How To Earn Microsoft Rewards Points by Playing Games

If you’re like me, you’ve probably looked at your Xbox or PC and thought: “I spend hours playing games anyway—why not get something extra out of it?”

That’s exactly what Microsoft Rewards lets you do. It’s a free program that gives you points for doing simple things like searching with Bing, completing quizzes, and yes—playing video games.

The best part is those points can be redeemed for gift cards, Game Pass time, sweepstakes entries, and even donations to charity.

With gaming becoming such a huge part of how people relax and connect, it makes sense to take advantage of a program that turns your downtime into rewards.

Whether you’re casually hopping into a few matches after work or grinding through a story campaign on the weekend, Microsoft Rewards makes it surprisingly easy to earn points just by doing what you already love.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the practical ways you can earn Microsoft Rewards points by playing games, share a few tips I’ve learned, and answer common questions that might pop up along the way.

How Microsoft Rewards Works (Quick Breakdown)

Microsoft Rewards is built around a simple idea: you earn points by engaging with Microsoft’s ecosystem. That could mean using Bing for searches, trying out new apps, or completing “daily sets” of quizzes.

But for gamers, the most exciting part is that you can rack up points directly from your Xbox console or Windows PC while playing.

Here’s the important thing to know:

• Points are free. You don’t pay for them, you just earn them.

• They add up faster than you think. A few minutes each day can add up to thousands of points over the course of a month.

• Rewards are flexible. I personally like redeeming points for Xbox gift cards, but you can also get Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft Store credit, or even real-world retailer gift cards.

Ways to Earn Microsoft Rewards by Playing Games

Let’s get into the fun part—the different ways your gaming habit can actually earn you points.

1. Xbox Game Pass Quests

If you subscribe to Xbox Game Pass, you already have one of the easiest ways to earn points. Game Pass Quests are weekly and monthly challenges tied to games in the Game Pass library.

Some examples I’ve seen:

• “Earn 50 kills in Halo Infinite”

• “Play 3 different Game Pass games this week”

• “Earn one achievement in a featured game”

Each quest is worth points, usually ranging from 10 to a few hundred. Complete enough of them, and the points stack up quickly. I make it a habit to check the Game Pass Quests tab on my Xbox dashboard—it takes less than a minute to see what’s available.

Tip: Even if you don’t feel like committing to a full game, some quests can be knocked out in five minutes.

For instance, “earn one achievement” can sometimes be done just by starting a game and finishing the tutorial.

2. Play With Achievements in Mind

Now and then, Microsoft runs special promotions that reward points for unlocking achievements.

These usually appear under the Rewards app on Xbox. It might be something like “earn 5 achievements in any game this month” for 500 points.

Since you’re probably unlocking achievements naturally as you play, this is one of the most effortless ways to earn.

I don’t change how I play, but I do check the Rewards app occasionally to make sure I’m not missing an easy bonus.

3. Weekly Xbox Rewards Punch Card

Inside the Microsoft Rewards app on Xbox, you’ll find something called the weekly punch card. This usually asks you to complete a few simple tasks like:

• Start the Rewards app three times in a week.

• Earn one achievement in any game.

• Complete a Game Pass quest.

When you finish all the tasks, you get a chunk of bonus points. Keep doing it every week, and it adds up fast.

4. Monthly Bonus Round

This is one of my favorites because it rewards consistency. Each month, there’s a “Monthly Bonus Round” challenge inside the Rewards app. It might ask you to:

• Complete a certain number of daily sets.

• Earn a specific number of achievements.

• Redeem points at least once.

Finishing all the requirements can net you thousands of points in one go. The best part is most of the tasks overlap with stuff you’re already doing, like daily quizzes or Game Pass quests.

5. Special Promotions & Limited-Time Offers

Every now and then, Microsoft drops special challenges tied to new game releases or seasonal events.

For example, I remember earning extra points when Forza Horizon 5 launched by completing a set of in-game tasks.

These offers aren’t always predictable, so it pays to check the Rewards app regularly.

My Tips for Maximizing Points

Over time, I’ve found a few strategies that make earning points smoother:

• Check the Rewards app daily. It only takes a minute, and new opportunities pop up often.

• Stack tasks together. If you’re working on a Game Pass quest, see if it also helps with your weekly punch card or monthly bonus.

• Don’t chase every quest. Some require hours of grinding. Stick to the easy wins unless it’s a game you’re already planning to play.

• Redeem wisely. Xbox gift cards are usually the best value for gamers, but keep an eye on discounted reward options.

FAQs

Do I need Game Pass to earn points through gaming?

No, but Game Pass makes it a lot easier. Without it, you’ll still have weekly punch cards, achievement offers, and other promotions, but Game Pass Quests are exclusive to subscribers.

How many points can I realistically earn just from gaming?

It varies, but if you’re consistent, you can easily earn a few thousand points per month just from Game Pass Quests and punch cards.

Combine that with daily searches and quizzes, and it’s possible to rack up enough for a $10 gift card in a month or two.

Can I redeem points for actual cash?

Not directly. You can’t cash out points for money, but gift cards for places like Amazon, Starbucks, or Xbox essentially function as cash.

Do points expire?

Yes, but only if your account is inactive for 18 months. As long as you’re earning points occasionally, you’re fine.

Is it worth the effort?

In my experience, yes—because you’re not really going out of your way. I think of it as bonus rewards for stuff I’d be doing anyway, like playing a few games after work.

Conclusion

Earning Microsoft Rewards points by playing games isn’t about grinding for hours or turning gaming into work.

It’s about making small adjustments and staying consistent with easy tasks. Before long, you’ll have enough points for a gift card, a month of Game Pass Ultimate, or maybe even something bigger if you save up.

So the next time you fire up your Xbox or PC, ask yourself: “Am I leaving free points on the table?”