Xbox Game Pass: Price Rise and the DLC Discount Drop Explained
Last week, Microsoft raised the cost of Xbox Game Pass by as much as $11 a month. The move sparked a flood of questions and a surge in searches about how to cancel the service. The backlash was clear as many users hit the cancellation page, which struggled under the load.
Discounts on DLC Disappear, Rewards Get a New Spin
Microsoft later confirmed to outlets like IGN that DLC discounts are no longer offered. In the past, players could save 10% on add-ons such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants or on Call of Duty points. Now, those DLC discounts are gone. The company pointed to a change that applies to “all games and DLC purchases” moving forward.
But there is a new twist on rewards. Ultimate and Premium members will still earn rewards points, but at different rates. Ultimate members will gain 10% back on eligible Game Pass purchases, while Premium members will see a 5% rate. The 20% discount on Game Pass title purchases remains in place for Ultimate members.
This shift in rewards had been hinted at earlier, but the official move confirms a clear rebalance. It marks another change to a service that already carries a higher price tag and a growing list of perks that aren’t as easy to measure as before.
The Value Conversation: What This Means for Players
The price bump and the DLC discount removal put more pressure on how players judge Game Pass. For some, the monthly fee now comes with fewer savings on big add-ons. For others, the Rewards System provides a different kind of value, tied to what they actually buy from the library.
Microsoft’s stance is simple: the lineup of rewards and discounts now aligns with the broader ecosystem of Game Pass, including its catalog and the perks tied to each tier. It’s a shift that makes the service feel more like a bundle of access and perks rather than a steady stream of easy discounts on every purchase.
Players who regularly chase DLC like Indiana Jones content or Call of Duty points may feel the sting more than casual subscribers. Yet those who often buy games from the library could still see a benefit from the Rewards System on hand, especially Ultimate members who retain the 20% discount on title purchases.
How the Changes affect the bigger picture
These moves come as competition in the game and subscription space grows. Players weigh the price against the size and timeliness of the game lineup, plus any extra perks tied to their plan. The combo of a higher price with fewer DLC savings leaves many to ask: is Game Pass still the best value for them?
The answer hinges on how you play. If you dive into new releases and regularly grab add-ons, the loss of the DLC discounts hits harder. If you mainly stream from the library and take advantage of Rewards System on a steady basis, the Rewards System still offers a tangible return.
Microsoft has also kept the door open for ongoing adjustments. The company has shown a willingness to tweak perks and pricing as the catalog and member base change. For fans, that means staying alert to future updates and watching how these perks line up with one’s own gaming habits.
What to Watch Next
Keep an eye on how Microsoft communicates future changes. The company has shown it can pivot on perks while maintaining a core set of benefits. If you’re weighing whether to renew, consider how often you pick up add-ons and how often you buy games from the library. The math will look different now that discounts on DLC are gone and rewards rates have shifted.
If you want the latest official details, check the Game Pass pages and the statements from Microsoft. IGN’s coverage is a good tracker for what changed and why. Your personal experience will depend on your play style and what you value most in a monthly pass.
Looking Ahead for Players
The price rise, coupled with the DLC discount change, signals a broader shift in how Microsoft positions Game Pass. The service remains a strong library of games and a steady stream of new titles, but the mix of savings and perks is evolving. Players should review their own use, tally the costs, and weigh the benefits of the rewards on hand.
The conversation around Game Pass now centers on value, not just access. With the Rewards System in place and DLC discounts gone, the best move is to track your own purchases and see how the new setup serves you. The landscape is changing, and so are the ways players get the most from the service.
As the catalog grows and pricing shifts, the future is likely to bring more tweaks rather than a full reset. For many, the core appeal remains: a large library, convenient access, and a path to rewards that still holds potential. How you blend those elements will decide how you feel about Game Pass in the months ahead.
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