In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming, Microsoft has just announced a significant shift that could impact how players access their beloved Xbox Game Pass. For those who have been relying on Microsoft Rewards points to enjoy this service for free, a looming change is set to raise the required points from 12,000 to a staggering 17,000. This increase not only affects current subscribers but also signals the expiration of existing auto-redeem subscriptions in 2025. As gamers brace for this adjustment, it’s essential to understand how these changes may alter the way they interact with Microsoft Rewards and their gaming experience.
| Feature | Current Points Required | New Points Required | Expiration Date | Level | Auto-Redeem Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Game Pass Ultimate | 12,000 | 17,000 | April 20, 2025 | Level 2 | Will expire and change to new points requirement. |
| Xbox Game Pass Core | 12,000 | 17,000 | April 20, 2025 | Level 2 | Will expire and change to new points requirement. |
| PC Game Pass | 12,000 | 17,000 | April 20, 2025 | Level 2 | Will expire and change to new points requirement. |
| Points Accumulation Methods | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Daily activities, in-game challenges, searches, quizzes, purchases. |
| Impact on Level 1 Members | N/A | N/A | N/A | Level 1 | Likely higher points requirement than Level 2. |
Understanding Microsoft Rewards Points
Microsoft Rewards is a fun program that lets you earn points for doing everyday activities, like searching the web and playing games. These points can be used to get prizes, like an Xbox Game Pass subscription. People love this because it means they can enjoy gaming without spending real money. However, to keep getting those rewards, you need to understand how the points system works and how to earn them effectively.
You can earn points in many ways, such as completing daily challenges or making purchases at the Microsoft Store. The more active you are, the more points you can accumulate. But it’s important to keep track of how many points you need for your favorite rewards. Recently, Microsoft announced that the points needed for an Xbox Game Pass subscription are increasing, which means members will have to work harder to earn enough points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Microsoft Rewards points?
Microsoft Rewards points are earned through activities like searches, quizzes, and purchases in the Microsoft Store, allowing users to redeem them for rewards like Xbox Game Pass.
How many points do I need for Xbox Game Pass now?
You now need 17,000 Microsoft Rewards points to redeem one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, up from the previous requirement of 12,000 points.
When do existing Xbox Game Pass subscriptions expire?
Existing auto-redeem subscriptions for Xbox Game Pass will expire on April 20, 2025, requiring users to choose new subscription options or redeem other prizes.
Can I still earn points after the change?
Yes, you can continue to earn Microsoft Rewards points through daily activities, but the points needed for Xbox Game Pass subscriptions will increase.
What happens if I don’t meet the new points requirement?
If you don’t have enough points for the new requirement, you will need to redeem your points for other rewards or continue earning until you reach the threshold.
How does the auto-redeem feature work?
The auto-redeem feature automatically uses your Microsoft Rewards points for a selected prize, like Xbox Game Pass, when you have enough points each month.
Are the point requirements the same for everyone?
No, point requirements can vary based on membership levels. Level 2 members typically need fewer points than Level 1 members, but both may see increases.
Summary
Microsoft is raising the number of Rewards points needed to get a free Xbox Game Pass subscription from 12,000 to 17,000 points. This change will affect auto-redeem subscriptions, which will end on April 20, 2025. Members can earn points by completing activities like quizzes and purchases. Many gamers use these points to enjoy Xbox Game Pass without spending money. However, the increase in points needed means players will have to work harder to keep their subscriptions. This update may vary by region and could impact even more users in the future.
