Xbox Gold isn't enough to play online? "Missing privileges..."

Hi there, @BBGz 

Try uninstalling the game. Then, download it again from the Xbox store. It's possible you had it downloaded through Game Pass Ultimate so that may not work now that you downgraded. Let me know if that helps or not. Thanks!

Thanks for the reply. I was told on Reddit that it's no longer Xbox Gold - it's called Xbox Core Game Pass now. And I'm required to subscribe to Game Pass Ultimate to qualify for EA Game pass now. Which seems pretty messed up to change the rules on us after I've already paid for everything and played for years. I'll try what you suggested just in case. Thanks. 

@BBGz 

Game Pass Core doesn't have the same available games as Game Pass Ultimate. It's possible you downloaded the game when it was available on Ultimate so you downloading it through the original purchase may work. You should be able to find it on your console by going to My games & apps > See all > Full library > Owned.

So I took your advice and uninstalled 2042. Then reinstalled it. Started it up, and the same thing happened. "Choose a plan that's right for you..." Only option, Ultimate. So yes, they changed the rules on us. Used to be Xbox Gold for around $60 a year would allow you to play online. Now I have to spend nearly $200 a year to keep up the status quo. That's really F'd. I hope EA's stockholders are enjoying the uptick in value. Everything else in the world is raising their prices, why not this too? Good times, EA. Been playing every iteration of the game since 2007, but I guess respect and loyalty is for someone else. 

@BBGz 

If you purchased the game, and your level of Xbox Live subscription supports multiplayer, you should be able to play online. The Core plan includes online play so you should be good to go. Have you tried contacting Xbox support? This message is coming from their end so they should be able to help.

I appreciate you hanging in there with me. Thanks.

Wanting to reach Xbox support and actually being able to is two separate things. I've got a message thread with them on Twitter/X but I get no reply that gets me anywhere. I fully explain the issue and then they ask me some question like "Could you please check your order history to ensure whether the purchase was marked as completed?" four hours after I reach out to them. The question doesn't make sense to me since I wouldn't be able to play the game if the purchase wasn't completed. Or am I missing something? If you have a more direct way of contacting them, I'd love to follow it. I've been looking at year long Ultimate passes on line for $99 which is better than $16 a month. But it's more the fact that I'm being forced to do this than I want to do this -if I want to continue playing the game like I have since 2007ish. My buddies and I started with Battlefield 1942 and have bought every iteration since. This feels like a slap in the face. 

@BBGz 

In the past, I've gone to support.xbox.com to get in touch with their support. Which has normally been really responsive through chat and phone calls. It's been awhile since I used their support though so possibly, this has changed.

Hey, @BBGz 

I'm really glad to hear you got this handled. I can certainly understand your issue with suggesting Ultimate. I know I would feel the same. I'll pass on this feedback for you. If you have any other issues, please reach out again. Good luck on the battlefield!