How to Get a Discount on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Since 2019, gamers have enjoyed access to a vast library of titles on PC and Xbox through Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription service. While the convenience is undeniable, the full price can be a barrier. Fortunately, there’s a method to secure a significant discount, potentially saving you 50 percent on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for up to 18 months.

This isn’t some shady workaround or exploit. It leverages Microsoft’s system for converting lower-tier Game Pass subscriptions into Ultimate. No specialized hacking skills are required.

If you’re familiar with previous iterations of this trick, be aware that the conversion rates have changed over time. Before July 2023, a generous 1:1 conversion rate was in place, offering a remarkable 63 percent discount. This was adjusted to a 3:2 ratio alongside a price increase for both Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate. Then, in September 2024, the conversion rate took another hit, dropping to 2:1 after further price hikes.

As of March 2025, this conversion method effectively lowers the monthly cost to $10. While not as low as the original $5 per month, it’s significantly cheaper than the standard $20 per month for Ultimate and even more affordable than PC Game Pass at $12 per month. PC gamers, in particular, can still reap considerable benefits from this strategy.

However, be mindful that codes for select countries may no longer stack as expected. Recent updates indicate that subscriptions for Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan, and Turkey are now capped at 13 months. This doesn’t prevent users in these regions (or those using VPNs) from converting Xbox Game Pass Core subscriptions to Ultimate but requires more frequent conversions, approximately every eight months.

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to take advantage of this deal and maximize your savings. It is crucial to follow each step carefully to avoid potential pitfalls, especially when aiming for the maximum 18-month duration. The process can become slightly more intricate if you already have an existing Xbox Game Pass subscription.

Step 1: Decide on Your Desired Ultimate Subscription Length

To extract maximum value from this deal, aim to accumulate as close to 36 months of Xbox Game Pass Core (or a combination of Core and standard Game Pass) as your budget allows. Three years remains the maximum amount of subscription time you can apply to an account. Even with the revised conversion ratio, this limitation is still in effect. The key difference now is that the conversion yields fewer months of Ultimate.

It’s imperative not to exceed the 36-month limit. If you attempt to redeem a code that would push you beyond this threshold, Microsoft’s servers will prevent its activation. Be aware that any bonus months earned by enabling recurring billing also contribute to the overall limit.

Step 2: Strategize Your Game Pass Core Purchases

The actual duration of Xbox Game Pass Core you acquire depends on your individual circumstances. You can often find $60 Xbox Game Pass Core digital subscription codes at retailers like Best Buy and Walmart. As of March 2025, this is generally the most cost-effective rate. Other retailers like Newegg and Target may offer 12-month codes, but usually at a higher price point of $75.

Prioritize extending your subscription with Xbox Game Pass Core rather than standard Game Pass. Core is typically the more economical choice. Also, opt for the largest possible increments. A 12-month code offers a lower per-month cost compared to one-month, three-month, or six-month options. Remember that Microsoft’s servers will reject any code that would exceed the 36-month cap. For example, if you have 34 months remaining and try to redeem a three-month code, it will not be accepted. Short trial codes, such as those for three days or two weeks, are also incompatible with this conversion method.

Important Warning: If you purchase three one-year subscriptions, resist the temptation to accept bonus months in exchange for enabling recurring billing during the redemption process. These extra months will prevent you from redeeming the final code due to the 36-month limit.

Example Scenario:

Suppose you need 17 months to reach the 36-month maximum (you already have 19 months of Xbox Game Pass Core active). You purchase a 12-month Game Pass Core code and utilize Microsoft Rewards points to acquire a three-month GPC code. You could attempt to secure one or two bonus months by enabling recurring billing when redeeming each code. However, if you receive no bonus months, add another month of Game Pass Core to your account. Then, purchase (or redeem a code for) one month of Game Pass Ultimate to convert everything into 18 months of Ultimate.

Step 3: Activate Your Game Pass Core Codes

Redeem your Xbox Game Pass Core codes. As a final reminder, if you possess three one-year subscription codes, avoid accepting any bonus months that come with enabling recurring billing to successfully redeem your last code.

If you’re combining various codes, double-check your calculations to determine how many times (if any) you can safely accept recurring billing bonuses.

What to Do if You Messed Up:

If you have three one-year Game Pass Core codes and accidentally made it impossible to redeem the last one, you have a few options. You can wait a month or two until your subscription duration decreases enough to redeem the final code. Alternatively, you can redeem it after upgrading to Game Pass Ultimate. In this case, you’ll be able to redeem it on a pro-rated basis to extend your Ultimate subscription, but the exchange rate will not be as advantageous. Twelve months of Core will convert to less than four months of Ultimate.

Step 4: Activate Your One-Month Game Pass Ultimate Code

Activate your code for one month of Game Pass Ultimate. (You can also purchase it directly through the Xbox website or the Store on an Xbox console.)

You’ll typically encounter two screens. The first explains the conversion process if you already have an active Game Pass subscription, which you should have at this point. The second screen will usually prompt you for billing information for recurring billing. You should be able to decline this option.

Step 5: Verify and Manage Your Subscription

You should now see "Xbox Game Pass Ultimate" listed under Services and Subscriptions on your Microsoft account page. If you purchased your Ultimate code through the Xbox website or console, recurring billing is likely enabled by default. It’s advisable to disable this to avoid unexpected charges upon subscription expiration (especially if that’s 18 months away). You can manage this setting by clicking "Manage" next to the billing information on the website.

With these steps completed, you are now ready to enjoy your discounted Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.