After seven years within the highlight, the Xbox One is not on middle stage due to the Xbox Sequence X|S. That stated, it is not fairly time for the Xbox One’s curtain name but, as Microsoft and third-party builders will probably assist the Xbox One for not less than a pair extra years. Even Microsoft’s largest unique of 2021, Halo Infinite, will seem on Xbox One when it launches. Nonetheless, it is not a foul time to look again on the experiences that outlined the Xbox One’s outstanding run. Whereas the Xbox One is a tad mild on exclusives, the library remains to be full of an exquisite assortment of video games that may stick to us for some time. Practically each Xbox One sport works on Xbox Sequence X–and some even have enhancements–so Sequence X homeowners ought to try among the gems from the final console era whereas they wait for brand spanking new experiences. With that in thoughts, we have rounded up the 25 greatest Xbox One video games of all time–in alphabetical order, not ranked.
From early hits comparable to Grand Theft Auto 5 and Sundown Overdrive to current darlings like Hitman 3 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, our listing hopefully has one thing for everybody. A few of these games–such because the first-party Microsoft titles–are even out there to play without spending a dime in case you subscribe to Xbox Game Pass. Should you additionally occur to personal different consoles, ensure that to take a peek at our picks for the best Nintendo Switch games and best PS4 games. Xbox One customers also needs to have a look at our roundup of the best games to play with an Xbox Game Pass subscription. Should you do not have already got Recreation Cross, consider new subscribers can get their first month of Final for $1.
Contents
- Control
- Cuphead
- Devil May Cry 5
- Dishonored 2
- Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive edition
- Forza Horizon 4
- Gears 5
- Grand Theft Auto 5
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection
- Hitman 3
- Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
- Monster Hunter World: Iceborne – Master Edition
- Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Outer Wilds
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- Resident Evil 2
- Sea of Thieves
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
- Stardew Valley
- Sunset Overdrive
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Titanfall 2
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Control
Treatment Leisure’s Management additional cemented the studio’s standing as one of the crucial ingenious builders of recent motion video games. Just like the studio’s earlier video games, Management works onerous to offer thrilling motion gameplay that feeds right into a wealthy story stuffed with twists and turns. In Management, you play as Jesse Faden, the brand new director of the Federal Bureau of Management, a authorities company that investigates paranormal phenomena. Management’s winding story is riveting to observe play out due to intelligent world-building and plausible characters. The powers Jesse beneficial properties all through her journey are equally mesmerizing and result in among the most trendy motion sequences and puzzles we have seen in a AAA sport. Expertly paced, exploration by way of the FBC’s headquarters feels very similar to a metroidvania, with areas gated off till you purchase new talents. The pair of post-launch expansions add to the story, and followers of Alan Wake undoubtedly will not wish to miss out on them.
See our Control review.
Cuphead
Each a stunning ode to basic cartoons and a sophisticated run-and-gun, Studio MDHR’s Cuphead is a pure delight and one of many uncommon kinds of video games that feels timeless. Although Cuphead has since moved to different platforms, it was initially solely out there on Xbox One and PC. After Cuphead and his brother Mugman gamble away their souls, the Satan provides them the prospect to maintain them by procuring the souls of an eclectic bunch of formidable foes. Cuphead largely consists of difficult boss battles, however every part of Inkwell Isle additionally has a pair of deftly designed run-and-gun ranges. Cuphead’s motion gameplay has a stupendous simplicity to it that hinges on well-timed dodges and memorization quite than elaborate controls. Whereas the gameplay is delightfully difficult, the actual draw of Cuphead is the presentation. Resembling Nineteen Thirties-style cartoons, Cuphead’s hand-drawn characters and animations have a outstanding consideration to element. The authenticity of Cuphead’s graphics is additional bolstered by a catchy jazz soundtrack that at all times hits the suitable notes primarily based on the state of affairs taking part in out on display screen. Cuphead is an all-around triumph.
See our Cuphead review.
Devil May Cry 5
Whereas Satan Might Cry 5 does not carry a ton new to the desk, it nonetheless manages to really feel extremely contemporary and nostalgic in the identical breath. Open-world motion video games have shoved level-based linear motion video games to the aspect over the previous decade, so Satan Might Cry 5’s inflexible dedication to “previous methods” stands out. There is a stage of focus to Satan Might Cry 5, which continually thrusts you within the middle of the motion, that makes it continually thrilling. With three playable characters (and a fourth through paid DLC), Satan Might Cry 5 gives a number of selection on the subject of fight. It options one of the crucial elaborate combo programs within the trendy motion sport style, and it solely will get higher the extra you experiment.
See our Devil May Cry 5 review.
Dishonored 2
Dishonored 2 marries stealth with motion fight to create one of the crucial engrossing gameplay experiences on Xbox One. Whereas Arkane Studios’ first Dishonored sport is nice, the sequel is beautiful, including a variety of talents that offer you much more methods to method the intricately designed missions. The non-linearity of the gameplay, which lets you do something from sneak your manner by way of your complete game–not killing anyone–to killing each enemy in sight, is the place Dishonored 2 actually shines. Although the story falls flat, Dishonored 2’s terrific gameplay makes it probably the greatest motion and stealth video games on Xbox One.
See our Dishonored 2 review.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive edition
Divinity: Unique Sin 2 is not only probably the greatest tactical RPGs on Xbox One; it is probably the greatest ever made in its style. Set within the wealthy fantasy world of Rivellon, Divinity: Unique Unique 2 could be performed solo or cooperatively with as much as three different gamers. Practically each side of Divinity: Unique Sin 2 is finetuned. The tactical turn-based fight is rigorously layered, permitting for loads of room for experimentation. It is bolstered by in-depth character customization and an improve system that provides you immense management over the expertise. In between battles, the world involves life, drawing you right into a well-written story that unfolds over the course of 50-plus hours.
See our Divinity: Original Sin 2 review.
Forza Horizon 4
Although Forza Horizon is technically a spin-off collection, it has advanced through the years to change into arguably much more spectacular than the mainline Forza collection. Forza Horizon 4 takes the open-world racing collection to new heights. The great thing about Forza Horizon 4 is that it artfully blends arcade racing with realism, making the expertise each approachable and layered. The beautiful locale primarily based on Nice Britain is chock-full of actions, every of which may really feel totally different relying on the present climate. With an enormous secure of autos, a wealth of content material whether or not you play solo or within the well-designed on-line mode, and a bevy of customization choices, Forza Horizon 4 is pure bliss for racing followers.
See our Forza Horizon 4 review.
Gears 5
Gears 5 could have dropped the “of Struggle” from its title, but it surely’s a way more diverse third-person shooter than its predecessors. The marketing campaign, which facilities on Kait Diaz, follows the standard act construction for the reason that collection’ inception, however the ranges are way more open, encouraging you to make use of recent talents and weapons. The duck-and-cover gunplay feels acquainted, although that is not likely a foul factor since Gears has at all times felt nice in movement. The web multiplayer can also be refined due to new in-depth development programs and quite a lot of modes, together with a enjoyable co-op variant to go alongside Horde. Gears 5 is without doubt one of the greatest Xbox console exclusives, and it is out there to play without spending a dime in case you’re a Recreation Cross subscriber.
See our Gears 5 review.
Grand Theft Auto 5
Grand Theft Auto 5 initially launched simply months earlier than the Xbox One launched, however the graphical enhancements seen within the Xbox One model that launched the next 12 months make it worthy of inclusion right here. Much more than seven years after its launch, Grand Theft Auto 5 is persistently one of many best-selling games–for good purpose. On the subject of open-world motion video games, it does not get a lot better than GTA 5. The story, which stars a trio of lower than savory people, is well-written and full of thrilling missions that benefit from the fictional metropolis of Los Santos. These days, most individuals play the sport for Grand Theft Auto On-line, a continually up to date multiplayer mode that options each cooperative and aggressive actions. Grand Theft Auto 5 is a kind of video games that each Xbox One proprietor ought to not less than attempt. Extremely polished and extremely engrossing, GTA 5 nonetheless feels innovative all these years later.
See our Grand Theft Auto 5 review.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Grasp Chief has been the de facto Microsoft mascot for practically twenty years now, so it is virtually a should that every one Xbox One homeowners ought to have a replica of Halo: The Grasp Chief Assortment. Although The Grasp Chief Assortment had fairly main on-line multiplayer points when it launched, these have been cleaned up. The gathering compiles six video games within the iconic FPS collection (every little thing pre-Halo 5). The unique two Halo video games are remastered, too, which makes them extra modernized and look drastically higher. Whereas the collection has had its ups and downs in recent times, the early entries face up to the check of time. This assortment features a few of the very best first-person shooters ever constructed from each a single-player and multiplayer perspective.
Hitman 3
The World of Assassination trilogy is solely probably the greatest stealth collection ever made, and IO Interactive raised the bar with its finale, Hitman 3. With a heavier concentrate on the narrative, Hitman 3 attracts you into its brilliantly designed sandbox ranges. The world actually is your oyster in these missions, as you may deal with targets nonetheless you see match. Although it does really feel like a continuation of its predecessors in a number of methods, Hitman 3 cleverly introduces new twists just like the unbelievable homicide thriller stage. Hitman 3 additionally occurs to have among the most full of life and fascinating NPCs, which assist make this absurd and darkly humorous world come to life. You must completely play the primary two video games within the trilogy, too, and you’ll even import the entire ranges into Hitman 3 to play them with new enhancements.
See our Hitman 3 review.
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
If Metallic Gear Strong V: The Phantom Ache actually does wind up because the final sport within the storied stealth collection, not less than it went out on a stellar notice. The Phantom Ache has one of the crucial harrowing openings in a sport on Xbox One earlier than giving option to an impressed open world that is a pure pleasure to discover. Mechanically, The Phantom Ache is essentially the most approachable sport within the franchise, and the open-world design provides you a stage of freedom not provided within the collection earlier than. The narrative could not make a complete lot of sense in case you aren’t a diehard Metallic Gear fan, but it surely’s full of high quality writing and memorable characters.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne – Master Edition
It is ridiculously straightforward to sink lots of of hours into Monster Hunter World and its glorious growth Iceborne. Capcom’s action-RPG collection wasn’t as in style exterior of Japan earlier than World arrived, but it surely has lastly obtained the widespread recognition and viewers it deserved. Monster Hunter largely follows a singular loop the place you monitor and hunt/seize formidable monsters throughout varied locales. It is best performed cooperatively with associates, as every hunt is a making an attempt endeavor that exams your endurance and skill to adapt on the fly. World has an exquisite vary of customization options and 14 weapons that play drastically in a different way, giving hunters room to experiment with playstyles. The locales are larger and higher designed in World, as are the monsters, who’ve dynamic conduct programs that hold hunts fascinating. One of the best half about Monster Hunter World is that even if you end the story, there’s tons to do–and the Iceborne growth provides much more fulfilling endgame content material.
See our Monster Hunter World review.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
Mortal Kombat has at all times performed an awesome job interesting to informal preventing sport followers and people who memorize each combo for aggressive matches. And Mortal Kombat 11 is not any totally different on this regard. With a deep, ,trendy, and approachable preventing system, Mortal Kombat 11 permits you to determine how far you wish to dive down the rabbit gap. The cinematic story mode is unsurprisingly foolish, but it surely’s nonetheless an entertaining option to study the ropes, whereas the Towers of Time mode provides a rotating batch of enjoyable single-player content material. You would be onerous pressed to discover a higher preventing sport for solo gamers, and it is also a complete lot of enjoyable taking part in towards associates regionally or on-line. We might advocate grabbing the Final version, because it comes with the sport’s enormous roster of 30-plus fighters and the Aftermath story growth.
See our Mortal Kombat 11 review.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
A vibrant and transferring journey, Ori and the Will of the Wisps stands out amongst the crowded style of side-scrolling platformers on Xbox One. The long-awaited sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest balances the finely tuned platforming we keep in mind with extra motion to create a well-rounded and layered journey. The sprawling map is full of dazzling areas, every of which include a bevy of tough platforming sequences, secrets and techniques, and harmful enemies. The evocative story doesn’t want many phrases to drag at your heartstrings. You must completely play Ori and the Blind Forest as properly, however the Will of the Wisps well expands on the sturdy basis to construct a must-play action-platformer that sticks with you lengthy after the credit roll.
See our Ori and the Will of the Wisps review.
Outer Wilds
Should you might play any sport with out figuring out a single factor about it, Outer Wilds can be the best selection. So, we’ll give you the naked minimal: In Outer Wilds, you’re a burgeoning explorer seeking to uncover the mysteries of a photo voltaic system. The catch is that the photo voltaic system is caught in a 22-minute time loop, and also you’re the one particular person round who’s aware of this conundrum. As you journey throughout the small however lovingly crafted world, you piece collectively tidbits of knowledge that make it easier to slowly unravel the mysteries of Outer Wilds with every successive run. It is one of the crucial enthralling narrative-focused adventures on Xbox One.
See our Outer Wilds review.
Rainbow Six Siege
Rainbow Six Siege is without doubt one of the greatest multiplayer first-person shooters ever made, and it’s arguably the perfect tactical shooter on consoles. Since its launch in 2015, Rainbow Six Siege has constructed off of a basis of exact, impactful gunplay and brilliantly designed maps to create a persistently rewarding multiplayer expertise. With greater than 50 distinctive operators, 20 maps, and a full of life participant base, Rainbow Six Siege is without doubt one of the uncommon first-person shooters that at all times looks like there’s extra to study. Siege has a comparatively steep studying curve, but it surely’s well worth the effort and time. Siege can also be on Recreation Cross, so subscribers can test it out to see if it clicks with them.
See our Rainbow Six Siege review.
Red Dead Redemption 2
For a sport centered on an outlaw gang with a propensity for violence, it’s considerably shocking that Crimson Useless Redemption 2 is at its greatest when the mud settles and also you’re chatting with townsfolk, touring by horseback, or finishing one of many many missions that doesn’t essentially require violence. Rockstar’s follow-up (which is definitely a prequel) follows Arthur Morgan, a gruff however lovable man who’s a member of the Van der Linde gang throughout the fall of the Wild West. The lavishly designed open world is breathtaking and simply one of the crucial spectacular from a visible standpoint on Xbox One. What makes Crimson Useless Redemption 2 so distinctive within the open-world style is the deliberateness of its gameplay, which feels extra methodical and slow-paced than most comparable titles. From an animation and sound design level, Crimson Useless Redemption 2 has few friends, and the graceful transitions between cutscenes and gameplay give it a cinematic really feel. Crammed with great writing and well-drawn characters, the prolonged solo marketing campaign is an exhilarating journey. Crimson Useless On-line provides to the expertise by providing stay service multiplayer with cooperative missions and aggressive sport modes.
See our Red Dead Redemption 2 review.
Resident Evil 2
Capcom’s Resident Evil 2 remake remained trustworthy to the unique whereas modernizing the controls and tweaking the story to in the end create probably the greatest experiences within the storied franchise. Although extraordinarily just like the 1998 sport, the graphical energy of the Xbox One helps intensify the frights–of which there are a lot of. A lingering sense of dread blankets your complete marketing campaign. A lot of this may be traced to Mr. X, one of the crucial terrifying characters in franchise historical past. He exhibits up if you least anticipate it, which retains you looking out for one more spine-chilling encounter. For individuals who lengthy for old-school third-person survival horror, the Resident Evil 2 remake is a top-notch possibility. It’s gripping, persistently horrifying, and does a outstanding job of constructing you are feeling such as you’re by no means fairly protected.
See our Resident Evil 2 review.
Sea of Thieves
When Sea of Thieves launched in 2018, it was a superb sport however lacked content material and incentives to maintain taking part in for the lengthy haul. Uncommon has steadily added to the cartoon pirate journey, giving gamers a close to limitless variety of actions to finish solo or cooperatively and development programs that make all of it worthwhile. Although Sea of Thieves is lighthearted in tone, don’t mistake the colourful open world as a spot to embark on a leisurely journey. Different gamers aren’t at all times crusing the excessive seas to be pleasant. Sea of Thieves builds pressure properly, as you by no means know if you’ll be caught in a battle towards a nefarious pirate who needs your hard-earned treasure. At its core, Sea of Thieves is, in fact, a quest to be the very best pirate you could be, and now it’s truly price working towards that purpose.
See our Sea of Thieves review.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
From Software program’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice takes cues from the massively in style Darkish Souls collection by way of problem, however the fight is solely totally different. Set within the Sengoku interval in Japan, you play as a shinobi named Wolf working to revive steadiness after a profitable coup. Sekiro is a extremely demanding expertise that focuses on blocks and parries. With the intention to defeat enemies, you must deflect assaults and spar till they change into unbalanced. It is an intriguing fight system that actually forces you to place your self at risk always; that is on show greatest throughout every of Sekiro’s daunting boss fights. Although you do purchase some upgrades all through, Sekiro is principally a sword-fighting sport that requires you to grasp your abilities, and it’s prime of its class on this regard. Whereas exploring the richly drawn world, you’re inspired to be stealthy, which helps provide the higher hand in fight. Sekiro is a unique type of beast, however From Software program’s iconic model is baked into its DNA to create one of the crucial technically sound and distinctive motion video games round.
See our Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice review.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is arguably the final word rest sport. At this level, you may play it on PC, all main consoles, and mobile–and it most likely gives the very best bang on your buck on this listing no matter the place you play. Since its launch greater than 5 years in the past, developer ConcernedApe has launched a collection of free updates which have added a ton of recent content material. The charming pixelated graphics mesh properly with the leisurely tempo of Stardew Valley’s loop. From increase your farm and exploring the mines to conversing with locals and growing lasting relationships, Stardew Valley is a smile-inducing farming and social sim that you may simply dump lots of of hours into with out becoming bored.
See our Stardew Valley review.
Sunset Overdrive
Sundown Overdrive is probably not as well-known as a few of Insomniac Video games’ different properties, but it surely’s one of many standout console exclusives on Xbox One. Set in a fictional metropolis circa 2027, you play as an worker of an power drink firm who fights those that have overdosed on the drinks, turning them into rage-filled beasts. It is an admittedly foolish premise. Nevertheless, Sundown Overdrive makes use of it to its benefit, crafting a humorous and explosive world full of fascinating characters and loads of high-octane motion. Sundown Overdrive’s open world is suffering from ziplines and grind rails that assist make transferring really feel like a skateboarding sport. Mix that with weaponry as zany as Insomniac’s Ratchet & Clank collection and you’ve got your self an exhilarating action-shooter. You may even see Sundown Overdrive’s DNA in Insomniac’s Marvel’s Spider-Man collection. Sundown Overdrive by no means takes itself too severely, which helps hold it lighthearted all through the roughly 10-hour story.
See our Sunset Overdrive review.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt set a brand new excessive watermark for open-world RPGs when it launched in 2015. The narrative bones have been at all times there, however earlier video games within the collection had clunky fight. The Witcher 3 rectifies this, creating an engrossing fantasy journey that balances story with gameplay for an entirely pleasurable expertise. Brimming with nice writing and world-building, Wild Hunt tells a fastidiously crafted story that retains you invested all through its prolonged runtime. Geralt of Rivia is without doubt one of the most memorable protagonists within the style, and the supporting cast–even minor characters you meet throughout non-obligatory quests–draw you additional into the sweeping story. We might advocate snagging the Recreation of the 12 months version, because it comes with each of the great post-launch expansions.
See our The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt review.
Titanfall 2
Respawn Leisure’s Titanfall was one of many earliest console exclusives for Xbox One and the primary one to have the next-gen “wow” issue. Sarcastically, its 2016 sequel is on this listing for one thing the unique and plenty of video games within the first-person shooter style have deserted: a single-player marketing campaign. Titanfall 2’s marketing campaign is without doubt one of the greatest within the wealthy historical past of first-person shooters due to some severely spectacular stage design and mechanics that really feel solely distinctive. Titanfall 2’s parkour motion system and exact, satisfying gunplay mixed with the nice mech gameplay makes for a various expertise whether or not you’re taking part in solo or on-line multiplayer. Sadly, Titanfall 2’s multiplayer servers are wastelands now, however the single-player marketing campaign shouldn’t be missed.
See our Titanfall 2 review.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Sega’s Yakuza franchise has grown extra in style through the years in North America, and in case you’re seeking to bounce in, the newest entry is not a foul place to begin. Yakuza: Like a Dragon stars a brand new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, who was in jail and wound up getting betrayed by his boss. Now free, Ichiban searches for solutions and seeks to show his life round. Like a Dragon is a giant departure from different video games within the collection, because it switches from beat-’em-up gameplay to turn-based fight. Due to the party-based fight system, Like a Dragon has room to develop relationships between characters in a manner that wasn’t doable in earlier entries. The sweeping story is full of humor, a myriad of twists, and expertly written characters. Along with diverse mainline missions which can be held collectively by thrilling fight encounters, there is a plethora of genuinely superior aspect content material. Yakuza: Like a Dragon compels you to see and do all of it; it is that good.
See our Yakuza: Like a Dragon review.