Xbox Game Pass Ultimate just got more expensive, and now some of its most popular perks are disappearing too. After the recent price hike, subscribers testing Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 are finding that add-on discounts are gone. Similar cuts are showing up across other hit games, with DLC savings removed for titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Starfield, and Forza Horizon 5.
Here’s what’s changing
– Ultimate’s price jumped from $19.99 to $29.99 per month, effective October 1.
– A new $14.99 Premium tier brings select first-party Xbox games within a year of launch, but it does not include Call of Duty.
– Day-one access to big releases like Black Ops 7 now effectively lives on Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
– Subscription-based discounts on DLC and add-ons are no longer appearing for several major games, meaning players are paying full price regardless of tier.
Why it matters
Game Pass has long been marketed as the best value in gaming, but losing DLC and add-on savings right after a price increase makes the proposition tougher for many players. Fans of shooters, racers, and story-driven adventures alike will likely feel the change as ongoing titles and expansions continue to roll out without subscriber-specific deals.
The broader context
Microsoft’s ecosystem has seen several price adjustments this year, from hardware to subscriptions. While the company positions Game Pass as offering more value than ever, many players have voiced frustration and some have canceled. Even so, the service remains a key selling point for gaming on the go, including on popular handheld PCs like the ROG Ally.
What subscribers can do now
– If day-one access to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is a must, Ultimate or PC Game Pass remains the path.
– For players who mainly want first-party titles without immediate launch access, Premium could be a cheaper alternative—just don’t expect Call of Duty.
– Watch for storewide or seasonal promotions since built-in subscription discounts on DLC are no longer reliable.
– Reassess your library and play habits; the monthly math may now favor buying the specific games and add-ons you actually use.
Bottom line
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs more than ever and offers fewer automatic savings on add-ons and DLC. If you’re in it for day-one blockbusters like Black Ops 7, the service still delivers. If you relied on ongoing discounts for expansions across big franchises, you’ll need to plan purchases more carefully—or rethink which tier, if any, fits your budget.
