Xbox Game Pass Adds New Perks for Fortnite, Apex Legends

Key Changes This Month

The headline update is the integration of Fortnite Crew access directly into the Game Pass Ultimate subscription, delivering Battle Pass content, V-Bucks, and exclusive monthly cosmetics. Beyond Fortnite, the update provides in-game rewards and bonuses across a variety of other titles, reinforcing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate as a high-value subscription for gamers.

• Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
• Release: January 2026
• Price: Included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($29.99/month). Fortnite Crew normally $11.99/month.
• Developer: Xbox (perk provider)
• Genre: Gaming Subscription Perks / In-Game Content

Featured Perks

For January 2026, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate perks include:

• Fortnite Crew: Full access to Battle Pass, OG Pass, LEGO Pass, Music Pass, 1,000 V-Bucks, and January Crew Pack items (Gale Outfit, Frostbound Exo-Spine Back Bling, Slapshot Slashers Pickaxe).
• Sea of Thieves: Exclusive Survivor Pack including Hunter’s Chests, Keys, and Contraband Coupons.
• Apex Legends: Guardian Pack with costume and mount skin.
• Delta Force: Craft Your Precision pack with Bolt character skin, Temple Assault Rifle skin, Hot Keys Spray.
• Idle Champions: Unlock 5 free Champions, 160 Platinum Champion Chests, and an exclusive Familiar.
• Throne and Liberty: Awakening Bundle: Orokin Catalyst, Protovyre Syandana, assorted Boosters.
• Fallout 76: Lord Mo Ming Bundle: 500 Multibucks, 25% XP boost, Lord Mo Ming set (weapon skin, emote, gun charm, outfit).
• Additional perks for Phantasy Star Online 2, Enlisted, SMITE 2, Mecha BREAK, Microsoft Solitaire Collection, VALORANT.

EA Play Member Rewards

• Apex Legends – EA Play Season 1 Pack (Oct 28 – Jan 19)
• EA Sports FC 26 – 5,000 XP Boost (Jan 1 – 31)
• NHL 26 – WOC Season Pass Multiplier Token (Nov 20 – Jan 15)

Analysis

This month’s rollout highlights Xbox Game Pass Ultimate’s strategy of adding tangible value for subscribers. Fortnite Crew inclusion alone provides perks valued at nearly $12/month, significantly increasing perceived value without extra cost. Meanwhile, cross-title perks—ranging from cosmetic packs to XP boosts—encourage engagement across the broader Game Pass catalog.

Community response has been largely positive. Players note the high value of this month’s rewards, with one gamer joking, “Looks like I can ignore it the rest of the year 😂,” reflecting the substantial benefit of the January perks. Xbox’s ongoing messaging about “rolling out even more value” aligns with its subscription-first approach to fostering long-term player engagement.

For players actively engaged in Fortnite, Apex Legends, or any of the other supported titles, this month’s in-game rewards present a strong incentive to remain on Game Pass Ultimate. It also reinforces the appeal of the subscription for gamers who regularly play across multiple genres.

Overall, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate continues to solidify its position as a high-value subscription service, with recurring perks and exclusive content that enhance the gaming experience and provide players with content they would otherwise purchase separately.