Xbox Game Pass Core

Cool gamers need cool subscriptions and Game Pass Core is just what they need. If you want to enjoy non-stop gaming and try out different genres like action, RPG, strategy, racing, and many more, then you surely need an Xbox Game Pass in your life. It is one of the most loved subscriptions out there that lets you enjoy thousands of cool games on Xbox consoles.

You just have to subscribe to the service, and then you can enjoy online multiplayer with access to a curated library of games, and grab exclusive member discounts without spending a lot of funds. Xbox Game Pass Core has over 40 million subscribers today, which makes it one of the most used subscriptions.

What is Xbox Game Pass Core?

Xbox Game Pass Core, now Xbox Game Pass Essential, is a gaming subscription service by Microsoft for Xbox players. It sits at the base level and allows you to play 40+ games online with friends through multiplayer mode, both co-op and PvP. You also get access to a small collection of popular games at no extra cost and you can enjoy different genres like action, RPG, strategy, and more.

The Xbox subscription offers special discounts on game purchases and add-ons. It took the place of the older Xbox Live Gold service and introduced several new features, making it better suited for today’s gaming needs. It is available in Xbox Game Pass Core 12 months, 6 months, and 3 months duration.

Key Features of Xbox Game Pass Core

Xbox Game Pass Core comes with 50+ games for you to enjoy. You can also try online multiplayer gaming, cloud gaming, get member discounts, and more.

• 50+ Games: Xbox Game Pass Core provides its members access to more than 50 popular games which they can play without making any additional purchases. 
• Online Multiplayer Access: Players who use Xbox consoles can engage in multiplayer matches with other players across the world. Xbox Game Pass lets players make connections with their friends while also enabling them to compete against international opponents. 
• Cloud Saves: Your game progress exists as online cloud storage which allows you to access your saved game data from any Xbox console. 
• Exclusive Member Discounts: The Microsoft Store provides its members with special discounts which they can use to purchase games and DLCs and other content at extremely low prices. 
• Earn Rewards: Players can earn up to 25,000 points which they can spend in the Rewards Store through their annual gameplay. 
• Regular Updates to Games: The Xbox games library receives updates at regular intervals which introduce new games to the collection which gives players new material to discover throughout various times. 
• No Day-One Releases: The Core plan does not provide access to new game releases on their launch date which higher tiers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offer.
• Choose Duration: You can choose if you want the Xbox Game Pass Core 12 months or Xbox Game Pass Core 3 months.

How Xbox Game Pass Core Works

• Buy a monthly or yearly Game Pass Core subscription.
• Sign in to your Xbox account.
• Activate your Game Pass Core membership.
• Download and play games from the Core game library.
• Play online multiplayer with other players.
• Get access to a collection of high-quality games.
• New games may be added, and some games may leave the library.
• Enjoy member-only deals and discounts on selected games.
• Keep your subscription active to continue using the benefits.
• Upgrade to Game Pass Ultimate anytime for more features.

How to Sign up for Xbox Game Pass Core?

• Create a Microsoft account: Head over to the Microsoft page and sign up, only if you don’t already have one.  
• For the Game Pass area: You’ll want to either open the Xbox website, or simply turn on your Xbox console and go through the menu from there.  
• Pick Game Pass Core: Find the Game Pass plans, then choose Game Pass Core from the options list.  
• Hit join or subscribe: Click the join button, and go through the steps to set up your subscription. 
• Add payment details: Enter your payment method through available options which include credit card, debit card and other methods.
• Confirm your subscription: Review the details and confirm your purchase.
• Start playing: Your multiplayer access and game downloads become available to you after you complete your subscription.

Xbox Game Pass Core Plans

You can grab Xbox Game Pass Core for either 1 month, 3 months, or 12 months. The Xbox Game Pass Core price varies depending on the length of the subscription you choose.

• Xbox Game Pass Core 1 Month: This 1 Month period of Xbox Game Pass Core lets players try the Core plan and see what it offers, including Xbox games. Xbox Game Pass Core 1 Month also comes with monthly pricing, which you can cancel whenever you feel like it, for your own timing.  
• Xbox Game Pass Core 3 Months: The 3 month option is a better deal than paying month by month, because you don’t need to pay so often. Xbox Game Pass Core 3 Months includes the same advantages, such as online multiplayer access, a handpicked game catalog, and deal offers that last longer. This option is great for people who play regularly but don’t want monthly charges.  
• Xbox Game Pass Core 12 Months: The Xbox Game Pass Core 12 months plan is the top pick for dedicated players, or just consistent gamers, since it gives you a full year of steady access to all Core perks. That means online multiplayer access plus a bundle of well-known games, without interruption. The Xbox Game Pass Core 12 Months plan usually offers the most savings and is convenient since you don’t have to worry about renewing it frequently. 

Xbox Game Pass Core Benefits

Xbox Game Pass Core service provides several key benefits that make your time on the console much better. Here is how these features help you as a gamer:

• Access a collection of popular Xbox games without purchasing each title separately.
• Jump into online multiplayer gaming with friends, and also players across the globe, which is instant.  
• You can save money in comparison to buying several games separately, no big surprise there.  
• Expect special discounts on selected games, add-ons and digital stuff.  
• Just download the available games and play straight on your Xbox console.  
• Wander through different game types like action, adventure, sports and more.  
• Sample fresh games without needing another separate purchase each time.  
• Get a straightforward, affordable subscription kind of experience.  
• Meet up with the Xbox gaming community using multiplayer features that actually work.  
• Get more entertainment out of your Xbox, because why not.  
• Pick from a mix of games that fits both casual and more regular players.  
• Get easy access to gaming content, with one subscription and done.

Should you Buy Xbox Game Pass Core?

If you are a casual player who likes multiplayer action, then you really should take a look at this plan. It works well for people who don't need every single brand new game the moment it releases, but still want a decent lineup of titles to mess around with.

When you choose to buy Xbox Game Pass Core 12 months, you are picking a budget conscious option that leans into the features you truly use. It helps keep your gaming spending down while making sure you do not miss the fun, especially when you play with your friends.

Other Xbox Game Passes

Xbox Game Pass offers three subscription tiers, with Xbox Game Pass Core as the base plan, followed by Xbox Game Pass Premium and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

• Xbox Game Pass Premium: The Premium plan grants users access to more than 200 games which they can play on console, PC and cloud platforms. The subscription does not provide access to new releases on their launch day but it adds most Xbox games after approximately one year.
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: The Xbox Ultimate plan is the top-level subscription which delivers complete Game Pass access together with 400+ games and online multiplayer and console, PC, cloud gaming access. Users can access a vast game collection which includes new releases and additional features that work with EA Play.

Xbox Game Pass Core vs Premium

Here’s the Xbox Game Pass Core vs Premium comparison. You can compare the two plans and choose accordingly. 

Feature	Xbox Game Pass Core	Xbox Game Pass Premium
Game Library	Includes a limited selection of Xbox games	Includes a larger catalog of games
Game Variety	Offers popular titles across different genres	Provides more games, including a wider range of experiences
Online Multiplayer	Includes online console multiplayer	Includes online multiplayer features
New Game Releases	Usually does not include day-one access to new releases	May include access to more new and expanded game options
Discounts	Offers member discounts on selected games and add-ons	Offers discounts and additional membership benefits
Cloud Gaming	Limited or not included depending on availability	May include cloud gaming features depending on the plan
Best For	Casual players who mainly want online multiplayer and a small game collection	Players who want a larger library and more gaming options
Cost	Lower-priced subscription option	Higher-priced subscription with more features
Game Access	Good for players who play a few selected games	Better for players who frequently try new games
Overall Value	Affordable choice for basic Xbox gaming needs	Better choice for regular gamers seeking more content

Xbox Game Pass Core vs Ultimate

Here’s the Xbox Game Pass Core vs Ultimate comparison. You can compare the two plans and choose accordingly. 

Feature	Xbox Game Pass Core	Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Price	Budget plan	More expensive
Game Library	50+ selected games	Hundreds of games (big library)
Day-One Releases	Not included	Included
Online Multiplayer	Yes	Yes
Platform Support	Console only (Xbox)	Console + PC + Mobile
Cloud Gaming	Limited	Full cloud gaming support
EA Play Included	No	Yes (extra games & perks)
Cross-Platform Play	No	Yes (play across devices)
Game Updates	Small, fixed library	Regularly updated large catalog
Best For	Casual gamers (online + few games)	Hardcore gamers (more games + features)

Supported Platforms

• Xbox One
• Xbox Series Series X/S

All Games in Xbox Game Pass Core 2026

You can play 50+ popular and multiplayer games with the Xbox Game Pass Core. Some of the most exciting games available via this subscription include:

• Among Us (2018)
• Astroneer (2016)
• Celeste (2018)
• Dead Cells (2018)
• Descenders (2018)
• Dishonored 2 (2016)
• Doom Eternal (2020)
• Fable Anniversary (2014)
• Fallout 4 (2015)
• Fallout 76 (2018)
• Firewatch (2016)
• Forza Horizon 4 (2018)
• Gang Beasts (2017)
• Gears 5 (2019)
• Grounded (2020)
• Halo 5: Guardians (2015)
• Halo Wars 2 (2017)
• Inside (2016)
• Limbo (2010)
• Stardew Valley (2016)
• Cities: Skylines (2015)
• DayZ (2018)
• Human: Fall Flat (2016)
• Jurassic World Evolution 2 (2021)
• Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020)
• Overcooked! 2 (2018)
• Payday 2 (2013)
• Slay the Spire (2019)
• Spiritfarer (2020)
• State of Decay 2 (2018)
• Deep Rock Galactic (2020)
• Golf With Your Friends (2020)
• Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (2017)
• PowerWash Simulator (2022)
• Psychonauts 2 (2021)
• Superliminal (2019)
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge (2022)
• Unpacking (2021)
• Vampire Survivors (2022) 

Can you convert Game Pass Core to Ultimate?

Yes, you can upgrade your Xbox Game Pass Core to Ultimate. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off recurring billing on your existing Game Pass Core subscription.
2. Buy and redeem Game Pass Core codes to add prepaid months (up to 36 months).
3. Open the Microsoft Account Redeem page and apply your Core codes.
4. Purchase 1 month of Game Pass Ultimate from Xbox or Microsoft.
5. Your remaining Game Pass Core time will automatically convert to Ultimate at the 2:1 ratio.
6. Start using Game Pass Ultimate benefits after the upgrade is complete.

How do I unsubscribe from Game Pass Core?

1. Sign in to your Microsoft account.
2. Open Services & Subscriptions.
3. Find your Xbox Game Pass Core subscription.
4. Click Manage and select Cancel subscription.
5. Follow the steps to confirm cancellation.
6. You can also cancel from Xbox: Settings > Account > Subscriptions > Game Pass Core > Cancel.

Where to Buy Xbox Game Pass Core for Cheap?

Gaming can get a bit pricey, so it makes sense to look around for ways to save. You do not always need to pay the full price at the official store, and plenty of players do not. A lot of people start hunting for a cheap Xbox Game Pass Core 12 Months by searching for digital keys or gift cards online, like a casual bargain hunt.

These offers are often listed on marketplaces like Driffle and they can come in way lower than the usual rates. If you choose this path, you can end up grabbing a Xbox Game Pass Core 1 month or 12 month subscription for a fraction of the cost, instead of paying the standard amount up front. It is honestly a solid way to stay plugged into your Xbox games without your budget feeling it too much.

Why Choose Driffle to Buy Xbox Game Pass Core?

Getting the most out of your console shouldn't be a hassle, or a slow leak in your finances. At Driffle, we focus on keeping your move into online multiplayer smooth and affordable, so you have a reliable place to pick up your Xbox Game Pass Core 12 months subscription. Here is why gamers tend to shop with us:

• Premium value: You can take in the whole set of Game Pass Core benefits like online multiplayer and member only discounts, for way less than what you’d see at typical retail stores.
• Authentic keys: Driffle makes sure the code you buy for Xbox Game Pass Core 3 Months or 12 months is fully legit and works right away on your Xbox, like 100% ready to redeem, no silly errors.
• Instant digital access: Driffle's delivery process for Xbox Game Pass Core 12 months is built for quickness once your payment is finished, your Game Pass Core code shows up on your screen and also lands in your email within just a few seconds.
• Support 24/7: If you’re trying to activate it the first time, or you’ve got a specific question about your purchase for Xbox Game Pass Core 1 month or anything else, Driffle’s support team is there all day every day to keep things smooth.
• Safe and private checkout: When you subscribe through Driffle, you can keep your payment details private, so there’s no need to attach your main credit card or banking info straight to your Xbox console.

FAQs about Xbox Game Pass Core

Q1: Is Game Pass Core now Essential?

Ans: Yes, Xbox Game Pass has been rebranded to Xbox Game Pass Essential.

Q2: Is GTA V included in Game Pass Core?

Ans: No, Grand Theft Auto V is not included in Xbox Game Pass Core and you will need to buy it separately.

Q3: Can I play offline with Game Pass?

Ans: Yes, you can play Game Pass games offline after downloading them, but you need to connect online periodically to verify your subscription.

Q4: Are Game Pass Core games free?

Ans: No, Game Pass Core games are not permanently free. They are included as long as you have an active Game Pass Core subscription.

Q5: How to convert Game Pass Core to Ultimate?

Ans: To convert Xbox Game Pass Core to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, simply buy an Ultimate plan and it will automatically upgrade your remaining Core time into Ultimate.