Discord launched Nitro Rewards on 11 May 2026, bundling Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition into every full Nitro subscription at no extra cost. The package includes 50+ games, 10 hours of monthly cloud gaming, hardware discounts, and enhanced Orbs earnings.
Discord launched its biggest Nitro expansion ever on 11 May 2026, bundling Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition into every full Nitro subscription at no additional cost. The $9.99/month Nitro membership now includes access to over 50 PC and console games, 10 hours of monthly Xbox Cloud Gaming, hardware discounts from Logitech G, SteelSeries and KontrolFreek, and an upgraded Orbs rewards system. Discord’s Senior Director of Product, Lu Zhang, described the update as transforming Nitro from “a way to make Discord better” into “a gaming membership that makes everything around it better.”
What Is Nitro Rewards?
Nitro Rewards is Discord’s new benefits programme that extends Nitro’s value beyond the Discord platform itself. Rather than limiting perks to animated avatars, HD streaming, and bigger uploads, the programme connects subscribers to gaming services and hardware brands they actually use.
The first wave of partners includes Microsoft (Xbox Game Pass), Logitech G, SteelSeries, and KontrolFreek. Discord confirmed that more partners will be added throughout 2026 and beyond, with a stated focus on brands that “offer something that people who play games would naturally want.”
What Does Game Pass Starter Edition Include?
The Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition bundled with Nitro is a new, cut-down tier of Game Pass that sits below the existing Essential, Standard and Ultimate plans. Here is what it offers:
- 50+ downloadable PC and console games: Confirmed titles include Fallout 4, Stardew Valley, DayZ, Deep Rock Galactic, Overcooked 2, and Grounded. Earlier leaks and datamines also revealed Dishonored 2, DOOM Eternal, DOOM 64, Fable Anniversary, Fallout 76, Gears 5, Halo 5: Guardians, Halo Wars 2, Hellblade, Ori and the Blind Forest, Psychonauts, State of Decay 2, and The Elder Scrolls Online.
- 10 hours of Xbox Cloud Gaming per month: Stream games to PC, mobile, and supported devices without downloading. This is capped, unlike the unlimited cloud access on higher tiers.
- Xbox Rewards: Earn up to $25 per year in Xbox Store rewards, redeemable for games, DLC, and gift cards.
- Xbox Play Anywhere: Compatible titles can be played across PC and console using the same licence.
A key limitation: the Starter Edition does not include online console multiplayer. Games like Fallout 76, Deep Rock Galactic, and Among Us require a higher Game Pass tier for online play on Xbox. PC versions of some multiplayer titles may still work online depending on the game. The tier also excludes day-one first-party releases.
Who Is Eligible for Nitro Rewards?
Nitro Rewards is available exclusively to full Discord Nitro subscribers ($9.99/month or $99.99/year). Nitro Basic ($2.99/month) subscribers are not eligible, as TechCrunch confirmed after an initial miscommunication from Discord. Nitro gifts and most Nitro trials do qualify.
To activate Game Pass Starter Edition through Nitro:
- Open Discord and select the Direct Messages icon.
- Navigate to the Nitro Home tab.
- Find the Xbox Game Pass card on the Nitro Rewards page.
- Link your Discord account to a Microsoft account if you have not already.
- Start browsing and downloading games.
The programme is rolling out gradually across eligible regions over the coming weeks.
Game Pass Subscribers Get Discord Perks Too
The partnership runs both ways. Xbox announced that existing Game Pass subscribers will start receiving Discord benefits later in May 2026. According to Xbox Wire, these include:
- 250 Discord Orbs every month
- 1.2x Orbs multiplier when completing Discord Quests
- Automatically applied Discord Shop discounts
This follows the existing perk where Game Pass Ultimate subscribers have been able to claim one free month of Discord Nitro since 1 April 2026. The new mutual benefits layer suggests a deeper long-term integration between the two platforms.
Hardware Discounts: Logitech G, SteelSeries, KontrolFreek
Beyond games, Nitro Rewards includes rotating discounts on gaming peripherals from three major brands:
- Logitech G: Up to 30% off
- SteelSeries: 15% off
- KontrolFreek: 20% off
Discounts are accessed through the Nitro Rewards page in Discord and refresh regularly. Whether you need a new headset, mouse, or controller accessories, these offers add tangible hardware value on top of the software benefits.
Orbs Earnings Are Getting a Boost
Every Nitro subscriber now earns 250 Orbs automatically each month just for having an active membership. An Orbs Multiplier also means every Discord Quest completed earns more Orbs than before. Orbs can be spent in the Discord Shop on avatar decorations, profile items, and other cosmetics.
How Does Starter Edition Compare to Other Game Pass Tiers?
| Feature | Starter Edition (via Nitro) | Game Pass Essential | Game Pass Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game library | 50+ curated titles | Full catalogue | Full catalogue |
| Cloud gaming | 10 hours/month | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Console online multiplayer | No | Yes | Yes |
| Day-one first-party titles | No | No | Yes |
| Xbox Rewards | Up to $25/year | Yes | Yes |
| Separate purchase required | No (included with Nitro) | Yes | Yes |
The Starter Edition is clearly designed as a gateway. With Game Pass Ultimate recently dropping from $29.99 to $22.99 per month under new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma’s pricing strategy, Microsoft is building a clearer progression path: try games through Nitro, then upgrade if you want the full library, unlimited cloud access, and online multiplayer.
Why This Partnership Matters
Discord has over 231 million monthly active users, a massive audience of gamers who already use the platform to coordinate play sessions, share streams, and discover new titles. By embedding Game Pass directly into Nitro, Microsoft gains a distribution channel that puts its games in front of millions of potential subscribers who might never have tried Game Pass otherwise.
Discord also benefits. Nitro has always been a hard sell for users who see it primarily as a cosmetics upgrade. Adding a genuine game library, cloud gaming, and hardware discounts transforms the subscription’s value proposition. Discord itself has added a “Play” button that appears when a friend is playing a Game Pass title, letting you jump straight from social discovery to gameplay.
Things Worth Knowing Before You Subscribe
Can I get Game Pass with Nitro Basic?
No. Only full Nitro subscribers ($9.99/month) are eligible. Nitro Basic ($2.99/month) does not include Nitro Rewards.
Will the game library change over time?
Yes. Discord confirmed that new games will be added periodically. The current library leans heavily on Microsoft first-party and Bethesda titles, with a mix of indie and co-op games.
I already have Game Pass Ultimate. Is there any benefit?
You already have a larger game library. However, later in May 2026, Game Pass subscribers will start receiving Discord Orbs, Quest multipliers, and Shop discounts as a reciprocal benefit.
Does the 10-hour cloud gaming limit reset monthly?
Yes. You get a fresh 10 hours each month. This is designed for sampling games, not extended cloud-only play.
Which devices support Game Pass Starter Edition?
You can download games on PC and Xbox consoles. Cloud gaming works on browsers, phones, and tablets within the 10-hour monthly cap.
Is Nitro Rewards available in all countries?
Discord stated the rollout is happening “in eligible regions” over the coming weeks. Availability may vary by country. Users in regions where Discord is restricted will need to verify access independently.
