When the Xbox One launched in 2013, Microsoft entered another fiercely competitive console generation. Facing off against Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Nintendo’s Switch later in the cycle, Xbox shifted its strategy toward building a connected ecosystem — one that tried to blend console, PC, and online services into a single platform.
The Xbox One era delivered some of Microsoft’s strongest first-party efforts. Forza Horizon evolved into a flagship racing series, Halo: The Master Chief Collection preserved a legacy, and Gears 5 refined cover-based action for a new age. At the same time, massive third-party and cross-platform hits like Elden Ring, Red Dead Redemption 2, The Witcher 3, GTA V, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare became shared landmarks of the generation, defining how players explored open worlds and competed online.
It was also a console where services and communities took center stage. Minecraft, Fortnite, Sea of Thieves, and Destiny 2 turned shared worlds into long-running social spaces, while Xbox Game Pass reshaped how players discovered and accessed games.
From blockbuster adventures to endlessly replayable live-service staples, the Xbox One library reflects a generation where games became platforms of their own.
With that in mind, here’s our ranking of the best Xbox One games.
47
Undertale
What it's about: A small child falls into the Underground, where monsters have long been banished by humans and are hunting every human that they find. The player controls the child as they try to make it back to the Surface through hostile environments, all the while engaging with a turn-based combat system with puzzle-solving and bullet hell elements, as well as other unconventional game mechanics.46
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
What it's about: From the makers of Heavenly Sword, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, and DmC: Devil May Cry, comes a warrior’s brutal journey into myth and madness.
Set in the Viking age, a broken Celtic warrior embarks on a haunting vision quest into Viking Hell to fight for the soul of her dead lover.
Created in collaboration with neuroscientists and people who experience psychosis, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice will pull you deep into Senua’s mind.45
Rise of the Tomb Raider
What it's about: Join Lara Croft on her first great tomb raiding expedition as she seeks to discover the secret of immortality. Featuring high-octane action set in the most beautiful and hostile environments on earth, Rise of the Tomb Raider delivers cinematic survival action-adventure.44
Assassin's Creed Origins
What it's about: For the last four years, the team behind Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag has been crafting a new beginning for the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Set in Ancient Egypt, players will journey to the most mysterious place in history, during a crucial period that will shape the world and give rise to the Assassin’s Brotherhood. Plunged into a living, systemic and majestic open world, players are going to discover vibrant ecosystems, made of diverse and exotic landscapes that will provide them with infinite opportunities of pure exploration, adventures and challenges. Powered by a new fight philosophy, Assassin's Creed Origins embraces a brand new RPG direction where players level up, loot, and choose abilities to shape and customize their very own skilled Assassin as they grow in power and expertise while exploring the entire country of Ancient Egypt.43
What Remains of Edith Finch
What it's about: What Remains of Edith Finch is a collection of short stories about a cursed family in Washington State. Each story offers a chance to experience the life of a different family member with stories ranging from the early 1900s to the present day. The gameplay and tone of the stories are as varied as the family members themselves. The only constants are that each is played from a first-person perspective and that each story ends with that family member's death. It's a game about what it feels like to be humbled and astonished by the vast and unknowable world around us. You'll follow Edith Finch as she explores the history of her family and tries to figure out why she's the last Finch left alive.42
Yakuza 0
What it's about: Yakuza 0 is an action-adventure game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega. Serving as a prequel to the Yakuza series, it is set in 1988 Japan during the country's economic bubble era. The game follows two protagonists: Kazuma Kiryu in Tokyo's Kamurocho district and Goro Majima in Osaka's Sotenbori district. Players alternate between their stories as they navigate the criminal underworld, engaging in street fights, managing businesses, and participating in various side activities. The gameplay combines beat 'em up combat with open-world exploration, offering numerous mini-games and side quests. Yakuza 0 was initially released for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan in March 2015, followed by a worldwide release on PlayStation 4 in January 2017. It later became available on Windows via Steam in August 2018 and on Xbox One in February 2020. A Director's Cut version is scheduled for release on Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025.41
Firewatch
What it's about: Firewatch is a single-player first-person video game where you, as a man named Henry, explore the Wyoming wilderness after taking a summer job as a fire lookout. What is supposed to be a peaceful respite from your complicated life takes a turn when you start to question some of the things that are happening to you.
Your only human connection is over a handheld radio, which you’ll use to speak with your supervisor Delilah about the things both of you are experiencing.40
NBA 2K16
What it's about: The NBA 2K franchise is back with the most true-to-life NBA experience to date with NBA 2K16. Guide your MyPLAYER through the complete NBA journey, take control of an entire NBA franchise, or hone your skills online competing against gamers from around the world. With animations that provide smoother movement and more realistic articulation, it’s certain to be the most authentic NBA gaming experience yet.39
Mortal Kombat X
What it's about: Mortal Kombat X is the tenth main game in the one-on-one fighting series and a sequel to the 2011 title Mortal Kombat. The game stays close to the visual style and the mechanics of the 2011 reboot. The main controls are still based on two types of punches and kicks, and blocking, to form combos with uppercuts, teleports, special moves that incorporate weapons and fatalities. The three-tiered energy from the previous title returns, making available X-Ray moves, powered up EX moves and combo breakers. As introduced in Injustice: Gods Among Us, characters can use the environment to re-position themselves or optionally use parts as weapons. Each character now has three variations with different moves and weapons. There is once again a sprinting gauge, returning from Mortal Kombat 4.38
FIFA 17
What it's about: For the first time ever in FIFA, live your story on and off the pitch as the Premier League’s next rising star, Alex Hunter. Play on any club in the Premier league, for authentic managers and alongside some of the best players on the planet. Experience brand new worlds in FIFA 17, all while navigating your way through the emotional highs and lows of The Journey.37
Devil May Cry 5
What it's about: Devil May Cry 5 is a brand-new entry in the legendary over-the-top action series Devil May Cry. The game features three playable characters, each with a radically different stylish combat play style as they take on the city overrun with demons. Developed with Capcom’s in-house proprietary RE engine, the series continues to achieve new heights in fidelity with graphics that utilize photorealistic character designs and stunning lighting and environmental effects.36
Hitman: World of Assassination - The Undying Pack
What it's about: Unlock a series of cosmetics inspired by The Undying Elusive Target mission and gain permanent access to The Oroborous - A three-level Arcade contract featuring The Undying Elusive Target.35
Life is Strange
What it's about: Life is Strange is a five part episodic game that sets out to revolutionize story based choice and consequence games by allowing the player to rewind time and affect the past, present and future.34
Psychonauts 2
What it's about: Psychonauts 2 is a platform-adventure game developed by Double Fine Productions and released in 2021. It continues the story of Razputin “Raz” Aquato, a young psychic who joins the international psychic espionage agency known as the Psychonauts.
Gameplay combines platforming, exploration, and combat with psychic abilities such as telekinesis, pyrokinesis, and mental connection. Players journey through imaginative levels set inside characters’ minds, each reflecting their personalities and struggles.33
It Takes Two
What it's about: Embark on the craziest journey of your life in It Takes Two, a genre-bending platform adventure created purely for co-op. Invite a friend to join for free with Friend’s Pass and work together across a huge variety of gleefully disruptive gameplay challenges. Play as the clashing couple Cody and May, two humans turned into dolls by a magic spell. Together, trapped in a fantastical world where the unpredictable hides around every corner, they are reluctantly challenged with saving their fractured relationship.32
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
What it's about: Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is the sequel to Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and a prequel to the original Metal Gear. The game has a complex story with long cut-scene sequences, but there are fewer and they are shorter compared to earlier Metal Gear Solid titles. Most of the gameplay mechanics introduced in Ground Zeroes are carried over: it is still an action game and stealth oriented but replaces the linear corridor design from most earlier titles with large open world environments that offer the player unrestricted freedom for the approach. The world has now a real-time day and night cycle and various weather effects that influence enemy behaviour, visibility and sound. Sabotaging or destroying certain structures can also influence other parts of the map.31
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
What it's about: Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is the first game of the Resident Evil series to switch from 3rd-person to fully 1st-person perspective. A complete refresh of gameplay systems simultaneously propels the survival horror experience to another level. It is as much horror as it is survival, boosting up scare elements and minimizing downright shooting action. The game allows use of Sony's PSVR Headset to play in VR mode.30
Celeste
What it's about: Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.29
Inside
What it's about: An atmospheric 2D side-scroller in which, hunted and alone, a boy finds himself drawn into the center of a dark project and struggles to preserve his identity.28
Hollow Knight
What it's about: A 2D metroidvania with an emphasis on close combat and exploration in which the player enters the once-prosperous now-bleak insect kingdom of Hallownest, travels through its various districts, meets friendly inhabitants, fights hostile ones and uncovers the kingdom's history while improving their combat abilities and movement arsenal by fighting bosses and accessing out-of-the-way areas.27
Titanfall 2
What it's about: Titanfall 2 will deliver a crafted experience that explores the unique bond between man and machine. Playable offline, the single player campaign in Titanfall 2 will let fans step out onto the Frontier as a Militia rifleman with aspirations of becoming an elite Pilot. Stranded behind enemy lines and facing overwhelming odds, players must team up with a veteran Titan to uphold a mission they were never meant to carry out.26
Doom Eternal
What it's about: Hell’s armies have invaded Earth. Become the Slayer in an epic single-player campaign to conquer demons across dimensions and stop the final destruction of humanity. The only thing they fear... is you.25
Stardew Valley
What it's about: Stardew Valley is an open-ended country-life RPG! You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!24
Dark Souls III
What it's about: Dark Souls III is an action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released in March 2016, it is the fourth entry in the Souls series and the final instalment in the Dark Souls trilogy. Set in the decaying kingdom of Lothric, players take on the role of the "Ashen One," an undead warrior tasked with rekindling the First Flame to prevent the world from falling into darkness. The game features challenging combat, intricate level design, and a deep, lore-rich narrative.23
Outer Wilds
What it's about: Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop. The newest member of the space program in a small village on the planet Timber Hearth, the player navigates a space shuttle and travels across their solar system to get to the bottom of its mysteries by exploring the cosmos and gathering the knowledge hidden within each of the system's planets, left behind by another civilization in the distant past.22
Cuphead
What it's about: Cuphead is a classic run and gun action game heavily focused on boss battles. Inspired by cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio are painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional cel animation (hand drawn & hand inked!), watercolor backgrounds, and original jazz recordings. Play as Cuphead or Mugman (in single player or co-op) as you traverse strange worlds, acquire new weapons, learn powerful super moves, and discover hidden secrets. Cuphead is all action, all the time.21
Ori and the Blind Forest
What it's about: The forest of Nibel is dying. After a powerful storm sets a series of devastating events in motion, an unlikely hero must journey to find his courage and confront a dark nemesis to save his home. Ori and the Blind Forest tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for Xbox One and PC. Featuring hand-painted artwork, meticulously animated character performance, and a fully orchestrated score, Ori and the Blind Forest explores a deeply emotional story about love and sacrifice, and the hope that exists in us all.20
Apex Legends
What it's about: Conquer with character in Apex Legends, a free-to-play Hero shooter where legendary characters with powerful abilities team up to battle for fame & fortune on the fringes of the Frontier. Master an ever-growing roster of diverse Legends, deep tactical squad play and bold new innovations that go beyond the Battle Royale experience-all within a rugged world where anything goes. Welcome to the next evolution of Hero Shooter.19
Overwatch
What it's about: Join the fight for the future in the world of Overwatch and choose your hero from a diverse cast of soldiers, scientists, adventurers, and oddities. Bend time, defy physics, and unleash a dizzying array of extraordinary powers and weapons. Engage your enemies in iconic locations from around the globe in the ultimate team-based shooter.18
PUBG: Battlegrounds
What it's about: PUBG: Battlegrounds is a battle royale shooter that pits 100 players against each other in a struggle for survival. Gather supplies and outwit your opponents to become the last person standing.17
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
What it's about: Carve your own clever path to vengeance as you come face-to-face with larger than life foes in FromSoftware's dark and twisted adventure set in feudal Japan. Unleash an arsenal of deadly prosthetic tools and ninja abilities, while blending stealth, vertical traversal, and visceral combat. Survive a relentless and bloody confrontation on a quest to restore your honor and save the one you're sworn to protect.16
Monster Hunter: World
What it's about: Welcome to a new world! Take on the role of a hunter and slay ferocious monsters in a living, breathing ecosystem where you can use the landscape and its diverse inhabitants to get the upper hand. Hunt alone or in co-op with up to three other players, and use materials collected from fallen foes to craft new gear and take on even bigger, badder beasts!15
Forza Motorsport 7
What it's about: Forza Motorsport 7 immerses players in the exhilarating thrill of competitive racing. From mastering the new motorsport-inspired campaign to collecting a wide range of cars to experiencing the excitement of driving at the limit, this is Forza reimagined.14
Rocket League
What it's about: Rocket League is a high-powered hybrid of arcade-style soccer and vehicular mayhem with easy-to-understand controls and fluid, physics-driven competition. Rocket League includes casual and competitive Online Matches, a fully-featured offline Season Mode, special “Mutators” that let you change the rules entirely, hockey and basketball-inspired Extra Modes, and more than 500 trillion possible cosmetic customization combinations.13
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
What it's about: The little spirit Ori is no stranger to peril, but when a fateful flight puts the owlet Ku in harm’s way, it will take more than bravery to bring a family back together, heal a broken land, and discover Ori’s true destiny. From the creators of the acclaimed action-platformer Ori and the Blind Forest comes the highly anticipated sequel. Embark on an all-new adventure in a vast world filled with new friends and foes that come to life in stunning, hand-painted artwork. Set to a fully orchestrated original score, Ori and the Will of the Wisps continues the Moon Studios tradition of tightly crafted platforming action and deeply emotional storytelling.12
Destiny 2
What it's about: Dive into the world of Destiny 2 to explore the mysteries of the solar system and experience responsive first-person shooter combat. Unlock powerful elemental abilities and collect unique gear to customize your Guardian's look and playstyle. Enjoy Destiny 2’s cinematic story, challenging co-op missions, and a variety of PvP modes alone or with friends. Download for free today and write your legend in the stars.11
Forza Horizon 5
What it's about: Your Ultimate Horizon Adventure awaits! Explore the vibrant and ever-evolving open-world landscapes of Mexico with limitless, fun driving action in hundreds of the world’s greatest cars.10
Gears 5
What it's about: From one of gaming’s most acclaimed sagas, Gears is bigger than ever, with five thrilling modes and the deepest campaign yet. With all-out war descending, Kait Diaz breaks away to uncover her connection to the enemy and discovers the true danger to Sera - herself.9
Sea of Thieves
What it's about: Sea of Thieves offers the essential pirate experience, from sailing and fighting to exploring and looting - everything you need to live the pirate life and become a legend in your own right. With no set roles, you have complete freedom to approach the world, and other players, however you choose.8
Fortnite
What it's about: Fortnite is a free-to-play online game where you and your friends fight to be the last one standing in Battle Royale, join forces to make your own Creative games, or catch a live show at Party Royale.7
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
What it's about: Prepare to go dark, Modern Warfare is back!
The stakes have never been higher as players take on the role of lethal Tier One operators in a heart-racing saga that will affect the global balance of power. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare engulfs fans in an incredibly raw, gritty, provocative narrative that brings unrivaled intensity and shines a light on the changing nature of modern war.
Players will be thrust into an immersive narrative spanning the entire game. Experience the ultimate online playground with classic multiplayer or squad-up and play cooperatively in a collection of elite operations, accessible to all skill levels.6
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
What it's about: The improved and enhanced Halo: The Master Chief Collection features visual enhancements with up to 4K UHD resolution, improved matchmaking, offline LAN, customizable installation options, and faster load times, it’s the definitive way to experience the ultimate Halo saga. Includes the extensive suite of campaign, multiplayer and additional features from Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, and Halo 4 - all updated to run at 60FPS.5
Forza Horizon 4
What it's about: Dynamic seasons change everything at the world’s greatest automotive festival. Go it alone or team up with others to explore beautiful and historic Britain in a shared open world. Collect, modify and drive over 450 cars. Race, stunt, create and explore - choose your own path to become a Horizon Superstar.4
Grand Theft Auto V
What it's about: Grand Theft Auto V is a vast open world game set in Los Santos, a sprawling sun-soaked metropolis struggling to stay afloat in an era of economic uncertainty and cheap reality TV. The game blends storytelling and gameplay in new ways as players repeatedly jump in and out of the lives of the game’s three lead characters, playing all sides of the game’s interwoven story.3
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
What it's about: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an open-world action role-playing game developed by CD Projekt Red.
Set in a dark fantasy world, the game follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter, Ciri, while navigating political conflicts and supernatural threats. Gameplay features exploration, combat, character progression, and branching narratives shaped by player choices. Widely acclaimed for its writing, world-building, and depth, it is considered one of the most influential RPGs of its generation.2
Red Dead Redemption 2
What it's about: Red Dead Redemption 2 is the epic tale of outlaw Arthur Morgan and the infamous Van der Linde gang, on the run across America at the dawn of the modern age.1
Elden Ring
What it's about: Elden Ring is an action RPG developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, released in February 2022. Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, with world-building contributions from novelist George R. R. Martin, the game features an expansive open world called the Lands Between. Players assume the role of a customisable character known as the Tarnished, who must explore this world, battle formidable enemies, and seek to restore the Elden Ring to become the Elden Lord.
The game builds on the challenging gameplay mechanics familiar from the Dark Souls series but introduces a more open-ended structure with vast exploration, dynamic weather, and a day-night cycle. It offers deep lore, complex characters, and an interconnected world filled with secrets, dungeons, and powerful bosses.
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