MySaveSlot
Free Utility · Xbox Game Pass Plan Optimizer

Stop overpaying for tiers you don't actually need.

Add the games you plan to play. We instantly compute your minimum required tier, calculate monthly and annual savings, and verify whether Game Pass is cheaper than buying retail.

Catalog Database840 Verified Titles
Select what you currently pay
Catalog Matches8 found
1000xRESIST
PremiumMATURE 17+$20
33 Immortals
PremiumTEEN Multi$15
9 Kings (Game Preview)
PremiumTEEN Multi$10
A Game About Digging A Hole™
PremiumEVERYONE$5
A Plague Tale: Requiem
PremiumMATURE 17+$18
A Plague Tale: Requiem - Windows
PremiumMATURE 17+$15
A Way Out
UltimateMATURE 17+ Multi$9
Abiotic Factor
PremiumMATURE 17+ Multi$35
Active Ledger0 games

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Search for titles on the left and click + Add to calculate your optimal Game Pass tier.

Subscription Reference

Xbox Game Pass Tier Comparison (2026 Breakdown)

Compare pricing, catalog allowances, and premium features across the three standard Xbox Game Pass subscription tiers.

TierMonthlyAnnualCatalog ScopeDay-One TitlesCloud GamingBest For
Essential$9.99$119.88Curated core library (100+ titles)NoNoCasual & multiplayer gamers
Premium$14.99$179.88400+ console & PC games + EA PlaySelect releasesNoDedicated console & PC backloggers
UltimateMAX$22.99$275.88Full library across Xbox, PC & CloudAll First-PartyIncludedEnthusiasts, cloud players & day-one fans
Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know About Optimizing Game Pass

How does the Xbox Game Pass Plan Optimizer calculate my minimum tier?

The optimizer matches each game in your active ledger against our verified Game Pass catalog database. It identifies the lowest tier that unlocks every selected game. If even one title in your list requires Ultimate (e.g., day-one Xbox Game Studios releases or EA Play cloud streaming), your minimum required tier is set to Ultimate. If all titles are included in Essential or Premium, the optimizer flags potential downgrades to save you money.

What is the difference between Essential, Premium, and Ultimate tiers?

Essential ($9.99/mo) provides access to a curated core catalog of console and PC games plus standard online multiplayer. Premium ($14.99/mo) expands the library to 400+ console and PC games and includes EA Play. Ultimate ($22.99/mo) unlocks the entire catalog, all day-one Xbox Game Studios releases, Xbox Cloud Gaming (stream on phone, PC, and TV), and exclusive monthly perks.

How much money can I save by optimizing my Game Pass subscription?

Most casual subscribers pay for Ultimate ($22.99/month, or $275.88/year) even if they only play titles available in Essential ($9.99/month, or $119.88/year) or Premium ($14.99/month, or $179.88/year). By downgrading to the tier that actually covers your active rotation, you can save between $96 and $156 per year without losing access to your chosen games.

What happens when a game leaves Xbox Game Pass?

Microsoft cycles third-party games in and out of the catalog on the 15th and last day of each month. When a title is flagged as 'Leaving Soon', subscribers receive a 20% discount on purchasing the game permanently before it departs. Your cloud save files and achievements remain tied to your Xbox account regardless of whether you renew or buy the title.

Is Xbox Game Pass cheaper than buying games retail?

Yes, if you play at least three to four $60–$70 titles per year. Our calculator totals the standalone retail value of your selected titles and computes a 'Break-Even Horizon'. If your selected games retail for $300 and you subscribe to Ultimate at $275.88/year, the subscription pays for itself in under 12 months.

Can I save my Game Pass backlog to a personal gaming journal?

Yes. MySaveSlot is a free, ad-free gaming diary and backlog tracker. You can log playthroughs, record ratings on the 10-point Phosphor Emerald scale, build custom gaming shelves, and track games you want to complete without algorithmic noise or ads.

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MySaveSlot Games Laboratory · Updated for 2026 tiers