Introduction
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) series of video games has long been a staple for fans of mixed martial arts (MMA) and competitive fighting games. UFC 4, the latest installment developed by EA Sports, continues to build on the mechanics, graphics, and overall experience that made the previous titles popular. It offers players the chance to step into the octagon and experience the thrills of UFC fights, either by controlling real-life fighters or by creating their own.
Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service, allows players to access a vast library of games for a flat monthly fee. The service has grown immensely in popularity, offering a range of titles from indie games to AAA blockbusters. As a result, many gamers want to know if UFC 4 is part of the Xbox Game Pass offering and whether they can access the game at no additional cost through their subscription. In this blog, we will break down whether UFC 4 is available on Xbox Game Pass, the features of the game, and how it fits into the broader Game Pass ecosystem.
Xbox Game Pass: How It Works
Before diving into the specifics of UFC 4, it’s essential to understand what Xbox Game Pass is and how it operates. Xbox Game Pass is a subscription-based service offered by Microsoft that provides users with access to a rotating catalog of games. The service has different tiers, including Xbox Game Pass for Console, Xbox Game Pass for PC, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which combines both platforms and adds Xbox Live Gold, allowing for online multiplayer gaming.
Subscribers can download and play any of the available games for as long as they remain in the Game Pass library. While some games are permanent fixtures, others may rotate out of the catalog, making it essential for players to check regularly for new additions and departures. The subscription also provides discounts on games that are part of the library, so players who want to own a game permanently can purchase it at a reduced price.
Game Pass has been praised for its value, offering access to a vast selection of games, including new releases and older classics. It’s particularly popular because it often includes first-party titles from Microsoft Studios on the day of their release, ensuring that players get access to major new games at no additional cost beyond their subscription.
The UFC Franchise In Gaming
The UFC video game franchise, developed by EA Sports, has been a popular choice for MMA enthusiasts since its inception. UFC 4, released in August 2020, is the latest game in the series and builds on the mechanics of its predecessors while introducing new features that make the gameplay more fluid, engaging, and realistic. The game allows players to take control of their favorite UFC fighters, compete in various modes, and even create custom fighters to work their way up the ranks in career mode.
UFC 4 introduces several gameplay improvements over UFC 3, including a revamped clinch system, more fluid takedowns, and improved ground mechanics. The game also adds new environments like backyard and kumite arenas, which give players a fresh way to experience fights outside the traditional UFC octagon.
The franchise has long been a favorite among fans of MMA, as it allows them to live out the excitement and strategy of real-world UFC fights. With its robust roster of fighters, realistic combat mechanics, and detailed customization options, UFC 4 stands out as a comprehensive and enjoyable fighting game.
UFC 4 On Xbox Game Pass: Is It Available?
As of the time of writing, UFC 4 is indeed available on Xbox Game Pass through EA Play, which is included with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. This means that subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can access UFC 4 without needing to purchase the game separately. However, it’s important to note that UFC 4 is not available through the standard Xbox Game Pass for Console or PC; it’s only accessible via the EA Play integration included in the Ultimate tier.
EA Play is a subscription service that offers access to a large library of games published by Electronic Arts (EA), including sports titles like FIFA, Madden, and UFC. In late 2020, Microsoft and EA entered into a partnership that made EA Play a part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, meaning that anyone with an Ultimate subscription can play a selection of EA games at no extra cost. UFC 4 is one of the games included in the EA Play library, so as long as it remains in the EA Play catalog, it will be accessible to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
This integration has made Xbox Game Pass Ultimate even more appealing to gamers, as it provides not only the standard Game Pass offerings but also a wide selection of EA games. For fans of UFC or sports games in general, the availability of UFC 4 on EA Play adds significant value to the subscription.
Features Of UFC 4 On Xbox
UFC 4 brings several features that enhance the overall gaming experience, making it a must-play for fans of combat sports. One of the primary features is the improved combat mechanics, which offer more fluidity and realism. The game has made significant upgrades to the clinch system, allowing for more dynamic and responsive grappling exchanges. Ground control has also been refined, making it easier for players to transition between positions and execute submission attempts or ground-and-pound attacks.
Another notable feature is the career mode, which allows players to create their own fighter and take them through the ranks of the UFC. This mode includes various training activities, fight camps, and choices that influence the fighter’s career trajectory. Players can build their fighter’s skills, manage relationships with other fighters, and choose their path to becoming a UFC champion.
UFC 4 also introduces a variety of fight environments, adding some diversity to the traditional octagon experience. Players can fight in unique settings such as backyard brawls or a kumite arena, giving the game a fresh aesthetic. These environments come with their own unique atmosphere and visual elements, adding another layer of immersion to the game.
Moreover, the online multiplayer mode allows players to compete against others from around the world. Whether it’s in ranked matches or casual exhibitions, UFC 4’s multiplayer mode is designed to test players’ skills against real opponents. The competitive nature of the online mode has helped UFC 4 maintain a loyal player base since its release.
Why UFC 4 On Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Is Worth It
For fans of UFC and MMA, having access to UFC 4 through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a significant benefit. The game offers a realistic and engaging representation of UFC fights, complete with licensed fighters, authentic venues, and dynamic combat mechanics. By being part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, players who might not have purchased UFC 4 outright can experience the game at no additional cost.
Beyond just the value proposition, UFC 4 is an excellent game for sports enthusiasts, casual gamers, and those interested in learning more about MMA. Its combination of realistic fighting mechanics, in-depth career mode, and customization options makes it a comprehensive package for any fan of combat sports. The inclusion of multiplayer modes ensures that the game offers lasting appeal, as players can continually test their skills against others around the world.
For Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, UFC 4’s presence in the EA Play library is just one of many high-quality games available. The value of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is further enhanced by the wide selection of EA titles, making it an ideal choice for gamers who enjoy a variety of genres, particularly sports.
How Long Will UFC 4 Be Available On Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
While UFC 4 is currently available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate through EA Play, it’s important to remember that the availability of games on these platforms can change. EA Play operates similarly to Xbox Game Pass in that games are rotated in and out of the library over time. Therefore, there is no guarantee that UFC 4 will remain on the service indefinitely.
That said, sports games, particularly EA titles like UFC, Madden, and FIFA, tend to have a longer lifespan on EA Play due to their popularity and yearly release cycle. It’s likely that UFC 4 will remain available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for an extended period, at least until a new UFC game is released. However, players should always keep an eye on updates from EA and Microsoft to stay informed about any potential changes to the game’s availability.
For those who want to ensure permanent access to UFC 4, purchasing the game at a discount through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate might be a good option. Game Pass subscribers often receive discounts on games in the library, allowing them to buy the game at a reduced price if they want to own it permanently.
UFC 4 And The Future Of Sports Games On Xbox Game Pass
The inclusion of UFC 4 on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate through EA Play signals a broader trend in how sports games are becoming more accessible to a wider audience. Xbox Game Pass has been instrumental in changing the way people consume games, offering a subscription model that reduces the need to purchase individual titles. For sports games like UFC 4, which may appeal to a more niche audience compared to blockbuster titles, being part of Game Pass helps attract new players who might not have tried the game otherwise.
As more sports games become available on Game Pass, it’s likely that the service will continue to expand its offerings. The integration of EA Play has already brought in several major sports franchises, and UFC 4 is a prime example of how these partnerships benefit players. Fans of sports games now have access to a wide variety of titles, from football and basketball to MMA, without needing to purchase each game separately.
Looking ahead, it’s possible that future UFC titles will also be included in EA Play and, by extension, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This would ensure that UFC fans can continue to enjoy the latest games in the series without paying full price for each new release.
Conclusion
The answer is yes—but only for those who have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Through EA Play’s integration with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, players can access UFC 4 and enjoy all the features the game has to offer. For MMA fans and those who enjoy competitive fighting games, UFC 4 is a must-play title that provides a realistic and exciting UFC experience.
The broader Game Pass ecosystem, combined with the value of EA Play, makes Xbox Game Pass Ultimate one of the best subscription services available to gamers today. With access to UFC 4 and countless other titles, subscribers are getting excellent value for their money. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the UFC series or a newcomer to the sport, UFC 4 on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is well worth your time.
