Anthem: Do You Need Xbox Game Pass To Play?

So, you're itching to dive into the world of Anthem, huh? Awesome choice! But before you gear up your Javelin and take to the skies, you're probably wondering: Do I need Xbox Game Pass to play Anthem? Let's break it down and get you ready for your adventure.

Xbox Game Pass and Anthem: The Basics

Okay, so here's the deal. Anthem, like many other games on the Xbox platform, has a relationship with Xbox Game Pass, but it's not always straightforward. There are a couple of different ways Game Pass can come into play, and understanding the nuances will save you some potential headaches. Essentially, the answer to whether you need Game Pass depends on how you want to play the game.

First off, let's talk about Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This is the top-tier subscription that gives you access to a massive library of games, including both Xbox and PC titles. If you subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you might be able to play Anthem as part of the EA Play library, which is included with the Ultimate subscription. EA Play (formerly known as EA Access) is a service that lets you play a selection of EA games. However, it is important to check if Anthem is actively part of the EA Play library at the time you are planning to play. Games cycle in and out, so it's not a permanent fixture. Think of it like a streaming service for games – titles come and go.

Now, what about the standard Xbox Game Pass for Console? This one is a bit different. While it grants you access to a rotating library of Xbox games, it doesn't automatically include EA Play. So, if you only have the standard Xbox Game Pass for Console, you'll likely need to purchase Anthem separately to play it. It's a bummer, I know, but that's how the cookie crumbles. Keep an eye out, though! Sometimes, EA Play might have promotional periods where it's temporarily included with the standard Game Pass. These promos are usually announced in advance, so stay tuned to Xbox and EA's official channels for any news.

To make it crystal clear: having Xbox Game Pass Ultimate often means you can play Anthem through EA Play, provided the game is currently in their catalog. Standard Xbox Game Pass for Console usually requires you to buy Anthem separately unless there's a special promotion running. Always double-check the current Game Pass offerings before making any purchases. Nobody wants to buy a game they could have played for "free" with their subscription!

Buying Anthem Separately

Alright, let's say you don't have Xbox Game Pass, or Anthem isn't currently available through EA Play. No sweat! You can always purchase Anthem outright. Buying the game gives you permanent access to it, regardless of your subscription status. You can usually find Anthem on the Xbox Store as a digital download. Keep an eye out for sales, too! Since Anthem has been out for a while, it's often discounted, making it a pretty affordable option. Alternatively, you might be able to find a physical copy of the game at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or GameStop. Physical copies can sometimes be cheaper, especially if you're buying a used version.

When you buy Anthem, you own it. This means you can play it whenever you want, without worrying about whether it's still part of a subscription service. It's like buying a movie versus renting it – you have it in your collection for good. Plus, buying a physical copy gives you something tangible to hold onto, which some gamers still appreciate.

Before you hit that "buy" button, consider which version of Anthem you're getting. There might be different editions available, such as a standard edition and a deluxe edition. The deluxe edition usually comes with extra in-game goodies, like special armor sets, weapons, or cosmetic items. If you're a big fan of the game and want to enhance your experience, the deluxe edition might be worth the extra cost. However, if you're just looking to play the base game, the standard edition will do just fine. Always read the descriptions carefully to see what's included in each edition.

One more thing to keep in mind: Anthem requires an internet connection to play, even if you're playing solo. This is because the game is designed as a shared-world experience, with elements of online multiplayer. So, make sure you have a stable internet connection before you start your adventure. Nobody wants to get disconnected in the middle of a crucial mission!

EA Play: A Closer Look

Since EA Play plays a significant role in accessing Anthem through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, let's dive a bit deeper into what EA Play is all about. EA Play is a subscription service offered by Electronic Arts (EA) that gives you access to a library of EA games. Think of it as Netflix, but for video games. For a monthly or annual fee, you can play a wide variety of EA titles, including popular franchises like FIFA, Madden NFL, Battlefield, and The Sims. The specific games available in the EA Play library can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check the current lineup before subscribing.

One of the cool things about EA Play is that it often includes early access to new EA games. This means you can start playing a game before its official release date, giving you a head start and bragging rights among your friends. Early access periods are usually limited to a certain number of hours, but it's still a great way to try out a game before committing to a full purchase. Plus, EA Play members often receive discounts on EA games, DLC, and other content. These discounts can add up over time, especially if you're a big fan of EA titles.

There are two versions of EA Play: a basic version and a Pro version. The basic version gives you access to a library of games, early access trials, and discounts. The Pro version, which is only available on PC, offers even more benefits, such as access to premium editions of games and unlimited access to the entire EA game library. If you're a hardcore PC gamer and love EA games, EA Play Pro might be worth considering.

EA Play is available on multiple platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. On Xbox, EA Play is integrated with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, as we discussed earlier. This means that if you have Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you automatically get access to EA Play as part of your subscription. On PlayStation and PC, you can subscribe to EA Play separately. The subscription process is pretty straightforward – just head to the EA Play website or the platform's store and sign up.

Keep in mind that EA Play is a separate subscription from Xbox Game Pass. If you only have the standard Xbox Game Pass for Console, you won't automatically get access to EA Play. You'll need to subscribe to EA Play separately or upgrade to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to get both services. It's all about choosing the subscription that best fits your gaming needs and budget.

Checking if Anthem is on EA Play

Okay, so you're leaning towards using EA Play to play Anthem. Smart move! But before you get too excited, you need to make sure that Anthem is actually part of the EA Play library at the moment. Games come and go, so it's not a guarantee that Anthem will always be available. Luckily, checking is super easy!

First, head to the Xbox Game Pass app on your Xbox console or the Xbox app on your PC. Navigate to the EA Play section. This section lists all the games that are currently available through EA Play. Scroll through the list and see if Anthem is there. If it is, great! You're good to go. If it's not, don't panic. It might come back to the library in the future.

You can also check the EA Play website or the EA Play section on the PlayStation Store if you're playing on a PlayStation console. The process is the same – just look for the list of available games and see if Anthem is included. Another way to check is to simply search for Anthem in the Xbox Store or PlayStation Store. If the game is available through EA Play, you should see an option to play it with your EA Play subscription.

Keep in mind that the availability of games on EA Play can vary depending on your region. Some games might be available in certain countries but not in others due to licensing agreements. So, if you're traveling or using a VPN, make sure to check the availability in your current region. EA and Xbox usually announce when games are leaving the EA Play library in advance. So, keep an eye on their official channels for any announcements. This gives you a heads-up if you need to finish a game before it's removed from the service.

If Anthem isn't currently available on EA Play, don't lose hope! Games sometimes return to the library after being removed. Just keep checking back periodically to see if it's been added again. In the meantime, you can always explore other games in the EA Play library or consider purchasing Anthem separately.

Conclusion

So, circling back to the original question: Do you need Xbox Game Pass to play Anthem? The answer, as you now know, is it depends! If you have Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Anthem is currently in the EA Play library, then no, you don't need to buy it separately. But if you only have the standard Xbox Game Pass for Console, or Anthem isn't on EA Play, then you'll need to purchase the game. Keep your eyes peeled, Freelancers, and happy flying!