Xbox Game Pass Vs Playstation Plus Which Includes More Must Play Titles

Choosing between Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus isn’t just about console loyalty—it’s a decision rooted in what kind of games you want to play and how much value you expect from your subscription. Both services offer access to extensive libraries of titles, but their approaches differ significantly. One leans into day-one releases and first-party blockbusters, while the other emphasizes curated classics and timed exclusives. When it comes to “must-play” games—those critically acclaimed, genre-defining, or culturally significant experiences—the answer isn’t as simple as which has more games. It’s about quality, availability, and timing.

The Core Philosophy Behind Each Service

Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s flagship subscription offering, operates on a model of breadth and immediacy. Launched with the vision of becoming the “Netflix of gaming,” it gives subscribers access to hundreds of titles across console, PC, and cloud. Crucially, every first-party Xbox title—from *Halo Infinite* to *Starfield*—launches directly into Game Pass on day one. This means no additional purchase is required to play Microsoft’s biggest releases the moment they go live.

In contrast, PlayStation Plus takes a tiered approach. The Essential tier provides monthly free games and online multiplayer access. The Extra tier adds a library of hundreds of PS4 and PS5 titles, while the Premium tier includes classic console games and cloud streaming. However, Sony does not release its first-party exclusives—like *God of War Ragnarök*, *The Last of Us Part I*, or *Spider-Man 2*—into the catalog at launch. These titles typically arrive months or even years later, if at all.

“Game Pass changes the relationship between player and publisher. You’re not buying a game—you’re accessing an ecosystem.” — Jason Schreier, Bloomberg investigative reporter and author of *Press Reset*

Must-Play Titles: What Actually Counts?

A “must-play” title isn’t just popular; it’s transformative. It could be a narrative masterpiece like *The Last of Us*, a technical marvel like *Elden Ring*, or a cultural phenomenon like *Fortnite*. To assess which service delivers more must-play games, we need to consider three factors:

• First-party exclusives: Are the platform’s flagship titles available immediately?
• Third-party inclusion: Do major multiplatform hits appear early or at all?
• Legacy and remasters: Are older, essential games accessible?

Under these criteria, Xbox Game Pass holds a distinct advantage in timeliness and scope. Since Microsoft owns studios like Bethesda, Obsidian, and Ninja Theory, their titles—including *Starfield*, *The Outer Worlds 2*, and *Forza Motorsport*—arrive on Game Pass at launch. Meanwhile, Sony’s strategy prioritizes full-price sales before subscription placement, meaning fans often wait 6–18 months to play new exclusives through PlayStation Plus.

Tip: If you want to play new first-party releases the day they launch without paying full price, Xbox Game Pass offers unmatched access compared to PlayStation Plus.

Comparison of Must-Play Titles by Category

To break this down further, here’s a side-by-side look at key must-play titles and their availability on each service as of mid-2024.

Title	Platform Origin	Xbox Game Pass Availability	PlayStation Plus Availability
Starfield	Xbox/PC Exclusive	Yes – Day One	No
Halo Infinite	Xbox/PC	Yes – Day One	No
Forza Motorsport (2023)	Xbox/PC	Yes – Day One	No
Redfall	Xbox/PC	Yes – Day One	No
God of War Ragnarök	PS5	No	Added after ~1 year (Premium only)
The Last of Us Part I	PS5	No	Not in catalog as of 2024
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2	PS5	No	No – expected late 2024 or 2025
Elden Ring	Multiplatform	Yes – added post-launch	Yes – available on Extra/Premium
Resident Evil 4 Remake	Multiplatform	Yes – via EA Play (included)	Yes – purchasable with discount for members
Baldur’s Gate 3	Multiplatform	Yes – via EA Play	No – not in catalog

The table reveals a clear trend: Xbox Game Pass includes its own exclusives immediately and third-party hits relatively quickly, especially those tied to EA Play or partnerships. PlayStation Plus eventually brings in some third-party titles, but many high-profile games never appear in the catalog. Even when they do, they often require the more expensive Premium tier.

Real-World Example: The Case of Alex, a Budget-Conscious Gamer

Alex, a 28-year-old software developer, wanted to dive into next-gen storytelling without spending $70 per game. He owned both a PS5 and an Xbox Series X but had to choose where to focus his subscription budget. Over six months, he tracked his playtime and satisfaction.

On PlayStation Plus Extra, he played *Ghost of Tsushima*, *Marvel’s Avengers*, and *Days Gone*—all excellent titles—but none were new releases. He had to buy *Horizon Forbidden West* and *Spider-Man 2* separately. Meanwhile, his friend used Game Pass to play *Hi-Fi RUSH*, *Pentiment*, and *Grounded*—games that received critical acclaim but flew under the radar—and didn’t spend a cent beyond the subscription.

When *Starfield* launched, Alex watched enviously as his Game Pass-using friends explored space the same day. He finally gave in and switched platforms, citing the value proposition: “I’m not just paying for old games. I’m getting front-row access to what’s new and talked about.”

Value Beyond Exclusives: Hidden Gems and Indie Standouts

One of Game Pass’s underrated strengths is its curation of indie and mid-tier titles. Games like *Oxenfree II*, *Tchia*, *A Plague Tale: Requiem*, and *Sea of Solitude* might not dominate headlines, but they represent some of the most emotionally resonant and innovative work in modern gaming. These titles are often included from day one or within weeks of release.

PlayStation Plus has made strides with its monthly free games and occasional surprise drops, but its library lacks consistency in highlighting narrative-driven or experimental games. While titles like *Returnal* and *Sackboy: A Big Adventure* are available, they’re outnumbered by older sports titles and budget sequels.

Furthermore, Game Pass integrates PC gaming seamlessly. Subscribers get access to an equally robust PC library, including strategy games (*Age of Empires IV*), RPGs (*Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance*), and simulation titles (*Microsoft Flight Simulator*). PlayStation Plus, while offering cloud streaming for some games, doesn’t extend its catalog to native PC clients in the same way.

Actionable Checklist: How to Decide Which Service Fits You

Use this checklist to evaluate which subscription aligns with your gaming preferences:

1. ✅ Do you want to play new first-party Xbox games on release day? → Choose Game Pass
2. ✅ Are you primarily invested in PlayStation-exclusive narratives like *The Last of Us*? → Be prepared to buy them upfront
3. ✅ Do you enjoy discovering indie or lesser-known titles? → Game Pass offers better discovery tools
4. ✅ Do you play on multiple devices (console, PC, mobile)? → Game Pass Ultimate supports all three
5. ✅ Do you value retro and classic console games? → PlayStation Plus Premium has an edge here
6. ✅ Are you on a tight budget and want maximum variety? → Game Pass delivers higher ROI

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play PlayStation 5 exclusives on PlayStation Plus without buying them?

Generally, no. Most first-party PS5 exclusives are not available on PlayStation Plus at launch. They may appear in the Extra or Premium catalog 6–18 months later, but there’s no guarantee. You’ll likely need to purchase them separately upon release.

Is Xbox Game Pass worth it if I don’t care about Xbox exclusives?

Yes. Even if you skip Microsoft’s first-party titles, Game Pass includes a strong selection of third-party games, EA Play access (which covers *FIFA*, *Battlefield*, and *Mass Effect Legendary Edition*), and acclaimed indies. The rotating library ensures fresh content monthly.

Does PlayStation Plus offer anything Game Pass doesn’t?

Yes—classic gaming. PlayStation Plus Premium includes streaming access to PS1, PS2, PSP, and PS3 games, along with remasters like *Final Fantasy VII Remake* and *Demon’s Souls*. For retro enthusiasts, this is a unique perk Game Pass doesn’t match.

Strategic Timeline: How to Maximize Your Subscription Year-Round

To get the most out of either service, follow this seasonal approach:

1. Q1 (Jan–Mar): Focus on award-season darlings. Game Pass often adds previous year’s GOTY contenders. Use this time to catch up on narrative-heavy titles like *Disco Elysium* or *Citizen Sleeper*.
2. Q2 (Apr–Jun): Watch for new Microsoft first-party launches. Spring and early summer often bring updates from Bethesda or Turn 10 Studios. Also monitor removal lists—rotate out games before they leave.
3. Q3 (Jul–Sep): Take advantage of cloud gaming. Travel-friendly? Stream *Starfield* or *Forza* via phone or tablet. PlayStation Plus users can explore classic titles during summer nostalgia runs.
4. Q4 (Oct–Dec): Holiday season brings new exclusives. Game Pass will have *Gears of War* or *Halo* entries day one. PlayStation owners should prepare to purchase big releases, then revisit them later on Plus.

Tip: Always check the “Leaving Soon” section on Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. Set calendar reminders to download or start games before they exit the catalog.

Final Verdict: Which Has More Must-Play Titles?

When evaluating sheer volume of essential, conversation-driving, and critically lauded games, **Xbox Game Pass currently offers more must-play titles**—especially if you define “must-play” as timely, impactful, and accessible. Its integration of day-one first-party releases, deep indie catalog, and multiplatform reach creates a broader, more dynamic library than PlayStation Plus can match.

That said, PlayStation Plus remains valuable for players who prioritize retro experiences, cloud-based classic gaming, or are willing to pay full price for new exclusives before they eventually rotate into the catalog. But if your goal is to experience the most significant new releases the moment they launch—without breaking the bank—Game Pass delivers superior value.

The future may shift this balance. Rumors suggest Sony is reconsidering its subscription strategy, possibly introducing earlier access to exclusives. But as of now, Microsoft’s all-inclusive model sets the standard for what a gaming subscription should be: not just a back catalog, but a living, evolving gateway to the most important games of the moment.

💬 Ready to rethink your gaming subscription? Compare your current habits with what each service actually offers. Whether you stay with PlayStation or switch to Game Pass, make sure you're playing the games that matter—on your terms.