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

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.

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.