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, now offering well over 350 games on the console alone. To help you through option paralysis, we rounded up the top games on Microsoft’s subscription platform.
Many titles are available across Xbox and PC, and some of them 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.
Starfield
M
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, although 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.
Read our full Starfield review
Sea of Stars
E10
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS), Adventure, Indie
Developer
Sabotage
Publisher
Sabotage
Release
August 28, 2023
On the other end of the RPG spectrum, Sea of Stars is a love letter to the classic JRPGs of the 16-bit era. If you enjoyed games like Final Fantasy 6 and Chrono Trigger, you’re almost guaranteed to fall in love with this game. The turn-based combat takes elements from Mario RPG but modernizes them and everything around it such as movement and progression to make an adventure that is as cozy in tone as it is to play. This game won’t take you long, but it doesn’t waste a second of your time.
Read our full Sea of Stars review
Deathloop
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
Arkane Studios
Publisher
Bethesda Softworks
Release
September 14, 2021
The roguelike craze has left us with several gems, and while notable examples like Hades are no longer on Game Pass, fans of the genre have another option to turn to with Deathloop. The game takes the recurrent gameplay of roguelikes and gives it a unique story – two rival assassins are trapped in a time loop on the mysterious island of Blackreef. You play as Colt, who must find and take out his eight listed targets by the end of the day or face a reset … all while trying to stay alive. With each reset, you can learn more and improve your arsenal, or choose to enable multiplayer so a friend can take control of your rival to see who wins.
Read our full Deathloop review
MLB The Show 23
E
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 28, 2023
It’s only been three 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 23 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. The real standout in this entry is the new Storyline that follows the Negro Leagues, which is great for historical and representational purposes.
Outer Wilds
E10
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Puzzle, Simulator, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Mobius Digital
Publisher
Annapurna Interactive
Release
May 28, 2019
Outer Wilds is a game you really shouldn’t know anything about. Focused entirely on exploration and discovery, Outer Wilds provides an open-world mystery with the only solution being to continue looking. Even a short synopsis could be considered a spoiler, so stop reading this section if you want to go in fresh. Simply put, you play as an astronaut who’s a member of the Outer Wilds Space Program. After 22 minutes of in-game time, the sun will explode into a supernova, ending the game. You’ll restart right away — with the same, 22-minute time limit — allowing you to explore the solar system and unravel the mysteries that lurk around you.
Sea of Thieves
T
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.
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
M
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher
Versus Evil
Release
May 08, 2018
While Xbox players will have to wait a little while before Baldur’s Gate 3 finally arrives on the system, players can still get their feet wet with the CRPG genre with Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire. This game bucks the usual medieval fantasy trend by putting you in a more pirate-themed adventure. The result is a familiar yet unique take on the CRPG formula, but still holds the solid mechanics and fun interactions you would expect.
Hi-Fi Rush
T
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.
Slay the Spire
E10
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Adventure, Indie, Card & Board Game
Developer
Mega Crit Games
Publisher
Humble Games
Release
January 23, 2019
Slay the Spire is a deck-building game with roguelike elements. In the beginning, you’ll choose one of four characters, each of which has their own set of cards. You’re given a starter deck with basic attack and defense cards, and as you defeat enemies, you’ll be able to add new cards to your deck. Although simple in premise, Slay the Spire’s gameplay loop becomes addicting fast. The game is balanced enough to encourage exploration with different cards, making each run unique. Maybe your character focuses on building up huge attacks, or maybe you focus on defense and inflict status effects on your enemies. No matter your path, Slay the Spire is a fantastic ride.
Grounded
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
July 28, 2020
One of the more charming indie games we’ve seen in some time, Grounded follows a Honey, I Shrunk The Kids premise, with a group of school friends who arre shrunken to the size of ants in the backyard – and now have to learn to survive. Gear up, explore, and fight off dangers like spiders, moths, and other creatures, either solo or with up to three friends. Follow the story to find out what happened and get big again, or just goof off in a backyard (semi-) paradise.
Vampire Survivors
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Indie, Arcade
Developer
Poncle
Publisher
Poncle
Release
December 17, 2021
For months, PC gamers have been enjoying Vampire Survivors on their version of Game Pass, with its addicting blend of rogue-lite elements, horde mode survival, and bullet hell explosions, as well as an endless amount of weapons to experiment with. Your mission is to survive the time-limited game session and collect as much gold as you can so the next survivor can get geared up with better supplies to fight again. It’s vast amounts of fun whether you want to aimlessly plow through vampire armies or dedicate yourself to the best weapons and strategies available.
Psychonauts 2
T
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Double Fine Productions
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
August 24, 2021
Is 15 years too long to wait for a sequel? That depends on how good the original game is — and Double Fine’s Psychonauts was certainly one of the best in its genre. Psychonauts 2 is finally here, and the familiar formula is back, sure to please fans of the old game while making an excellent introduction to the zany, heartfelt world of Psychonauts. The story picks up soon after the first (and a VR side story that was later released), following a boy named Raz, who has left his circus family to train his psychic powers with the acclaimed Psychonauts organization. Raz’s specialty is entering minds and sorting out hidden traumas so that people (heroes and villains alike) can move on in healthy ways. He uses a wide assortment of psychic powers to defeat literal doubts, fears, and panic attacks while navigating worlds chock-full of collectibles and currency that allow him to upgrade or modify abilities. The platforming in Psychonauts 2 is not only excellent but insanely inventive, incorporating every kind of movement you can imagine in ways that make the cartoony world both fascinating and emotionally moving (but not too challenging). Combat sometimes seems like an afterthought as a result, but there’s plenty to do for all kinds of gamers. Take a look at our Psychonauts 2 beginner’s guide to get started.
Read our full Psychonauts 2 review
Hollow Knight
E10
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.
The Elder Scrolls
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher
Bethesda Softworks
Release
November 10, 2011
There isn’t a reason to split these three Bethesda games apart because they’re all excellent Elder Scrolls titles. Everyone has their reasons for liking one Elder Scrolls game over another, but you really can’t go wrong with any of Bethesda’s open-world epics. Morrowind established the franchise on consoles. Even after nearly 20 years, Morrowind has some of the best writing and world design in the series, and the skill system still holds up. Oblivion pushed the freeform design of Morrowind further, adding more depth and things to do in the world. It also fixed Morrowind’s clunky combat system, lowering the barrier to entry for new players. Then there’s Skyrim, which made Bethesda and Elder Scrolls household names. If you have option paralysis, we recommend starting with Oblivion. Skyrim is a close second, but Oblivion defined the systems and world design that Bethesda built upon in Skyrim.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
M
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
M
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.
Read our full Doom Eternal review
Halo Infinite
T
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.
Read our full Halo Infinite review
Forza Horizon 5
E
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.
Read our full Forza Horizon 5 review
Microsoft Flight Simulator
E
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator
Developer
Asobo Studio
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
August 17, 2020
Microsoft Flight Simulator was already a boon to serious simulator lovers when it first arrived, but the Game of the Year edition hitting Game Pass is a greatly improved experience that’s also friendly if it’s your first simulator and you want to learn the ropes. This edition includes added features like more tutorials to learn all the details, Flight Assistant mode while you’re playing more casually, Map Labels to help you pin down specific spots, Land Anywhere mode to help those still getting the gist, and Discovery Flights for pure exploration. That’s in addition to the multiple world and sim updates that Flight Simulator has received since it came out in mid-2021. It’s one of the best possible times to jump in, especially if you have a Series X that can take advantage of the real-world scenery.
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