Microsoft has officially slashed Xbox Game Pass prices while adding massive titles like Forza Horizon 6. Here is the updated May 2026 schedule and the new Call of Duty policy.
Microsoft just dropped a massive update for its gaming subscription service today. Fans have a lot to unpack with the May catalog officially going live and bringing advanced downloads for several upcoming titles. The latest announcements include permanent subscription price cuts along with a massive shift in how blockbuster titles release on the platform.
Let us dive into the details you need to know about the current changes and the packed game release schedule for the rest of the year.
Massive Price Drops for Ultimate and PC Players
The best news for gamers today is the permanent price reduction across major subscription tiers. Microsoft is making it much cheaper to play your favorite titles. The Ultimate tier sees a significant drop from almost thirty dollars down to just under twenty three dollars a month.
Meanwhile PC players will also save money with their monthly cost dropping from over sixteen dollars to under fourteen dollars. This aggressive pricing strategy makes the service more accessible to everyone.
Also Read: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate - Latest Breaking Updates (April 2026)
A New Approach for Call of Duty Releases
To balance these incredible price cuts Microsoft is changing its strategy for its biggest franchise. Future Call of Duty games will no longer be available on the service on their exact release date. Instead fans can expect these massive shooters to join the library approximately one year after their initial launch.
This change allows the company to maintain a lower monthly cost for subscribers while still offering premium games down the line.
May Brings Forza Horizon 6 and More Incredible Games
The May 2026 lineup is incredibly strong and features a variety of genres. The undeniable highlight is the highly anticipated arrival of Forza Horizon 6 on May 19 which will be available the moment it launches. Earlier in the month players can jump into classic adventures with Final Fantasy V or try fresh titles like Mixtape and Call of the Elder Gods.
Strategy fans will love Age of Empires IV Yue Feis Legacy while others can look forward to Luna Abyss Beastro Echo Generation 2 and Crashout Crew filling out the rest of the month.
Summer Months Packed With Fresh Gaming Experiences
The momentum continues straight into the summer months. June brings the unique action of Denshattack followed by a busy July featuring Ascend to Zero SpeedRunners 2 King of Speed and Mistfall Hunter. August keeps the exciting releases coming with Beast of Reincarnation and Grave Seasons. There is truly something for every type of player as the weather gets warmer.
Massive Blockbusters Closing Out The Year
Microsoft is saving some of its biggest heavy hitters for the holiday season. Late 2026 will see the release of major franchise entries that fans have waited years to play. The open world fantasy reboot of Fable and the origin story Gears of War E Day are both slated for day one releases.
Survival game enthusiasts also have a lot to celebrate with the cooperative underwater adventures of Subnautica 2 and the zombie infected world of State of Decay 3 closing out an incredible year of gaming.
Also Read: Xbox Game Pass Plans in the United States: Full 2026 Guide