Microsoft Making Big Changes to Game Pass Quests and Rewards

Summary

• Starting January 7, Xbox Game Pass will introduce Quests for PC users to earn rewards, available exclusively to players 18 and older.
• Changes include daily, weekly, and monthly opportunities to earn points, along with the return of Xbox Game Pass weekly streaks.
• Players can explore various games and earn rewards by playing at least 15 minutes each, but those under 18 won't have access to the new benefits.

Microsoft is rolling out exciting updates to Xbox Game Pass, designed to enhance the gaming experience for its users. From January 7, PC Game Pass members will have the chance to participate in Quests and earn rewards, a feature previously exclusive to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. However, these new benefits are geared towards fostering "age-appropriate gaming experiences," limiting access to players who are 18 years and older.

Xbox Game Pass provides subscribers with a vast library of games available on both Xbox consoles and Windows PCs for a monthly subscription fee. The service is structured into different tiers, each offering unique perks, including access to Quests and Rewards. These allow players to earn points by completing designated tasks, which can then be redeemed for various rewards. Microsoft's latest changes aim to make this system even more engaging.

As detailed on Xbox Wire, starting January 7, PC Game Pass members will gain access to Quests, broadening the avenues for earning points. This feature will be available to all players aged 18 and above with an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscription. To participate, players must play games from the Game Pass catalog for at least 15 minutes, but note that titles accessed via third-party launchers are not eligible.

Game Pass Quests and Rewards Changes

• Quests available for PC Game Pass members starting January 7
• New Game Pass quests available:
  • Daily Play – Earn 10 points daily by playing any game from the Game Pass catalog for at least 15 minutes.
  • Weekly Streaks – Play for at least five days a week to complete your streak. The more days you play, the more points you earn. Maintain your streak week over week to unlock higher point multipliers. A 2-week streak earns 2x the base streak points, a 3-week streak earns 3x, and a streak beyond 4 weeks earns 4x the base streak points.
  • Monthly 4-Pack – Explore the Game Pass catalog by playing four different games (for at least 15 minutes each) every month.
  • Monthly 8-Pack – Challenge yourself further by playing eight different games (for at least 15 minutes each) every calendar month. The games from your 4-Pack count towards the 8-Pack as well.
• PC Weekly Bonus – Earn 150 points by playing for at least 15 minutes for 5 days or more in a week.
• The Rewards Hub, used for tracking and earning points on Xbox consoles, the Xbox app for Windows PC, and the Xbox app for mobile, will no longer be available to players under 18 years old.

The updated Game Pass Quest system is designed to be more user-friendly, offering daily, weekly, and monthly opportunities to earn rewards, along with the return of Xbox Game Pass weekly streaks. Players who manage to play for at least five days in a week can boost their points through multipliers, which can increase from 2x to 4x with consistent weekly streaks. Additionally, users can accumulate points daily by playing any game in the Game Pass catalog or through monthly packs by playing four to eight different games for 15 minutes each month.

For members aged 18 and older, a new PC weekly bonus offers 150 points for playing 15 minutes a day over five days. Microsoft emphasizes its commitment to age-appropriate experiences, meaning players younger than 18 will not have access to these new benefits and rewards. Younger players can still earn rewards through parentally approved purchases of eligible items on Microsoft's store. These updates reflect Microsoft's ongoing efforts to enhance the Xbox Game Pass experience for its subscribers.

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