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What the 2024 Game Pass announcement included
Xbox published the announcement on March 19, 2024. Its listed dates and platforms were:
| Game | Scheduled Game Pass date | Platforms listed by Xbox |
|---|---|---|
| Diablo IV | March 28, 2024 | Console and PC |
| ARK: Survival Ascended | April 1, 2024 | Cloud, PC and Xbox Series X|S |
These are the platforms in Xbox’s March 19, 2024 announcement. It did not list Diablo IV for cloud gaming or ARK: Survival Ascended for Xbox One.
Which Game Pass plans did Xbox name?
In February 2024, Xbox said Diablo IV would be playable through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass for Console, and called it the first Activision Blizzard game coming to Game Pass. Those were the plan names and terms cited at the time; they should not be assumed to map directly to today’s lineup.
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The current U.S. Game Pass plans page lists Essential, Premium, Ultimate and PC Game Pass. It says games and features vary by plan, platform, region and time. Check that page and the live catalog for your market rather than relying on the 2024 plan wording or an old announcement.
What playing each game through Game Pass means
Diablo IV: the base game and its online requirements
The Game Pass announcement concerned Diablo IV; it did not establish that expansions such as Vessel of Hatred, later expansions, premium currency, battle passes, cosmetic bundles or premium editions were included. Treat each add-on as a separate entitlement unless the current catalog or its specific listing says otherwise.
Rank #2
- LORD OF HATRED EXPANSION — Expand Diablo IV with the Lord of Hatred Standard Edition, introducing a major new campaign chapter and fresh endgame systems.
- VESSEL OF HATRED INCLUDED — Includes Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Standard Edition for XBOX One and XBOX Series X|S, available immediately upon purchase.
- NEW CAMPAIGN AGAINST MEPHISTO — Make your stand against the Prime Evil Mephisto in a rich new story featuring new enemies, regions, and narrative twists.
- EXPANDED PROGRESSION SYSTEMS — Experience major updates to Diablo IV’s endgame, including transmutation, set bonuses, and new activities that deepen long‑term progression.
Xbox’s Game Pass guide for Diablo IV describes the campaign, Sanctuary, dungeons and endgame activities, character classes and skill progression. It also notes cross-play and cross-progression, an internet connection requirement, and a Battle.net account requirement on PC. Cross-play and progression may depend on the accounts being linked correctly and on having the relevant platform entitlements.
ARK: Survival Ascended: survival on Series X|S, PC or cloud as listed
Xbox described ARK: Survival Ascended as an Unreal Engine 5 reworking of ARK. Its announcement highlighted dinosaur taming and breeding, tribes, exploration, crafting, building and survival. The announced platforms were cloud, PC and Xbox Series X|S—not Xbox One. The announcement did not say that every expansion, premium bundle or paid add-on was included, so check those separately.
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Rank #3
- ULTIMATE EDITION CONTENT — Includes Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred (instant unlock) and the Lord of Hatred expansion, delivering the most complete Diablo IV experience available.
- EXCLUSIVE COSMETICS AND MOUNTS — Gain immediate access to premium cosmetic bundles, including Paladin armor sets, mounts, pets, back trophies, portal skins, and vanity items exclusive to the Ultimate Edition.
- PREMIUM PROGRESSION BOOSTS — Receive a Premium Battle Pass Bundle, extra stash space, additional character slots, and 3,000 Platinum to accelerate progression and customization.
- NEW CAMPAIGN AGAINST MEPHISTO — Make your stand against the Prime Evil Mephisto in a rich new story featuring new enemies, regions, and narrative twists.
- EXPANDED PROGRESSION SYSTEMS — Experience major updates to Diablo IV’s endgame, including transmutation, set bonuses, and new activities that deepen long‑term progression.
How to install Diablo IV on PC
Xbox’s documented PC process begins in the Xbox app but completes through Battle.net. Use the Microsoft account associated with the active Game Pass subscription, and take care to link the intended Battle.net account.
- Open the Xbox app on Windows and sign in with the Microsoft account connected to your Game Pass subscription.
- Select Diablo IV and choose Install.
- When prompted, install Battle.net.
- Sign in to the Battle.net account you want to use, or create one.
- Link that Battle.net account to your Microsoft account.
- Finish installing Diablo IV through Battle.net.
A Game Pass subscription does not remove the PC Battle.net account or internet requirements. Linking an unintended account can create account-management and progression confusion. Xbox also notes on its current Game Pass page that rewards eligibility may exclude PC games requiring third-party launchers or titles played through Battle.net; that rewards condition is separate from basic game access.
Rank #4
- Digital product will be released early for pre-download. PLAYABLE ON 4/28/2026.
- PRE‑ORDER BONUSES — Pre‑purchase to instantly unlock Paladin Class Early Access, 2 additional character slots, 1 extra stash tab, and World of Warcraft decor items (subscription/game time sold separately).
- AGE OF HATRED COLLECTION — Get the best way to begin your journey in Diablo IV with a bundle that includes the Diablo IV base game, Vessel of Hatred (instant unlock), and the upcoming Lord of Hatred expansion.
- INSTANT CONTENT UNLOCK — Jump into Diablo IV and the Vessel of Hatred expansion immediately, then unlock the next chapter when Lord of Hatred releases April 28, 2026.
- EPIC CAMPAIGN AND CLASSES — Play through a massive campaign and master 8 unique classes, including the all‑new Paladin and Spiritborn, as the saga expands across multiple chapters.
Cloud play and console multiplayer are separate questions
In the 2024 announcement, only ARK: Survival Ascended was listed for cloud gaming. That historical platform listing does not prove that the game remains cloud-playable now, and it does not make Diablo IV cloud-enabled. Current cloud access depends on the plan, supported device, region and live cloud catalog; see Xbox’s current plan information and cloud gaming page.
Xbox’s current plan page says online console multiplayer is included with Essential, Premium and Ultimate. That is current plan information, not a statement about what every plan included in 2024. For PC, check the applicable PC game entitlement, account setup and the game’s own online requirements.
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Best Value
- DELUXE EDITION CONTENT — Includes Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred (instant unlock) and the Lord of Hatred expansion for XBOX One and XBOX Series X|S, expanding the Diablo IV experience with a major new chapter.
- DELUXE COSMETIC BONUSES — Gain immediate access to the High Heavensguard Paladin Cosmetic Bundle, Skartaran Basilisk Mount Bundle, Mini Chimera Pet, and exclusive vanity items.
- EXPANDED PROGRESSION — Receive 1 extra stash tab, 2 additional character slots, and a Premium Battle Pass Bundle to accelerate your journey through Sanctuary.
- A NEW DIABLO IV CAMPAIGN — Make your stand against the Prime Evil Mephisto in a rich new campaign featuring new regions, enemies, systems, and major updates to endgame progression.
- EXPANDED PROGRESSION SYSTEMS — Experience major updates to Diablo IV’s endgame, including transmutation, set bonuses, and new activities that deepen long‑term progression.
How to check whether either game is available now
- Open the current Game Pass library for your region.
- Search for the title and check the platform and plan details shown for it.
- If you intend to use cloud gaming, confirm the title is in the current cloud catalog and that your plan and device are supported.
- Check the game’s listing separately for expansions or other add-ons; base-game access does not establish access to those items.
Game availability changes over time and can differ by region, platform and plan. Neither the March 2024 announcement nor a past subscription entitlement guarantees that either title is in your catalog today.
Game Pass access is not permanent ownership
Game Pass access lasts while the subscription is active and the game remains in the catalog, according to the current Game Pass terms and plan information. If a subscription expires or a game leaves the service, you generally need to resubscribe or buy the game separately to continue playing. Check the relevant store listing for current editions and add-on entitlements.
When subscribing makes sense—and when buying may suit you better
Game Pass can make sense if you already have an eligible plan, want to try both games before committing to a purchase, or expect to play for a limited stretch. It can also suit a player who values access to a changing library across supported devices.
Buying may be the better fit if you plan to keep playing after a subscription ends, prefer not to depend on catalog access, want a particular edition or add-on bundle, or find either game is no longer included in your current catalog. For Diablo IV, remember that base-game access is distinct from expansions and premium content, and PC play involves Battle.net. ARK: Survival Ascended is aimed at players interested in a longer-running survival world with taming, building and tribe play rather than a short campaign. Prices and offers vary by market and date, so check the current store before deciding.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
