An Xbox player has managed to preorder the Grand Theft Auto VI Ultimate Edition without paying additional money by redeeming Microsoft Rewards points. The purchase gained attention shortly after GTA 6 preorders went live, with players comparing pricing across platforms and sharing their preorder confirmations online.

The example highlights how long-term participation in Microsoft’s rewards program can significantly reduce—or even fully cover—the cost of major game releases.

Microsoft Rewards Covered the Full Purchase

According to the shared receipt, the player redeemed approximately 100,000 Microsoft Rewards points, which were converted into $100 in Microsoft Store credit.

The credit was then used to preorder the Ultimate Edition of Grand Theft Auto VI through the Xbox Store, with the preorder confirmed on June 25.

While accumulating that many points takes considerable time, the purchase demonstrates that Microsoft Rewards can be used to pay for full-priced digital games when enough points have been redeemed.

How Microsoft Rewards Works

Microsoft Rewards allows users to earn points by engaging with various Microsoft services.

Points can be collected through activities such as:

  • Performing daily searches with Bing.
  • Browsing with Microsoft Edge.
  • Purchasing digital games and other content from the Microsoft Store.
  • Completing eligible Microsoft Rewards activities.

Once enough points have been earned, they can be exchanged for digital gift cards or Microsoft Store credit, which can then be applied toward purchases, including game preorders.

Even players with fewer points can use smaller gift card redemptions to reduce the cost of new releases.

Building a Large Points Balance Takes Time

Although redeeming enough points to cover an entire premium edition is possible, reaching a balance equivalent to $100 typically requires long-term, consistent participation in the rewards program.

Regular use of Microsoft’s services over an extended period is generally needed to accumulate enough points for larger redemptions.

Xbox and PlayStation Take Different Approaches

The preorder also sparked discussion about the differences between Microsoft’s and Sony’s rewards programs.

Microsoft continues to support Microsoft Rewards, giving users multiple ways to earn points that can be redeemed for store credit. By comparison, Sony has discontinued its PlayStation Stars rewards program, leaving PlayStation players with fewer options for earning credit toward future digital purchases.

For Xbox users who consistently participate in Microsoft Rewards, the program remains one of the easiest ways to offset the cost of upcoming releases—including high-profile titles such as Grand Theft Auto VI.