According to engadget, Xbox Game Pass is adding Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and ten other titles throughout November 2025. The flagship release arrives on November 14, featuring 16 6v6 maps and two 20v20 maps at launch. The month kicks off November 5 with Dead Static Drive and Sniper Elite: Resistance, followed by Egging On and Whiskerwood on November 6. Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris and Pigeon Simulator join on November 11. However, accessing these games on release day requires the Game Pass Ultimate tier, which Microsoft recently raised to $30 per month from $20 – a 50 percent price increase.
The premium access strategy
Here’s the thing about that price hike – it’s not just about covering the cost of adding big titles like Black Ops 7. Microsoft is basically creating a two-tier system where casual gamers get the back catalog while serious players pay premium prices for day-one access. And let’s be honest, who’s buying Game Pass for Call of Duty if they have to wait months to play it?
The timing is pretty strategic too. Launching Black Ops 7 day-one on Game Pass right after a major price increase sends a clear message: “Yes, we’re charging more, but look what you’re getting.” It’s a classic value justification move. But is a single big game worth that 50 percent jump? Especially when you consider most people will probably finish the campaign in a weekend.
Beyond the blockbuster
What’s interesting is how Microsoft is mixing the blockbuster with the bizarre. Sure, everyone’s talking about Black Ops 7, but they’re also adding Egging On – a game where you play as an egg escaping a hen house. And Whiskerwood, where mice build colonies for a feline overlord. That’s some serious variety.
This approach basically serves two audiences simultaneously. Hardcore FPS fans get their Call of Duty fix, while the Game Pass curious get these weird, wonderful indie experiences they’d probably never buy individually. It’s a smart way to maintain the “Netflix for games” appeal while still justifying premium pricing for the big releases.
The real question is whether this model is sustainable long-term. At $30 monthly, that’s $360 per year – more than buying three full-priced games outright. But then again, you’re getting Black Ops 7 plus everything else. The calculation changes dramatically depending on what kind of gamer you are.
You can check out the full November lineup and tier requirements directly from Xbox. Just be prepared for some sticker shock if you want to play anything on day one.
