Microsoft is starting the new year by announcing several updates for Microsoft Rewards members, particularly with big changes coming to Xbox Game Pass Quests in 2025. Last year, we saw a number of adjustments to Microsoft Rewards, not all for the better—like the reduction of the “Weekly Console Bonus” in the UK. However, today’s news seems much more promising.
In an exciting development, Xbox Game Pass Quests will be made available to PC Game Pass members starting in 2025. Both console and PC players can look forward to the return of weekly gaming streaks and a new age restriction, allowing only those 18 and older to participate in Game Pass Quests. This means younger players won’t be able to take part, but those over 18 can explore fresh ways to rack up Microsoft Rewards points, similar to changes previously seen in Australia. Plus, more players can now benefit as Quests integrate into the PC Game Pass subscription.
Microsoft is not only bringing back the option to gain points by playing console games for at least 15 minutes daily but also adding a similar streak for PC games. Moreover, there’s a new daily quest where engaging with a Game Pass title for 15 minutes gets you rewards.
Starting today, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass users must be at least 18 to participate in Game Pass Quests. Xbox Wire states, “This update more closely aligns with our ongoing efforts to ensure positive, age-appropriate gaming experiences by restricting point-earning play activities to those 18 and older.” Consequently, players under 18 won’t have access to the Rewards Hub on Xbox consoles or the Xbox app on PC and mobile.
It’s crucial to highlight that this update will not affect any Rewards points that players have previously earned. Moving forward, individuals under 18 can still accumulate Microsoft Rewards points through parent-approved purchases on the Microsoft Store, eligible Bing searches, and other non-gameplay activities like completing the Microsoft Rewards Daily Set.
Additionally, Xbox Game Pass Quests introduced in Japan and other supported regions are expected to offer a Console Weekly Bonus valued at 150 points, with Daily PC Play Quests now earning players 10 points each.
These updates also come with the launch of new Quests starting January 7, which include a Daily Play Quest granting 10 points for 15 minutes of gameplay from the Game Pass catalog. The Monthly 4-Pack and 8-Pack Quests invite players to engage with up to eight different Xbox Game Pass titles for 15 minutes each every month.
On top of this, Weekly Streaks are back for consoles, encouraging players to play five days a week. “Play at least five days a week to keep your streak going,” Microsoft advises. “The more days you play, the more points you earn. The challenge is maintaining your streak week after week to unlock bigger point multipliers. A 2-week streak grabs 2x the base points, a 3-week streak gets 3x, and anything over a 4-week run earns 4x.”
There’s also a new PC Weekly Bonus, worth 150 points for playing at least 15 minutes over five days. However, unlike the console streaks, PC streaks don’t have multipliers and remain capped at 150 points weekly.
“As part of these updates, you need to meet a minimum playtime requirement to earn points through gameplay,” Microsoft mentions. “Currently, Quests are exclusive to titles in the Game Pass catalog, excluding PC games that need third-party launchers or those played on Battle.net.”
This announcement comes on the heels of a significant issue last week that saw many Microsoft Rewards members unexpectedly banned from their accounts. Hopefully, those accounts are back in good standing so everyone can enjoy these new Quests adaptations. What do you think about the changes? Is this a step forward following months of unpredictability? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
