Free-to-play Xbox games no longer require Xbox Live Gold to play online

Starting today, all Xbox One and Xbox Series X / S owners can play free online multiplayer games without an Xbox Live Gold membership. Overall, this means that 50+ free titles no longer require a subscription to play with your friends online. Some of the most notable inclusions on the list are Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, Destiny 2, Fortnite, Roblox, and Rocket League. As part of today’s update, the same group of people will also have party chat and group search capabilities.

Microsoft’s decision to lift the paywall requirement for freemium multiplayer games came after the price reversed for Xbox Live Gold in late January. The company originally planned to double the cost of an annual Xbox Live Gold subscription. Most Xbox fans criticized Microsoft for the plan, and it quickly went back. “We screwed it up today and you were right to let us know.” The company said after the reversal. “Connecting and playing with friends is an integral part of playing and we haven’t lived up to the expectations of the players who count on it every day.” After the episode, Microsoft announced it would remove the Xbox Live Gold requirement for free multiplayer games and began testing the policy change last month.

All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team independently of our parent company. Some of our stories contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may receive an affiliate commission.

Leave a Comment