Xbox Game Pass Launches Free New Tier For Some Users, Over 50 Games

Xbox has introduced a new “starter edition” of Game Pass which is available for free for some users, and it includes over 50 games.

Up until now, Xbox Game Pass has had three different tiers for you to choose from: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate.

As it says on the tin, Essential includes the bare essentials: online multiplayer, member discount, and a selected number of free games to play.

Meanwhile, Premium and Ultimate feature a lot more games available on the service, as well as other benefits like access to EA Play, Ubisoft Classics, and Fortnite Crew.

Now, Discord Nitro is offering a new benefit in the form of a “starter edition” for Xbox Game Pass, which all subscribers can get at no extra cost.

We had heard rumblings of this last month when Xbox announced a partnership with Discord, but the program has officially come into effect today.

Starting from this week, any Discord users who subscribe to Discord Nitro will get access to Xbox Game Pass’ starter edition.

It’s a little similar to Xbox Game Pass Essential, though it doesn’t include online multiplayer. However, you can access a library of more than 50 Xbox games across console and PC.

Xbox Game Pass, Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition On Discord Nitro Also Includes Limited Cloud Streaming Capabilities

It also includes access to cloud streaming your games, which is limited to 10 hours per month and only includes games in the starter edition of Game Pass or your owned games.

“I think this is one of the best benefits we’re offering because it changes how you try games,” said Lu Zhang, Discord senior director of product, on the Discord blog.

“Most of us have spent money on something, played it for a couple weeks, then watched it sit in our library. Game Pass removes that friction. The starter edition of Game Pass also comes with 10 hours of cloud gaming, so you can stream games right away on more devices.

“Whether you’re into survival, strategy, co-op, or just want to farm in peace, there’s something in there for you. Think Fallout 4, Stardew Valley, DayZ, Deep Rock Galactic, Overcooked 2, Grounded, and more. New games will be added periodically, so there will be more to play. Check out your Nitro Home to get started.”

The benefit applies to all Discord users who subscribe to Discord Nitro as a paid membership, but it also works for memberships which have been gifted through Nitro gifts. Most Nitro free trials are eligible for the promotion too. Nitro Classic or Nitro Basic memberships aren’t eligible, though.

The list of games included in Discord Nitro's Xbox Game Pass starter edition includes a mix of first-party owned Xbox titles like Dishonored 2, Gears 5, and The Elder Scrolls Online: Standard Edition, as well as indie hits like Vampire Survivors, Slay the Spire, and Stardew Valley.

Soon enough, Xbox Game Pass users will also get some Discord Nitro benefits in the future.

Members will be able to get 250 Discord Orbs each month, 1.2x extra Orbs when completing Quests, and automatically applied Discord Shop discounts. This goes live later in the month.

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