As the Xbox One approaches its 12th year on the market, Microsoft continues to support it with a rich catalog of games. Despite the rise of the current-gen Xbox Series X/S, publishers are still delivering exceptional titles for the Xbox One. After extensive discussions, the IGN content team has curated a list of the 25 best Xbox One games, showcasing the platform's enduring appeal. For those seeking more options, be sure to explore our list of free Xbox games.
Here's our selection of the 25 best Xbox One games.
**More on the best of Xbox:**
- Best Xbox Series X|S Games
- Best Xbox 360 Games
The Best Xbox One Games (Spring 2021 update)
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Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is a sci-fi adventure that blends magic with exploration. Its open-ended structure encourages you to explore a handcrafted solar system filled with intriguing breadcrumbs and captivating stories. The time loop mechanic adds tension and urgency to your journey, making every moment of discovery both thrilling and rewarding. The expansion, Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye, offers more to explore for $15 USD, and a free 4K/60fps update is available for Xbox Series X|S.
Destiny 2
Destiny 2's seasonal model has evolved into a compelling narrative, seamlessly connecting seasons and drawing players into its universe. Its inclusion in Game Pass has broadened its appeal. Whether you're wielding Stasis or engaging in classic gunplay, Destiny 2 continues to captivate with expansions like The Final Shape, which is available now. Check out our free-to-play guide to explore all the game offers without cost.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a testament to storytelling and atmosphere. Ninja Theory's dedication to Senua's journey creates a profound narrative experience. The game's optimization for Xbox Series X|S enhances its visual and performance quality, surpassing even 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
Yakuza: Like a Dragon revolutionizes the series with a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and a shift to turn-based RPG combat. The game balances humor and drama, exploring themes of betrayal and marginalization. Its sequel, Infinite Wealth, and the upcoming Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii are also available on Xbox One. Explore our guide to the Yakuza series for more details.
Gears Tactics
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 delivering a compelling story. Gears Tactics stands out as a seamless genre shift, and the original Gears made our list of the best Xbox exclusives.
No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky is a remarkable comeback story in the gaming industry. Hello Games' continuous updates have transformed it into a beloved title, adding features like Expeditions, overhauled space stations, and cross-platform bases. It's also featured on our lists of the best survival games and games like Starfield. Look forward to Light No Fire, Hello Games' next survival adventure announced at The Game Awards 2023.
Elder Scrolls Online
Elder Scrolls Online offers a compelling online RPG experience that improves with each update, including the addition of Morrowind. It's now optimized for Xbox Series X and available on Xbox Game Pass, making it an accessible and engaging MMO. For a comprehensive timeline, check out our guide on how to play the Elder Scrolls games in order.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order excels in combat and storytelling. Its challenging gameplay, especially on higher difficulties, rewards mastery of the lightsaber and force powers. The narrative follows Cal Kestus across the galaxy, offering a memorable adventure. The sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is available on Xbox One and ranks among the best Star Wars games.
Titanfall 2
Titanfall 2 surpasses its predecessor with an outstanding single-player campaign and enhanced multiplayer. Its campaign stands out for its innovative design and gameplay twists, while the multiplayer offers more Titans, maps, and game modes. Respawn's shift to Apex Legends, after canceling Titanfall 3, reflects their continued innovation in the genre.
Apex Legends
Apex Legends brings Respawn's signature gunplay to the battle royale genre, continuously evolving with new Legends, map changes, and seasonal content. Its engaging gameplay and regular updates make it a staple in the genre, comparable to Fortnite.
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear Solid 5 is the most ambitious entry in the series, offering a vast sandbox with numerous ways to approach missions. Its complex gameplay mechanics and emphasis on stealth make it a standout title for fans of open-world stealth games, despite its incomplete narrative.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Ori and the Will of the Wisps builds on the success of its predecessor with a richer world, enhanced combat, and a poignant story. It's one of the best platformers available, offering creative puzzles and soulful moments. Moon Studios has since released No Rest for the Wicked, a Dark Souls-inspired ARPG, into early access.
Forza Horizon 4
Forza Horizon 4 is not only the best in its series but also the greatest car game of the last decade. Its dynamic seasons and expansive world set in Great Britain offer a unique and enjoyable experience. The latest entry, Forza Horizon 5, was IGN's 2021 Game of the Year and is available on Xbox One.
Gears 5
Developer: The Coalition | Publisher: Microsoft| Release Date: September 10, 2019 | IGN's Gears 5 review | IGN's Gears 5 Wiki
Gears 5 continues the series' tradition of excellent third-person shooter gameplay while exploring Kait Diaz's personal story. Its multiplayer modes, including the new Escape mode, add variety and excitement. The Coalition is developing a prequel, Gears of War: E-Day, and working on multiple new projects, including a movie and animated series with Netflix.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a must-own for fans of the series, offering remastered campaigns and an improved multiplayer suite. It provides the quintessential Halo experience, making it the perfect entry point for newcomers and a nostalgic journey for veterans.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice offers a challenging and rewarding combat experience, distinct from FromSoftware's other titles. Its unique setting and mechanics make it a standout action game, and its developer's latest, Elden Ring, was crowned Game of the Year in 2022 by both IGN and The Game Awards.
Inside
Inside is a masterpiece of narrative and puzzle design. Its non-verbal story and meticulously crafted world leave a lasting impact. Playdead's next game, a third-person science fiction adventure, is eagerly anticipated and will be published by Epic.
It Takes Two
It Takes Two offers a unique and engaging multiplayer experience, requiring cooperation to progress through its whimsical world. Its narrative about a failing marriage turned into a cooperative adventure is both entertaining and heartwarming. Hazelight Studios' next game, Split Fiction, is set to release in March.
Control
Control won IGN's 2019 Game of the Year for its exceptional storytelling and innovative gameplay. Its unique setting and telekinesis mechanics make it a must-play. Remedy has since released Alan Wake 2, which ties into Control's lore, and is developing Control 2 and a multiplayer game, FBC Firebreak, along with remakes of Max Payne 1 and 2.
Hitman 3
Hitman 3 is the best entry in the series since Blood Money, offering stunning visuals and diverse mission approaches. Its rebranding as Hitman: World of Assassination consolidates the trilogy's content. IO Interactive is currently focusing on Project 007, a James Bond game, while the Hitman franchise is on hiatus.
Doom Eternal
Doom Eternal offers one of the best single-player FPS campaigns on Xbox One, with its intense combat and dynamic gameplay. Its challenging encounters and rewarding progression system make it a standout title. Doom Eternal also features on our list of the best Steam Deck games.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Assassin's Creed Valhalla represents the series' evolution into a full-blown open-world RPG, set in a Norse-Viking world. Its engaging combat and expansive content make it accessible to both new and returning players. The next game, Assassin's Creed Shadows, will be set in Feudal Japan. For more on the series, see our guide to the Assassin's Creed games in order.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a technical and narrative masterpiece, offering a richly detailed open world and a compelling story of honor and loss. Its expansive world invites exploration and engagement with its myriad activities and memorable NPCs. Red Dead 2 is already one of the best-selling video games of all time.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a benchmark for RPGs, offering a vast and dense world filled with engaging content. Its narrative depth, expansive world, and exceptional expansions set a high standard for the genre. CD Projekt Red is developing The Witcher 4, featuring Ciri as the protagonist, and an Unreal Engine 5 remake of The Witcher 1.
Grand Theft Auto 5 / GTA Online
Grand Theft Auto 5 sets the standard for open-world games with its detailed map and engaging content. Its single-player story and expansive multiplayer mode, GTA Online, offer endless hours of entertainment. Rockstar has confirmed GTA 6 will release in 2025, featuring a return to Vice City and the series' first female playable character. For more on the series, see our guide to the GTA games.
Upcoming Xbox One Games
There are several exciting upcoming Xbox One games in 2025, including Little Nightmares 3, Atomfall, and the Croc: Legend of the Gobbos remaster.
The 25 best Xbox One games
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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