Microsoft Reveals October 2025 Xbox Game Pass Lineup Amid Controversial Price Hike
Microsoft has unveiled its first Xbox Game Pass lineup since sparking major controversy over its recent price increase for the Ultimate tier.
Last week, the company faced backlash after raising the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from $19.99 to $29.99 per month—a steep 50% jump that adds $120 per year for subscribers. In response to criticism, Microsoft defended the new pricing by citing an expansion of benefits, including up to 75 day-one releases per year, the long-awaited addition of Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics, and notable improvements to Xbox Cloud Gaming quality.
According to Microsoft, the updated Ultimate plan “reflects the expanded catalog, new partner benefits, and upgraded cloud gaming experience.” Despite this justification, many fans remain skeptical about whether Game Pass still offers good value. A recent IGN poll with over 42,000 respondents revealed that 53.9% of voters will no longer subscribe to Game Pass, while 19.8% plan to stay on board with Ultimate despite the price bump.
Xbox Game Pass Lineup: October 2025 (Wave 1)
Microsoft’s first post-hike lineup includes several high-profile launches and notable classics across all tiers of Game Pass. Among the standouts are Double Fine’s Keeper, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Editions for PC players.
Available titles this month:
- October 8: Supermarket Simulator (Cloud, Console, PC) — Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, PC
- October 9: Baldur’s Gate & Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Editions (PC) — Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, PC
- October 14: The Casting of Frank Stone (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) — Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, PC
- October 15: Ball x Pit (Cloud, Console, PC) — Game Pass Ultimate, PC
- October 15: The Grinch: Christmas Adventures (Cloud, Console, PC) — Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, PC
- October 15: Eternal Strands (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) — Now with Game Pass Premium
- October 15: He Is Coming (Game Preview) (PC) — Now with Game Pass Premium
- October 15: Ninja Gaiden 2 Black (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) — Now with Game Pass Premium
- October 16: Pax Dei (PC) — Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, PC
- October 17: Keeper (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) — Game Pass Ultimate, PC
- October 21: Evil West (Cloud, Console, PC) — Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, PC
- October 21: Ninja Gaiden 4 (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) — Game Pass Ultimate, PC
Titles Leaving Game Pass in October 2025
Three titles are departing the Game Pass catalog on October 15, 2025. Subscribers can purchase them at up to 20% off before they’re gone:
- Cocoon (Cloud, Console, PC)
- Core Keeper (Cloud, Console, PC)
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed (Cloud, Console, PC)
Price Rollout and Regional Delays
The updated Ultimate pricing officially began on October 1 for new subscribers. Existing members are due to see the change on November 4, though Microsoft has confirmed delays in select countries, including Ireland and South Korea. Unfortunately, U.S. and U.K. players are not included in these postponements.
Adding to player frustration, Microsoft also removed the Xbox Game Pass discount on DLC purchases, instead offering more Microsoft Rewards points. The community response to this shift has been largely negative.
The Rising Cost of Xbox Gaming
The Game Pass controversy comes amid a broader debate over the increasing cost of Xbox ownership. Earlier this year, Microsoft reversed course on its plan to raise new first-party game prices to $80, opting to maintain the $70 standard for titles like The Outer Worlds 2. Meanwhile, hardware prices have climbed—Microsoft recently raised U.S. console prices and confirmed premium tags for its upcoming handhelds: $999.99 for the ROG Xbox Ally X and $599.99 for the ROG Xbox Ally.
With subscription costs, game prices, and hardware expenses all inching upward, Xbox fans are facing a pivotal moment in deciding whether the expanded ecosystem still offers enough value to stay loyal.
