How to Get the Most Out of Your Game Subscription

13 September 2025

Let’s be honest—game subscriptions are kind of like all-you-can-eat buffets. You’re paying a flat fee, and in return, you're handed the keys to a treasure trove of titles you might never finish in a lifetime. Whether you're subscribed to Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, Nintendo Switch Online, or PC-based services like EA Play or Ubisoft+, there's one universal truth: you're probably not using it to its full potential.

So, how do you make the most of what you're already paying for every month (or year)? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the tips, tricks, and surprisingly simple habits that can help you squeeze every last drop of value from your game subscription.

1. Know What You Signed Up For

Before diving into the deep end, make sure you understand what your subscription includes. This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people sign up for a plan just to play one game and miss out on dozens (or hundreds) of others.

What’s in the package?

Let’s break it down:

- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Includes Xbox titles, PC games, EA Play access, cloud gaming, and even Xbox Live Gold.
- PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium: Offers a library of hundreds of PS4/PS5 games, classic games, streaming, and regular monthly free games.
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Grants access to online multiplayer, classic NES/SNES/N64/Genesis games, and additional DLCs for titles like Mario Kart and Animal Crossing.
- EA Play / Ubisoft+: You get early access trials, discounts, and a vault of full games.

Understanding what’s included is like reading the menu before ordering—you don’t want to miss the good stuff.

2. Check the Library Regularly

These services aren’t static. Games come and go like guests at a party. One day your favorite indie gem is there, the next—poof—it's gone. Set a reminder to check the library every week or at least once a month.

Pro tip:

- Subscribe to newsletters or follow the official social media accounts for updates.
- Use Reddit or gaming forums as they often break news fast.
- Mobile apps (like the Game Pass app) give real-time notifications for new additions and upcoming removals.

Why does this matter? Because timing is everything. You don’t want to start a 60-hour RPG two days before it gets yanked from the library.

3. Prioritize Your Playlist (a.k.a. Your Gaming Bucket List)

Here’s where things get strategic.

Having access to dozens or even hundreds of games is a blessing and a curse. The paradox of choice is real—when you can play anything, sometimes you end up playing... nothing.

So, what do you do?

- Make a personal “must play” list. Go through the entire catalog and shortlist the games that genuinely excite you.
- Sort by genre or mood. Want a chill weeknight game? Maybe go for a puzzle or narrative title. Got a long weekend ahead? Time to dive into that hefty RPG.
- Play in batches. Just like binge-watching a TV show, commit to playing and finishing one game before jumping to the next.

It’s way more satisfying to finish a game than to play half of ten different ones.

4. Don't Ignore the Hidden Gems

Everyone talks about the headliners—Halo, God of War, Zelda, etc. But where subscriptions shine is their ability to introduce you to games you’ve never heard of before.

Think of it like digging through a used bookstore. Sure, the bestsellers are nice, but the real magic is in that dusty corner full of unexpected finds.

Try this:

- Play at least one game per month you've never heard of before.
- Use random game generators or apps that shuffle your library.
- Check indie game recommendation threads online. You’ll be surprised how many masterpieces are flying under the radar.

Who knows? Your favorite game this year might be something you never would’ve paid full price for.

5. Take Advantage of Subscriber Discounts

News flash: subscriptions often come with exclusive discounts. These can be permanent lower prices or limited-time sales just for members.

What kind of deals?

- EA Play members get 10% off new digital purchases.
- Xbox Game Pass members often see up to 20% off game purchases, plus DLC discounts.
- PlayStation Plus subscribers regularly get early access and lower prices during sales.

If there’s a game you absolutely love and it’s leaving the library soon, check the discounted price before it’s gone for good. You can often scoop it up for cheap and keep it forever.

6. Make Use of Cloud Gaming (If You Have It)

Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming let you stream games straight to your phone, tablet, or even browser. That means you can sneak in a session of Doom Eternal on lunch break or keep playing that RPG in bed—no console required.

Why it’s awesome:

- No installs or updates.
- Play on the go without dragging your console with you.
- Test a game before downloading the full version.

It’s like having your gaming library in your pocket. Just make sure your Wi-Fi isn’t trash.

7. Invite Friends & Get Social

Remember when gaming was a solo sport? That’s long gone. Today’s subscription services are built with community in mind.

Here’s how to level up your experience:

- Multiplayer nights: Find a game in the library that supports co-op or versus modes and plan game nights with friends.
- Family sharing: Some platforms let you share access with family or other users. For example, Steam has Family Library Sharing.
- Communities: Join Facebook groups or Discord servers for subscribers. People are constantly recommending what to play next.

Everything’s better with friends—even rage-quitting that impossible boss fight.

8. Take Advantage of Trials & Bundles

Not ready to fully subscribe? Or maybe you already subscribe to one platform and want to test another. That’s where trials come in.

Good to know:

- Xbox Game Pass often has a $1 first-month promotion.
- PlayStation runs free trial weekends or offers 7-day tests.
- EA Play sometimes gets bundled into other services like Xbox and Steam sales.

Also, keep an eye on bundle deals. Sometimes you get a free month of Game Pass with the purchase of a controller or a new game. Sneaky, but sweet.

9. Stay Organized

This may sound boring, but trust me—it helps.

Just like Netflix queues, gaming libraries get chaotic fast. The more organized you are, the better your experience.

Try this:

- Create custom folders (most consoles allow this now).
- Add games you're interested in to a favorites list.
- Use a gaming journal (digital or physical) to track what you’ve played, what you liked, and what you want to circle back to.

You’ll be amazed how satisfying it feels to check games off the list like a boss.

10. Don’t Let It Go to Waste

Let’s do some quick math. A subscription like Game Pass is around $10–$15 per month. If you play just one full-price game per month, you're already saving a ton. But if you’re not playing anything at all?

Well, then you’re just donating money monthly to Microsoft, Sony, or Nintendo.

Ask yourself:

- Do I still enjoy the service?
- Am I playing something at least a few times a week?
- Would I save money by switching to a cheaper plan or unsubscribing temporarily?

No shame in pressing pause for a while. Canceling and returning later is totally valid, especially if you’re in a gaming slump.

Final Thoughts

Game subscriptions are like treasure chests that refresh every month—you never know what you’re going to find inside. But just like any subscription service, your mileage massively depends on how you use it.

Make a tiny bit of effort—keep tabs on the library, organize your play, and try new things—and you’ll be amazed at how much fun (and value) you can squeeze from your subscription. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about discovering new adventures you never even knew you wanted.

So go ahead. Dive back into your library, find something unexpected, and press start.