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The cheapest way to get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

You can redeem Microsoft Rewards points, convert Game Pass Core to Ultimate, or share a subscription.

In the image, a person is being offered a 24-month subscription to a game pass ultimate. Full Text: 24 MONTHS GAME PASS Ultimate
Image: KnowTechie
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Quick Answer: The cheapest way to get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is to earn points with Microsoft Rewards and then redeem them for a Game Pass subscription.

An Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription gives users access to hundreds of games and exclusive benefits. It’s often considered the best-value subscription for gamers.

However, not everyone can afford the monthly fee, especially with frequent price hikes. Without a Game Pass subscription, you won’t be able to access most online multiplayer features.

Don’t worry, we discovered a few ways to save money on an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

1. Redeem Microsoft Rewards Points

Daily set activities for points and streak rewards.

Microsoft has a rewards program that gives users points for completing various tasks. You may have seen a notification on your Xbox console letting you know that you’ve earned some points.

Points can be earned by playing games and unlocking achievements, as well as by completing tasks on your phone or computer.

I recommend installing the Microsoft Bing Search app and the Xbox app on your phone—you can earn points just by using the Xbox app. Complete the daily, weekly, and monthly quests for additional bonuses.

Once you’ve earned enough points, you can redeem them for an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Microsoft Rewards is by far the cheapest way to get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

2. Convert Game Pass Core to Game Pass Ultimate

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate conversion ratios explained.
Source: Xbox Support

Another way to save is by converting Game Pass Core to Ultimate. Game Pass Core is the base-level subscription that gives access to online multiplayer and a smaller library of games.

Previously, the conversion rate was 1:1. Now, it’s 2:1, meaning 2 months of Game Pass Core convert to 1 month of Ultimate. Even with the reduced ratio, this method can still lead to significant savings.

To maximize your savings:

  • Let your current Game Pass subscription expire.
  • Purchase Game Pass Core time (preferably a full year) from a third-party website.
  • Then, activate the Core subscription and go to the Microsoft website to upgrade to Game Pass Ultimate by paying for one full month.

Your Core time will automatically convert to Ultimate at the 2:1 ratio. For example, 12 months of Core becomes 6 months of Ultimate.

You can reduce the cost further by purchasing codes from countries like Argentina, Turkey, or India, although this requires a VPN and some additional setup.

For more information, check out this Reddit thread.

3. Share a Game Pass Ultimate Subscription

screenshot of xbox personalization menu with an arrow pointing towards home xbox menu option
Image: KnowTechie

Xbox allows users to share games and subscriptions. If you have a friend with an active subscription, they can share it with you. That way, only one of you needs to pay for it.

This works best with someone you trust, as they will need to sign in on your console using their Microsoft account.

Here’s how to set it up:

  1. On your console, go to Profiles and add a new one.
  2. Sign in using your friend’s account.
  3. Navigate to Settings > General > Personalization > My Home Xbox and select “Make this my home Xbox.”

Follow this tutorial for a full breakdown.

Once that’s done, switch back to your own account and go to Full Library to access shared games and subscriptions.

When you play a shared game, a new save file will be created under your account, so your friend’s progress won’t be affected. You can also play online multiplayer games together.

Even though Game Share has been around since the Xbox 360 days, many people don’t take advantage of it. Game Sharing is a great way to save money.

One caveat, though, games can only be shared with one other account.

So when you’re low on cash, consider using the above tips to get back to gaming!

Did this guide help you? Which method did you use to get your Game Pass Ultimate subscription? Tell us what you think in comments below, or ping us via our Twitter or Facebook.

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Timothy Gagnon is a freelance writer and tech enthusiast. As a kid, he's always had a fascination with electronics and never passed on the chance to disassemble them. When he's not taking a hammer to his electronics, he can be found playing with his cats or writing about his latest discoveries.

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