Xbox Game Pass has proven to be a rollercoaster ride for subscribers, with multiple price adjustments, revamps, and overhauls taking place, and the most recent changes have raised questions about the status of day-one releases.
Game Pass as a service has thrived on offering new releases as soon as they drop for no additional cost, featuring major franchises like Forza Horizon, Call of Duty, and Gears of War.
Changes are afoot in April 2026, however, following a welcome slash to the cost, though it does mean there are some new day one rules to get your head around.
Are New Releases Still on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, the majority of first-party games releasing on Xbox platforms will be available day one upon release, but there are some exceptions.
Game Pass is a major selling point for the Microsoft consoles, particularly in a period where their major console releases have not had as much impact as the likes of PlayStation and Nintendo, and removing new releases would significantly alter the deal.
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As such, the majority of first-party games on Xbox will be available day one, though the usual limitations of subscription tiers apply, with only Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers receiving the benefit.
Game Pass Premium subscribers will be entitled to those releases within one year of the release date, with the structure not being altered in the most recent price changes.
What Games Won’t be on Xbox Game Pass Day One?
Call of Duty titles will not be available day one through Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft announced, meaning Black Ops 7 is the sole title having had this treatment.
Microsoft’s takeover of Activision Blizzard opened the doors for Call of Duty titles to be included on the Game Pass service upon release, though this significantly impacted sales as a result.
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As such, the reduction in price for Game Pass comes alongside confirmation that future Call of Duty titles will not release day one on the Game Pass service, but could still feature later down the line.
Call of Duty is the only exception to the day one approach with Game Pass, at least for now, but the changes do show that Microsoft is not afraid to switch it up, and fans will hope that similar moves aren’t made with other franchises like Halo and Gears of War.
Is the removal of Call of Duty games day one on Xbox Game Pass a big loss? Share your thoughts in the Insider Gaming Discord.
For more Game Pass, read about claims of a new ‘pick your plan’ formula to the service, and check out all games leaving Game Pass in April 2026.
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