Xbox Live Arcade Subscription Cost? (Clarification)

"Xbox Live Arcade" was a digital store section (2004–2017), not a subscription. It sold small/indie games.

What You Actually Need for Online Play (Xbox 360)

• Xbox Live Gold (now Game Pass Core): Required for online multiplayer in almost all 360 games (except some F2P).
• Current Price: $9.99/mo, $24.99/3mo, $59.99/yr (Game Pass Core).
• Game Pass Ultimate ($19.99/mo): Includes Core + 300+ Game Pass library + Cloud Gaming.

Xbox 360 Specifics (2024)

• 360 Marketplace closed July 29, 2024. No new purchases.
• Previously owned Arcade games: Redownload via Download History on 360 or account.microsoft.com/devices.
• Online servers: Game-dependent. EA, Activision, Ubisoft titles often shut down. Halo 3, Reach, 4, Gears 1-3, CoD BO2/Ghosts — mostly alive (peer-to-peer).

Free-to-Play Exceptions (No Gold/Core Needed)

• Fortnite, Apex Legends, Warzone, Rocket League, Destiny 2, Warframe, World of Tanks, Fallout 76 (on 360? No — 360 F2P list tiny: Happy Wars, World Series of Poker, Doritos Crash Course).

Buy Game Pass Core if you want 360 online. Buy Ultimate if you have Series X|S/PC too.