Top xbox games: Engadget is part of the Yahoo family of brands — Mitspielen — Vampire Live in München

The Best Xbox One Games

Xbox One S DigitalXbox One X

IGN’s picks for the 25 best Xbox One games to play right now.

By IGN Staff

Updated: Jan 23, 2023 8:51 pm

Posted: Jan 20, 2023 11:35 pm

Microsoft’s last-gen console overcame early missteps around price, power, and constant connectivity to become a capable machine on which you can play many of the best open-world games of all time. Here, we’ve cataloged those games — along with the best shooters, puzzlers, adventures, and more — to create IGN’s definitive list of the 25 best Xbox One games.

These games were selected by the entire IGN content team (after plenty of internal debate) and represent what we believe to be the very best Xbox One has to offer.

The most recent updates were made in May 2021.

More on the best of Xbox:

Best Xbox Series X|S Games
Best Xbox 360 Games
Where to buy an Xbox Series X

The Best Xbox One Games (Spring 2021 update)

25.

The Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds may be a Sci-Fi game, but it has a strange sort of magic to it. Its open-ended nature could leave you drifting through space (and often into planets at literal breakneck speed) without much idea of what to do, but this handcrafted solar system is filled to the brim with enticing breadcrumbs, tantalizing story teases, and some downright incredible sights that constantly draw you into one breathtaking moment after another.

It’s a world begging to be explored, and the time loop mechanic at its core both consistently leaves you wanting more and adds a terrifyingly tense pressure to its otherwise serene exploration. It may take you a moment to get your space legs, but Outer Wilds is a trek absolutely worth taking for yourself.

Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye, an expansion we called «a wonderful return to the clockwork solar system of Outer Wilds,» is available for $15 USD. A free 4K/60fps update is also available for Xbox Series X|S owners.

Release Date: May 28, 2019 | Developer: Mobius Entertainment | Last Position: No. 25 | IGN’s The Outer Wilds video review | IGN’s The Outer Wilds Wiki

24. Destiny 2

Destiny 2’s new seasonal model was met with a bit of hesitance at first, but what Bungie has delivered is instead a compelling narrative that intertwines story beats from season to season. The fact that it has been added to Game Pass only sweetens the deal by bringing more players into the fold. Whether you’re looking to push back the darkness with Stasis or just shoot things with cool guns Destiny has proven the test of time and keeps players coming back.

The game’s next expansion, Destiny 2: Lightfall, is out February 28, 2023. Its previous expansion, The Witch Queen, was named 2022’s Best DLC by the New York Game Awards.

Release Date: September 6, 2017 | Developer: Bungie | Last Position: New! | IGN’s Destiny 2 video review | IGN’s Destiny 2 Wiki

23. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a masterclass of atmosphere, storytelling, and the marriage of mechanical and conceptual design. The care and attention Ninja Theory has clearly poured into Senua and her story has created something amazing. Hellblade’s beautiful presentation and dense story reinforce its serious subject matter in this vivid tale of harrowing darkness.

Senua’s Sacrifice is now optimized for Xbox Series X|S. Our performance review concluded that Hellblade for Series X outperforms high-end PCs.

Release Date: August 8, 2017 | Developer: Ninja Theory | Last Position: No. 23 | IGN’s Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice video review | IGN’s Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice Wiki

22. Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a revolutionary take on the Yakuza game formula. Not only does it feature a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, but the series’ classic beat ‘em up action transforms into a turn-based RPG. Add in a whole cast of laughably fun misfits behind Ichiban and hilarious side missions of delivering formula to diaper-wearing gangsters, and Like a Dragon takes Yakuza’s absurdity to the next level.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is also just as much a drama as it is a comedy with its main storyline revolving around betrayal. The game also touches on themes of those who are marginalized from immigrants to sex workers.

The series’ next mainline game, due out in 2024, is officially called Like a Dragon 8. Before then, SEGA and RGG Studio will release the previously Japan-exclusive Yakuza samurai spin-off Like a Dragon: Ishin! on February 21.

Release Date: November 9, 2020 | Developer: Ryu ga Gotoku Studios | Last Position: New! | IGN’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon video review | IGN’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon Wiki

21. Gears Tactics

Just as Halo ended up making an excellent real-time strategy game in the form of Halo Wars, so too does Gears of War brilliantly make the leap to becoming an XCOM-like turn-based strategy game in Gears Tactics. All of the classic Gears of War gameplay is here – cover-based combat, up-close executions, e-holes, and much more – just in a more strategic form. The formula works fantastically, and the story is pretty good too, thanks to the usual high-quality character development and plenty of gorgeous in-engine cutscenes. Franchises rooted in one genre don’t often make the leap to a completely different one so seamlessly, but Gears Tactics pulls it off.

The original Gears made our list of the all-time best Xbox exclusives.

Release Date: April 28, 2020 | Developers: Splash Damage, The Coalition | Last Position: New! | IGN’s Gears Tactics video review | IGN’s Gears Tactics Wiki

20. No Man’s Sky

No Man’s Sky Next is the story that the entire industry points to when looking for a comback tale and it’s well deserved. Hello Games managed to continue supporting No Man’s Sky with several updates that added quality of life features, like Expeditions that add a new set of challenges you can play with your friends, or the overhauled space stations, new enemies, cross-platform bases, and a ton of other community asks. Hello Games really does deserve credit because what they’ve created is beloved by players everywhere.

No Man’s Sky also made our list of the best survival games.

Release Date: August 9, 2016 | Developer: Hello Games | Last Position: New! | IGN’s No Man’s Sky video review | IGN’s No Man’s Sky Wiki

19. Elder Scrolls Online

There are plenty of excellent reasons to play Elder Scrolls Online on Xbox. One, it’s an excellent online RPG that continues to get better with each new content update (side note: Morrowind is in here!). Two, it now officially takes advantage of the Xbox Series X. Three, with Todd Howard and Bethesda Game Studios hard at work on Starfield, we won’t be seeing The Elder Scrolls VI for quite some time. And finally and perhaps most awesomely, ESO is on Xbox Game Pass! It’s an MMO that can be dipped in and out of at will; no need to treat it like a second job. Just soak yourself in the world of Tamriel and enjoy!

Elder Scrolls Online’s 2023 roadmap will be revealed during the Xbox and Bethesda Developer_Direct on January 25.

Release Date: June 9, 2015 | Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios | Last Position: New! | IGN’s Elder Scrolls Online video review | IGN’s Elder Scrolls Online Wiki

18. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order does an amazing job making you master the art of combat with perfectly timed parry’s that you can follow up with a flourish of your lightsaber or the force power of your choosing. This is especially rewarding on the harder difficulties as you’ll need to master all of your abilities to conquer the many foes after Cal Kestus. In addition to superb gameplay Fallen Order adds a cherry on top in the form of a memorable story that will have you travelling across the galaxy far far away with a band of misfits by your side. A great story, stellar gameplay, and plenty of Empire baddies to slice away at await you on this adventure.

The Fallen Order sequel is officially titled Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. It will continue the story of Cal Kestis on March 17 on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC.

Release Date: November 15, 2019 | Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Last Position: No. 18 | IGN’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order video review | IGN’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Wiki

17. Titanfall 2

The original Titanfall was great, but the sequel delivered everything the first game failed to: an outstanding single-player campaign and some meat on Titanfall’s strong but otherwise skinny multiplayer bones. The multiplayer part was obvious: more Titans, more game modes, more maps, etc. And Titanfall 2 delivered there. But that campaign almost came out of nowhere. It may not have had much of a story, but it’s one of the best shooter campaigns of this generation on the back of its smart, variety-is-king design. You’ll see when we mean when you get to *that* gameplay twist.

Check out our latest Art of the Level feature for a deep dive into Titanfall 2’s fourth mission, Into the Abyss.

Release Date: October 28, 2016 | Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Last Position: No. 15 | IGN’s Titanfall 2 video review | IGN’s Titanfall 2 Wiki

16. Apex Legends

Respawn’s slick gunplay came to life in an exciting new way when its battle royal Apex Legends first launched in 2019, and since then, it’s only gotten better. Apex Legends’ regular seasonal content drops are impressive. Not only can we expect a new Legend complete with story content and a neat kit, there’s often also map changes (and sometimes a whole new map), a weapon or mechanic, and quality of life updates alongside the battlepass. Those regular updates plus the occasional holiday event and addition of quests keep Apex Legends in our rotation.

The most common text exchange between Apex players in 2022 was surprisingly wholesome: «gg.»

Release Date: February 3, 2019 | Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Last Position: No. 14 | IGN’s Apex Legends video review | IGN’s Apex Legends Wiki

15. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Metal Gear Solid V – both The Phantom Pain and its precursor Ground Zeroes – is, without question, the most ambitious entry in the Metal Gear series, both in terms of its gameplay mechanics and scattered (some might say incomplete) story. Featuring what is undoubtedly one of the most complex sandboxes in gaming history, The Phantom Pain gives players a huge arsenal of weapons, vehicles, gadgets, and AI companions to approach missions creatively. As always, stealthy tactical gameplay is rewarded heavily, but if a mission goes sideways (or if you’re feeling squirrelly) the game doesn’t punish you for getting loud and messy. While the full scope of Hideo Kojima’s ultimate vision may have been stymied by creative differences with Konami, Metal Gear Solid 5 is still an absolutely worthwhile adventure for open-world stealth fans.

Release Date: September 1, 2015 | Developers: Kojima Productions, Konami | Last Position: No. 22 | IGN’s MGS V: The Phantom Pain video review | IGN’s MGS V: The Phantom Pain Wiki

14. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps picks up the torch that Blind Forest lit in 2015 and carries it to new heights. The foundation was already there, but Moon Studios spent the five years between games building out a livelier world, a fully-loaded moveset with a new emphasis on combat, and another helping of bittersweet story. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of the best platformers you will find on any platform thanks to its creative puzzles and periods of racing platforming punctuated with soulful moments that give its characters a chance to breathe and shine.

IGN spoke with Moon Studios in 2020 to discuss the potential of a new Ori game, though Microsoft is reportedly no longer working with the studio following what was said to be a «difficult relationship.» The studio is now working on a new action-RPG in partnership with Take-Two’s Private Division publishing label.

Release Date: March 11, 2020 | Developer: Moon Studios | Last Position: No. 7 | IGN’s Ori and the Will of the Wisps video review | IGN’s Ori and the Will of the Wisps Wiki

13. Forza Horizon 4

Forza Horizon 4 isn’t just the best Forza game ever made, it’s the single greatest car game of the last decade, and maybe of all-time. With its four-season fictionalization of beautiful Great Britain and focus on socially fueled fun rather than hardcore simulation racing, it’s the equivalent of a perfect, breezy, 72-degree summer day distilled into video game form. It has a gigantic, diverse selection of cars , its seasons change the look and feel of the experience, and its soundtrack is bright, cheery, and bound to put you in a good mood. Somehow, Forza Horizon keeps getting better, which seemed all but impossible after the sublime Forza Horizon 3.

The series’ latest entry, Forza Horizon 5, was crowned IGN’s 2021 Game of the Year.

Release Date: October 2, 2018 | Developer: Playground Games | Last Position: No. 8 | IGN’s Forza Horizon 4 video review | IGN’s Forza Horizon 4 Wiki

12. Gears 5

Gears 5 loses the “of War” part of its title but absolutely none of its third-person cover-based shooter gameplay excellence. The chainsaw gun-wielding soldiers return and it’s finally time to uncover the mystery of Kait Diaz’s past and resolve the cliffhanger from the end of Gears of War 4. The story of Gears 5 is heartfelt, personal, and engaging, while multiplayer is once again a blast, too. The staple Versus and Horde modes are joined by the interesting new Escape mode that challenges a team of three to get the heck out of a map before a lethal poison cloud envelops them. Bring on Gears 6!

Gears developer The Coalition is working on «multiple new projects» using Unreal Engine 5. The studio has also partnered with Netflix to develop a Gears of War movie and an adult animated series.

Release Date: September 10, 2019 | Developer: The Coalition | Last Position: No. 11 | IGN’s Gears 5 video review | IGN’s Gears 5 Wiki

11. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

This collection of six Halo games stands tall for the campaigns alone – particularly the completely remastered Halo 2 Anniversary – but now that developer 343 has updated the once-maligned multiplayer suite along with new features, enhancements, and an overall level of polish, Halo: The Master Chief Collection is an absolute must-own that just keeps getting better year after year. This is the quintessential Halo experience that has finally fulfilled all of its massive potential. If you’re a longtime fan of the Halo universe or a newcomer who has no idea where to start in the long saga of the Master Chief, you can’t do better than this.

Developer 343 was recently hit with layoffs as part of a wider restructuring at Microsoft. Shortly after, rumors surfaced suggesting 343 would be taken off the development of future Halo games. The developer has since denied those rumors, saying, «Halo and Master Chief are here to stay. 343 Industries will continue to develop Halo now and in the future, including epic stories, multiplayer, and more of what makes Halo great.»

Release Date: November 11, 2014 | Developer: 343 Industries | Last Position: No. 9 | IGN’s Halo: The Master Chief Collection video review | IGN’s Halo: The Master Chief Collection Wiki

10. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice offers an exhilarating dose of what FromSoftware does best with new, skill-heavy combat systems that require precision and perfection to master. The supernatural take on Japanese history makes Sekiro’s obligatory moody atmosphere and cryptic story stand apart from its Souls-Borne siblings, and the new additions to traversal and combat offer unique and welcome updates to the already-excellent playbook of fighting tooth and nail for every inch of progress. Its specific brand of action may not be for everyone, but those who stick it out will find Sekiro to be an immensely rewarding journey.

FromSoftware’s latest game, Elden Ring, is one of the best-reviewed games in modern history. It was crowned Game of the Year by IGN and The Game Awards.

Release Date: March 22, 2019 | Developer: FromSoftware | Last Position: No. 6 | IGN’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice video review | IGN’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Wiki

9. Inside

We define a 10 out of 10 as a «masterpiece,» and Inside is every bit of one. The non-sequel follow-up to the sublime Limbo took six years to make, and it looks like five of those were spent on polish. Every pixel, animation, ray of light, and audio cue feels considered – not to mention the puzzles themselves. Inside won’t strain your brain too hard, but its impactful non-verbal story will leave you contemplating what it all means for days after you finish it. Inside is simply unforgettable and should not be missed.

According to a 2021 job listing, developer Playdead’s next game is a «3rd-person science fiction adventure set in a remote corner of the universe.» It will be published by Epic.

Release Date: June 29, 2016 | Developer: Playdead | Last Position: No. 12 | IGN’s Inside video review | IGN’s Inside Wiki

8. It Takes Two

Admittedly, It Takes Two won’t exactly melt your GPU with its graphical intensity. Is it a nice looking game with a whimsical, fairy-tale tone and graphics to match? Yes, most certainly. But you need to play It Takes Two (with a friend or loved one either on the couch or via online play, of course, since It Takes Two cannot be played alone) because it is simply one of the best and most unique multiplayer experiences you can find these days. Writer-director Josef Fares – yes, he of «F*** the Oscars!» fame – follows up the equally excellent A Way Out with this, a story about a failing marriage that might just be able to be saved thanks to the couple being turned into children’s dolls and forced to work together to find their way back to their human forms. Play it and we promise you’ll smile.

Release Date: March 26, 2021 | Developer: Hazelight Studios | Last Position: New! | IGN’s It Takes Two video review | IGN’s It Takes Two Wiki

7. Control

Control won IGN’s 2019 Game of the Year award for good reason: it’s an exceptional third-person action-adventure that does nearly everything right. Developer Remedy has long been known for its storytelling prowess, and that’s on full display here. Great characters solving an engaging mystery in a beautiful brutalist-inspired setting, plus one of the best takes on telekinesis in gaming all combine to make Control a can’t-miss experience. It’s a game that keeps you guessing from the opening to the end credits, and even then you’ll be wanting to know more about its bizarre world.

Remedy is officially working on Control 2 for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC. The studio is also developing a Control multiplayer game, the long-awaited Alan Wake 2, a free-to-play co-op shooter codenamed Vanguard, and remakes of Max Payne 1 and 2.

Release Date: August 27, 2019 | Developer: Remedy | Last Position: No. 4 | IGN’s Control video review | IGN’s Control Wiki

6. Hitman 3

Agent 47’s latest (and for now, last) outing is not only a much better game than its two predecessors, it’s a much prettier one too. Hitman 3 has some truly breathtaking scenes from an eye-candy perspective. The first mission in Dubai will get you hooked, but the remaining five – including the second one, which is essentially like a playable version of the fantastic film Knives Out – will keep your Xbox powered on for hours as you try out the myriad ways to take out your targets. This is the best Hitman since Blood Money.

Hitman 3 was recently rebranded as Hitman: World of Assassination, moving all of the trilogy’s content into a single game.

Release Date: January 20, 2021 | Developer: IO Interactive | Last Position: New! | IGN’s Hitman 3 video review | IGN’s Hitman 3 Wiki

5.

Doom Eternal

Doom Eternal is arguably the best single-player FPS campaign we’ve seen in the entire Xbox One generation. Its entire gameplay loop is built around you being a badass – complete with other characters you encounter in the game being very, very aware of your badassery – but Eternal meets you in the middle by throwing literally dozens of demons at you at a time to even the odds. As the enemies get bigger and nastier during the campaign, you get faster, smarter, and more powerful too. It’s an incredible combat dance that’s quite simply unlike anything else on Xbox One.

Doom Eternal also made our list of the best Steam Deck games.

Release Date: March 20, 2020 | Developer: id Software | Last Position: No. 5 | IGN’s Doom Eternal video review | IGN’s Doom Eternal Wiki

4. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Assassin’s Creed has essentially evolved from a stealth action-adventure to a full-blown open-world RPG, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is perhaps the best example of its modern form yet. You’ll never be lacking in things to do within its Norse-Viking world, and when you do get into combat, it’s as weighty and brutal as it’s ever been. What’s more, if you’ve never played an Assassin’s Creed game before, you can jump right into this one, as even though there’s a larger universe at play here, there’s no pre-required knowledge that will stop you from thoroughly enjoying your time here.

The series’ next game is Assassin’s Creed Mirage, a smaller-scale, more narrative-focused return to the franchise’s stealth roots due out in 2023. Sometime after Mirage, Ubisoft will launch Assassin’s Creed Infinity, a new platform/hub for the series’ future entries, including an open-world RPG set in feudal Japan (Assassin’s Creed Codename Red) and Codename Hexe.

Release Date: November 10, 2020 | Developer: Ubisoft Montreal | Last Position: New! | IGN’s Assassin’s Creed Valhalla video review | IGN’s Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Wiki

3.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Both a stunning technical achievement and a new gold standard for video game storytelling in an open-world setting, Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the best games Rockstar has ever made, and one of the greatest games ever, period. While its story is a complex tale of honor, loyalty, and loss woven around rich characters brought to life by nuanced performances, the real star of Red Dead 2 is its world. A sprawling and stunning recreation of the American south and west, it’s packed so full of detail that getting from A to B is virtually impossible without going off the beaten path to some other distraction. Whether it’s hunting, fishing, taking on any number of side quests for a parade of memorable NPCs, or just stopping to admire the verdant scenery, every single aspect of its world is deeply considered in its own right; providing a bespoke level of detail that makes Red Dead 2 nothing short of a masterpiece.

Despite being out for only four years, Red Dead 2 is already one of the best-selling video games of all time.

Release Date: October 26, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: No. 3 | IGN’s Red Dead Redemption 2 video review | IGN’s Red Dead Redemption 2 Wiki

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Few RPGs manage to put forth a larger chunk of sophisticated content than The Witcher 3. Its massive open-world areas impress, in terms of both scope and density. Each massive area is generously dotted with great monsters to slay, tantalizing mysteries to solve, and personal stories to unfurl. It’s also one of the most impressive overall productions in gaming history, with reams of great dialogue performed by a stellar voice cast, an incredible original soundtrack, visuals that qualify as both a technical and artistic achievement, and a story with more branches than you could shake David Cage at. Package all that with two of the best and biggest expansions in recent memory, and you’ve got not only one of the best Western RPGs of all time, but a game that sets the bar for open-world adventures for years to come.

CD Projekt Red is working on a new Witcher trilogy, as well as an Unreal Engine 5 remake of The Witcher 1. The next-gen Witcher 3 upgrade, meanwhile, was released in December.

Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Last Position: No. 2 | IGN’s The Witcher 3 video review | IGN’s The Witcher 3 Wiki

1. Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online

Grand Theft Auto V’s sprawling, meticulously detailed map is still the high-water mark to which all other modern open-world adventures aspire. Not only is it huge, it’s impossibly dense with excellent content – and that’s not just the driving and shooting that make up its campaign, nor is it limited to the numerous side activities that could amount to a full game on their own – but one rich with all the sights, sounds, and bustling activity you’d expect to find in a city teeming with humans, seedy underbelly included.

Its single-player story is an engaging crime epic, one that smartly conveys Rockstar’s satirical take on the 21-st century American dream through three different playable characters, and when you’ve finally rolled credits on that — after some 30-plus hours — there’s literally years worth of content to dig into in its multiplayer component, GTA Online.

Featuring everything from elaborate multi-phase heists to custom high-stakes racing to flying DeLoreans and Mad Max-style vehicular deathmatches, Grand Theft Auto Online offers unparalleled variety, and with so much to do, explore, and play with, both with friends and on your own, there’s no question that GTA 5 remains the best Xbox One game ever.

Rockstar has officially confirmed GTA 6 is in development. It will reportedly feature a return to Vice City and star the series’ first female playable character in a Bonnie & Clyde-inspired adventure — details that were seemingly corroborated by a massive GTA 6 leak.

Release Date: September 17, 2013 | Developer: Rockstar Games | Last Position: No. 1 | IGN’s GTA 5 video review | IGN’s GTA 5 Wiki

Spring 2021 Updates:

Added: Destiny 2, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Gears Tactics, No Man’s Sky, Elder Scrolls Online, It Takes Two, Hitman 3, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Removed: The Witness, Devil May Cry 5, The Outer Worlds, Monster Hunter World, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Resident Evil 2 Remake, Sunset Overdrive

Shifted: Titanfall 2 (No. 15 to No. 17), Apex Legends (No. 14 to No. 16), MGS 5 (No. 22 to No. 15), Ori and the Will of the Wisps (No. 7 to No. 14), Forza Horizon 4 (No. 8 to No. 13), Gears 5 (No. 11 to No. 12), Halo MCC (No. 9 to No. 11), Sekiro (No. 6 to No. 10), Inside (No. 12 to No. 9), Control (No. 4 to No. 7).

Also make sure to check out our lists of the Best PS4 Games, the Best PC Games, and the Best Nintendo Switch Games.

The Best Games to Play on Xbox Series X|S Right Now

Elden RingForza Horizon 5Gears 5Halo InfiniteIt Takes Two

The best games to make the most of your new Xbox.

By IGN Staff

Updated: Jan 27, 2023 3:11 pm

Posted: Jan 22, 2023 12:02 pm

Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S continue to perform exceptionally well for Microsoft, in part thanks to a growing library of excellent games — many of which are available on Xbox Game Pass. With Starfield and Redfall on the horizon, 2023 is looking like a killer year for Xbox. However, Microsoft’s new-gen consoles already boast an impressive catalog of must-play games, and so we’ve put together this list of the 15 best Xbox Series X|S games you can play right now.

This list only includes games with dedicated Xbox Series X|S enhancements — Xbox One backward-compatible games are no longer eligible.

Whether you’re diving into an all-new adventure, getting the most out of your gaming TV with 4K 120Hz gameplay, or revisiting an old favorite through backwards compatibility on Xbox, these are the IGN staff’s picks for the 15 best Xbox Series X|S games.

Most recent game updates were made on May 12, 2022.

More on the best of Xbox:

Where to buy an Xbox Series X
Best Xbox One Games
Best Xbox 360 Games

The Best Games to Play on Xbox Series X|S

15. Outer Wilds

For those of you looking for an adventure that’ll put your exploration skills to the test, Outer Wilds Ventures is waiting with a beautiful mystery about life and death ready to unfold. Outer Wilds will challenge you to discover why an ancient civilization suddenly disappeared and, more importantly, why the universe keeps ending every 22 minutes. That end of the universe does mean your progress resets after the time expires, but the time loop makes space for interesting puzzles and even cooler planet designs.

Better yet, you can explore Outer Wilds’ solar system in whatever order you want. You can drop a thread or pick it back up whenever inspiration strikes you. Or, you can just hang out with other explores on their planet, listen to music, and roast marshmallows. Outer Wilds uniquely manages to be cozy in its exploration while also challenging and sometimes rather spooky with its puzzles. If you’re craving more after you’ve discovered the secrets of Outer Wilds’ universe, one more mystery remains with the Echoes of the Eye DLC.

14.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Moon Studios’ excellent Ori and the Will of the Wisps builds on the first game’s fun foundation without bogging it down or becoming overcomplicated, which is the best praise you can give a sequel. It stays true to the spirit of the original, doubles down on what made it great, and gives you more stake in the world and options to navigate it.

And now on Xbox Series X, Moon has pushed the already jaw-droppingly gorgeous game to new heights at 120 FPS and 4K UHD, with native HDR support, and even a 6K resolution supersampled rendering mode at 60 FPS. When paired with the dynamic high-range audio, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the absolute best way to play this heartfelt followup of the little spirit that never gives up on its friends.

13. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Halo: The Master Chief Collection now collects six Halo games all under one digital roof – everything except Halo 5: Guardians. It’s been torn down to the studs and rebuilt in grand fashion, and even better, it’s been upgraded AGAIN for Xbox Series X with support for 120fps gameplay. Crazy to think that these games were 480i/30fps the first time we played them…

Release Date: November 11, 2014 | Developer: 343 Industries | Last Position: 7 | IGN’s Halo: The Master Chief Collection Video Review | IGN’s Halo: The Master Chief Collection Wiki

12.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Mass Effect Legendary Edition includes Mass Effect 1-3, and almost every single piece of DLC ever made for the games including armor, story missions, characters and more. As a matter of fact, the only content not included was Pinnacle Station for the original Mass Effect, and that’s only because the code was somehow lost at BioWare.

All together, it really is the best edition of some of the best RPGs ever created. Follow Commander Shepard on a space journey spanning three massive games as they builds their team and protect the galaxy from the ultimate destroyer known as the Reapers. Unmissable.

BioWare is now «hard at work» on the next Mass Effect alongside its next Dragon Age game, Dragon Age: Dreadwolf.

11.

Hitman 3

Unfortunately, pure stealth games seem to be a dying genre. Metal Gear? MIA. Splinter Cell? Sigh… But Agent 47 lives on, and his latest outing, Hitman 3, is the best the series – and the entire stealth genre – has seen in years. The conclusion to the new-era Hitman trilogy sees Agent 47 tackle six new missions, from the opening Dubai skyscraper to the Knives Out-like family mansion that follows.

All of them, like the best of this series, can be played many different times in many different ways. Disguises, gadgets, poisons, plotting, planning, and sweet-talking are all tools in your arsenal in the most gloriously fun ways.

Hitman 3 was recently rebranded as Hitman: World of Assassination, moving all of the trilogy’s content into a single game. Next up is Hitman 3’s freelancer mode on January 26.

10.

Sea of Thieves

Sea of Thieves may have launched to lukewarm reviews, but what has happened since is nothing short of extraordinary. The game has built a community of 15 million players and has seen continued support. With free seasonal content like the Pirates of the Caribbean «A Pirates Life» DLC that brought none other than Jack Sparrow to this world of high-sea adventure it’s no wonder so many are diving in every day.

Release Date: March 20, 2018 | Developer: Rare | Last position: 9 | IGN’s Sea of Thieves Video Review | IGN’s Sea of Thieves Wiki

9. Gears 5

While it’s a bit of a backhanded compliment to say that 2019’s Gears 5 is arguably the most visually impressive game on the Series X at launch, the fact remains that the already-gorgeous Gears of War sequel has been dialed up to take advantage of Microsoft’s new console. Better lighting, raytracing, 120fps support in Versus multiplayer — the bottom line is that if you skipped Gears 5 last year, the Series X is a great place to play it for the first time.

The original Gears made our list of the best Xbox exclusives of all time. The Coalition, meanwhile, is working on «multiple new projects» using Unreal Engine 5 and collaborating with Netflix on both a Gears of War movie and an adult animated series.

Release Date: November 10, 2020 | Developer: The Coalition | Last Position: 5 | IGN’s Gears 5 Video Review | IGN’s Gears 5 Wiki

8. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy

While Xbox owners don’t have access to games like Spider-Man or the upcoming Wolverine, if you are looking for a solid Marvel game to play on your shiny new Xbox, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is well worth your time and money. A love letter to the 1980s, this single-player action game with some RPG elements is easy to pick up and play.

The gameplay is fast-paced and rewarding, while the story keeps you invested throughout. Even then, you will certainly get a kick out of the banter between the team. And let’s not forget the soundtrack is full of 80s-mega hits that will have you jamming until the credits roll.

Guardians developer Eidos-Montréal has since been acquired by Embracer Group as part of a larger deal with Square Enix.

Release Date: October 26, 2021 | Developer: Eidos-Montréal | Last position: 8 | IGN’s Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Video Review | IGN’s Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Wiki

7. Microsoft Flight Simulator

One of the greatest technical achievements in video games continues to get better in massive and meaningful ways. Developer Asobo’s commmittment to improving what’s already a masterpiece goes above and beyond big fixes and simple content additions. New planes, new airports, new sights discover and take in makes this globe-trotting simulation more realistic with each new update.

On top of the eye candy and excitement of new aircraft, Asobo is constantly updating and improving the simulation aspects of what is already the most incredible simulation of all-time. Whether you want to grab an Xbox controller and spend some time taking in the vastness of the globe, or you want to go full dad-energy and build a simulated cockpit in your game room, Microsoft Flight Simulator meets (and exceeds) everyone’s needs, regardless of playstyle.

6. It Takes Two

Writer-director Josef Fares – yes, he of «F*** the Oscars!» fame – follows up the equally excellent A Way Out with this, a story about a failing marriage that might just be able to be saved thanks to the couple being turned into children’s dolls and forced to work together to find their way back to their human forms. Play it and we promise you’ll smile.

5. Tunic

Tunic’s most surface influence is obvious: It’s an exploration-based open world game with dungeons, tool upgrades, and skill meter expansions that closely resemble top down Zelda games, especially A Link to the Past. But Tunic also has draws from other great, modern games: Its complex rolling and stabbing combat, especially the show stopping boss fights, are Souls-like in their delightful difficulty, and its punishment for death is also lifted right from Dark Souls; While the late game puzzles develop a language you’ll need to learn that closely resembles FEZ or The Witness. This combination of influences is the foundation of a fantastic game, but Tunic’s greatest element is its most unique. HIdden throughout the world are pages of an NES-like paper game manual. Each page contains something crucial: A puzzle clue, an essential map, a secret entrance – and quite often the pages reveal something hidden in plain site, teaching you about how the game’s secrets work, so you can discover more on your own. It’s a brilliant and often adorable companion (the gorgeous, hand-drawn art in the manual is accompanied by an anonymous player’s scrawls and notes). Because of this, Tunic constantly reminds you you are in a videogame, and plays up that theme in numerous clever ways, smashing through fourth walls like so many bomb-able cracks in a Hyrulian mountainside.

Release Date: March 16, 2022 | Developer: Finji | Last Position: New! | IGN’s Tunic video review | IGN’s Tunic Wiki

4.

Psychonauts 2

Psychonauts 2, the sequel to the 2005 cult-hit Xbox exclusive, had already been crowdfunded when Microsoft purchased developer Double Fine Productions in 2019. But with the additional resources and time that Xbox HQ offered, Psychonauts 2 was able to fulfill its maximum potential that fans waited 15 years go finally see – and that potential was to be one of the absolute best games on the platform.

Raz’s story is emotional, layered, and funny too. Psychonauts 2’s platforming is clever and nuanced. In short, legendary game designer Tim Schafer and the team at Double Fine didn’t just deliver for the pocket of patient Psychonauts fans, they delivered for all gamers.

Dive deeper into Psychonauts 2 with our video feature on the level design of Compton’s Cookoff.

3.

Halo Infinite

They did it. Those crazy sons-of-guns actually did it. Halo Infinite survived its publicly tumultuous development cycle and emerged as exactly the reinvigorating breath of fresh air that the franchise desperately needed after a six-year layoff as well as a supremely disappointing campaign the last time out in Halo 5. Infinite delivers on the promise of an go-anywhere Zeta Halo ring, offering enough activities to make sure you’ve always got something to do without bogging you down in fetch quests.

The grappleshot grappling hook is the biggest new addition to the gameplay mechanics, bringing new mobility options as well as combat choices. Meanwhile, the rest of the equipment hearkens back to Halo 3 in the best of ways, and the free-to-play multiplayer boasts stellar maps, scores of cosmetic customization, and the promise of never-ending future content support. Halo needed a home run, and Infinite bashes the (odd)ball far over the fence.

Developer 343 was recently hit with layoffs as part of a wider restructuring at Microsoft. The developer denied rumors that it’s being taken off Halo, though IGN’s reporting suggests «the situation at 343 appears to be ongoing, and there is a growing — if unconfirmed — conviction that 343 will no longer be Halo’s sole developer when it’s settled.»

2. Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5 isn’t just the best game of 2021 (as IGN’s 2021 Game of the Year winner), it’s also the best car game, period, of at least the last decade. The difference between Horizon 5 and other racing games (not named Forza Horizon) is that it is in fact a driving game. And yes, there’s a difference between a driving game and a racing game. Driving can include racing – and FH5 most certainly does – but perhaps the greatest of its many triumphs is successfully tapping into someone’s love for cars. You don’t need to be a gearhead with a nose for adjusting tire temperatures and maximizing downforce, as you do in simulation racers.

Here, there’s quite literally fun around every corner, whether it’s trying to best your buddy’s photo radar speed, busting through one of the countless billboards scattered around Horizon’s gorgeous fictionalized Mexico, entering proper Horizon Festival events, or just doing goofy multiplayer events. Forza Horizon 5 is as chill and casual or as serious and hardcore as you want it to be, and that’s a near-impossible feat for any car game.

Next up for the franchise is Forza Motorsport. During the first-ever Xbox Developer Direct, Turn 10 Studios revealed the game will feature more than 500 cars and 800 unique upgrades.

1.

Elden Ring

Whether you’re a longtime fan of FromSoftware’s notoriously challenging games or intrigued by the constant buzz, Elden Ring is a fantastic starting point for seeing what the SoulsBorne genre is all about thanks to its streamlined onboarding of new players, versatility in accommodating playstyle, and open-world design that alleviates the brick wall dilemma of getting stuck on a difficult boss. Stuck? Make a note on the jaw-droppingly large in-game map using a handful of variety of pins and simply go somewhere else.

Its that elasticity that make this FromSoftware adventure a (slightly) friendlier one full of godlike bosses looking to snuff out your life, threatingly large map(s), and intriguing NPCs rife with charm, mystery, and tragedy.

Elden Ring offers the same journey and main quest for all who pick up the controller. But it’s open-design in how it allows the player to approach that journey is what makes everyone’s quest through The Lands Between personal and memorable.

Elden Ring is one of the best-reviewed games in modern history. It was crowned Game of the Year by IGN and The Game Awards.

Upcoming Xbox Series X Games

Xbox Series X|S players can now get their hands on the stealth-dropped Hi-Fi Rush, a new rhythm-action game from Evil Within developer Tango Gameworks.

Next up for the platform, on January 27, is EA Motive’s Dead Space remake, which earned a 9/10 from IGN. Also out that day is a visually enhanced version of Rare’s era-defining shooter GoldenEye 007. Microsoft will close out the month with Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition on January 31. First released on PC in 2019, the Definitive Edition includes 83 maps, 42 multiplayer civilizations, 34 single-player campaigns, 10 multiplayer modes, and seven co-op campaigns.

May 12, 2022, updates:

Added: Elden Ring and Tunic.

Removed: MLB The Show 21 and Death’s Door.

Position changes: Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite, Psychonauts 2, It Takes Two, Flight Simulator, Gears 5, Sea of Thieves, Hitman 3, Mass Effect Legendary Edition, Halo: Master Chief Collection, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and The Outer Wilds.

If you buy something through this post, IGN may get a share of the sale. For more, learn more.

Top 10 Xbox 360 Games

February 27, 2019

Likbez

Games

Dark Souls, Red Dead Redemption, Portal 2 and other projects that deserve attention.

1. Assassin’s Creed II

xbox.com

The second part of Assassin’s Creed corrected many of the mistakes of the first and became one of the most popular games of the publisher. The protagonist, the Italian assassin Ezio, travels between Florence, Venice and Forli, investigating the murders of his relatives along the way.

The building-climbing and stealth-killing gameplay is addictive, while the finely recreated Italian renaissance cities are mesmerizing.

Buy Assassin’s Creed II →

2. Grand Theft Auto V

xbox.com

The textures in GTA V on Xbox 360 are less crisp and the effects are less impressive than in versions for more modern consoles. But it almost does not affect the sensations. Still, the main thing in Rockstar games is exciting missions and memorable characters, and GTA V is all right with this. nine0003

This is one of the latest blockbusters to hit the console and one of the most detailed games on it. You can study the map for hours and constantly find something new.

Buy Grand Theft Auto V →

3. Mass Effect 2

xbox.com

In Mass Effect 2, the player takes on the role of Commander Shepard, who must assemble a team of talented fighters to counter an alien threat. To do this, you will have to travel a lot across different star systems, save people and fight evil aliens. nine0003

And maybe go to a nightclub a couple of times, solve a few personal problems of colleagues and enter into a romantic relationship with one of them. In a word, there is something to do in the game. The main thing is not to forget that the universe is threatened with destruction.

Buy Mass Effect 2 →

4. Halo 3

xbox.com

Halo is a popular shooter series known for both epic single-player campaigns and intense multiplayer matches. Now there are not enough players on Halo 3 multiplayer servers, but you can enjoy the story mode. nine0003

In the role of the super-soldier Master Chief, the player must stop the alien coalition Covenant from activating the Halo rings, designed to destroy the galaxy. He has to travel through portals, save old friends and shoot a lot.

Buy Halo 3 →

5. Portal 2

xbox.com

This is one of those games that makes you look at this art form in a different way. At its core, Portal 2 is simple: the heroine must solve riddles with the help of a portal gun in order to escape from a giant underground laboratory. nine0003

It’s amazing how much the developers have time for 10 hours, which lasts a story campaign. Tell a fascinating story with funny characters and tense situations, teach the player about “portal thinking”, introduce dozens of different mechanics without adding a single extra button to the control scheme.

This game is a masterpiece and should not be missed.

Buy Portal 2 →

6. Red Dead Redemption

xbox.com

John Marston, the protagonist of Red Dead Redemption, has done many questionable things in his life. But such is his world — the Wild West does not forgive weakness. Despite the fact that John has long left criminal activity and started a family, the sins of the past suddenly remind of themselves. The hero has to travel across the frontier in search of his former accomplices. nine0003

Like many other Rockstar games, the essence of Red Dead Redemption is the feeling of freedom. The player has access to a huge map, on which you can freely move on a horse, carriages and trains. There are also a bunch of weapons and options.

Buy Red Dead Redemption →

7. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

xbox.com

Modern Warfare is the first Call of Duty game not set during World War II. The player takes on the role of a special forces soldier who, together with his team, must find out the plans of the terrorists and prevent them. nine0003

The game shows the modern war from different angles: through the eyes of a shooter in a helicopter, a sniper behind enemy lines, a soldier in Central Asia. The campaign is full of moments that stick in the memory. What is worth just watching a nuclear explosion or a mission in an abandoned Pripyat.

Buy Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare →

8. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

xbox.com

Skyrim is one of the most popular games in history. The Elder Scrolls series has always had a special status in the gaming community, but the fifth part took it to a new level. In today’s world, Skyrim is practically synonymous with open world RPG. nine0003

There are many reasons for this. Simplicity of gameplay, memorable quests, an epic storyline that allows the player to decide the fate of not only the region, but the whole world. Although the main one is, of course, talking dragons.

Buy The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim →

9. Batman: Arkham City

xbox.com

Batman: Arkham City is a rare example of a really good superhero game. Stealth attacks, crime scene investigations, tactical use of gadgets, long flights through the city at night: the action really makes you feel like Batman. nine0003

It also has a great storyline, featuring most of the classic DC villains and starring actors from the 90s animated series.

Buy Batman: Arkham City →

10. Dark Souls

xbox.com

Dark Souls does not stand on ceremony with the player. From the first minutes, she makes it clear: if you are not good enough, then you will not be able to complete the game. There will be no favors. Therefore, as you progress, you have to improve your skills, learn how to move correctly, block and parry blows.

As a reward, the player receives a sense of satisfaction after defeating the next boss and small pieces of lore from which you can learn more about this doomed world.

Buy Dark Souls →

The best games for Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 game console is a console that will be in demand for more than one year. Its main advantage is a large selection of games that you can buy or download for free if you flash your device under Freeboot. In addition, you can install LT+3.0 firmware, which allows you to read unlicensed and self-written game discs. Over the eight years of the console’s existence, more than a thousand games have been created, but there are those unique ones for which it is worth buying the Xbox 360. Let’s consider which of them occupy a leading position. nine0003

Call of Duty

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a famous first-person shooter released in February 2009. You have to become a part of a special service team that participates in wars around the world: Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Brazil and America. No less popular is the newer version of the shooter — Call of Duty: Ghosts, which went on sale in November last year. More than a dozen different missions and a whole team of players on offer — all the best for a warrior gamer. nineGrand Theft Auto is a series of games with excellent graphics and wide character options. He fully exists in the game, can move around the area in any direction, beat or kill other residents of the city. Grand Theft Auto IV went on sale in December 2008 and immediately became one of the best-selling games on the gaming market. Three years later, its sequel appeared — Grand Theft Auto V with a new exciting storyline in an open virtual world. nine0003

Battlefield

Battlefield 3 is a well-known first-person shooter where you can choose one of four proposed characters. The plot is based on the memories of the American sailor Henry, which begins with an order to find the missing military team in an Iranian town. The fighters will not only have to find the disappeared people, but also fight against the local military organization. If you love destruction games, Battlefield 3 is perfect! Battlefield 4 is a continuation of the famous shooter, but with an original storyline that takes place six years after the events of Battlefield 3.

Gears of War

Red Dead Redemption — adventure action in an open virtual space, which is played from a third person. The protagonist — former criminal John Marson — works as a secret agent of American intelligence. His main goal is to find his former companions and kill them. To do this, he will have to go through a difficult path in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Viva Pinata

Viva Pinata is a real life simulator, the main task is to grow toys from papier-mâché with sweets — piñata. The first version of the game appeared in 2006, two years later — the continuation of the beloved toy for children went on sale. Beautiful virtual reality with deep themes and an interesting plot: in order for a new piñata to grow, certain conditions must be created for it. At the beginning of the game, it is reported that the animals ran away into the forest due to the fact that no one looked after them. In order for piñatas to live on earth and multiply, they must be loved, fed and encouraged. To prevent the creation of an ideal world for heroes can be malware that steals food for piñatas. When the “animal” is destroyed, sweets are poured from it, which can be sold. A cute and kind game for the youngest gamers. nine0003

Dance Central

Crackdown — interesting heroes with superpowers can not only move in all directions around the city, but also fly up to the skyscrapers, make massive jumps and kill with their superpowers. Shooter sales started in February 2007. The plot takes place in Pacific City, which is under the control of three criminal groups. The main character will have to fight the mafia and go through a series of tests. If desired, you can play together using xbox live. Calmness will reign in the city only if you cope with the mission, which you yourself control and build. nine0003

Saints Row

Saints Row — action game entered the gaming market in 2006 — an exciting confrontation between gangs. The genre of the game is a shooter, set in an open world. You can choose weapons, cars and even clothes for your player. In addition, the appearance of the hero can also be adjusted.

Kinect Adventures!

Kinect Adventures! is the perfect game for the most active gamers. It was published in 2010 and immediately became one of the most popular under Kinect. Adventure or sports competition — you choose! Its main advantage is that the player can use the movements of the whole body. The main goal of the game is to score as many points as possible, for which you can get medals — silver, gold or platinum. nine0003

Shadow Complex

Shadow Complex — based on the novel “Empire” by O. Card. The main player roams the dark streets, fights with opponents, for which he receives rewards in the form of bonus points. According to gamers, this is the best arcade game created for this console. It captures and tightens for several hours of continuous play.

Fable 2

Fable 2 — for the Xbox 360 console was released in 2008. A year after the start of sales, it received an award in the “Action and Adventure” nomination. The behavior of the player in Fable depends on his actions. He can be both good and evil, which affects his appearance. The structure of the hero’s body also changes, depending on what he eats. A true friend will help you to successfully complete the game — a dog that can be taught to fight with opponents. This is a unique universe with many opportunities that exist in real life — the acquisition of real estate, marriage and even the birth of children. nine0003

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is the best role-playing game, with an addictive atmosphere and a well-designed character. The plot was created based on the series «The Witcher». First appeared in 2011. Over a million versions were sold in the first year. Magic, adventure and a beautiful virtual world are all in this game.

Lost Odyssey

Lost Odyssey is an exclusive release for the Xbox 360. It was released in 2007. The plot is based on a man who has existed for more than a thousand years, but nothing is stored in his memory. The main player and his team will have to find answers to many mysterious questions, fight the most dangerous and cunning opponents. nine0003

Forza

Forza. If you like to drive modern cars — Forza Horizon will definitely like it. The game was released specifically for the xbox 360 in October 2012 and is considered one of the best for this console. In this version of Forza, you can move in all directions without restrictions. The story takes place in Colorado. Superb graphics and many handy features — all for true racers. You can explore the race alone, as a team, or play against the computer. No less popular among owners of the xbox 360 is the younger version, which was released in 2011 — Forza Motorsport 4. In your virtual garage, you can choose any of several hundred cars and test it on a steep track. If you bought an xbox 360 with Kinect, you can use it in Forza, the game will become brighter and more dynamic. nine0003

Trials Evolution

Trials Evolution is a motocross simulator with the ability to create your own tracks for racing. At your disposal is a cool bike that can overcome any obstacles on the road. You will demonstrate all your motorcycle driving skills on virtuoso ski jumps. You have to go from start to finish in a short period of time at extremely high speed.

On 3 мая, 2023 By alexxlab

Xbox