Microsoft recently added five new titles to Xbox Game Pass Essential, the service’s entry-level subscription tier. The update includes Full Throttle Remastered, Costume Quest 2, and the complete Shadowrun trilogy, marking a rare expansion of the catalog for the €8.99 per month plan.
How does Xbox Game Pass Essential work?
Xbox Game Pass Essential is the rebranded version of Game Pass Core, which itself evolved from the legacy Xbox Live Gold service. According to the service details, it serves as the primary gateway for online multiplayer access on Xbox consoles.
Unlike the Ultimate or Premium tiers, Essential offers a curated, smaller selection of games. The Essential tier provides a “portion” of that catalog, consisting of a few dozen games.
Which games were added to the Essential catalog?
The latest update focuses heavily on titles from Double Fine and the cyberpunk genre. The specific additions are:
- Full Throttle Remastered: A modernized version of Tim Schafer’s “on the road” graphic adventure originally created for LucasArts.
- Costume Quest 2: A follow-up adventure from the Double Fine team.
- Shadowrun Trilogy: A complete set of modern reinterpretations of the cyberpunk turn-based strategy franchise.
While Microsoft does not provide a strict public schedule for how long games stay in the Essential tier, it can be expected that these titles will likely remain available for at least one year.
What happens next for Xbox Game Pass subscribers?
The timing of these additions suggests a ramp-up toward larger announcements. Users are currently awaiting the July lineup for the Game Pass Ultimate and Premium tiers. These announcements are expected to drop early next week, specifically around Tuesday, July 7, or Wednesday, July 8.
This expansion of the Essential tier happens alongside the standard rotation of the service. Eight games are scheduled to leave the Game Pass catalog in mid-July, creating a constant cycle of “in and out” content to maintain subscriber engagement.
Comparison: Essential vs. Ultimate
| Feature | Game Pass Essential | Game Pass Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | €8.99 | Higher Premium Price |
| Game Library | Limited (Dozens) | Full |
| Online Multiplayer | Included | Included |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Xbox Game Pass Essential cost?
The subscription is priced at €8.99 per month.
Is Xbox Game Pass Essential the same as Xbox Live Gold?
Yes, it is the current evolution of the service, having transitioned from Gold to Game Pass Core and finally to Essential.
When are the next Game Pass Ultimate games being announced?
Expected announcements for July titles are anticipated for July 7 or 8.
What do you think about the move to add more niche titles like Shadowrun to the base tier? Does it make the €8.99 price point more attractive? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest Xbox updates.
