Microsoft ditches Xbox Live Gold requirement for free-to-play multiplayer from today

50+ games including Fortnite and COD: Warzone now actually free to play.

News by Matt Wales News Reporter

Updated on 21 Apr 2021

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Microsoft has announced its previous promise to ditch Xbox Live Gold subscription requirements for free-to-play multiplayer titles on its consoles will come into effect today.

Previously, Microsoft was the only one of the big-three consoles makers still insisting a paid subscription was necessary in order to access online multiplayer features in free-to-play games.

Nintendo and Sony also charge players to participate in online multiplayer on their platforms - through their Nintendo Switch Online and PlayStation Plus subscription services respectively - but only for premium titles, with free-to-play offerings having remained exempt.

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However, Microsoft announced it would be changing its stance on free-to-play multiplayer, bringing its policy inline with other consoles, back in January following a significant backlash against its decision to hike Xbox Live Gold prices during the pandemic - a move it rapidly reversed after a less-than-positive response from consumers.

"As part of listening to your feedback, this change will take place starting today," Microsoft wrote in a new blog post, "and all Xbox players will be able to access online multiplayer at no charge for a library of over 50 free-to-play games that support online multiplayer."

Those titles are a blend of big-hitters - including Apex Legend, Call of Duty: Warzone, Rocket League, Destiny 2, Fortnite, Roblox, and Warframe - mixed in with some lesser-known offerings, with the complete list available below. Microsoft says it will continue to update the list over on Xbox.com as new free-to-play titles launch.