Microsoft’s popular loyalty program could be getting a bit stingier. Gamers who rely on Microsoft Rewards points to score free Xbox Game Pass subscriptions might need to dig deeper into their virtual wallets. The company is reportedly hiking the number of points required to grab a month of Game Pass, and the change could hit hard for those who’ve grown used to gaming on the cheap.
For years, Microsoft Rewards has let users rack up points by doing everyday things like playing games, answering quizzes, or even just browsing the web. Those points can then be traded in for perks like Xbox Live Gold, gift cards, or — most importantly for many — a free Xbox Game Pass subscription. The catch? It looks like the goalposts are moving.
Right now, Level 2 members need 12,000 points to snag a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. According to emails sent to some users and reports from Pure Xbox and Reddit threads, that number is jumping to 17,000 points. That’s a 5,000-point leap overnight. For context, earning 12,000 points already takes weeks of grinding daily tasks. Adding another 5,000 could push free subscriptions out of reach for casual users.
The bad news doesn’t stop there. Microsoft has also warned that existing auto-redeem subscriptions for Game Pass will expire by April 20, 2025. After that, members will need to sign up again under the new, pricier terms or switch to redeeming points for other rewards. Some Reddit users have spotted both the old and new point requirements in their accounts, but the cheaper option is set to vanish next year.
Why the sudden shift? Microsoft hasn’t spelled it out, but loyalty programs often tweak costs as they grow. More users might mean higher demand for free subscriptions, pushing the company to balance the books. The change isn’t global yet — your region might dodge the hike — but Microsoft has a history of rolling out adjustments quietly and widely.
Level 1 members, who already pay more points for rewards than Level 2 users, could be in for an even rougher ride. If Level 2 costs are spiking this much, Level 1 requirements might skyrocket. Either way, hitting 17,000 points each month won’t be a walk in the park. Daily searches and quizzes only go so far, and not everyone has time to chase every possible point.
The move has sparked grumbles online, with some calling it a bait-and-switch. Loyalty programs thrive on trust, and sudden devaluations can leave users feeling burned. For now, gamers have a year to decide whether to keep grinding under the new rules or find another way to fund their Game Pass habit.
Dwayne Cubbins
735 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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