Microsoft really made things confusing when they killed off Xbox Live Gold. For decades, it was simple: you pay your fee, you play online, you get two "free" games a month that you probably never downloaded. Then Game Pass Core showed up. It replaced Gold, but instead of those monthly rotating titles, it gave us a static library. People were annoyed. Honestly, I was one of them. But after sitting with the games on game pass core for a year, the reality is a bit more nuanced than the internet outrage suggested.
It’s a starter pack. That’s the best way to look at it. You aren’t getting the day-one drops like Indiana Jones or the next Call of Duty. You’re getting a curated "Greatest Hits" list that feels like Microsoft’s way of saying, "Here is what an Xbox is supposed to feel like."
What Exactly Are the Games on Game Pass Core?
If you’re looking for a massive library of 500+ titles, you’re in the wrong place. Core gives you about 40 games. That’s it. But the quality density is surprisingly high. You’ve got heavy hitters like Gears 5, Forza Horizon 4, and Halo 5: Guardians.
It’s weirdly heavy on Bethesda titles too. Since the acquisition, Microsoft has shoved Doom Eternal, The Elder Scrolls Online, and Fallout 4 into this tier. If you’ve never played a Fallout game and you’re just subbing to play Call of Duty online, having Fallout 4 sitting there is a massive value add. It’s a 100-hour RPG for "free."
The list doesn't change much. That is the big catch. While the "big" Game Pass tiers get new stuff every two weeks, the games on game pass core only get updated maybe two or three times a year. Usually, Microsoft adds two or three games in a batch. For example, they recently tossed in Deep Rock Galactic and Superhot: Mind Control Delete. If you’re a hardcore gamer, you probably already own these. If you’re a casual player who just wants to play Madden or FIFA (now FC) online, these are pleasant surprises you wouldn't have bought otherwise.
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The Heavy Hitters You Should Actually Play
- Gears 5: It’s still the benchmark for how a third-person shooter should feel on a controller. The campaign is surprisingly emotional, and the "Hivebusters" expansion (if included in your region's version) is gorgeous.
- Grounded: This is the "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" survival game. It is way more stressful than it looks. Spiders are terrifying.
- Among Us: It’s the ultimate "I have 20 minutes to kill" game. Everyone knows it, but having it baked into the subscription means you can always find a match with friends who are also on the Core tier.
- Stardew Valley: Honestly, this might be the most dangerous game on the list. You start by planting a few parsnips and suddenly it's 3:00 AM and you're wondering why you haven't talked to your real-life neighbors in three days.
The Massive Confusion Around "Games with Gold"
A lot of people think they lost their old games. You didn't. If you claimed games back when it was Xbox Live Gold, you still have access to the Xbox One titles as long as you stay a subscriber to Game Pass Core or Ultimate. The Xbox 360 titles? You keep those forever regardless of your sub status.
But let’s be real. The games on game pass core are a much better deal than the junk we were getting at the end of the Gold era. Does anyone actually miss those random side-scrolling indies no one heard of? Probably not. I’d much rather have Dishonored 2—a legit masterpiece of immersive sim design—than four random titles that I'll never boot up.
Is the Library Large Enough?
Some argue the 40-game limit is insulting. Sony’s PlayStation Plus Essential doesn't give you a permanent library; it gives you monthly claims. It’s a different philosophy. With Xbox, you get a reliable, high-quality foundation. If you buy a console for your kid, Game Pass Core is enough to keep them busy for a year without buying a single individual disc. They have Super Cells, Lego Batman, and Minecraft Legends.
However, if you are a power user, you will hit a wall. Fast. You’ll look at the list and realize you've played the "Best of" already. That is exactly where Microsoft wants you. They want you to look at that list, get a taste of Halo, and then realize that Halo Infinite isn't on Core, but it IS on the Standard and Ultimate tiers. It’s a funnel. A very effective one.
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Hidden Gems You’re Probably Ignoring
Most people go straight for Forza or Doom. Don't do that. Or do, but then look deeper.
Descenders is one of the most relaxing yet high-stakes mountain biking games ever made. It’s procedurally generated, so the runs are never the same. Then there’s Slay the Spire. It’s a deck-building roguelike. It sounds boring if you aren't into cards, but trust me, it is pure digital crack. You start a run, you die, you say "one more," and suddenly the sun is coming up.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is another one. It’s short. You can finish it in a weekend. But it’s an experience that uses binaural audio to simulate psychosis. You must play it with headphones. It’s not just a game; it’s an assault on the senses in the best way possible.
The Technical Side of Things
You get the multiplayer access. That’s the primary reason 90% of people pay for this. Without Core, you can't play Modern Warfare 3 or GTA Online.
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The games themselves run exactly like the retail versions. You get the Series X|S enhancements if you're on the newer hardware. Ori and the Will of the Wisps at 120fps is a religious experience. If you’re still on an Xbox One, these games still work, but obviously, they won't look as crisp.
One thing people forget: Core does not include EA Play. You want Battlefield? You want Star Wars Jedi: Survivor? You have to move up to Ultimate for that. It’s a bummer, but that’s the segmentation of the market right now.
Why Some People Hate This Tier
It feels stagnant. If you’ve been a subscriber since the launch of Core, you’ve seen the same tiles on your dashboard for months. For a service branded as "Game Pass," which usually implies a revolving door of content, Core feels more like a vault.
Also, the "Standard" tier—the middle child—is in a weird spot now too. But for the budget-conscious gamer, games on game pass core represent the best "set it and forget it" value. It costs $9.99 a month, or $59.99 a year. If you buy the yearly sub, you’re paying $5 a month. For $5, getting access to Fallout 76, State of Decay 2, and Psychonauts 2 is, objectively, a steal.
Actionable Steps for New Subscribers
If you just signed up, don't just browse the list aimlessly. Here is how to actually get your money's worth:
- Prioritize the "Short" Masterpieces: Start with Inside or Superhot. You can beat them quickly and feel like you've already "paid off" your monthly sub.
- Download Deep Rock Galactic: Find some friends. This is the best co-op experience on the service, period. If you don't have friends who play, the community is surprisingly welcoming to "Greenbeards" (newbies).
- Check for "Home Xbox" Sharing: If you have two consoles in the house, set the one you don't use as your "Home Xbox." Your family can play all the Core games on their accounts while you play on your own account on the other console.
- Look for Yearly Deals: Never pay the $9.99 monthly price if you can avoid it. Retailers often sell the 12-month codes for $50 or less during Black Friday or Prime Day.
- Evaluate the "Ultimate" Jump: If you find yourself wanting to play more than three games on the Core list, check if there’s a $1 trial for Game Pass Ultimate. Sometimes you can "convert" your remaining Core time into Ultimate time at a 3:2 ratio. It’s the smartest way to upgrade without paying full price.
The games on game pass core aren't going to revolutionize your gaming life if you're looking for the newest blockbusters. But as a foundation? As a way to ensure you always have a high-quality shooter, a deep RPG, and a couple of quirky indies ready to go? It’s hard to argue with the math. Just don't expect the library to grow every week, and you’ll be happy with what’s there.