premium within a year of release, but Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 won't be available at launch this November. This indicates a strategic approach toward future releases under Microsoft Xbox Game Pass.