As the Xbox One approaches its 12th year on the market, it continues to host a robust library of games, despite Microsoft's gradual shift towards the Xbox Series X/S. Publishers are still committed to delivering top-notch titles for Xbox One, ensuring players have plenty of excellent options to choose from. We've meticulously curated a list of the 25 best Xbox One games, selected by the entire IGN content team after extensive deliberation. These titles represent the pinnacle of what the Xbox One has to offer, and we've also included a list of free Xbox games for those looking to expand their library without additional cost.
Here's our selection of the 25 best Xbox One games.
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Outer Wilds is a captivating sci-fi adventure that blends magic with exploration. Its open-ended nature invites players to drift through space and discover a handcrafted solar system teeming with intriguing mysteries and stunning visuals. The time loop mechanic adds both urgency and depth to the serene exploration, making Outer Wilds an unforgettable journey. The expansion, "Echoes of the Eye," provides further depth for $15 USD, and a free 4K/60fps update enhances the experience for Xbox Series X|S owners.
Destiny 2 has evolved with its seasonal model, weaving compelling narratives across seasons. Its inclusion in Game Pass has attracted a broader audience. Whether you're battling with Stasis or enjoying the thrill of combat, Destiny 2 remains a timeless experience, especially with expansions like "The Final Shape" available now. Check out our free-to-play guide to explore what Destiny 2 offers without cost.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is an atmospheric masterpiece that brilliantly blends storytelling with gameplay. Ninja Theory's dedication to Senua's narrative results in a profound experience, with the game's visuals and story enhancing its exploration of serious themes. Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Hellblade even outperforms high-end PCs. The sequel, "Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2," is now available exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon reinvents the series with a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and shifts to a turn-based RPG format. The game's blend of humor and drama, along with its engaging side missions, elevates the Yakuza experience. Its sequel, "Infinite Wealth," and the upcoming "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" are also available on Xbox One. For more on the series, see our guide to all the Yakuza games in order.
Gears Tactics successfully transitions the Gears of War series into a turn-based strategy game reminiscent of XCOM. It retains the series' signature cover-based combat and executions while introducing a strategic layer. The engaging story and high-quality cutscenes add to its appeal. Gears Tactics is a testament to how well a franchise can adapt across genres.
No Man's Sky's remarkable comeback story is a testament to Hello Games' dedication. Through continuous updates, the game has evolved with new features like Expeditions, overhauled space stations, and cross-platform bases, earning it a beloved status among players. No Man's Sky also features on our list of the best survival games and is a great alternative to Starfield. Look forward to "Light No Fire," Hello Games' next survival adventure announced at The Game Awards 2023.
Elder Scrolls Online offers a rich online RPG experience on Xbox, continuously improved with content updates and optimized for Xbox Series X. Its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass makes it accessible for casual play without the commitment of an MMO. With the wait for The Elder Scrolls 6, ESO provides a fantastic way to explore Tamriel. For a complete timeline, see our guide on how to play the Elder Scrolls games in order.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order excels in combat, requiring players to master parries and force powers to overcome challenges. Its engaging story and memorable characters make it a standout adventure across the galaxy. The sequel, "Star Wars Jedi: Survivor," now available on Xbox One, is considered one of the best Star Wars games ever made.
Titanfall 2 surpasses its predecessor with an outstanding single-player campaign and enhanced multiplayer features. Its innovative gameplay twist and variety of game modes make it one of the best shooter campaigns of this generation. Despite the cancellation of Titanfall 3 in favor of Apex Legends, Titanfall 2 remains a beloved title.
Apex Legends has thrived since its 2019 launch, offering regular seasonal content including new Legends, map changes, and quality of life updates. Its battle royale format combined with Respawn's signature gunplay makes it a top choice for players seeking a Fortnite alternative.
Metal Gear Solid 5 is the most ambitious entry in the series, offering a complex sandbox with a vast array of tools for creative mission approaches. While the story may be incomplete, the game's open-world stealth mechanics remain a highlight for fans of the genre.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps builds upon the success of Blind Forest, enhancing the world, combat, and story. Its platforming, puzzles, and emotional narrative make it one of the best platformers available. While Microsoft has reportedly parted ways with Moon Studios, the studio continues to innovate with their latest release, "No Rest for the Wicked," an early access ARPG inspired by Dark Souls.
Forza Horizon 4 stands out as the best car game of the last decade, offering a dynamic experience set in a beautifully rendered Great Britain. Its focus on fun, diverse car selection, and changing seasons make it a joy to play. The series continued its success with Forza Horizon 5, which won IGN's 2021 Game of the Year and is also available on Xbox One.
Developer: The Coalition | Publisher: Microsoft| Release Date: September 10, 2019 | IGN's Gears 5 review | IGN's Gears 5 Wiki
Gears 5 retains the series' signature cover-based shooter gameplay while delivering a heartfelt story centered around Kait Diaz. Its multiplayer modes, including the new Escape mode, add to the excitement. The Coalition is working on a prequel, "Gears of War: E-Day," and multiple projects using Unreal Engine 5, alongside a Gears of War movie and an adult animated series with Netflix.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is the ultimate Halo experience, featuring six games with remastered campaigns and an improved multiplayer suite. It's a must-have for both longtime fans and newcomers to the Master Chief's saga.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice offers a challenging yet rewarding experience with its skill-based combat and unique traversal mechanics. Its supernatural setting and cryptic story set it apart, making it a standout title from FromSoftware. The studio's latest, Elden Ring, was a critical success and crowned Game of the Year in 2022.
Inside is a masterpiece of storytelling and atmosphere, following up on the success of Limbo with a polished and impactful experience. Its puzzles and non-verbal narrative leave a lasting impression. Playdead's next game, a third-person sci-fi adventure, is set to be published by Epic.
It Takes Two offers a unique multiplayer experience, requiring cooperation to navigate its whimsical world. Its story of a couple turned into dolls and their journey to restore their human forms is both entertaining and touching. Hazelight's next game, "Split Fiction," is eagerly anticipated.
Control won IGN's 2019 Game of the Year for its exceptional third-person action-adventure gameplay and storytelling. Its unique setting and telekinesis mechanics make it a standout title. Remedy's latest, "Alan Wake 2," ties into Control's lore, with further expansions planned for Control 2 and a multiplayer game, "FBC Firebreak."
Hitman 3 is the pinnacle of the series, offering breathtaking visuals and engaging missions. Its rebranding as "Hitman: World of Assassination" consolidates the trilogy into a single experience. IO Interactive is now focusing on a James Bond game, Project 007.
Doom Eternal is the best single-player FPS campaign on Xbox One, emphasizing intense combat and player empowerment. Its dynamic gameplay loop and challenging enemies make it a standout title, also featured on our list of the best Steam Deck games.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla represents the series' evolution into a full-blown open-world RPG, offering a rich Norse-Viking world to explore. Its combat and expansive content make it an excellent entry point for new players. The next game, "Assassin's Creed Shadows," will be set in Feudal Japan.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a technical and narrative masterpiece, setting a new standard for open-world games. Its detailed world and engaging story make it one of Rockstar's best works. Despite being relatively new, it's already among the best-selling games of all time.
The Witcher 3 is a landmark RPG with expansive, detailed open-world areas filled with engaging content. Its storytelling, visuals, and expansions set a high bar for the genre. CD Projekt Red is developing The Witcher 4, featuring Ciri, and an Unreal Engine 5 remake of The Witcher 1.
Grand Theft Auto 5's expansive and detailed world remains unmatched, offering a rich single-player story and extensive multiplayer content in GTA Online. Its satirical take on the American dream and vast array of activities make it the best Xbox One game. GTA 6, set in Vice City with a female protagonist, is scheduled for release in 2025.
There are exciting upcoming Xbox One games in 2025, including "Little Nightmares 3," "Atomfall," and the "Croc: Legend of the Gobbos remaster."
Those are our picks for the top Xbox One games. Let us know in the comments what’s on your list that didn’t make ours or create your own ranked list using our tier list tool above!
Be sure to also check out our lists of the Best PS4 Games, the Best PC Games, and the Best Nintendo Switch Games.
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