Xbox Game Pass PC: Unlock Epic Gaming Adventures

Xbox Game Pass PC (also called PC Game Pass) is Microsoft’s subscription service for Windows gaming. It grants instant access to a vast, rotating library of PC games for a flat monthly fee. Think of it as “Netflix for PC games”: you download and play any title in the Game Pass catalog as long as your subscription is active. This game-changing model delivers hundreds of high-quality PC titles from indie gems to AAA blockbusters – all included. For example, Microsoft emphasizes that PC Game Pass offers “day one titles on PC, hundreds of high-quality PC games” and even includes perks like EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics. The service has driven huge growth: in late 2025 Microsoft reported 45% year-over-year revenue growth for PC Game Pass, highlighting how the subscription model is exploding in popularity.

Originally launched in 2019 as “Xbox Game Pass for PC,” the service was rebranded to PC Game Pass in late 2021. It’s one of three tiers of Game Pass (alongside the Xbox console plan and Game Pass Ultimate). Crucially, many PC Game Pass titles are part of Xbox Play Anywhere. This means if a game is Play Anywhere, you buy it once and can play it on both your Xbox console and your Windows PC with no extra cost. Your saved games and achievements carry over between devices. This cross-platform flexibility means your Game Pass PC library overlaps significantly with the Xbox console library. In fact, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted that “with Xbox Play Anywhere, players now can access more than 1,000 games they can play across console and PC”, underscoring how integrated the PC and Xbox ecosystems are.

PC Game Pass is a turnkey way to discover and enjoy new games. As Microsoft’s own site explains, members get:

Hundreds of PC games, including day-one releases, available to download and play.
EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics memberships, which add hundreds more titles from those publishers, included at no extra cost.
Exclusive in-game bonuses for major free-to-play games (for example, Valorant and League of Legends) as part of its Riot Games benefits.
Member discounts on games and add-ons (up to 20% off games and 10% off DLC) in the Microsoft Store.

Image: Two Xbox wireless controllers on an Xbox Series S console, symbolizing the Xbox ecosystem behind PC Game Pass PC. By subscribing to Xbox Game Pass PC, gamers unlock all of these perks. Key features include day-one access to new games, a huge game catalog, and cross-platform compatibility. For example, The Outer Worlds 2 a highly anticipated RPG is confirmed for release on Game Pass PC on launch day. In short, Game Pass PC offers high-end, high-value gaming for one fixed price.

Table of Contents

How to Get Started with Xbox Game Pass PC

Getting started is simple. All you need is a Windows PC (Windows 10 version 22H2 or later, or Windows 11) and an Xbox (Microsoft) account. Then:

Sign up for PC Game Pass: Go to xbox.com or open the Xbox app on Windows and choose the PC Game Pass subscription. Microsoft often offers a discounted trial (e.g. $1 for the first month). You can also subscribe to Game Pass Ultimate if you want console and PC access together.
Install the Xbox App: Download and launch the Xbox app for Windows. This app is your hub for PC Game Pass: it shows the entire catalog, lets you browse genres or search for titles, and has personalized recommendations. (The app requires Windows 10/11 22H2 or higher.)
Browse and Download Games: In the Xbox app, browse the “Game Pass” tab or the full game catalog. Click Install on any Game Pass title to download it to your PC. You can queue multiple downloads and manage them like normal PC games. There is no extra charge – the subscription covers the cost.
Play and Earn: Once installed, launch games directly from the Xbox app or Start Menu. Your Xbox profile tracks achievements and cloud saves. You can play with a connected Xbox controller or keyboard/mouse. (The image above shows a controller + keyboard setup – Game Pass PC supports both play styles.)
Stay Connected: Your PC must go online at least once every 30 days to verify the subscription. After that, many games can be played offline until your next subscription check. If you cancel or let it lapse, installed games will no longer run until repurchased or reactivated.

Pro Tip: PC Game Pass members can earn Microsoft Rewards points by simply playing Game Pass games, redeemable for store credit. Also, keep an eye on the Xbox app’s Deals section: you get extra discounts on games and DLC as a subscriber.

Xbox Play Anywhere & Cross-Platform Play

One of the biggest advantages of Game Pass PC is cross-platform play. Thanks to Xbox Play Anywhere, hundreds of games allow “buy once, play anywhere” between Xbox consoles and PC. For example, if you buy Ori and the Will of the Wisps digitally, you can play it on both an Xbox and on your PC at no extra cost. Your saved progress, game add-ons, and achievements carry over seamlessly. Microsoft’s Nadella emphasized this cross-play power: with Play Anywhere and Game Pass combined, “players can access more than 1,000 games they can play across console and PC”.

This means Game Pass PC isn’t limited to strictly PC-only experiences. Popular franchises like Halo, Forza Horizon, Gears of War and Minecraft are all playable on Windows via the service (and on Xbox consoles). In practice, many players enjoy Game Pass on their gaming PC and their Xbox consoles interchangeably. If you already own an Xbox or plan to also game on console, Game Pass Ultimate ($29.99/month) covers all bases – but even the standalone PC plan lets you access Xbox titles through your PC if they are included on PC Game Pass.

Pricing and Plans (as of 2025)

Microsoft has revamped Game Pass into three main tiers (plus the standalone PC plan). As of late 2025, the pricing in the US is roughly:

PC Game Pass – focused on Windows PCs (≈$9.99/month). This standalone plan includes all new PC releases on day one, hundreds of PC titles, EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics, and member discounts. It does not include cloud streaming to other devices or Xbox console games.
Game Pass Essential ($9.99/month) entry-tier, with 50+ games on console and PC, online multiplayer, cloud gaming, and rewards points. All Essential games are playable on PC.
Game Pass Premium ($14.99/month) mid-tier, with 200+ games on console, PC, and cloud. Includes all Essential benefits plus any new Microsoft-published games added to the library within one year of release. Also offers unlimited cloud game streaming on supported devices. (Note: Premium effectively replaces the old “Standard” plan.)
Game Pass Ultimate ($29.99/month) – top tier, 500+ games on console, PC, and cloud. Includes all Premium perks plus the day-one release of brand-new titles, maximum streaming quality (up to 1440p), exclusive partner benefits (Fortnite Crew), and double rewards points. Microsoft has boosted Ultimate with over 75 day-one releases per year and added perks like Ubisoft+ Classics and Fortnite Crew for free.

Each plan automatically renews monthly, but you can cancel anytime. According to Microsoft, “Ultimate is now priced at $29.99/month” and Premium/Essential remain at $14.99/$9.99. These prices reflect the expanded catalogs and benefits in each tier. For PC-centric players, the standalone PC plan (at ~$10/month) can be a great deal: it mirrors the Ultimate PC content (all PC games + EA Play) without the extra console features.

Current Deals: Keep an eye on promotions. Retailers often sell Game Pass Ultimate gift cards (e.g. 3 months for $30) on sale. Also, Microsoft sometimes offers a $1 first month trial for new subscribers.

Game Pass PC Library – What You Can Play

Image: An Xbox controller on a PC gaming keyboard, illustrating the Xbox Game Pass PC gaming experience. Game Pass PC’s library spans every genre. You’ll find flagship franchises and indie favorites alike. Major AAA titles include Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Age of Empires IV, Gears 5, and many more (all playable on PC through Game Pass Ultimate). Indie and retro-style hits abound as well, like Hades, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Stardew Valley, Celeste, Hollow Knight, Dead Cells, Psychonauts 2, etc.

Microsoft continually adds new games. For example, the latest Monster Hunter installment and Life is Strange became available on PC Game Pass this year. Upcoming day-one additions (as announced in 2025) include The Outer Worlds 2, PowerWash Simulator 2, Bounty Star, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Football Manager 2026, among others. These announcements emphasize that day-one blockbusters are coming to Game Pass PC The Outer Worlds 2’s listing specifically notes it will be “available on day one with Game Pass!”. This means subscribers can jump into big new releases on Windows the moment they launch.

Between constant new releases and a rotating catalog, Game Pass PC offers huge variety. Just browse the “Most Popular” or “Coming Soon” sections in the Xbox app to see what’s new. And remember: as the [Xbox site][13] notes, Game Pass members save up to 20% on games that rotate out of the service, so you can buy favorites at a discount before they leave.

Built for PC Gaming

Xbox Game Pass PC is optimized for Windows play. With the Xbox app on Windows, it’s easier than ever to find games. The app features personalized recommendations and filters (by genre, controllers, etc.). It also supports modern PC features: you can run games at high frame rates and resolutions (including 4K), use ultra-wide displays, and take advantage of ray-tracing and VRR if your hardware supports it.

Minimum system requirements are modest (the app itself needs only Windows 10/11 (22H2+) and a 720p display), but each game has its own specs. Many older titles will run fine on basic hardware, while very demanding games may require a gaming PC with a strong CPU/GPU. The Xbox app even lets you stream select games from the cloud (if you have Ultimate), meaning you could play high-end games on lower-spec PCs. Just note that the Xbox app runs outside of Windows S mode, and some Game Pass games may not support 64-bit Arm PCs yet.

Xbox Game Pass PC vs. Other Platforms

How does Game Pass PC compare to other PC gaming options? Unlike Steam or the Microsoft Store on their own, Game Pass is a subscription model rather than individual purchases. This is ideal if you like trying lots of games without buying each one. In fact, industry analysts highlight that gaming subscriptions are booming – Quantumrun reports that “subscription services delivered the highest CAGR [growth] during 2024-2025,” and Microsoft credited PC Game Pass with driving record revenue in that category. More broadly, cloud and subscription gaming are some of the fastest-growing segments of the industry.

By contrast, traditional PC purchasing (Steam/GOG/Epic) means paying full price per game. The trade-off is that on Game Pass you don’t own the games; when a game rotates out of the service you lose access unless you buy it. However, Game Pass often adds significant content and covers the costs of many games you might not play otherwise. For AAA-heavy fans, Game Pass Ultimate offers unmatched value (day-one blockbusters plus back catalog). For players on a budget, even the $10/month PC plan can deliver dozens of new games per year for a flat fee.

Cloud-only services (like NVIDIA GeForce NOW) let you stream games you already own, but Game Pass gives you the games themselves to download and play natively. (However, Game Pass Ultimate’s cloud streaming can complement PC play by letting you play on tablets or phones.)

Engagement and Tips

Community & Playlists: Many Game Pass titles support online multiplayer. You can chat with friends via the Xbox app, form parties, and share screenshots easily.
Game Streaming: With Game Pass Ultimate, try Xbox Cloud Gaming (Xbox.com/play) to stream games to other devices. The streaming quality has been boosted (up to 1440p now).
Stay Updated: Microsoft often announces new Game Pass games on Xbox Wire and social channels. Subscribe to newsletters or follow official Xbox accounts to catch new drops.
Feedback: You can give feedback via the Xbox Insider app or official forums if you run into issues or want new features.

Enjoying the Service? Don’t forget to share your experiences! Recommend PC Game Pass to friends who game on Windows, and join the conversation online. Many players discuss Game Pass titles on forums and social media – sharing tips and favorite games. The more you engage, the more you get out of it.

Conclusion

Xbox Game Pass PC offers unbeatable value for PC gamers. For around $10–30 per month, you get hundreds of games – including brand-new releases – plus perks like EA Play and cross-device saves. As Microsoft’s data shows, the service is attracting millions of players (500+ million active across Xbox platforms) and delivering strong growth in content revenue. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, there’s something on Game Pass PC for you. If you have a gaming PC, it’s worth trying a subscription to unlock this library.

Start your adventure today! Sign up for Xbox Game Pass PC through the Xbox app or website, install the app on your Windows PC, and dive into dozens of games. Don’t forget to share this article with fellow gamers and drop a comment below to let us know your favorite Game Pass PC game. Happy gaming!

FAQ

Q: What is Xbox Game Pass PC?
A: Xbox Game Pass PC (sometimes called PC Game Pass) is Microsoft’s subscription service for Windows gaming. It gives you access to hundreds of PC games including new titles at launch for a monthly fee. You can download and play any game in the Game Pass library as long as you stay subscribed.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: A standalone PC Game Pass plan typically costs about $9.99/month (prices vary by region). There are also Game Pass Premium plans: Game Pass Essential ($9.99), Premium ($14.99), and Ultimate ($29.99). The $9.99 PC plan includes the same PC games (plus EA Play) as Ultimate, but Ultimate also covers console games and extra perks.

Q: What’s the difference between PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate?
A: PC Game Pass only applies to Windows PCs. Game Pass Ultimate ($29.99/mo) includes PC and Xbox consoles (and also includes Xbox Live Gold, EA Play, and Ubisoft+). If you already have a powerful PC and an Xbox, Ultimate covers both. PC Game Pass alone is cheaper if you only play on PC.

Q: Can I play games offline?
A: Yes. After you download and install a Game Pass game on your PC, you can play it offline. However, you must connect online at least once a month so Microsoft can verify your active subscription. If you go too long offline, the game will require re-checking your subscription.

Q: Do games stay forever in Game Pass?
A: No. The library rotates. Some games are added while others are removed periodically. The Xbox app indicates upcoming removals so you can finish them. If a game you like is leaving, you get a discount to buy it for keeps.

Q: Can I use a controller on Game Pass PC?
A: Absolutely. Most Game Pass PC games support game controllers (like the Xbox Wireless Controller). You can also play with keyboard and mouse. The Xbox app and many PC games will recognize your controller automatically.

Q: What hardware do I need?
A: Your PC needs Windows 10 (22H2) or Windows 11. Each game has its own requirements. A modern CPU and GPU are recommended for newer titles. If you don’t meet a game’s requirements, it won’t install or run smoothly. Also note: if you’re in Windows S mode, you’ll need to switch out to install Game Pass games.

Q: How do I cancel the subscription?
A: You can cancel anytime in your Microsoft account settings or via the Xbox app. After canceling, you keep access until the paid period ends; afterward, the games require purchase to play.

Q: Is Game Pass PC worth it?
A: For many gamers, yes. If you play multiple games per year, Game Pass is usually cheaper than buying them individually. It’s especially great if you like variety or don’t mind “renting” games. According to industry reports, subscription gaming services like Game Pass are growing fast and offer tremendous value for players

Q: What is the current Xbox Series X price?
A: As of late 2025, the retail price for a new Xbox Series X (1TB model) is about $649.99 USD. This is after a $150 total increase from its original $499.99 launch price. Refurbished Series X consoles can be cheaper (often around $469–$499). Prices vary by country (e.g. €599.99 in Europe, £499.99 in the UK). Always check the latest retailer listings for up-to-date pricing.