As the Xbox Game Pass program has grown, so has our list of the best games on Xbox Game Pass. After the launch of the Xbox Series X, Microsoft has doubled down on Game Pass, and now offers well over 350 games on that console alone. To help you through option paralysis, we rounded up the top games on Microsoft’s subscription platform.
Many titles are available on Xbox and PC, and some even have cross-save support. Most of the games are available for streaming on mobile, too, as long as you have Game Pass Ultimate. The Game Pass library is also constantly changing, so check out our monthly guide for addition and removal announcements.
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Starfield
48%
3.5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher
Bethesda Softworks
Release
September 06, 2023
The biggest game for Xbox, and one of the biggest in a packed 2023, has to be Starfield. This latest Bethesda RPG isn’t quite Skyrim in space but shares all the DNA you love of those games in a sci-fi package. You’re free to carve your own path through the universe, joining factions, building outposts, crafting ships, and exploring hundreds of planets. There are hundreds of hours to spend here if you like what the game offers, and the main quest alone is well worth the time. However, don’t be surprised if you get sidetracked more than once. If you’re a Bethesda fan or just want a massive RPG, this game alone is a reason to subscribe.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
82%
3.5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Treyarch, Raven Software
Publisher
Activision
Release
October 25, 2024
We were all waiting for the Activision deal to go through so we could finally start seeing the best Call of Duty games hit Game Pass. It took a while, but that wait paid off with the newest entry, Black Ops 6. This is the return to form fans have been waiting for thanks to a bombastic campaign, revamped movement system for multiplayer, and classic Zombies mode to sink your teeth into.
All You Need is Help
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Puzzle, Indie
Developer
Q-Games Ltd.
Publisher
Q-Games Ltd.
Release
September 26, 2024
The trailer alone for All You Need Is Help is enough to put a smile on your face, and the game itself is just as delightful. This cozy, cuddly game about shapes is a fantastic co-op puzzler that wants to be fun above anything else. The controls and objectives aren’t difficult, but the fun is in working together and bouncing your little characters around to get it done. Gamers of all ages and experience levels can have a blast here, so grab a friend or family member to have a purely joyful time.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun
81%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Indie, Arcade
Developer
Auroch Digital
Publisher
Focus Entertainment
Release
May 23, 2023
The Warhammer franchise spans just about every genre imaginable. However, it feels most at home in the retro-inspired boomer shooter Warhammer 40k: Boltgun. If you have any love for the classic Doom or Duke Nukem games, Boltgun will blow your socks off. It retains the chunky look and feel of blasting gruesome enemies with massive weaponry but controls like a modern title. It is a fast, brutal, and addictive game that is just pure action from start to finish. If you need a power fantasy, look no further.
MLB The Show 24
Platforms
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator, Sport
Developer
SIE San Diego Studio
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
March 19, 2024
It’s only been four years since Xbox players have even had the chance to play the Show series, but so far each entry has been a day one inclusion on Game Pass, and MLB the Show 24 keeps that tradition alive. As far as the game is concerned, well, it’s baseball! This is the premier MLB simulation game, and obviously, being the newest entry makes it the most realistic and content-filled package yet. Take your new player from the minor leagues all the way up to a pro-level to see if you can win it all at the World Series.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
82%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Vicarious Visions
Publisher
Activision
Release
June 30, 2017
We all might associate Crash with PlayStation, but the shorts-wearing Bandicoot is actually owned by Activision and has been on all platforms for years. The N Sane Trilogy is a delightful remake of the first three games originally developed by Naughty Dog on the PS1. The facelift to the graphics makes this cartoon-inspired world and characters pop, but the gameplay needed no touching up to feel modern. Just be ready for a challenge because this platformer isn’t for the faint of heart.
Sifu
82%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Indie
Developer
Sloclap
Publisher
Sloclap, Kepler Interactive
Release
February 08, 2022
Imagine all your favorite martial arts movies as a game, and you have an idea of what Sifu is aiming to be. This is an intense, skill-based action brawler that demands perfection to master and beat the bosses. But you’re not expected to survive on your first try. The big twist is that your character doesn’t die when defeated, but instead gets a little bit older. As you age, you look and fight a bit differently, which can help you overcome challenges, but you must beat the game before you die of old age. It’s a clever mechanic in an already fantastic fighter.
Sea of Thieves
68%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator, Adventure
Developer
Rare
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
March 20, 2018
Sea of Thieves puts you in the shoes of a pirate, and not in the same way as Black Flag does (even though that’s still one of the best Assassin’s Creed games ever). It’s not just an open-world action-adventure game with a pirate skin — Sea of Thieves is a pirate simulator. From looting unexplored islands to piloting your ship with a group of friends, developer Rare manages to gamify every aspect of Sea of Thieves, making each game task engaging no matter how mundane it may seem. More importantly, the gamification leads to a sense of freedom. Nothing in Sea of Thieves is stringent, from the loose leveling system to the Tall Tales that make up the campaign. You’re free to explore and tackle objectives in any way you see fit, or simply ignore objectives altogether. Although a lonely experience on your own, Sea of Thieves is a must-play with a group of friends. The game even supports cross-platform play between the Game Pass and Steam versions, so stringing together a group of pirates is easy.
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
87%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac
Genre
Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
Developer
Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher
Blizzard Entertainment
Release
July 27, 2010
Blizzard has made some of the best PC games of all time, with Starcraft 2 being its last great RTS. Featuring the classic trio of Protoss, Zerg, and Terran, this campaign puts you in command of an army across various scenarios and situations to see if you have the tactical mind to overcome. If you missed out on this gem, this campaign collection gives you the base game plus all the DLCs to experience the full Starcraft experience… except for the multiplayer, sadly.
Metal Slug Tactics
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Tactical, Indie, Arcade
Developer
Leikir Studio
Publisher
DotEmu
Release
November 05, 2024
Trading in its run-and-gun mechanics for a tactical RPG, Metal Slug Tactics makes that genre jump look effortless. Each of your moves and abilities calls back to the original shooters while still retaining the stunning art style and animations. Thanks to the inclusion of some roguelike elements, you will always need to stay on your toes to defeat the Rebel Army. Expect to fail a few times and learn along the way and enjoy the process of refining your tactics.
Hi-Fi Rush
95%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Music, Platform, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
Tango Gameworks
Publisher
Bethesda Softworks
Release
January 25, 2023
Shadow-dropped at Microsoft’s Developer_Direct event at the end of January, Hi-Fi Rush has become an immediate banger on Game Pass. The rhythm-action game follows a young man named Chai who fights with an electric guitar. Everything moves to the game’s beat, including enemy attacks, cutscenes, and dungeon traps. It also has a combat-grading system like in the Devil May Cry franchise. Chai isn’t alone in his fights; he also has comrades such as his cat, 808.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Strategy, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Developer
Capcom
Publisher
Capcom
Release
July 19, 2024
Perhaps one of Capcom’s most unique games of the last decade, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess might turn you off because of its cumbersome name. However, if you give it a shot, you’ll see there’s something very special here. This game is one part 3D action game where you run around and fight enemies with stylish sword combat, but also part strategy or tower defense game. While you’re attempting to restore your world to life, you will rescue villagers who you can recruit and assign roles to help defend the Maiden you’re escorting. When the action begins, you can pause time to reposition and change their roles to suit the situation. It’s worth a look if only to see this new blending of genres.
Dead Island 2
69%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
Deep Silver Dambuster Studios
Publisher
Deep Silver
Release
April 21, 2023
Zombie games are easy to come by, but Dead Island 2 manages to feel fresh from its undead competition. For one, the focus on first-person melee combat puts you right in the action and always a bit off balance in larger encounters. It also highlights the delightfully grotesque damage mechanics where zombies’ bodies will realistically rip and break based on what weapon you hit them with and where. The light tone and parody-like way most of the quests play out keep it from getting bogged down in some of its more grindy systems. If you’ve got a friend to bring along, this is a great game to kill a weekend with.
Octopath Traveler II
87%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS)
Developer
ACQUIRE Corp., Square Enix Creative Business Unit II, Team Asano
Publisher
Square Enix
Release
February 24, 2023
The first Octopath Traveller came to Xbox on day one, but for whatever reason, we didn’t get the sequel until now. Better late than never, because Octopath Traveller 2 is easily the better game of the two. It takes the same premise as the first. with a group of eight characters whose stories you can follow in whatever order you choose, but does a far better job of weaving them together than the first. The 2D-HD visuals have never looked better, and the combat is a classic turn-based RPG fan’s dream. This is a meaty game, so you might need to extend your subscription to see it all, but it is more than worth it to see the conclusion.
Age of Mythology: Retold
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
Developer
World's Edge
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
September 04, 2024
RTS games are still rare on consoles, and even among the few we get, there are only a handful that manage to feel good to play on a controller. Age of Mythology: Retold is from the team that brought you Age of Empires and puts a more mythological twist on history. Instead of your armies simply battling other ancient soldiers, gods and monsters will also be in the mix for a bit of spice. This game was also a day-one addition to Game Pass, so it is a perfect game to try if you don’t typically play RTS games.
Hollow Knight
92%
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Team Cherry
Publisher
Team Cherry
Release
February 24, 2017
Hollow Knight wears its Super Metroid and Dark Souls influences on its sleeve, but manages to provide an experience all its own. You control a silent, nameless knight, who is tasked with exploring the vast, insect-ridden kingdom of Hallownest. Like any good Metroidvania, Hollow Knight has a vast, interconnected map that you’re free to explore. Although certain areas are locked off in the early game, you’ll quickly begin running from one corner of the map to the other. The title’s open design teaches you by showing. Rather than holding your hand, Hollow Knight asks you to explore and find answers for yourself, resulting in one of the most satisfying experiences of this genre. With Hollow Knight: Silksong on the horizon, now is a great time to play the first game.
Riders Republic
55%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Racing, Simulator, Sport
Developer
Ubisoft Annecy
Publisher
Ubisoft Entertainment
Release
October 28, 2021
Typically, you have to pick which type of extreme sport you want to play in each game. In Rider’s Republic, you can do nearly all of them at the same time. You’re free to bike, snowboard, ski, and even wingsuit through tons of races and challenges on one massive map. Things won’t ever feel lonely, though, because you can run into other players anywhere to start an impromptu race.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
92%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Adventure
Developer
BioWare
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release
May 14, 2021
If you’re looking for the complete Mass Effect experience with all DLC, upgraded graphics for the latest consoles, and improved systems, then the Legendary Edition is perfect for you. Create your own Commander Shepard, put together teams to fight the galaxy’s most fearsome threat, and chain your key decisions across three games to affect just how it all goes down. Mass Effect remains a pinnacle of RPG storytelling, and as the Legendary version fixes some of the clunkier aspects of earlier games, there’s no better time to jump in. Just make sure you have enough storage space for all three optimized games … it’s a lot of gigs.
Doom Eternal
85%
4.5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter
Developer
id Software
Publisher
Bethesda Softworks
Release
March 19, 2020
In 2016, it seemed impossible to top Id Software’s Doom reboot. The most series fans could have hoped for from a sequel was more of the same. But Doom Eternal pushed further, refusing to conform to the exact same structure that was so successful for 2016’s Doom (both critically and commercially). The gunplay is familiar, but Doom Eternal is bigger and more ambitious. The scale of levels is massive, and Id homed in on the resource management mechanics in Doom. Instead of going from fight to fight until the end of the level, Doom Eternal makes battles interesting by forcing you to use glory kills and your chainsaw to pick up ammo and health. That pushed you into the, as described by id Software, “fun zone.” It turns out that’s a great place to be.
Halo Infinite
85%
4/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
343 Industries
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
November 15, 2021
It took some time, but Halo Infinite has finally hit Game Pass in its completed state, including both multiplayer and the campaign. This Halo story has Master Chief saving a youngling AI, fighting new (and old) kinds of enemies, journeying across a large open world (that allows for much more flexible missions that require a little more focus to complete), and using new tools like a grappling/grab hook for all-new combat possibilities. The gameplay is great, and multiplayer is as competitive as ever, though it’s still improving consistently thanks to the updates 343 Industries continues to make. If you like Halo, you’ll find a whole lot to love here.
Forza Horizon 5
85%
4/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Racing
Developer
Playground Games
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
November 09, 2021
Forza is back with its best racing game yet, a beautiful romp primarily focused on the Mexican landscape, with tight controls and tons of stuff to do. There are many, many gaming modes to explore, tours to try out, and options to gather with teammates — or you can face your rivals in all kinds of races. The superb detailing and customization options for your cars, character, and properties are still here, allowing you to spend hours tinkering before hitting the road. Crossplay is also supported with PC, including Steam players, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to earn community currency and spend it on your best look.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator
Developer
Asobo Studio
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
November 19, 2024
Even those who don’t like flight simulation games admit that Flight Simulator is an amazing experience. With Flight Simulator 2024, Asobo is pushing the limits on what a flight simulator even is. Yes, there are plenty of new planes and aircraft but that is only scratching the surface. You can now take on different jobs or exit your plane and explore the accurately detailed world and wildlife. This could be the most technologically impressive game ever made so there’s no reason not to at least give it a shot to experience it for yourself.
