Buzz
Console gamers enjoy a straightforward selection of video game subscription services, primarily limited to PlayStation, Nintendo, or Xbox's own platforms. In contrast, PC gamers are presented with a wide array of options to choose from.
Among the most prominent PC gaming subscriptions are Microsoft's Game Pass for PC, Ubisoft's Uplay+, Humble Bundle's Humble Choice, and Amazon's Prime Gaming. Each platform boasts a distinct game collection, exclusive deals, and additional benefits, but determining the best one requires a closer look.
Xbox Game Pass for PC
The Xbox Game Pass for PC is an incredible offering, even with Microsoft's recent announcement of increasing the monthly subscription cost to $10.
Although the PC Game Pass library doesn't mirror the Xbox Game Pass exactly, it features many of Microsoft's first-party Xbox Series X games, such as Halo Infinite, accessible on PC. This alone is a fantastic value, but the service extends beyond just Halo and Forza.
The library also boasts a wide range of third-party and indie games, with new additions arriving regularly—often available on their release day. Additionally, the PC Game Pass incorporates EA's subscription service, EA Play, at no extra charge, further expanding its catalog with numerous PC-exclusive titles.
Subscribers not only gain access to an extensive game library but will also benefit from Microsoft's forthcoming Xcloud streaming service. Once launched, this feature will enable users to stream their Game Pass collection on smartphones, laptops, and other compatible devices.
Humble Choice
Humble Bundle is renowned for its generous, charity-driven sales on vast game bundles. However, the company's monthly subscription service, Humble Choice, offers an even more compelling proposition for gamers.
The service provides three distinct subscription tiers:
Lite ($5 per month): Access to the “Humble Trove,” a collection of over 90 free games, along with a 10% discount on all Humble Store purchases.
Basic ($10 per month): Includes all Lite benefits, plus the ability to claim up to three additional free games from a monthly selection of 10 unique titles.
Premium ($20 per month): Allows users to redeem up to nine extra free games each month, access the “Humble Trove,” and enjoy up to 20% off Humble Store purchases.
The quality of the monthly game selection can vary, but it frequently features both popular and newly released titles. The “Humble Trove” library is impressive, and users redeem their games through product codes on platforms like Steam. Although this process can be somewhat cumbersome, it ensures that the games remain yours permanently, even if you decide to cancel your subscription—a rare benefit compared to most services that revoke access upon cancellation.
Uplay+
Priced at $15, Uplay+ is among the pricier options, but it offers significant value for die-hard Ubisoft enthusiasts—and only for them.
Uplay+ exclusively features Ubisoft games, showcasing the company's diverse catalog. From open-world adventures and tactical strategy games to RPGs, artistic platformers, racing games, and military shooters, the library is vast. It includes every installment of Assassin’s Creed, Watch Dogs, and Far Cry, alongside timeless series like Rayman, Prince of Persia, and Might and Magic.
Subscribers gain access to all expansions, DLCs, and season pass content at no additional cost. New Ubisoft releases are available on launch day, and members can also participate in beta events for upcoming games.
Prime Gaming
Amazon’s Prime Gaming is a bonus feature for Amazon Prime members, who pay $13 monthly or $120 annually. Previously known as “Twitch Gaming,” the service has evolved beyond offering free in-game items and Twitch benefits. It now provides a monthly rotation of free games for subscribers. These offers, which change periodically, typically include around a dozen games available for redemption at any given time.
Additionally, members receive a Twitch Prime subscription credit, allowing them to support a Twitch streamer at no cost once a month. The service also includes numerous codes for in-game items across various multiplayer and free-to-play games.
So, which service stands out as the best?
We started this list with Xbox Game Pass on PC for a reason—it’s undoubtedly the top service available and one of the most cost-effective deals in gaming. Consider this: $10 a month amounts to $120 annually, which is roughly the price of just two new games at launch. Yet, Game Pass grants you access to many major releases on their debut day.
Humble Choice is also an excellent deal, with the added advantage of allowing you to keep all redeemed games even after canceling your subscription. While it may not offer the thrill of playing the latest releases immediately, it’s a more valuable long-term investment.
Uplay+, however, caters to a more specific audience. It’s a great choice if you’re deeply invested in Ubisoft’s current franchises or want to explore their older titles, but it lacks broader appeal beyond that niche.
Lastly, there’s Prime Gaming. While other services boast better games and larger libraries, it’s a decent perk for those already subscribed to Amazon Prime. However, it’s not worth getting Prime solely for this benefit.
Is a subscription service necessary for you?
While these services are generally worth their monthly cost, none are essential for enjoying affordable PC gaming. There are numerous alternatives for acquiring free or heavily discounted games.
For instance, the Epic Games Store offers users one to two free games weekly from a curated selection—no subscription needed. Although you must manually claim each game through the Epic Games Store app, they remain permanently in your library once acquired during their availability.
Platforms like Steam, Itch.io, and GOG also occasionally provide free games, alongside a vast array of free-to-play titles. Games such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, DOTA 2, and even Destiny 2 can be enjoyed without any cost.
With Steam Sales, Epic Games Store freebies, and the abundance of high-quality free-to-play games, you’ll never run out of options. Pairing these with a PC gaming subscription service ensures an overwhelming library of games to explore.
