Game Pass New Prices: Xbox Subscription Service Hits $30 for Ultimate in 2025

Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription service has raised its price by a substantial 50%, now costing $29.99 per month in the U.S. The price hike follows an earlier increase in 2024 and introduces new features to justify the higher cost, such as day-one game releases, Fortnite Crew, and Ubisoft+ Classics.

The price jump, which takes effect immediately for new subscribers and on November 4 for current subscribers, raises the cost of Ultimate by $10 per month, amounting to an extra $120 annually. This change also impacts other tiers, including the Xbox Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass plans, which have seen smaller price adjustments. While the move has sparked backlash, Microsoft emphasizes the expanded game catalog, cloud gaming improvements, and additional benefits as reasons for the increase.

Key Detail: Xbox Game Pass New Prices Breakdown

As of October 2025, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate’s new price stands at $29.99 a month in the U.S., up from the previous $19.99. In the UK, the price increase is even more significant, jumping from £14.99 to £22.99. For subscribers who play on PC, the PC Game Pass has also seen a price hike, moving from $11.99 to $16.49 a month, while Premium remains at $14.99, and Essential stays at $9.99.

To help justify these increases, Microsoft has introduced several new benefits for Ultimate subscribers. Starting November 18, Fortnite Crew—valued at $11.99/month—will be included in the Ultimate package. This includes the Fortnite Battle Pass, 1,000 V-Bucks per month, and exclusive cosmetic items. Additionally, Ubisoft+ Classics, which grants access to classic Ubisoft titles, has been bundled into Ultimate. Cloud gaming performance has also been improved, with upgraded streaming quality and faster load times.

Analysis: The Impact of Xbox Game Pass Price Changes on Gamers

The Xbox Game Pass price hikes are already sparking reactions across social media, with some subscribers expressing their dissatisfaction. Many feel that the 50% increase for Ultimate is steep, especially as the service becomes more expensive while maintaining its existing structure for the Premium and Essential tiers. However, Microsoft argues that the expanded catalog of games, including blockbuster titles like Hogwarts Legacy, and access to additional perks like Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics, makes the price rise justifiable.

On the business side, these price hikes reflect the increasing costs of game development, as well as the continued expansion of Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem. With major titles like Call of Duty joining the Game Pass library on day one, the service is positioned as a strong competitor in the gaming subscription market. However, there are concerns that frequent price increases could lead to subscriber churn in the long term.

Ultimately, while some fans are unhappy with the higher cost, others may find the new benefits—especially the inclusion of Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+—to be worth the price hike. How the broader gaming community reacts in the coming months will determine the long-term viability of Microsoft’s subscription strategy.

In Conclusion: The new Xbox Game Pass pricing reflects a significant shift in how Microsoft plans to position its subscription service in the future. With the addition of new games, benefits, and cloud gaming improvements, the service aims to provide value despite the price increases. However, it remains to be seen how loyal subscribers will respond to the growing costs.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did Xbox Game Pass raise its prices in 2025?

Microsoft raised Xbox Game Pass prices to accommodate the expanded catalog of games, cloud gaming improvements, and added features like Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics.

Q2: Is Xbox Game Pass still worth the price hike?

For some users, the addition of day-one games, cloud gaming upgrades, and perks like Fortnite Crew may justify the higher cost. However, the value will vary depending on the individual.

Q3: How much is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now?

As of October 2025, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $29.99 a month in the U.S., up from $19.99, reflecting a 50% price increase.

Q4: What new benefits does Xbox Game Pass Ultimate include in 2025?

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now includes Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, and improved cloud gaming features, in addition to the expanded game library.

Q5: How will Xbox Game Pass pricing affect gamers?

The price hike could lead to dissatisfaction among some gamers, but others may appreciate the added benefits and new game releases. The long-term impact depends on how these changes are received by the gaming community.