Microsoft has officially rolled out major changes to Xbox Game Pass as of October 1, 2025, including new subscription tiers, added perks, and—most notably—a significant price increase. If you’re wondering how much you’ll be paying now (and what you actually get for your money), here’s a complete breakdown.
🎮 Why the Price Hike?
The biggest change is to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which jumped from $19.99 to $29.99 per month in the U.S. — a 50% increase. Microsoft says the added cost reflects new benefits, including:
- Ubisoft+ Classics library bundled in.
- Fortnite Crew membership with monthly V-Bucks and cosmetics.
- More day-one releases from Xbox Game Studios and third-party partners.
While those perks add value, many players are questioning whether the $10 jump is justified.
📌 The New Xbox Game Pass Tiers
Microsoft has also restructured Game Pass into three main tiers:
1. Game Pass Essential – Budget Option
- Price: $9.99/month
- Includes: Access to a rotating library of Xbox games on console.
- Does not include day-one releases.
2. Game Pass Premium – Mid-Tier
- Price: $14.99/month
- Includes: Full Game Pass library with day-one releases, but without cloud gaming or PC access.
- Designed for players who mainly stick to console.
3. Game Pass Ultimate – Top-Tier
- Price: $29.99/month
- Includes:
- Full Game Pass library with day-one releases.
- Cloud gaming on mobile, PC, and console.
- PC Game Pass included.
- EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics.
- Fortnite Crew membership.
🌍 Regional Pricing
Prices vary by country, but the U.S. increase is among the steepest. For example:
- U.K.: £24.99/month for Ultimate
- EU: €29.99/month for Ultimate
- Canada: CAD $34.99/month for Ultimate
(Exact regional pricing may vary slightly depending on taxes and currency.)
⚖️ Is Xbox Game Pass Still Worth It?
Game Pass remains one of the most content-rich subscription services in gaming, but the $30/month price tag pushes it out of “impulse buy” territory. For players who regularly dive into new releases, the added Ubisoft+ and Fortnite perks may justify the cost. However, more casual gamers might find better value in the Essential or Premium tiers.
✅ Final Thoughts
The new Xbox Game Pass pricing marks a turning point: Microsoft is clearly shifting the service from a budget-friendly option to a premium entertainment bundle. Whether that works for you depends on how much you play—and how much you value the extras.
Best Online Co-op Games on Xbox
Playing games with friends is one of the best parts of gaming. Xbox has many online co-op games that let you team up with buddies near and far. You can fight enemies, solve puzzles, or just hang out in virtual worlds together.
The best online co-op games on Xbox include popular titles like Borderlands, Halo Master Chief Collection, and Rocket League. They offer options across many game types, from shooters to farming simulators. Whether you want intense action or relaxed gameplay, there’s something for every group of friends. Xbox Game Pass even includes many great co-op games, making it easy to try new games without buying them separately.
1. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Halo: The Master Chief Collection stands as one of the best online co-op games for Xbox players. It bundles six classic Halo games into one package, giving friends plenty of options for team play.
The collection includes Halo: Reach, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo 4. Each game offers its own unique co-op experience, making this collection a great value.
For online co-op play, players should know that different games in the collection support different numbers of players. Halo CE and Halo 2 support 2-player co-op, while the rest allow up to 4 players to join forces.
The campaigns can be played from start to finish with friends. Players can enjoy the story of Master Chief together, fighting against alien threats across multiple games and storylines.
Beyond the main campaigns, the collection also offers Firefight mode in certain titles. Halo: Reach and Halo 3: ODST feature this wave-based PvE mode where friends team up to fight off increasingly difficult enemies.
Players looking for the most polished multiplayer experience should focus on specific titles within the collection. Halo 3 and Halo: Reach are often considered the best options for online play, with larger player bases and more refined gameplay.
The remastered maps add visual upgrades while keeping the classic feel. Fan favorites like Lockout and Ascension play just as well as they did in the original games, but with modern graphics and effects.
The Master Chief Collection continues to receive updates, ensuring the co-op experience stays fresh. New features, game modes, and quality-of-life improvements have been added since its initial release.
Cross-play between Xbox and PC platforms allows friends to play together regardless of their system. This makes it easier than ever to assemble a team for co-op missions or multiplayer matches.
With six complete games and numerous multiplayer modes, The Master Chief Collection offers hundreds of hours of co-op gameplay. Friends can tackle legendary campaigns, fight waves of enemies in Firefight, or enjoy the various competitive modes together.
2. Borderlands 3
Borderlands 3 stands out as one of the best co-op experiences on Xbox. The game lets players team up with friends in both online or split-screen co-op, making it a versatile choice for any gaming setup.
Players can drop in and drop out of games without hassle. This feature makes it easy to join friends’ games or have them join yours at any time, regardless of mission progress or player level.
The game offers a special “Cooperation Mode” that balances gameplay for all participants. This solves the level difference problems that appeared in earlier games in the series, creating a fair experience for everyone.
Borderlands 3 supports up to four players in co-op mode. Even with fewer players, the game maintains its exciting gameplay and challenging missions that encourage teamwork.
The looter-shooter gameplay loop works perfectly in co-op. Players can hunt for rare guns and gear together, comparing their finds and trading items to build the best loadouts possible.
Each character in the game has unique skills and abilities. This creates opportunities for players to try different roles and complement each other’s playstyles during missions and boss fights.
The humor and vibrant art style make Borderlands 3 a fun shared experience. The colorful worlds and quirky characters create memorable moments that players can enjoy together.
Despite releasing in 2019, Borderlands 3 remains one of the best co-op experiences available on Xbox. Its continued popularity speaks to the solid gameplay foundation and enjoyable multiplayer design.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers can access the game without additional purchase. This makes it an excellent option for friends looking for co-op games without spending extra money.
The game includes multiple DLC packs that expand the co-op experience. These add new areas, enemies, and loot to discover with friends, extending the gameplay value significantly.
3. Gears of War Ultimate Edition
Gears of War Ultimate Edition brings back the classic shooter with impressive updates for Xbox One. This remastered version features 1080P graphics that modernize the game while keeping its gritty essence intact.
The game shines in its co-op experience. Players can team up with friends to battle the Locust Horde together, making it a standout title for friends looking to play together online. Many fans consider the Gears series to have one of the best co-op experiences available on Xbox.
The Ultimate Edition adds five campaign chapters never before released on Xbox. This extra content gives players more story to enjoy while extending the co-op adventure with friends.
Online co-op lets players tackle the entire campaign together. The cover-based shooting mechanics work perfectly with two players, as one can draw enemy fire while the other flanks. Communication becomes key to survival on higher difficulty settings.
The co-op mode supports seamless drop-in and drop-out functionality. This means friends can join your game at any point without disrupting the flow of action or requiring a restart.
The game’s story follows Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad as they fight to save humanity. Sharing this intense narrative journey with a friend makes the emotional moments hit harder and the victories feel more rewarding.
Combat feels smooth and responsive when playing together. The updated controls and graphics make the Ultimate Edition feel fresh while keeping the tactical gameplay that made the original so popular.
Gears of War Ultimate Edition also ranks among the best-rated online co-op games available on the Xbox platform. Its blend of strategy, action, and teamwork continues to attract players looking for shared gaming experiences.
The Deluxe Version offers additional content for co-op players. It’s occasionally available at a discount, making it an even better value for friends wanting to play together.
Sound design creates an immersive atmosphere that both players can enjoy. The remastered audio helps teammates hear enemy movements and communicate effectively during intense firefights.
4. A Way Out
A Way Out is a unique co-op game that requires two players to work together throughout the entire story. Unlike other co-op games, this one can’t be played alone – you need a friend either online or in split-screen mode.
The game follows Leo and Vincent, two prisoners who team up to break out of prison and go after the man who wronged them both. Each player controls one of these characters, making it a truly cooperative experience.
What makes A Way Out special is how it uses a split-screen format even during online play. This lets both players see what the other is doing at all times, which adds to the teamwork feel.
The gameplay involves solving puzzles, sneaking past guards, and working together to overcome obstacles. One player might create a distraction while the other sneaks through a restricted area.
Each character has their own personality and approach to situations. Vincent is more careful and thoughtful, while Leo tends to be more aggressive and direct. Players can discuss which approach to take in many scenarios.
The story unfolds dramatically as you progress beyond the prison break. While some critics find the plot a bit cliché, the way it’s told through cooperative gameplay makes it stand out.
A Way Out isn’t a long game – most can finish it in 6-8 hours. This makes it perfect for completing over a weekend with a friend.
One great feature is that only one person needs to own the game. If you have it, your friend can download a free trial version to play with you online. This makes it easier to enjoy without both players needing to buy it.
The game was created by Hazelight Studios, the same team behind Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. Their focus on cooperative storytelling really shows in the design.
For Xbox players, A Way Out offers a memorable co-op adventure that’s different from typical online games. The split-screen approach brings back the fun of playing together, even when playing online.
If you’re looking for a game that truly requires teamwork and communication, A Way Out deserves a spot on your list. It’s available on the Xbox Store and offers an experience unlike most other co-op games.
5. It Takes Two
It Takes Two is a standout co-op adventure game that won hearts when it released in 2021. This title was made purely for cooperative play, forcing two players to work together through creative gameplay challenges.
The game follows Cody and May, a couple on the brink of divorce who are magically transformed into dolls. They must work together to return to their human forms while repairing their relationship.
What makes It Takes Two special is how it blends storytelling with gameplay. Each level introduces new mechanics that both players need to master. No two sections feel the same.
The game requires true teamwork. One player might control a character with the ability to throw explosive nectar while the other can shoot flaming arrows to create satisfying combo effects.
Players can enjoy It Takes Two through local split-screen or online play. The game also offers a Friend’s Pass feature, allowing only one person to own the full game while a friend can join for free.
It Takes Two earned numerous awards and is often considered one of the best games of 2021. Critics praised its innovative co-op mechanics and emotional storytelling.
The gameplay stays fresh throughout the roughly 12-hour campaign. Players will find themselves piloting planes one minute and battling as magic-wielding wizards the next.
For Xbox players looking for more co-op experiences after finishing It Takes Two, A Way Out is worth trying. It’s made by the same team and focuses on a prison break story with two players.
Some Xbox fans also recommend trying Fable 2 or Fable 3 in co-op mode after completing It Takes Two. These games offer a different but still enjoyable shared experience.
The game is available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. It supports Smart Delivery, so players get the best version for their console automatically.
6. Minecraft
Minecraft stands as one of the most popular online co-op games available on Xbox. Players can build, explore, and survive together in a blocky world full of adventure.
The Xbox version supports up to 8 players online for cooperative play. Friends can join forces to construct massive buildings, fight off monsters, or simply enjoy the peaceful aspects of farming and mining.
For those who prefer local play, Minecraft offers split-screen co-op for up to four players. This makes it perfect for family game nights or when friends come over.
The game is available on Xbox Game Pass, making it easy to access without buying it outright. This adds great value for subscribers looking for co-op experiences.
What makes Minecraft special in co-op is the freedom it gives players. Each person can work on their own projects or team up for bigger goals. This flexibility keeps the game fresh for countless hours.
Building a home base together creates a sense of shared accomplishment. Players can assign roles like builder, miner, farmer, or explorer to make their virtual society thrive.
The dangers of the night bring players together. Facing creepers, zombies, and skeletons is less scary with friends watching your back. These shared experiences create lasting gaming memories.
Minecraft also lets players show their creativity to friends. Seeing what others build often sparks new ideas and pushes everyone to try more complex projects.
Regular updates keep adding new content to explore together. From ocean monuments to woodland mansions, there’s always something new to discover as a team.
7. Deep Rock Galactic
Deep Rock Galactic is a standout co-op game that puts players in the boots of space-mining dwarves. The game supports 1-4 players and features 100% destructible environments.
Players team up to explore procedurally generated caves on alien planets. Each mission sends the team deep underground to mine resources, complete objectives, and fight off waves of alien bugs.
The game offers four distinct classes to choose from. Each class has unique weapons and tools that support different play styles and team roles.
What makes Deep Rock Galactic special is its focus on teamwork. Players must work together to overcome challenges and survive the dangerous missions. No dwarf gets left behind!
The cave systems change with each playthrough. This random generation keeps the gameplay fresh even after many hours of play.
The game features a progression system where players can upgrade their gear and unlock new abilities. These upgrades help tackle harder missions as players advance.
Deep Rock Galactic hit full release in May 2020. It’s available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows.
The game runs smoothly on Xbox with great performance and controls. It’s built in Unreal Engine 4, which provides excellent graphics and physics.
Many players praise Deep Rock Galactic as one of the best games to play with friends. Its mix of mining, shooting, and team-based play creates a unique experience.
The game is available on Xbox Game Pass, making it easy to try with friends without everyone needing to buy it. This accessibility has helped build a friendly community of players.
With regular updates and seasonal content, Deep Rock Galactic continues to grow and improve. The developers actively listen to player feedback and add new missions, weapons, and cosmetics.
8. Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thieves is a shared-world adventure game that offers one of the most unique co-op experiences on Xbox. The game lets you and your friends live out your pirate dreams together.
You can band together online with up to four players to crew a ship, sail the open seas, and hunt for treasure. Each player takes on different roles on the ship – steering, managing sails, watching the map, or firing cannons.
The beauty of Sea of Thieves lies in its teamwork requirements. A solo player can barely manage a small ship, but a well-coordinated crew can sail efficiently and take on bigger challenges.
The game offers plenty of activities for your crew. You can hunt for treasure, complete quests for NPCs, battle skeleton ships, or face off against the kraken. Every adventure feels different.
One of the best parts is that all players earn gold for treasure found together. This shared reward system encourages cooperation rather than competition within your crew.
Sea of Thieves is available on Xbox Game Pass, making it easy to jump in with friends. The game has received steady updates since launch, adding new content and adventures.
The open-world nature means you’ll encounter other player ships too. These meetings can lead to fierce battles, unexpected alliances, or high-seas betrayal. This unpredictability keeps every session fresh.
The game’s cartoonish art style is charming and runs smoothly on all Xbox platforms. Water physics are particularly impressive – storms can toss your ship around while waves crash over the deck.
Some players feel the game could have been even better with more content at launch, but regular updates have addressed many early complaints.
For friends looking to share adventures, solve problems together, and create memorable stories, Sea of Thieves offers a co-op experience unlike any other on Xbox. The shared journey and emergent gameplay make it worth trying with your crew.
9. Call of Duty: Warzone
Call of Duty: Warzone stands as one of the most popular free-to-play battle royale games that offers excellent co-op options for Xbox players. Friends can team up in groups of two to four players to take on other squads in massive online battles.
The game features multiple modes that support co-op play. You and your friends can drop into massive maps like Area 99 and Urzikstan to fight together against other teams.
Warzone lets players share tactics, resources, and revive each other during intense firefights. This team-based approach makes it perfect for friends who want to work together toward victory.
Communication is key in Warzone co-op play. Teams that plan their movements and share information about enemy locations tend to perform better than groups of silent players.
The game supports cross-platform multiplayer, allowing Xbox users to play with friends on PlayStation and PC. This feature opens up more opportunities to find teammates regardless of what gaming system they use.
As a free-to-play combat arena, Warzone removes the cost barrier that might prevent friends from joining you. Everyone with an Xbox and internet connection can download and play together without spending money.
The game receives regular updates with new content, maps, and gameplay features. These updates keep the co-op experience fresh and exciting over time.
Players can customize their loadouts and characters, allowing each team member to fill different roles. One player might focus on long-range combat while others handle close-quarters fighting.
The thrill of winning as a team creates memorable gaming moments. Few feelings match the excitement of surviving to the final circle and securing a victory with your friends.
Warzone supports both casual and competitive play styles. Friends can enjoy relaxed gaming sessions or work together to climb the ranked leaderboards if they prefer more serious competition.
10. Overcooked! 2
Overcooked! 2 is one of the best co-op games available on Xbox. This chaotic cooking simulator takes players back to the Onion Kingdom where teamwork becomes essential for success.
The game supports up to four players in both online play and local couch co-op. Friends can team up to prepare, cook, and serve a variety of dishes while facing increasingly crazy kitchen layouts.
What makes Overcooked! 2 special is its perfect blend of fun and challenge. Players must communicate effectively and coordinate their actions to handle orders in time. The game introduces new mechanics like the ability to throw ingredients, which adds an extra layer of strategy.
The kitchen environments in Overcooked! 2 are wildly creative. Chefs cook on hot air balloons, moving trucks, and even magical portals that transport players across the kitchen. These dynamic stages keep gameplay fresh and exciting.
Many players consider Overcooked! 2 one of the best cooperative experiences in gaming. The mix of stressful yet rewarding gameplay creates memorable moments, especially when playing with friends or family.
The learning curve works well for players of all skill levels. New players can quickly grasp the basics, while experienced teams can aim for three-star ratings on each level. This balance makes it perfect for both casual and competitive play sessions.
Beyond the main campaign, Overcooked! 2 offers various game modes to keep things interesting. Competitive challenges let players face off against each other, adding a different kind of fun to the mix.
For Xbox gamers looking for value, the Overcooked! + Overcooked! 2 bundle provides both games in one package. This gives players access to even more cooking chaos and kitchen challenges.
The colorful art style and humorous tone make Overcooked! 2 appealing to players of all ages. Its quirky characters and silly scenarios create a light-hearted atmosphere even when the kitchens get hectic.
Understanding Online Co-op Games
Online co-op games offer players the chance to team up with friends to tackle challenges together. These games focus on teamwork rather than competition, creating shared experiences across different gaming platforms.
Defining Co-op Games
Co-op games (short for cooperative) let two or more players work together toward common goals. Unlike single-player experiences, these games are designed specifically for group play. Players join forces to complete missions, solve puzzles, or defeat enemies.
Most Xbox co-op games fall into categories like shooters, action-adventures, or role-playing games. Popular examples include titles where players must coordinate their actions.
Some co-op games support drop-in/drop-out gameplay, allowing friends to join or leave sessions without disrupting the experience. Others require the same group from start to finish.
Co-op games can be played online with distant friends or locally on the same screen. Many Xbox titles now offer both options, giving players flexibility in how they connect.
Differences Between Co-op and Multiplayer
Co-op and multiplayer games both involve multiple players, but they differ in fundamental ways. Co-op focuses on collaboration, while traditional multiplayer often emphasizes competition.
In co-op games, players work as a team against computer-controlled opponents or challenges. The best co-op games on Xbox create experiences where success depends on teamwork.
Multiplayer games typically pit players against each other in competitive modes like deathmatch or capture-the-flag. The goal is to outperform other human players.
Some games blend these approaches with “PvPvE” (Player vs Player vs Environment) modes. These modes have teams competing against each other while also facing computer-controlled threats.
Co-op games often feature story campaigns designed for multiple players, while multiplayer games focus on replayable competitive matches with less narrative focus.
Benefits of Playing Co-op Games
Co-op games offer unique advantages that solo games simply can’t match. They transform gaming from a solitary activity into a shared experience filled with teamwork and social connections.
Enhancing Teamwork Skills
Playing co-op games helps people develop important teamwork skills. Players become dependent on each other, making plans together and celebrating wins as one team. This creates a strong foundation for collaboration.
In games like those on Xbox Game Pass, players must:
- Communicate clearly to achieve objectives
- Coordinate strategies in real-time
- Adapt quickly when plans change
These skills don’t just stay in the game. They can transfer to real-world situations at school, work, and home. Kids who play co-op games often show better problem-solving abilities when working in groups.
Many co-op games assign different roles to players, teaching the value of using everyone’s unique strengths. One person might excel at defense while another handles attack strategies.
Building Community Connections
Co-op gaming creates strong social bonds. Friends playing together on Xbox Game Pass titles strengthen their relationships through shared experiences. These common moments make friendships stronger as players overcome challenges together.
Xbox offers many options for connecting:
- Split-screen games like Party Animals allow up to four players to enjoy games in the same room
- Online co-op connects friends across distances
- Game Pass makes sharing games with friends easier and more affordable
Co-op games also help shy players feel more comfortable socializing. The structured environment gives them clear roles and goals, making interaction less stressful.
For families, co-op gaming offers quality time together. Parents and children can bond while playing age-appropriate titles, creating memories and teaching cooperation in a fun setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xbox offers many great co-op games for all types of players. Here are answers to common questions about playing with friends online or on the same console.
Which Xbox games offer the best online co-op experience for couples?
“It Takes Two” stands out as a top choice for couples. This game was built from the ground up for two players to work together.
“A Way Out” is another excellent option. It tells the story of two prisoners who must escape and stay on the run together.
Portal 2 offers fun for couples who enjoy solving puzzles together. Many players call it the most fun they’ve had in a co-op game.
What top co-op games are currently available on the Xbox Game Pass?
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is available on Game Pass. It includes multiple Halo games with co-op campaigns and multiplayer modes.
Gears of War Ultimate Edition lets friends battle the Locust Horde together through Game Pass.
Game Pass also offers Borderlands 3, a fun shooter with four playable characters. Each has unique skills for team play.
Other Game Pass co-op games include Sea of Thieves, Minecraft, and Grounded.
What are some highly recommended adventure games with online co-op features on Xbox?
“A Way Out” offers a split-screen experience even when playing online. The story follows two prisoners working together to escape.
“It Takes Two” blends platforming and puzzles in a beautifully designed world. It won multiple game-of-the-year awards.
The “Lego” series games like Harry Potter and Star Wars offer lighthearted adventures. These games are enjoyed by many Xbox players.
Can you list some of the best split-screen co-op games for Xbox One?
Gears of War Ultimate Edition features excellent split-screen gameplay. Friends can play through the entire campaign sitting side by side.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection supports split-screen co-op. Up to four players can join locally in some of the included games.
Borderlands 3 allows split-screen play for up to two players. This makes looting and shooting with a friend more fun.
A complete list of split-screen games is available on Co-Optimus, which shows all co-op features for each game.
What are the most popular free online co-operative games for Xbox?
Fortnite remains one of the most popular free co-op games. The Save the World mode lets players work together against monsters.
Warframe is a free sci-fi action game. It features ninjas in space with tons of missions to complete with friends.
Apex Legends allows squad-based play with two friends. Teams of three work together to be the last squad standing.
Destiny 2’s base game is free and includes co-op strikes and missions. Friends can team up to fight alien threats.
What are considered the finest multiplayer Xbox games to play with a group of friends?
Halo: The Master Chief Collection supports up to 4-player co-op in most campaigns. It’s perfect for a night of gaming with friends.
Borderlands 3 allows four players to team up online. Each player can pick a different character with unique abilities.
Gears of War Ultimate Edition works well for groups. Its cover-based shooting fits team play perfectly.
The wide variety of co-op games means there’s something for every group. From shooters to RPGs like Divinity Original Sin, groups can find games that match their interests.
