Microsoft has dropped one of the biggest Game Pass updates yet, expanding its library with more than 45 fresh titles this October. From blockbuster hits like Hogwarts Legacy and Diablo IV to Ubisoft’s fan-favorite franchises, the update is designed to give players a stacked gaming catalog. But there’s a catch—the update comes alongside a steep price hike that’s stirring heated debates across the gaming world.
Ubisoft+ Classics Joins the Party
The standout addition is the arrival of Ubisoft+ Classics for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members. This instantly unlocks access to a treasure chest of Ubisoft titles, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Watch Dogs, Rayman Legends, Ghost Recon, and more. However, Microsoft isn’t making everything equally available. IGN confirmed that Hogwarts Legacy will be exclusive to Ultimate and the new Premium tier, leaving Essential tier players out of the magic.
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Price Shock and New Tiers
Alongside the update, Microsoft has revamped its subscription model. Game Pass Ultimate now costs $29.99 per month, up from $19.99—a hefty 50% increase. The tiers have also been reshuffled: Premium replaces Standard, while Essential takes over Core. The community is divided. Hardcore gamers see the value in the expanded lineup, while casual players worry that the rising price tag could lock them out.
October’s Mega Lineup
This month’s drop is one of the service’s largest to date. Ultimate subscribers can dive into heavy-hitters like Hogwarts Legacy, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, Far Cry Primal, The Crew 2, Skull and Bones, Trials Rising, and Watch Dogs. Meanwhile, Premium subscribers get access to big titles such as Diablo IV and Age of Mythology: Retold. Even Essential tier members aren’t left behind, with a curated collection of more than 50 playable games across console and PC.
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What’s Missing?
Notably, Fortnite is still absent from the Game Pass roster, remaining free-to-play on its own. Microsoft also confirmed that while first-party Xbox games will arrive on Premium within a year, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 won’t join at launch this November. The move signals a strategic rollout, ensuring that Game Pass remains both a tempting deal and a carefully managed platform.
