Microsoft Revamps 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 enhancing the Xbox Game Pass experience with new ways for players to earn rewards and introducing Quests for PC Game Pass users. These updates aim to create "age-appropriate gaming experiences," meaning that Game Pass Rewards will be accessible only to players aged 18 and older.

Xbox Game Pass provides subscribers with access to an extensive library of games on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs for a monthly fee. The service features various subscription tiers, each offering unique benefits. Among these, members can participate in Quests and Rewards, earning points by completing designated quests, which can then be redeemed for various rewards. Microsoft is now rolling out significant changes to this system.

As detailed on Xbox Wire, starting January 7, Quests will no longer be exclusive to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. PC Game Pass members will also be able to earn rewards, offering more opportunities to accumulate points. Every player aged 18 or older with an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscription will have access to Xbox Quests and the Rewards Hub from their profile. It's worth noting that a minimum playtime is required to earn points, and Quests are only applicable to titles within the Game Pass catalog, excluding games that use a third-party launcher.

Game Pass Quests and Rewards Changes

• Quests will be available for PC Game Pass members starting January 7.
• New Game Pass quests include:
  • 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.
  • 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 four 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 a day for 5 days or more.
• 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 revamped Game Pass Quest system is designed to be user-friendly, offering daily, weekly, and monthly opportunities to earn rewards, along with the reintroduction of Xbox Game Pass weekly streaks. Players who play for at least five days a week can multiply their points, with the multiplier increasing from 2x to 4x as they maintain their streak week after week. Additionally, users can earn points daily by playing any title in the Game Pass catalog or by completing monthly packs, exploring four to eight different games for 15 minutes each month.

Members aged 18 and older can earn a new PC weekly bonus by playing for 15 minutes a day over 5 days. In their blog post, Microsoft emphasizes their commitment to providing an age-appropriate experience for all members, which means players under 18 won't have access to these new benefits and rewards. The only way for younger players to earn rewards while playing any title on Xbox Game Pass is through parentally approved purchases of eligible items on Microsoft’s store. With this update, Microsoft is ensuring that it offers new ways for players to enjoy their subscription service.

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