One of the biggest Xbox Game Pass announcements in recent memory was the service's partnership with Electronic Arts to include EA Play. Bundling EA's subscription service with Xbox Game Pass not only grew the platform's library with many great games, but opened up the door to other interesting possibilities. Take for example the upcoming release of Battlefield 2042. To celebrate the online multiplayer game's launch, EA is granting Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers a special preview of Battlefield 2042.
As EA Play subscribers will know, one of the perks of the service is preview access to new releases. For Battlefield 2042, EA is extending that privilege to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers regardless of whether they've purchased the full version of Battlefield 2042. Starting on November 12, a week ahead of Battlefield 2042's official launch, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to play a preview of the game for up to 10 hours.
By all accounts, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will have access to the full game offered in Battlefield 2042. There are no noted limitations outside of the restricted 10-hour limit. The announcement from Xbox points to Battlefield 2042 game modes including Hazard Zone and All-Out Warfare, as well as the Portal custom game platform, but doesn't say access is limited to just these modes. Battlefield 2042 doesn't feature a single-player mode, so there's no issue there. It seems like an all-around great opportunity.
Those who use up the full 10 hours, or who decide in their trial that they want the full game, have a couple of options. First, subscribing to EA Play Pro, a separate subscription service to EA Play, will gain full access to Battlefield 2042 with no time limitations starting November 12. Alternatively, buying either the Gold or Ultimate Editions of Battlefield 2042 also fully unlocks the game on November 12. Otherwise, the Standard edition of Battlefield 2042 unlocks on November 19.
Whatever choice players make regarding the acquisition of Battlefield 2042, progress during the trial will carry over to the full game. Players won't have to restart regardless of when they jump back in or how much they play during Battlefield 2042's Early Access.
This is a great opportunity for Battlefield fans to get into Battlefield 2042 early, or for those unsure whether to pick up Battlefield 2042 to get some time with the final version of the game. After Battlefield 2042's rough betas, an early impression before dropping full price is pretty valuable. Altogether, it's a great reward for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
Battlefield 2042 launches November 19 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.