Xbox Game Pass 2026: Tier Overhaul, New Prices, and a List of Must-Try Games

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft's revolutionary game subscription service, will undergo a major overhaul starting in October 2025 and continuing through 2026.

The service allows millions of gamers worldwide to access a vast library of games across multiple platforms, from Xbox consoles to PCs and mobile devices, through cloud gaming technology.

This change includes the introduction of three new subscription tiers: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate, designed to offer users greater flexibility.

Pricing adjustments are also part of Microsoft's strategy to address market dynamics in 2026.

here’s what you’ll be kicking the year off with (games)https://t.co/EAnWcVS3km pic.twitter.com/8l6nA90FXj

— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) January 6, 2026

The Xbox Game Pass game library continues to grow with new titles added every month, offering a diverse range of genres from AAA blockbusters to innovative indie games.

Ultimate and PC Game Pass members have special benefits, including access to new Xbox-published games on the day they launch.

This policy ensures gamers always have the latest content.In January 2026, several exciting games are scheduled to join the Xbox Game Pass catalog.

Among these are Brews & Bastards and Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition, which will be available starting January 6th.

Other titles like Atomfall, Lost in Random: The Eternal Die, Rematch, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine - Master Crafted Edition will also be available on January 7th exclusively for Premium subscribers.

Game lovers can also look forward to Final Fantasy on January 8th, Star Wars Outlaws on January 13th, and Resident Evil Village and MIO: Memories in Orbit on January 20th.

Additionally, some major games expected to arrive on Game Pass throughout 2026 include Menace, High On Life 2, Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Gears of War: E-Day.

These additions promise a diverse gaming experience.However, as with any subscription service, some games will also be leaving the library.

On January 15th, 2026, titles like Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, Neon White, Road 96, The Ascent, and The Grinch: Christmas Adventures will be removed from the Xbox Game Pass catalog.

Starting October 1, 2025, Xbox Game Pass introduced a revamped subscription structure, dividing the service into three main options: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate.

Each tier is designed to meet different needs and budgets, replacing the previous Core and Standard models.

This change marks a significant evolution in the Xbox Game Pass offering.

Xbox Game Pass Essential, priced at $9.99 per month, offers access to over 50 games across console, PC, and the cloud, complete with online multiplayer and rewards.

This tier is suitable for players looking for basic access to a game library without breaking the bank. In-game benefits and special discounts are also key draws of this plan.

For a more enriched experience, Xbox Game Pass Premium is available for $14.99 per month, which provides access to over 200 games and cloud gaming with shorter wait times.

Premium subscribers also gain access to Xbox-published games within 12 months of release, except for Call of Duty. This tier strikes a balance between price and benefits.

The highlight of the offering is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $29.99 per month, which includes over 400 games, top-quality cloud gaming, and access to over 75 day-one releases per year.

Ultimate also includes EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, and Fortnite Crew memberships starting in November 2025.

2026 will be an interesting year for Xbox Game Pass, especially following Microsoft's price hike in October 2025.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate rose to $29.99 per month, a 50% increase, while PC Game Pass also saw a rise to $16.49 per month.

Microsoft is expected to face significant pressure in 2026, given sluggish hardware sales and concerns about long-term commitment to consoles.

First-party game performance is also considered suboptimal, which could impact market perception of subscription value.

This could trigger further price increases if innovation slows.Despite the price hike, Microsoft occasionally offers attractive promotions to attract new subscribers.