Microsoft’s Game Pass Ultimate gives you access to many different games for a monthly fee, which you can play on Xbox One and PC. We have picked the best multiplayer titles from the Pass.
What is the Game Pass? The Game Pass from Microsoft is aimed at owners of an Xbox One or a PC. It gives you access to over 200 different games as long as you have an active subscription. This is similar to the Netflix model, but for games: It’s a gaming flat rate.
You can currently test the Game Pass Ultimate for one euro and get games for both PC and console. However, if you only own one of the two, you can later switch to a correspondingly cheaper subscription.
Which games are we introducing? This article revolves around 15 multiplayer games that are currently included in the Pass and that we can recommend. We have categorized the titles into 3 categories:
- 5 multiplayer games focused on story, perfect for 2 players – On this page
- 6 co-op games for fun rounds with friends – On page 2 of the article
- 4 MMOs, where you will meet foreign players – On page 3 along with a preview
The selection was made by the editor himself and is intended to represent a colorful mix of possible games. An overview of all games can be found on the Xbox page.
Note that some games are only usable for one of the two platforms: either for PC or only for Xbox One. We have mentioned this for each title.
Wolfenstein: Youngblood
Genre: Shooter | Developer: MachineGames, Arkane Studios | Release Date: July 25, 2019 | Available in Game Pass for Platform: PC and Xbox One
What is Wolfenstein: Youngblood? This title is a first-person shooter and a spin-off of the Wolfenstein series. It takes place in an alternate scenario where the Nazis won World War II.
Twin sisters travel to Nazi-occupied Paris and join the resistance. Armed with a variety of weapons, gadgets, and skills, you slice through hordes of enemies.
How many players can play? Wolfenstein: Youngblood can easily be played alone. You take on the role of one of the two sisters.
However, the shooter works best in co-op with two players. Here, both sisters and the gameplay with mutual revivals shine the most.
Who is the game worth it for? If you enjoy action-packed shooters and want to take out a ton of enemies, you will feel at home in Wolfenstein: Youngblood. It’s best to grab a good friend and complete the whole story together.
While the story is not the highlight of the game, as our colleagues from GameStar noted in their review, the shooter is overall a lot of fun.
Gears 5
Genre: Shooter | Developer: The Coalition | Release Date: September 10, 2019 | Available in Game Pass for Platform: PC and Xbox One
What is Gears 5? In the cover shooter Gears of War 5, the story of the previous parts continues. You take on the role of Kait, who wants to uncover her origins.
The game emphasizes “duck and cover” mechanics. You will also be equipped with many different weapons and meet other familiar characters from the series.
How many players can play? Gears 5 can be played alone or with friends. The story can be completed in co-op with up to 3 players. This can be done online or locally on one console.
In Escape mode, you can play online with up to 3 players and try to escape from the situation. In Horde mode, you fight online together with up to 5 players against many waves of enemies.
Who is the game worth it for? Gears 5 is aimed at fans of the “Gears of War” series. But also shooter enthusiasts who enjoy ducking and do not just want to clear enemies thoughtlessly will have a lot of fun with Gears 5.
Particularly the characters of the game are sympathetic, as noted in various reviews at release. Additionally, previous Gears titles can be played in Game Pass.
Halo – The Master Chief Collection
Genre: Shooter | Developer: 343 Industries | Release Date: November 11, 2014 (Xbox) | Available in Game Pass for Platform: PC and Xbox One
What is Halo? Halo is a series of video games about the battle between aliens and humans. You play the role of Master Chief and defeat your enemies.
The Master Chief Collection includes various titles from the series:
- Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
- Halo 2
- Halo 3
- Halo 4
- Halo: Nightfall
- Halo: Reach
These titles are complete, include all existing extras, and are playable in multiplayer.
How many players can play? Halo can be played alone or together with 3 other players. On Xbox, you can play locally in split-screen, while on PC you must play online.
Who is the game worth it for? Halo is one of the most well-known video game series, and it’s almost a must for gamers to have played at least one title from the series. For shooter fans, it is a huge fun, especially when experienced together with friends.
The Game Pass also includes other Halo titles, including Halo 5 and Halo: Spartan Assault.
Final Fantasy XV
Genre: Action RPG | Developer: Square Enix| Release Date: November 29, 2016 | Available in Game Pass for Platform: PC and Xbox One
What is Final Fantasy XV? This title from the Final Fantasy series is an action RPG. It is set in an open world that is somewhat darker and more realistic than in other parts of the series.
The role-playing game takes place in the world of Eos. All nations, except for the kingdom of Lucis, are ruled by the Niflheim Empire. But even Lucis will be taken by a trick. You take on the role of the heir to the throne of Lucis and try to free the kingdom.
How many players can play? The main campaign of Final Fantasy XV can only be experienced alone.
However, an expansion named “Comrades” was released. This introduced a multiplayer mode through which you can experience post-campaign story content together with other players.
Who is the game worth it for? Fans of Final Fantasy and role-playing games should not miss part 15 of the series, even if the main campaign can only be played alone.
If you then get caught up in the fever of the series and are also a fan of MMORPGs, you should definitely check out Final Fantasy XIV or the upcoming mobile spin-off of Final Fantasy XV. However, these have nothing to do with Game Pass.
Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition
Genre: Strategy Game | Developer: Forgotten Empires | Release Date: November 14, 2019 | Available in Game Pass for Platform: PC only
What is Age of Empires 2? Age of Empires is one of the real-time strategy classics and offers everything that every strategist’s heart desires:
- You can play a campaign and experience the story of famous personalities such as Saladin, Genghis Khan, or Barbarossa.
- You can engage in spontaneous battles against computer enemies.
- Or you can compete online against other players, whether friends or strangers.
If you become a truly successful commander, you can even climb up a leaderboard in the Elo system.
The Definitive Edition is a remaster of the game, where the graphics have been improved, and some comfort and gameplay improvements have been introduced.
How many players can play? Age of Empires can be played in the campaign or in battles against computer enemies alone. If you wish, you can fight in a battle with up to 8 players.
Who is the game worth it for? If you are a fan of real-time strategy games, you will hardly get around Age of Empires 2 and the new Definitive Edition.
The game is fairly easy to learn but hard to master. Those who want to play at the top must know a lot about the different civilizations and be reaction-speedy.
Age of Empires 2 is one of our top 12 best strategy games with multiplayer for PC.
