Microsoft debuts new ‘Rewards with Xbox’ program, boosting the ways you can earn Microsoft Rewards pointsviagaming

Microsoft has just revealed significant updates concerning an Xbox-focused rewards and loyalty system that aligns with the broader Microsoft Rewards network.

In 2013, Microsoft launched a program called “Earning Rewards with Xbox,” where gamers can collect unique Microsoft Reward points by playing games on their Xbox consoles. These points can be redeemed for various perks such as free Xbox games, gift cards, extended Xbox Game Pass time, and more through the Microsoft Rewards platform.

Beginning January 7, 2025, this program will undergo a transformation (through Xbox) by incorporating fresh methods to accumulate Microsoft Points. This will be achieved through an expansion of Game Pass Quests, and for the first time, it will also be accessible on PC Game Pass. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the revamped ‘Reward with Xbox’ system.

‘Rewards with Xbox’ arrives on PC Game Pass

Initially, an update for ‘Rewards with Xbox’ is planned, which marks its debut on the Xbox app for Windows 11 and 10. Earlier, progress tracking was exclusive to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers using Xbox consoles and mobile devices. Now, Xbox users can participate in Game Pass Quests by playing games through their Windows PC, as well as with PC Game Pass, in addition to console and xCloud play.

To engage in Game Pass Quests to accumulate Microsoft Points, navigate to your Xbox profile either through the console or via the Xbox app on your Windows PC or mobile device. Then, open the Rewards Hub and begin playing. You can also gather points for Microsoft Rewards by utilizing Bing and Microsoft Edge, among other things. To enroll, go to Rewards.Microsoft.com.

New types of Game Pass Quests to reward more Microsoft Points

Moving forward, Microsoft has revamped Game Pass Quest to make it simpler to accomplish, more enjoyable, and even more appealing by giving players extra Microsoft Rewards Points. Starting from January 7, 2025, these new Game Pass Quests will be accessible in Japan for the first time.

Here’s a rundown how the types of Game Pass Quests you will expect to see going forward:

  • Daily Play – Earn 10 Microsoft Points a day by playing any title available on Xbox Game Pass for at least 15 minutes. 
  • Weekly Streaks – Play Xbox games for at least five days a week to complete a streak. The more days you play, the more points you can collect. If you can maintain your play-time streak for weeks, you can unlock point multipliers to earn even more Microsoft points. A 2-week streak will net you two times the base streak points, a 3-week will net you three times the base streak points, and going beyond a 4-week streak will only net you 4x the base streak points.
  • Monthly 4-Pack – Earn Microsoft Points by playing four different Xbox games available on Xbox Game Pass for at least 15 minutes each.
  • Monthly 8-Pack – Earn Microsoft Points by playing eight different Xbox games available on Xbox Game Pass for at least 15 minutes each.

The upcoming transformation for ‘Rewards with Xbox’ is introducing fresh methods for every player to accumulate Microsoft Points. Starting January 7, 2025, members aged 18 and above of ‘Rewards with Xbox’ can benefit from the new PC Weekly Bonus feature. This feature will grant 150 points to players who spend more than 5 days (with a minimum of 15 minutes each day) playing Xbox games.

Furthermore, Microsoft is adjusting the points distribution for the current Console Weekly Bonus to 150 points and the Daily PC Play to 10 points.

Rewards with Xbox picks up an age restriction

From now on, Microsoft is limiting access to their ‘Xbox Rewards’ program exclusively for players aged 18 and above. Consequently, the Rewards Hub will no longer be accessible or usable on Xbox consoles or through the Xbox app on PC or mobile devices by anyone under the age of 18.

As an analyst, I want to clarify that the upcoming update won’t affect any rewards or Microsoft Points you’ve already earned. For players under 18 who have accrued Microsoft Points before this update, you’ll still be able to amass more of them through approved purchases of eligible items on the Microsoft Store, qualified searches on Microsoft Bing, and non-gameplay activities such as completing the Microsoft Rewards Daily Set Quest.

Microsoft Rewards is an underrated ecosystem feature

2025 is starting off spectacularly for Microsoft as they’re giving Xbox players an exceptionally generous New Year’s gift. The updated ‘Xbox Rewards’ system will undoubtedly motivate players to delve into the finest Xbox games and PC games available on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, allowing them to accumulate free games and expand their impressive collection of Xbox titles.

Microsoft Rewards continues to be one of Microsoft’s hidden gems, initially conceived as a method to reward Bing users for utilizing the search engine. It’s important to note that a search engine is effective based on the data it receives from people who genuinely engage with the service. Given Google’s dominance, Rewards has served as an attractive inducement to sway some users towards Microsoft. Could Xbox also play a role in this transition now?

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2025-01-06 19:40