This week has brought significant changes for Xbox, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that more updates are on the way. After price adjustments to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, reports surfaced about a new, more affordable subscription tier called Xbox Game Pass Starter. Now, a fresh leak may have revealed both its game lineup and a possible release window.

The information comes from Billbil-kun of Dealabs, a leaker known for a strong track record—especially when it comes to subscription services. While leaks should always be approached with caution, Billbil-kun has consistently proven to be a reliable source, particularly with early PlayStation Plus updates.

According to earlier reports, the Starter tier appears similar to the current Game Pass Essential plan, but with a few key differences. It is expected to include a catalog of more than 50 games, limited monthly Cloud Gaming hours, and even a subscription to Discord Nitro. However, one major limitation stands out: the Starter Edition will reportedly not include access to online multiplayer.

For console players, this could be a significant drawback. Even if users purchase games like the latest Call of Duty or EA Sports FC, they would not be able to access multiplayer features under this tier.

As for the game library, the leaked list closely mirrors what’s currently available in Game Pass Essential, with only minor differences. Some of these changes may simply reflect updates that haven’t yet been made public, while others could indicate slight variations between the two tiers. For example, Goat Simulator is missing from the Starter lineup—but it is also scheduled to leave the Essential catalog soon, suggesting the lists may eventually align.

Regarding its release, the report does not confirm an exact date but suggests that Xbox Game Pass Starter is expected to launch no later than mid-May 2026. If accurate, the rollout could happen as early as next month, continuing a period of rapid changes under Xbox leadership.

While it remains unclear whether Starter will replace the Essential tier or exist alongside it, the lack of multiplayer support suggests it may be positioned as a more basic, entry-level option. Either way, it signals that Xbox Game Pass is entering a new phase, with potential adjustments not only to pricing but also to the overall structure of its subscription tiers.

As more details emerge, all eyes will be on how this new tier fits into Xbox’s broader strategy—and whether it reshapes the future of Game Pass as a whole.