Mixtape, the music-driven coming-of-age adventure from Beethoven & Dinosaur, landed on May 7, 2026, and critics are already calling it one of the best narrative games of the year. With scores sitting at 94% on OpenCritic and a Metacritic rating between 88 and 91 depending on your platform, a lot of players are asking the same question right now: do you actually need to buy it, or does Xbox Game Pass have you covered?
Quick Facts: Mixtape on Xbox Game Pass
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | May 7, 2026 |
| Developer | Beethoven & Dinosaur |
| Publisher | Annapurna Interactive |
| Standard Price | $19.99 |
| Available on Game Pass | Yes, Day One |
| Required Tier | Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (Console) / PC Game Pass (PC) |
| Platforms | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Nintendo Switch 2 |
Is Mixtape Available on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, and the timing could not be better. Mixtape arrived as a day-one addition to Xbox Game Pass, which means subscribers can jump straight in without spending a penny extra.
This makes it one of the more appealing Game Pass additions in recent memory, especially given how well the game has reviewed across the board.
Which Xbox Game Pass Tier Do You Need?
This is where things get slightly more specific, so pay attention before you check your subscription.
To play Mixtape on Xbox Game Pass via console, you need the Ultimate tier, as the game sits behind the highest available console subscription. However, if you game on PC, you can also access it through the PC Game Pass tier.
Here is a quick breakdown:
| Platform | Required Tier |
| Xbox Series X/S | Game Pass Ultimate |
| PC | PC Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate |
| PS5 | Purchase required ($19.99) |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Purchase required |
So if you already hold an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, Mixtape costs you nothing additional. If you only hold a lower console tier, you will need to upgrade to access it.
How Much Does Mixtape Cost Without Game Pass?
Mixtape carries a standard purchase price of $19.99, with regional pricing applying depending on your location. The game has no microtransactions or hidden in-game fees, so that one-time cost covers everything.
That sits well below the typical AAA price point, which already makes it accessible. However, for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, the value proposition is even stronger given you pay nothing extra at all.
Is It Worth Subscribing to Game Pass Just for Mixtape?
This is a fair question, and the honest answer depends on your situation.
If you were thinking about subscribing to Xbox Game Pass purely to play Mixtape, it may actually work out cheaper to just buy the game outright at $19.99. Buying it also means you own it permanently, without the risk of it leaving the service at some point down the line.
However, if you already subscribe or game on Game Pass regularly, Mixtape is an easy recommendation to add to your queue at zero extra cost.
What Are Players Saying About Mixtape on Game Pass?
The reception from the Game Pass community has been overwhelmingly positive. Players on Xbox have described Mixtape as one of the most enjoyable cozy games they have played in a long time, with many finishing it in around three to four hours and immediately considering a second playthrough.
Several players have noted that it works particularly well as a Game Pass title, pointing out that its short runtime and relaxed gameplay style make it the perfect pick-up-and-play experience for subscribers who want something different from a typical action game.
How Long Is Mixtape?
It is worth knowing before you dive in that Mixtape is intentionally short.
- Main story: Around 3 hours
- Full completion: 3 to 5 hours
The condensed structure is deliberate, with the developers focusing on emotional intensity rather than extended gameplay loops. There is no difficulty system, which reinforces its identity as an interactive narrative experience.
For Game Pass subscribers in particular, this makes it an ideal evening game that you can complete in a single sitting.
Final Verdict: Should You Play Mixtape on Game Pass?‘
If you hold an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, playing Mixtape is a straightforward decision. It costs nothing extra, takes an evening to complete, and delivers one of the most critically praised narrative experiences of 2026 so far.
If you game on PC, the PC Game Pass tier also gives you full access. For PS5 or Nintendo Switch 2 players, you can purchase Mixtape directly at $19.99, which remains a reasonable price given the quality on offer.
Either way, Mixtape is well worth your time.
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