Less than five months from the launch of GTA 6, scheduled for November 19, 2026, a simple and legitimate method promises to zero out the cost of the game. The secret lies in Microsoft Rewards, the loyalty program from the Redmond giant that rewards users with points for searches and daily activities.
In July 2026, Tom’s Guide writer Arif Bacchus demonstrated in practice how he used the system to pre-order the game without spending his own money. The recipe is repeatable and, with consistency, can cover even the Ultimate edition at $99.99.
How Microsoft Rewards works
The first step is simple: set Bing as the default search engine and log in with a Microsoft account. From there, each search made through the browser automatically generates points.
The daily limits are clear: up to 250 points per day, split into 150 points for PC searches and 100 points for mobile searches. Maintaining this routine for a month yields about 7,000 points. By November, that’s approximately 42,000 points – enough to discount $40 off the game’s price on Xbox.
The Bing mobile app expands the opportunities. Reading the daily news in the app grants 30 extra points per day. The seven-day check-in streak generates weekly bonuses, and completing puzzles with consecutive logins unlocks a one-time bonus of 1,000 points.
See the daily accumulation potential:
- PC searches: up to 150 points
- Mobile searches: up to 100 points
- Reading news in the Bing app: 30 points
- Microsoft Rewards daily activities: about 30 points
- Games via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (15 min/day): +40 points
How much can be accumulated until launch
To turn points into money, it is essential to reach Level 2 of the program. At this level, redemption rates are better. With 50,000 points, you can exchange for a $50 gift card at the Microsoft Store or Xbox. The realistic goal, with daily dedication, is to accumulate between 80,000 and 100,000 points before November 19.
This fully covers the Standard Edition of GTA 6 ($79.99) and approaches the price of the Ultimate Edition ($99.99). Sales tax, depending on location, may be the buyer’s responsibility.
For those planning to play on PS5, there is the option to redeem Amazon gift cards, but they require more points per dollar and are not always available. Best Buy cards are the least advantageous in terms of conversion.
Important: to maintain Level 2, you need to earn at least 500 points per month. Inactive accounts lose the discount.
Extra tips to speed up points
In addition to searches, other activities boost the balance. The Microsoft Rewards daily tasks (Daily Set) add about 30 points. For Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, playing selected titles for just 15 minutes daily yields an additional 40 points. The Windows 11 search box also offers extra bonuses.
Purchases at the Microsoft Store for Level 2 members earn 10 points for each dollar spent, meaning already planned expenses accumulate points without extra effort.
Bacchus, who has accumulated nearly 2.5 million points since joining the program, summarized: “Microsoft Rewards won’t replace a salary, but for those who already use Microsoft services daily, points accumulate silently. Starting now gives a real path to cover a significant portion – or all – of the cost of GTA 6 before launch.”
With discipline, the dream of getting your hands on GTA 6 without spending a cent is perfectly achievable. Just start today.
