TechGaming5 things I wish I knew before subscribing to Xbox Game PassWords of advice on Xbox’s subscription gaming service: Game Pass is great if you know how to make the most of itWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechGaming5 things I wish I knew before subscribing to Xbox Game PassWords of advice on Xbox’s subscription gaming service: Game Pass is great if you know how to make the most of itWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Words of advice on Xbox’s subscription gaming service: Game Pass is great if you know how to make the most of it
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Juergen Schwarz / Stringer / Getty Images)
(Image credit: Juergen Schwarz / Stringer / Getty Images)
While there are several games included withPlayStation Plus(albeitfewer now), I’ve long felt jealous of friends of mine usingMicrosoft’s service.
But having just got my hands on agaming laptop, this was finally my chance to explore the vast library of games that Xbox Game Pass has to offer, as it’s accessible via PC too!
1. Get the right controller
(Image credit: Getty)
(Image credit: Getty)
To make matters worse my PS5 DualSense controller wasn’t compatible, but of course. Those of us who want to be a bit rebellious and play Xbox-exclusive titles with aPlayStationcontroller will have to stick with the PS4’s DualShock 4 for now (or install a workaround). Luckily I was able to borrow (well,steal) anXbox Wireless controllerfrom my brother, which is definitely the best tool for the job as it stands.
2. We’re still not ready for cloud gaming
(Image credit: Skullcandy)
(Image credit: Skullcandy)
The dream of game streaming is an easy sell. You could be racing wheel to wheel inForza 5and then 30 seconds later you could be blasting demons with a shotgun inDoom Eternal. But for now, the reality is much worse.
I’m not expecting to stream games on the highest settings with no latency – but even pushed to the bare minimum settings, the delay between controller inputs and on-screen actions rendered most games unplayable. In fairness, I’ve had the same problem with similar “Netflixfor games” services like PlayStation Plus’ premium tiers. Perhaps for turn-based games it’s bearable, but any real-time game is pretty much impossible to play.
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Ultimately I don’t think we have the consistency or speed of the internet currently to stream AAA games. For now, I will stick to clogging up my hard drive with downloads, something that Game Pass does cater for.
3. Day-one releases and cross-platform hits
(Image credit: Arkane/Microsoft)
(Image credit: Arkane/Microsoft)
My absolute favourite thing about Game Pass is what will ultimately keep me using it: day one access to leading titles and exclusives. This is a big selling point for someone like me who loves to play the next big thing straight away.
Being able to playRedfallon launch day as part of my subscription genuinely felt mind-blowing (even if thegame itself wasn’t). This was a AAA release that would normally cost upwards of £60/$80 that I could play fully-featured for a fraction of the price. PS Plus conversely has only really had cat-platformer (Catformer?)Strayas a big launch day offering.
Similarly, there are many titles that I have bought for other platforms that I could foolishly have just played on Game Pass. EA Play is included with the Ultimate tier of Game Pass and this grants access to a host of big-budget titles likeF1 22andBattlefield 2042, both games I foolishly purchased separately. Committing to Game Pass could save someone like me a lot of money.
4. VIP Perks
(Image credit: Riot)
(Image credit: Riot)
As well as the access to the likes of EA Play, Game Pass Ultimate has plenty more freebies to throw at you. These range from free trials for the likes ofApple Musicand Discord Nitro to add-ons in your favourite titles like theApex LegendsArsenal Supercharge Pack, or a free wolf pet onElder Scrolls Online(Wolf food not included).
My biggest surprise however was forValorantandLeague of Legends, two of the biggest free-to-play games in the world. Game Pass subscribers (even with the basic subscription) unlock every agent in Valorant and all 163 (and counting) League champions. Simply link your Game Pass account to your Riot account and make your friends very jealous.
5. Bring a friend, or five
(Image credit: Microsoft)
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Anyone with a paid Gampe Pass or Game Pass Ultimate membership can refer up to five friends and give each a 14-day trial of PC Game Pass. While they must previously have not had a Game Pass account, your five-person limit refreshes every calendar year, so make your friends happy “or sad if you want to crush them) and play together.
Aside from Halo, there are some excellent multiplayer choices on Game Pass, withBack 4 Blood, Forza 5andGroundedall available.
TOPICSplaystation
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