After Microsoft’s latest price adjustments, Xbox Game Pass Essential has become the most affordable way to access the service. Previously known as Xbox Game Pass Core, the plan originally offered very limited perks and a small selection of console titles.
Now, with its rebranding, Xbox Game Pass Essential delivers more than 50 games across console and PC, plus new benefits that make the entry-level plan far more attractive.
What Is Xbox Game Pass Essential?
For $9.99 USD / $169 MXN per month, subscribers get:
- A curated library of 55+ games for console and PC.
- Access to online multiplayer.
- In-game benefits for titles like League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Overwatch 2.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming access, now officially out of beta.
- Integration with Microsoft Rewards, where you can earn up to 25,000 points annually (about $25 USD), plus double points on game and DLC purchases.
Xbox Game Pass Essential Games List (as of October 2025)
The lineup features Xbox Game Studios titles, indie darlings, and popular third-party releases. While the catalog will rotate over time, here’s the current list:
- Among Us
- Astroneer
- Celeste
- Dead Cells
- Descenders
- Dishonored 2
- DOOM Eternal Standard Edition
- Fable Anniversary
- Fallout 4
- Fallout 76
- Firewatch
- Forza Horizon 4 Standard Edition
- Gang Beasts
- Gears 5: Game of the Year Edition
- Golf With Your Friends
- Grounded
- Halo 5: Guardians
- Halo Wars 2
- Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
- Human Fall Flat
- INSIDE
- LIMBO
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Overcooked 2
- Payday 2: Crimewave Edition
- PowerWash Simulator
- Psychonauts 2
- Slay The Spire
- Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition
- Stardew Valley
- State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition
- Superliminal
- The Elder Scrolls Online
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
- Unpacking
- Vampire Survivors
- Chivalry 2
- Totally Reliable Delivery Service
- Deep Rock Galactic
- Superhot: Mind Control Delete
- Wreckfest
- Cities: Skylines
- Control: Ultimate Edition
- SnowRunner
- Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
- DayZ
- Goat Simulator
- Batman: Arkham Knight
- Monster Sanctuary
- Tunic
- Cities: Skylines – Remastered
- Disney Dreamlight Valley
- Hades
- Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Final Thoughts
For players who don’t want to pay for Game Pass Premium or Ultimate, the Essential tier still offers strong value. With access to beloved Xbox titles, acclaimed indies, and a rotating catalog of third-party hits, it’s a solid entry point into Microsoft’s ecosystem—especially at under $10 a month.
Which Essential game are you playing right now? Share your picks in the comments.
