Game Pass Core launches with dozens of free quality Xbox games

Microsoft's new replacement for Xbox LIVE Gold is actually pretty impressive.

2

A bit ago, Microsoft announced plans to retire Gold and remove the Xbox LIVE branding from its subscription plans. The plan is to scrap Gold, keep the same price, and remove the free monthly games while instead offering access to a slowly-rotating pool of titles. Starting tomorrow, Xbox LIVE Gold will transform into Xbox Game Pass Core, further illustrating that Xbox is now synonymous with services.

Game Pass Core is actually a pretty good value in terms of what is offered. Subscribers will get the original Gold benefits--online multiplayer, promos etc--alongside the ability to download and play three dozen first-party and third-party titles.

Read Also: New Xbox Game Pass Core has a surprising benefit for classic games

The range is pretty eclectic and covers pretty much all bases. Out of the 36 titles offered, gamers can choose from indie side scrollers like Celeste and Dead Cells to first-party RPGs like Fallout 4, shooters like Halo 5, Payday 2, and Doom Eternal, and even racing games like Forza Horizon 4. Microsoft says the games lineup will rotate 2-3 times a year.

The downside is that these games are all older catalog titles. If you already have an Xbox, odds are you have played these games before. It's also worth mentioning that Xbox LIVE Core is similar to the free PlayStation Plus Collection that Sony had offered free for all PS5 owners who were subscribed to PlayStation Plus. This Collection was eventually retired.

The Xbox Game Pass Core lineup includes:

1. Among Us
2. Astroneer
3. Celeste
4. Dead Cells
5. Descenders
6. Dishonored 2
7. DOOM Eternal Standard Edition
8. Fable Anniversary
9. Fallout 4
10. Fallout 76
11. Firewatch
12. Forza Horizon 4 Standard Edition
13. Gang Beasts
14. Gears 5 Game of the Year Edition
15. Golf with your Friends
16. Grounded
17. Halo 5: Guardians
18. Halo Wars 2
19. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
20. Human Fall Flat
21. INSIDE
22. LIMBO
23. Ori & the Will of the Wisps
24. Overcooked! 2
25. Payday 2: Crimewave Edition
26. Powerwash Simulator
27. Psychonauts 2
28. Slay the Spire
29. Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition
30. Stardew Valley
31. State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition
32. Superliminal
33. The Elder Scrolls Online
34. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
35. Unpacking
36. Vampire Survivors