The game, set for release on May 27, 2025, will not be available on Xbox Game Pass on day one, requiring a full purchase or alternative access.
Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can experience a 5-hour trial of F1 25 through EA Play, starting at launch, providing a taste of the game’s features.
F1 25 introduces upgraded physics, dynamic weather, and revamped career modes, promising a richer racing experience despite the Game Pass absence.
The sound of engines can be heard in the distance as F1 25, the new racing game from EA Sports, prepares to launch on May 27, 2025. It is bad news for fans waiting for it to arrive on Xbox Game Pass, with the game bypassing the service on launch day. A handy workaround mitigates the pain. This article delves into the Game Pass omission, the interesting catch, and what F1 25 brings to Indian racing fans.
F1 25 is not coming to Xbox Game Pass on day one, as opposed to some EA Sports games which launch directly on the service. Launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, the game will be available for a full buy, prices looking to be in the region of ₹4,999 in India for the base game.
This is the standard premium release model of EA, with early direct sales emphasizing over eventual Game Pass availability in a few months' time. Indian gamers used to the value equation of Game Pass might find this upfront cost too high, considering how subscription platforms are growing more mainstream.
There is a silver lining for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. F1 25 will have a 5-hour free trial via EA Play, which comes included with Game Pass Ultimate, from May 27, 2025. The trial provides access to the complete game, allowing players to race classic circuits, try new features, and discover modes without the need to buy it.
Any progress achieved in the trial will carry over if the game is purchased, so it's a risk-free experience to try the title. For India's budget gamers, this bait offers a flavor of high-speed action at no direct cost.
F1 25 offers a refined racing experience, carrying forward from its ancestors. Better physics make the handling of cars more authentic, with precise tire wear and fuel consumption adding depth. Dynamic weather conditions, such as sudden rain showers, push drivers to adapt mid-race.
The career mode is revamped, allowing players to climb the F2 ranks or run a custom F1 team. Tracks like Monaco, Silverstone, and an imagined Mumbai track shine with next-gen graphics, featuring ray-traced lighting. These features hope to envelop players in the excitement of Formula 1, appealing to India's increasing motorsport following.
India's gaming industry flourishes due to access, and Game Pass Ultimate is gaining popularity for its extensive collection. The F1 25 trial via EA Play takes advantage of this, costing less for entry. The trial, as well as other EA Play benefits such as the full version of F1 25 at a discount, comes to ₹1,499 yearly for Game Pass Ultimate.
For Indian viewers, where F1 viewing increases during races such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the trial could generate interest in sim racing. Local communities may use the trial for initial tournaments, increasing the game's visibility.
Although F1 25 avoids Game Pass on release, history indicates it could join the service later. Games like F1 23 came to Game Pass about six months after the game's release, suggesting November 2025 as a potential addition. Players in the meantime can purchase the game from digital outlets such as Steam, PlayStation Store, or Xbox Store.
Lack of F1 25 on Game Pass indicates a trend of premium titles favoring direct sales. However, the EA Play trial indicates EA's attempt to find a balance between accessibility and returns. In India, where game-playing disposable income differs, the trial fills the gap, allowing the game to be tried to determine its value.
F1 25's focus on realism and immersion aligns with the global boom in sim racing, driven by Netflix's popularity because of F1. Indian gamers, whether informal or competitive, benefit from this flavor of Formula 1's intensity.
F1 25 brings high-octane action when it powers onto screens on May 27, 2025. Its Game Pass exclusion is a downer, but the 5-hour EA Play trial is an intelligent solution for Game Pass Ultimate players. With enhanced physics, dynamic weather, and a lively career mode, the game tries to capture the spirit of F1.
Indian enthusiasts, looking for genuine racing, can try out the action and determine if it's worth the cost. With EA Sports dropping more information, F1 25 is looking like an absolute must-play, even in the absence of a Game Pass launch.