Xbox Game Pass Prices Drop, But Call of Duty’s First Day Access Ends
Xbox just cut Game Pass prices, but new Call of Duty games won’t land on the service the day they release anymore. Microsoft’s new Xbox boss says he wants to “recommit” to gamers, so the company is making changes. This move follows complaints that Game Pass was costing too much. Now, players will pay less for their subscription, but they’ll have to wait longer for Call of Duty titles to show up in their Game Pass library [Source: Google News]. Let’s break down what this means for your wallet and your game nights.
How to Understand the New Xbox Game Pass Pricing Structure
Microsoft lowered prices for Xbox Game Pass after hearing from gamers who felt the service was getting too expensive [Source: Google News]. The Game Pass comes in three main flavors: Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Console, and Game Pass PC.
- Game Pass Ultimate gives you access to games on Xbox, PC, and cloud streaming. It also includes perks like EA Play and online multiplayer.
- Game Pass Console is for Xbox players only.
- Game Pass PC is just for PC gamers.
Here’s what changed: In the US, Game Pass Ultimate now costs $14.99 a month, down from $16.99. Game Pass Console dropped to $10.99 from $11.99. Game Pass PC is now $9.99 instead of $10.99. These price cuts are similar in other countries, but the exact numbers may vary depending on where you live.
If you’re already a subscriber, your next bill should reflect the lower price. New sign-ups will also see these prices. Some regions may have slightly different price cuts because of taxes or currency changes, so check your local Xbox site for details.
Compared to last year, the price drop puts Game Pass closer to what it used to cost when Microsoft first launched it. Back then, Ultimate started at $14.99 but got bumped up as more games were added. Now, Microsoft is rolling prices back—likely to keep subscribers happy and attract new ones. If you felt Game Pass was getting too pricey, this is a good time to review your subscription.
How to Navigate the Impact of Call of Duty’s Delayed Game Pass Availability
One big change: New Call of Duty games will no longer hit Game Pass on day one [Source: Google News]. In the past, many hoped that Microsoft’s deal to buy Activision Blizzard would bring Call of Duty straight to Game Pass at launch. Now, Microsoft says these blockbuster games won’t be available right away.
What does this mean for you? If you use Game Pass to play new Call of Duty titles as soon as they release, you’ll have to wait. That’s a letdown for fans who have gotten used to day-one releases for other big games, like Starfield or Halo Infinite.
If you still want to play new Call of Duty games right when they launch, you have two options:
- Buy the game directly on Xbox or PC.
- Wait until it’s added to Game Pass, which could be months after release.
Buying the game costs more than your monthly subscription, but you get instant access. Waiting for Game Pass means you save money but miss out on the early action and online events.
This change might push some players to rethink their Game Pass subscription. If Call of Duty is your main game, you may choose to buy it instead of waiting. But if you play a mix of games, Game Pass still offers good value. Microsoft says this move helps them keep Game Pass prices lower and focus on other games in the library.
How to Maximize Your Xbox Game Pass Experience Amid These Changes
With prices dropping and big titles like Call of Duty delayed, you’ll want to get the most out of Game Pass. Here are some tips:
Pick the right plan for your needs.
If you mostly play on Xbox, the Console plan is the best deal. PC gamers should stick with the PC plan. If you play across platforms or want perks like cloud streaming, go for Ultimate. Don’t pay for features you won’t use.
Try new games and hidden gems.
Game Pass offers hundreds of games from every genre. Big names like Forza Horizon, Minecraft, and Bethesda’s library are still available. But don’t overlook smaller games. Titles like Tunic, Celeste, and Slay the Spire get rave reviews and can surprise you. Check the “Recently Added” and “Leaving Soon” sections on Game Pass to plan your next play.
Join Xbox community features.
Xbox has tools to connect gamers, like Clubs, Groups, and online multiplayer. Use the Game Pass app to track new releases and get recommendations. Xbox Rewards lets you earn points for playing games, which you can trade for gift cards or subscriptions.
Watch for regular updates.
Microsoft adds new games each month and rotates old ones out. Set reminders to check the Game Pass site or app so you don’t miss games you want to play before they leave.
Plan for release windows.
Since Call of Duty isn’t coming day one, look out for other big releases that still hit Game Pass early. Games from Xbox-owned studios—like Fable, Perfect Dark, or future Halo titles—will likely launch on Game Pass right away.
Budget smartly.
With lower prices, you might have money left to buy a game outright if you really want it. Use your savings to grab Call of Duty or other must-haves, and rely on Game Pass for everything else.
Stay flexible.
If you need to pause your subscription, Xbox lets you cancel or restart anytime. This can help you manage your budget and play what you want, when you want.
How to Stay Updated on Future Xbox Game Pass Policies and Offers
The best way to keep up with Game Pass changes is to follow official Xbox sources. Check the Xbox Wire blog for announcements. Follow @Xbox and @XboxGamePass on X (formerly Twitter) for news and tips. Set alerts for major gaming sites like IGN, Polygon, and GameSpot so you don’t miss updates.
You can also join Xbox community forums where gamers share tips and news. The Xbox app on your phone lets you set notifications for new game releases and price changes. Reddit’s r/XboxGamePass is a good spot for real-time chatter and rumors.
If you want to be first to know when new games are added or prices change, sign up for email alerts on Xbox.com. This way, you’ll never miss a deal or a new game drop.
Adapting Your Gaming Strategy to Xbox Game Pass’s New Era
Xbox Game Pass is changing, but there’s still a lot to like. Prices are lower, making it easier for more people to jump in. But the delay on new Call of Duty games means you’ll have to be more patient or buy those games directly.
Now’s the time to rethink your subscription. Look at the games you play most, check your budget, and pick the plan that fits. Try new games and use Xbox tools to get the most fun out of your subscription.
Microsoft says they want to listen to gamers and make Game Pass better [Source: Google News]. If they follow through, we could see more improvements soon—maybe new perks, more big games, or smarter bundles. For now, stay alert, keep your options open, and enjoy the games you love.
Why It Matters
- Gamers will save money on Game Pass subscriptions thanks to the price cuts.
- New Call of Duty games will no longer be available on Game Pass at launch, reducing immediate value for some players.
- These changes reflect Microsoft’s efforts to address customer concerns and stay competitive in the subscription gaming market.
