Do you need Xbox Live to play Warzone?

Gaming on xbox and not sure whether you require Xbox Live to play Call of Duty: Warzone? We're here to answer all your questions.

Written By Onur Demirkol

(Content Writer)

Reviewed by : Naim Rosinski

(Content Manager & Editor)

Last UpdatedDecember 28, 2025 at 07:32PM

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In the realm of Xbox gaming, the age-old rule used to be: no Xbox Live Gold, no online multiplayer fun. But hold on to your controllers because things have changed a while ago, especially when it comes to the burning question of whether you need Xbox Live Gold to jump into the action-packed world of Call of Duty: Warzone.

Gone are the days when Xbox Live Gold was your golden ticket to online multiplayer. Microsoft rewrote the rules to make gaming more open and accessible. You know what? This is not even the latest news, as the move was announced back in 2021!

“We are sharing more details on our plans to make online multiplayer in free-to-play games available on Xbox without an Xbox Live Gold membership. As part of listening to your feedback, this change will take place starting today, and all Xbox players will be able to access online multiplayer at no charge for a library of over 50 free-to-play games that support online multiplayer," the company’s official announcement read, on April 21, 2021.

Credit: Microsoft

Do you need Xbox Live to play Warzone?

No Xbox Gold Live? No problem! Exciting news for all you Warzone fans – you don't need an Xbox Live Gold subscription to join the gaming frenzy. Microsoft is on a mission to make sure free-to-play games, including the likes of Fortnite, Apex Legends, and our beloved Warzone, are genuinely free. That means you can unleash chaos in online battles without shelling out extra for an Xbox Gold Live subscription.

Forget the subscription barriers; Warzone breaks free from the mold. Regardless of whether you have a subscription or not, all Xbox and PlayStation console owners can jump into Warzone without reaching for their wallets. It's a game-changer, literally, making the virtual battlefield accessible to everyone.

Now, before you get too trigger-happy, there's a small step to tackle – creating your Xbox Live account. But fear not, if you're already a seasoned gamer on Xbox, chances are you're good to go. So, it's game on for Warzone without the hassle of old-school subscription requirements.

Is Warzone free on Xbox?

Yes — Call of Duty: Warzone is a free-to-play online game on Xbox. You can download and play it without paying anything for the game itself. You do not need an Xbox Game Pass subscription to play Warzone online, and an Xbox Live Gold/paid multiplayer subscription is also not required for free-to-play titles like Warzone.

Here's the beauty of it – Warzone respects your gaming budget. While there's a fancy premium Battle Pass offering cool rewards, the choice is yours. Feel like splurging on some cosmetic goodies? Go for it. Prefer to keep your cash where it is? No worries – Call of Duty Warzone is still your oyster.

In a nutshell, the days of mandatory Xbox Live Gold subscriptions for online multiplayer faded, and Warzone is just another game that rolls with it. Microsoft's commitment to free-to-play gaming means you can storm into the virtual battlefield, Xbox Live Gold or not. So, buckle up, set up that Xbox Live account, and prepare for the epic adventure of Warzone – no financial hurdles in sight!

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Onur Demirkol

Onur Demirkol here, content writer for THESPIKEGG. I have been around for a very long time now, you may have seen me in the comments.

I started writing here in 2021, but my first gig was back in 2018. That was when I realized people actually get paid to write about games. I’ve written thousands of articles for different media outlets, led teams, and conducted interviews with players.

When I’m not behind the keyboard, I’m watching Galatasaray, following the NBA, or pretending I’m still good at basketball. I also work full-time at AnyDesk, writing serious things in not-so-serious ways.

If you want to reach out, feel free to contact me on X, LinkedIn, take a look at my work at MuckRack or send me an email at [email protected].