The world of gaming subscriptions can be complex, especially with offerings from major companies like Microsoft. One of the biggest questions gamers often ask is whether Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes access to PC games, or if it’s restricted to Xbox consoles only. This article breaks down the features of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and confirms whether PC gamers can enjoy the benefits too.
TLDR: Does Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Include PC Games?
Yes, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate does include access to PC games. This subscription combines several services: Xbox Game Pass for Console, Xbox Game Pass for PC, Xbox Live Gold, and EA Play. PC gamers who subscribe gain access to a large and growing library of high-quality titles. It’s one of the best all-in-one gaming subscriptions available to both console and PC players.
What Is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is Microsoft’s premium subscription tier that provides a bundled access to multiple gaming services within the Xbox ecosystem. Designed to give users maximum value, it appeals to both casual and hardcore gamers by offering features across devices and platforms.
The subscription combines the following services:
- Xbox Game Pass for Console: Monthly access to a rotating catalog of Xbox games.
- Xbox Game Pass for PC: The same value-packed access but tailored for Windows users with games optimized for PC.
- Xbox Live Gold: Online multiplayer capability on Xbox consoles, plus free monthly games.
- EA Play: Access to EA’s catalog of games, trials, and exclusive content on both Xbox and PC.
By subscribing to Game Pass Ultimate, users consolidate all these services into one package, which is especially beneficial for players who own both a gaming PC and an Xbox console.
PC Game Access Through Game Pass Ultimate
The PC segment of Game Pass, originally branded as “Xbox Game Pass for PC,” is fully included in the Game Pass Ultimate plan. This means that PC players receive:
- Access to the same library of PC games offered in the standalone PC Game Pass subscription.
- Additional access to EA Play titles on PC through the EA Desktop app.
- Same-day access to Xbox Game Studios titles released on PC.
In short, PC players do not miss out when they opt for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. In fact, they gain additional features such as cloud saves, play-anywhere titles, and increased cross-platform potential.
What Kind of PC Games Are Available?
The PC game library within Game Pass Ultimate is far from an afterthought. Microsoft has made clear its intention to treat PC gaming as a first-class citizen of its broader Xbox platform. The result is a diverse, robust library of PC titles that cater to almost every interest—from indie gems and tactical shooters to blockbuster AAA RPGs.
Notable game genres and examples include:
- First-Person Shooters: DOOM Eternal, Halo Infinite
- Role-Playing Games (RPGs): The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Wasteland 3
- Strategy: Age of Empires IV, Crusader Kings III
- Independent Titles: Hades, Stardew Valley
- Simulation and Management: Microsoft Flight Simulator, Two Point Hospital
This rotating catalog changes frequently, but Microsoft ensures that critically acclaimed titles are regularly featured. One of the standout aspects is the day-one inclusion of all Xbox Game Studios releases—meaning that anytime a new game from Microsoft or any of its dozens of subsidiaries launches, it becomes available immediately on both console and PC Game Pass.
How to Access Game Pass PC Games
To access your PC games as an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, follow these simple steps:
- Install the Xbox app from the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC.
- Sign in using the Microsoft account associated with your Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
- Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Game Pass’ tab to start browsing available PC games.
- Click ‘Install’ on any game to download and start playing.
For EA Play games, you will also need to download the EA Desktop App and link your Xbox account to your EA account. Once linked, games available through EA Play can be downloaded and played similarly.
Cross-Save and Cross-Platform Play
One of the underrated features of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is its support for cross-save and cross-platform play in select titles. For example, if you primarily play on your Xbox Series X but want to switch to PC, many games allow you to pick up right where you left off through cloud saves. Similarly, titles like Sea of Thieves and Minecraft Dungeons support multiplayer across both platforms.
This seamless integration showcases Microsoft’s vision for an ecosystem where your games follow you, not your hardware. It further solidifies that PC gamers are valued in the Xbox network and not simply riding along as secondary users.
Cloud Gaming on PC with Game Pass Ultimate
Another notable inclusion for PC users is Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as Project xCloud), which lets you stream games directly to your browser without requiring full installation.
Key features include:
- Play console-quality games from your browser (Edge, Chrome, or Safari).
- No high-end hardware required—ideal for users with older PCs.
- Syncs game progress with your local installations through connected cloud saves.
While the current catalog for cloud gaming is more targeted toward mobile and console control schemes, the technology continues to evolve rapidly, making it a viable option even for PC players.
Do You Need Game Pass Ultimate or Just PC Game Pass?
For users who only play on PC and don’t require Xbox Live Gold or console features, Microsoft does offer a separate plan called PC Game Pass. This plan is cheaper and includes the core PC game catalog and EA Play access.
However, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate may still offer better value in specific cases:
- If you own both a gaming PC and an Xbox console and want to toggle between the two.
- If you want access to Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- If you want Xbox Live Gold bundled in for console multiplayer gaming.
Thus, the decision boils down to how diversified your gaming habits are. If you’re solely using a PC, PC Game Pass is efficient. If you’re a multi-device gamer or want the everything-included approach, Ultimate is worth the upgrade.
Conclusion
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate absolutely includes PC games and, in many respects, extends additional value to PC gamers that make the subscription compelling. With its rich library, frequent updates, and cross-platform capabilities, the service showcases Microsoft’s commitment to unifying the gaming experience.
For PC players looking for a diverse, ever-changing library of high-quality games at a fixed monthly cost, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate stands out as one of the best deals in gaming today.
