Xbox Users Report Free GTA 6 Pre-Orders via Microsoft Rewards and Card Points
Engadget reports some Xbox users have obtained free Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders through Microsoft Rewards or Xbox Mastercard points, as the game nears its November release.
Engadget reported that the users took different routes. Reddit user Financial_Specific24 received a free copy through card points from the Xbox Mastercard, while user Automatic_Ad1665 earned one solely by accruing Microsoft Rewards through everyday tasks. The card method is more straightforward because purchases earn points, with the largest gains coming from Microsoft Store purchases, streaming subscriptions and food delivery. Engadget noted that the reward categories are limited, however, and that the approach is not advisable for anyone who is not in a position to get a new credit card.
The Microsoft Rewards route was described as a simple, risk-free way to get Grand Theft Auto 6 for free or at a greatly reduced price. According to Engadget, 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points are roughly equivalent to $1, so a user would need 100,000 points to trade for a gift card covering the $100 Ultimate Edition. Microsoft offers many ways to earn points online and on Xbox. Making purchases in the Microsoft Store is one of the fastest methods, but Engadget noted that doing so defeats the purpose of seeking a discount on the game.
On the Xbox mobile app, users can access Quests by tapping their profile picture and then viewing the Rewards tab, Engadget reported. The Quests award points for actions such as playing on PC and console, using the Xbox app and maintaining weekly playing streaks. Game Pass subscribers earn amplified points from these activities, with Premium and PC Only subscribers earning two times the points and Ultimate subscribers earning four times as many. Game Pass also opens access to Game Pass-related Quests.
Points can also be earned without gaming through the Microsoft Rewards dashboard, which offers short daily activities such as polls and quizzes as well as specific Bing searches. Setting Bing as the default search engine and using the Bing app can produce more points and multiplier streaks over time. As users accrue points, they level up, which increases the rewards they receive from daily tasks.
Engadget reported that with some diligence, Xbox users could see a sizable discount by the time Grand Theft Auto 6 is released in November.