The Xbox One is approaching its 12th year on the market, yet it continues to receive fantastic new game releases, showcasing the console's enduring appeal. At IGN, our content team has meticulously curated a list of the 25 best Xbox One games, selected after extensive deliberation, to highlight the cream of the crop that the Xbox One has to offer. If you're looking for more gaming options, don't miss our compilation of free Xbox games.
Here's our selection of the 25 best Xbox One games:
More on the best of Xbox:
The Best Xbox One Games (Spring 2021 update)
26 Images
Outer Wilds
Image credit: Annapurna Interactive
Developer: Mobius Entertainment | Publisher: Annapurna Interactive | Release Date: May 28, 2019 | Review: IGN's Outer Wilds review | Wiki: IGN's Outer Wilds Wiki
Outer Wilds is a sci-fi adventure that exudes a unique kind of magic. Its open-ended format might initially leave you adrift in space, but the handcrafted solar system is brimming with intriguing clues, captivating story hints, and awe-inspiring sights that pull you into one breathtaking experience after another. The time loop mechanic adds a thrilling urgency to the serene exploration, making Outer Wilds a journey well worth embarking on. The expansion, Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye, described as "a wonderful return to the clockwork solar system of Outer Wilds," is available for $15 USD. Additionally, a free 4K/60fps update is available for Xbox Series X|S owners.
Destiny 2
Image credit: Bungie
Developer: Bungie | Publisher: Bungie/Activision | Release Date: September 6, 2017 | Review: IGN's Destiny 2 review | Wiki: IGN's Destiny 2 Wiki
Destiny 2's seasonal model was initially met with skepticism, but it has evolved into a compelling narrative that weaves seamlessly from season to season. Its inclusion in Game Pass has broadened its player base significantly. Whether you're battling the darkness with Stasis or simply enjoying the thrill of shooting with cool guns, Destiny 2 has stood the test of time. The expansion, The Final Shape, is now available and continues to draw players in. Check out our free-to-play guide to Destiny 2 for more insights on what you can do without spending a dime.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Image credit: Ninja Theory
Developer: Ninja Theory | Publisher: Ninja Theory | Release Date: August 8, 2017 | Review: IGN's Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice review | Wiki: IGN's Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice Wiki
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice stands out as a masterclass in atmosphere, storytelling, and the seamless integration of gameplay with narrative. Ninja Theory's dedication to Senua's story has resulted in an exceptional experience. The game's striking visuals and deep narrative complement its serious themes, creating a vivid journey through harrowing darkness. Now optimized for Xbox Series X|S, our performance review found that Hellblade even outperforms high-end PCs on this platform. The sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, is available exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Image credit: SEGA
Developer: Ryu ga Gotoku Studios | Publisher: SEGA | Release Date: January 16, 2020 | Review: IGN's Yakuza: Like a Dragon review | Wiki: IGN's Yakuza: Like a Dragon Wiki
Yakuza: Like a Dragon revolutionizes the series with a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and a shift to turn-based RPG mechanics. The game's mix of humor and drama is enhanced by a cast of quirky characters and hilarious side missions, pushing Yakuza's absurdity to new heights. The main storyline delves into themes of betrayal and the lives of marginalized groups. Its sequel, Infinite Wealth, is also available on Xbox One, as is the upcoming 2025 release, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. For more on the series, see our guide to all of the Yakuza games in order.
Gears Tactics
Image credit: Microsoft
Developer: Splash Damage/The Coalition | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: April 28, 2020 | Review: IGN's Gears Tactics review | Wiki: IGN's Gears Tactics Wiki
Gears Tactics successfully transitions the Gears of War series into a turn-based strategy game, akin to XCOM. It retains the series' signature cover-based combat and up-close executions, delivering a compelling strategic experience complemented by a strong narrative and stunning in-engine cutscenes. Gears Tactics is a testament to how well a franchise can adapt to a new genre. The original Gears also made our list of the all-time best Xbox exclusives.
No Man's Sky
Image credit: Hello Games
Developer: Hello Games | Publisher: Hello Games | Release Date: August 9, 2016 | Review: IGN's No Man's Sky review | Wiki: IGN's No Man's Sky Wiki
No Man's Sky is a remarkable comeback story in the gaming industry. Hello Games has continuously supported the game with updates that add quality-of-life features, new challenges, and expansive content, making it beloved by players worldwide. It 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' upcoming survival adventure announced at The Game Awards 2023.
Elder Scrolls Online
Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: June 9, 2015 | Review: IGN's Elder Scrolls Online review | Wiki: IGN's Elder Scrolls Online Wiki
Elder Scrolls Online offers numerous reasons to dive in on Xbox: it's an excellent online RPG with continuous improvements, it's optimized for Xbox Series X, and it's available on Xbox Game Pass. With the absence of The Elder Scrolls 6 for the foreseeable future, ESO provides a vast world to explore in Tamriel without the commitment of a full-time MMO. For a complete timeline, see our guide on how to play the Elder Scrolls games in order.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Image credit: EA
Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA | Release Date: November 15, 2019 | Review: IGN's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order review | Wiki: IGN's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Wiki
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order excels in combat mastery, requiring perfectly timed parries followed by lightsaber flourishes and force powers, especially on higher difficulties. Alongside its stellar gameplay, the game boasts a memorable story that takes you across the galaxy with a diverse crew. The sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is now available on Xbox One and is hailed as one of the best Star Wars games ever made.
Titanfall 2
Image credit: EA
Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA | Release Date: October 28, 2016 | Review: IGN's Titanfall 2 review | Wiki: IGN's Titanfall 2 Wiki
Titanfall 2 not only enhances the multiplayer experience with more Titans, modes, and maps but also introduces an outstanding single-player campaign. This campaign, known for its innovative gameplay twists, is one of the best shooter experiences of this generation. Although Titanfall 3 was in development for 10 months before being canceled in favor of Apex Legends, Titanfall 2 remains a standout title.
Apex Legends
Image credit: EA
Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA | Release Date: February 3, 2019 | Review: IGN's Apex Legends review | Wiki: IGN's Apex Legends Wiki
Apex Legends brought Respawn's slick gunplay into the battle royale genre with its launch in 2019 and has only improved since. Regular seasonal updates introduce new Legends, map changes, and quality-of-life enhancements, keeping the game fresh and engaging. With holiday events and quests, Apex Legends remains a top choice for players looking for a game like Fortnite.
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Image credit: Konami
Developer: Kojima Productions/Konami | Publisher: Konami | Release Date: September 1, 2015 | Review: IGN’s Metal Gear Solid 5 review | Wiki: IGN's MGS 5 Wiki
Metal Gear Solid 5, including both The Phantom Pain and Ground Zeroes, is the most ambitious entry in the series, offering a vast sandbox with a multitude of weapons, vehicles, gadgets, and AI companions. It rewards stealth but doesn't penalize aggressive play, providing a rich experience for fans of open-world stealth games. Despite the creative differences with Konami, MGS 5 remains a highly engaging adventure.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Image credit: Microsoft
Developer: Moon Studios | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: March 11, 2020 | Review: IGN's Ori and the Will of the Wisps review | Wiki: IGN's Ori and the Will of the Wisps Wiki
Ori and the Will of the Wisps builds on the foundation laid by Blind Forest, offering a more vibrant world, an enhanced moveset with a focus on combat, and a poignant story. It's one of the best platformers available, known for its creative puzzles and exhilarating platforming segments. While Microsoft is reportedly no longer working with Moon Studios, the studio has released No Rest for the Wicked, a Dark Souls-inspired ARPG, into early access in 2024.
Forza Horizon 4
Image credit: Microsoft
Developer: Playground Games | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: October 2, 2018 | Review: IGN's Forza Horizon 4 review | Wiki: IGN's Forza Horizon 4 Wiki
Forza Horizon 4 is not only the best in its series but also one of the greatest car games ever made. Its depiction of Great Britain across four seasons, combined with a focus on fun over simulation, creates a uniquely enjoyable experience. With a vast selection of cars, dynamic seasons, and an uplifting soundtrack, Forza Horizon 4 continues to impress. The latest entry, Forza Horizon 5, was IGN's 2021 Game of the Year and is also available on Xbox One.
Gears 5
Developer: The Coalition | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: September 10, 2019 | Review: IGN's Gears 5 review | Wiki: IGN's Gears 5 Wiki
Gears 5, despite dropping "of War" from its title, maintains the series' hallmark third-person cover-based shooter gameplay. It delves deeper into Kait Diaz's backstory, delivering a heartfelt and engaging story. The multiplayer experience is enhanced with the addition of the new Escape mode, alongside the classic Versus and Horde modes. The Coalition is currently developing a prequel, Gears of War: E-Day, and working on multiple new projects using Unreal Engine 5, while also partnering with Netflix for a Gears of War movie and animated series.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Image credit: Microsoft
Developer: 343 Industries | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: November 11, 2014 | Review: IGN's Halo: The Master Chief Collection review | Wiki: IGN's Halo: The Master Chief Collection Wiki
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is the ultimate Halo experience, with six campaigns including the remastered Halo 2 Anniversary. The multiplayer suite has been significantly improved, making it a must-own collection that continues to evolve. Whether you're a veteran of the series or new to the saga, this collection is the perfect entry point into the world of Master Chief.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Image credit: Activision
Developer: FromSoftware | Publisher: Activision | Release Date: March 22, 2019 | Review: IGN's Sekiro: Shadows Die review | Wiki: IGN's Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Wiki
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice delivers FromSoftware's signature challenging gameplay with a focus on precision and skill. Set in a supernatural take on Japanese history, the game's combat and traversal mechanics offer fresh twists on the formula established by the Souls-Borne series. While it may not appeal to everyone, Sekiro is an immensely rewarding experience for those who persevere. FromSoftware's latest, Elden Ring, was named Game of the Year in 2022 by both IGN and The Game Awards.
Inside
Image credit: Playdead
Developer: Playdead | Publisher: Playdead | Release Date: June 29, 2016 | Review: IGN's Inside review | Wiki: IGN's Inside Wiki
Inside is a masterpiece that took six years to perfect. Every aspect of the game, from its visuals to its audio, is meticulously crafted. The non-verbal storytelling leaves a lasting impact, prompting reflection long after completion. It's an unforgettable experience that should not be missed. Playdead's next project is a third-person science fiction adventure set in a remote corner of the universe, to be published by Epic.
It Takes Two
Image credit: EA
Developer: Hazelight Studios | Publisher: EA | Release Date: March 26, 2021 | Review: IGN's It Takes Two review | Wiki: IGN's It Takes Two Wiki
It Takes Two may not push graphical boundaries, but its whimsical, fairy-tale aesthetic is charming. This game is best enjoyed with a friend or loved one, as it cannot be played alone. It offers a unique multiplayer experience with a story about a failing marriage transformed into a cooperative journey back to humanity. Josef Fares' follow-up to A Way Out is a delightful adventure that promises smiles. Hazelight Studios' next game, Split Fiction, is set to release in March.
Control
Image credit: 505 Games
Developer: Remedy Entertainment | Publisher: 505 Games | Release Date: August 27, 2019 | Review: IGN's Control review | Wiki: IGN’s Control Wiki
Control, IGN's 2019 Game of the Year, is a third-person action-adventure that excels in storytelling, character development, and gameplay. Set in a brutalist-inspired environment, it offers a unique take on telekinesis and a compelling mystery. The game keeps players engaged from start to finish, leaving them wanting more. 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
Image credit: IO Interactive
Developer: IO Interactive | Publisher: IO Interactive | Release Date: January 20, 2021 | Review: IGN's Hitman 3 review | Wiki: IGN's Hitman 3 Wiki
Hitman 3 is the most visually stunning and engaging entry in the series to date. From the breathtaking Dubai mission to the intriguing second mission reminiscent of Knives Out, the game offers countless ways to eliminate targets, keeping players engaged for hours. The game has been rebranded as Hitman: World of Assassination, consolidating the trilogy into one experience. IO Interactive is currently focusing on Project 007, a James Bond game.
Doom Eternal
Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: id Software | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: March 20, 2020 | Review: IGN's Doom Eternal review | Wiki: IGN's Doom Eternal Wiki
Doom Eternal stands out as one of the best single-player FPS campaigns on the Xbox One. Its gameplay loop emphasizes the player's badassery, with a continuous challenge of facing hordes of demons. As the campaign progresses, players become faster, smarter, and more powerful, creating a unique and thrilling combat experience. Doom Eternal also features on our list of the best Steam Deck games.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Image credit: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release Date: November 10, 2020 | Review: IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla review | Wiki: IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla Wiki
Assassin's Creed Valhalla represents the evolution of the series into a full-blown open-world RPG. Set in a Norse-Viking world, it offers endless activities and brutal combat. Newcomers can jump right in without prior knowledge, making it accessible to all. The next game, Assassin's Creed Shadows, is set in Feudal Japan. For more on the series, see our guide to the Assassin's Creed games in order.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Image credit: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar Games | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release Date: October 26, 2018 | Review: IGN's Red Dead Redemption 2 review | Wiki: IGN’s Red Dead 2 Wiki
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a technical marvel and a new standard for storytelling in open-world games. It's one of Rockstar's finest works, offering a complex narrative of honor, loyalty, and loss within a meticulously crafted world. The American south and west are brought to life with stunning detail, encouraging exploration and engagement with its rich content. Despite being only seven years old, Red Dead 2 is already among the best-selling games of all time.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Image credit: CD Projekt
Developer: CD Projekt Red | Publisher: CD Projekt | Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Witcher 3 review | Wiki: IGN's The Witcher 3 Wiki
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers a vast and sophisticated RPG experience. Its open-world areas are packed with engaging content, from monster slaying to mystery solving and personal narratives. The game's production values are top-notch, with excellent dialogue, an original soundtrack, and stunning visuals. Alongside two expansive DLCs, it sets a high bar for open-world adventures. CD Projekt Red is developing The Witcher 4, which will feature Ciri as the protagonist, and an Unreal Engine 5 remake of The Witcher 1.
Grand Theft Auto 5 / GTA Online
Image credit: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar Games | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Review: IGN's GTA 5 review | Wiki: IGN’s GTA 5 Wiki
Grand Theft Auto 5's expansive and detailed map remains the pinnacle of open-world gaming. Its single-player story is a gripping crime epic told through three protagonists, while GTA Online offers years of content, from heists to custom races and vehicular combat. With its unparalleled variety and depth, GTA 5 is undoubtedly the best Xbox One game ever. Rockstar has confirmed GTA 6 will release in 2025, set in Vice City with the series' first female playable character. For more on the series, see our guide to the GTA game series.
Upcoming Xbox One Games
Looking ahead to 2025, Xbox One players can anticipate titles such as 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.
