Microsoft has launched a new Game Pass tier, Xbox Game Pass Standard, which includes access to hundreds of games and online multiplayer but no day one releases.
Earlier this year, Microsoft announced big changes to Xbox Game Pass, with a new tier called Xbox Game Pass Standard replacing Game Pass for Console for new subscribers. Xbox Game Pass Standard is available now, and there's quite a substantial difference in what the new tier offers in terms of features and the library of games compared to the previous.
Xbox Game Pass Standard launches with a library of 370 games and online multiplayer Xbox Game Pass Standard launches without Starfield, Hellblade 2, and more
Xbox Game Pass Standard is priced at $14.99/£10.99 and gives subscribers access to a library of 370 games and online multiplayer. However, with this tier, day one releases are not included, so you won't see games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle drop into Standard upon release. Microsoft has confirmed that it can take up to a year or more before day one releases join Xbox Game Pass Standard.
As for what games are currently included with Xbox Game Pass Standard, it appears that some major releases are missing. Compared to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which boasts 506 console games in its library (including EA Play titles), Xbox Game Pass Standard features 370 games and does not include big games such as Starfield, Hellblade 2, Forza Motorsport, Diablo IV, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. As per Vixolus on ResetEra, here is the full list of games not included with Xbox Game Pass Standard:
Games not currently included with Xbox Game Pass Standard
Age of Mythology: Retold Standard Edition
Another Crab's Treasure
Botany Manor
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
Core Keeper
Creatures of Ava
Diablo IV
Dungeons Of Hinterberg
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
Flock
Forza Motorsport
Galacticare
Go Mecha Ball
Harold Halibut
Hauntii
Humanity
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Lightyear Frontier (Game Preview)
Little Kitty, Big City
Magical Delicacy
MLB The Show 24 Xbox One
MLB The Show 24 Xbox Series X|S
Neon White
Octopath Traveler II
Open Roads
Payday 3
PlateUp!
Robin Hood - Sherwood Builders
Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends
Sea of Solitude
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
Slime Rancher 2
SpiderHeck
Star Trucker
Starfield
Still Wakes the Deep
Tchia
The Case of the Golden Idol
The Rewinder
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank
Valorant
You Suck at Parking
While You Suck at Parking, SpiderHeck, Slime Rancher 2, and Payday 3 are obviously not included because they are leaving Xbox Game Pass in September, it's surprising to see the likes of Starfield and Forza Motorsport are not a part of Standard.
It's disappointing to say the least. I get not day one. But not even first party that have been out a long while??