Can't play a game without downloading an update?!

Hello, my name is Tadeu, I'm a freelancer and a Microsoft Xbox user, just like you.

I'm here to help.

I hope everything is going well and thank you for contacting me.

This support is intended to clarify doubts about the use and configuration of devices.

I understand your frustration.

However, these updates are often necessary to fix bugs, add new content, improve performance, or implement security measures. While the game may work without the update initially, it may become unplayable later if the update is essential to core functionality or if the game relies on online services for features.

Please note that this is a public forum only. I will respond as soon as possible, and apologize in advance for any delay in responding. I am simply a user trying to provide information and knowledge that may be useful to others. I am not a Microsoft employee.

Best regards.

Hello there @DHG Thresh 011, I hope everything is going well!

Thank you for reaching Microsoft Xbox Forum support. I am sorry to know about the game situation, but I want you not to worry about it because I am here to help you out! I believe your console might need either a network reset or just a system refresh. I
would like you to go through the following steps to clear the Mac address and then perform a quick power cycle on your console:

Settings > Network Settings > Advanced Settings > Alternate Mac Address > Clear it and the console should restart. It would definitely help if you could restart the internet router while the console is restarting.

After going through the troubleshooting steps mentioned, I invite you to perform a quick power cycle by turning off the console and then unplugging all the cables. After 2 to 3 minutes, re-plug them back again, then restart your console.

Another thing you should check is your NAT type. I would like you to check your NAT type if open because that could sometimes interfere. to check for the NAT type you can follow the steps below:

Settings > Network Settings > NAT type => It should be open.

If the NAT type is not open, you will need to open some ports with your internet provider. These ports must be open for Xbox Live to work: Port 88 (UDP) Port 3074 (UDP and TCP) Port 53 (UDP and TCP) Port 80 (TCP) Port 500 (UDP) Port 3544 (UDP) Port 4500
(UDP).

In case the issue still persists after the previous steps have been performed here is the official link to all the network troubleshooting steps that can help sort this out for you.

The link: Troubleshoot your Xbox One network connection | Xbox Support

In case the issue still persists, the next step would be to perform a reset on the console. To do so you will need to follow the steps below to perform a reset on the Xbox :

Settings > System > Console Info > Reset This Xbox > Reset and Keep my Games and Apps.

Note =>The "Reset and Keep my Games and Apps" option will not cause losing your games, but please be aware that you need to be completely aware of the email address as well as the password of your account before going for it because it will require you
to sign in to the account.

I wish you a lovely day, and I hope this helps you out! All the best!

Kind Regards

Stay safe, and happy gaming!

Feel free to give us your feedback by voting below if the reply was helpful!

Hello!

Thank you for the quick and detailed reply! I went through each of the steps, and after trying each of the listed suggestions, just finished resetting my console, but keeping my games and apps, as the previous reccomendations still hadn't fixed the problem.
Upon attempting to launch the game, I am still receiving the same error message with my reset xbox. I am going to try reinstalling the game, but I have no idea if this will work. Any other advice will be helpful in case this does not work. Thank you for trying!

Sincerely,

Thresh 011

You can't manually download title updates for a game. They can only be downloaded via XBOX Live and only by inserting the game. If you can play online that means that you have the latest title update, it would not let you connect online and play with other
people without having the latest title update.

Seems a bit silly that you can't just play the game without downloading the free version as you seem to spend half your time downloading the both the free updates and the main ones too.