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, and now offers well over 350 games on that console alone, meaning nearly all the best Xbox Series X games are on this service. To help you through option paralysis, we rounded up the top games on Microsoft’s subscription platform.
Many titles are available on Xbox and PC, and some 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 with upcoming video games, so check out our monthly guide for addition and removal announcements. We also keep a list of the best PlayStation Plus games so you can see what the competition is playing.
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Avowed
Platforms
Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
February 18, 2025
One of 2025’s most anticipated RPGs, Avowed, is easily one of the best adventures you can take on Game Pass. Explore the Living Lands as your own custom character in this contained but deep world that is brimming with history and personality. This game is a beautiful blend of open-world exploration, satisfying combat, and rich writing and characters that balance each other out. If you are looking for a new world to get lost in and characters to fall in love with, Avowed is Obsidian at its best.
Starfield
48%
3.5/5
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. However, 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.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
88%
4/5
Platforms
Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
Genre
Puzzle, Adventure
Developer
MachineGames
Publisher
Bethesda Softworks
Release
December 09, 2024
It was sadly past the date for most game of the year awards in 2024, but Indiana Jones and the Great Circle should not be overlooked. MachineGames and Bethesda took a bit of a gamble making this into a first-person game, but now that we fully understand how the game functions it makes perfect sense. This is almost a mini immersive sim, where you have detailed zones to explore, solve puzzles, and navigate around using your various tools. Combat is simple but satisfying, and it never gets old to smash a guitar over the back of a Nazi’s head.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
82%
3.5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Treyarch, Raven Software
Publisher
Activision
Release
October 25, 2024
We were all waiting for the Activision deal to go through so we could finally start seeing the best Call of Duty games hit Game Pass. It took a while, but that wait paid off with the newest entry, Black Ops 6. This is the return to form fans have been waiting for thanks to a bombastic campaign, revamped movement system for multiplayer, and classic Zombies mode to sink your teeth into.
Monster Train
82%
Platforms
Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Indie, Card & Board Game
Developer
Shiny Shoe
Publisher
Good Shepherd Entertainment
Release
May 21, 2020
If you somehow missed Monster Train, now is the time to hop aboard. This is a deck-building roguelike that combines elements of an autobattler in a magnificent blend. You will place units on your multi-layered train to repel invading monsters from reaching and destroying the core. Like the best games in the genre, there are tons of ways to build your team of demons and tough choices presented along the way. Runs aren’t huge time commitments, either, and there are some cool multiplayer modes to mess around with.
Diablo
84%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation, Mac
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Strategy
Developer
Blizzard North
Publisher
Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Square Electronic Arts, Sourcenext
Release
December 31, 1996
Everyone has at least heard of Diablo, if not played one version or another. Sure, Diablo 4 is out now and great, but this is a perfect time to go back and see how far the ARPG genre has come. It is certainly rough, but has all the core systems of RPG progression, fun character classes to try out, and deadly encounters against the minions of Diablo. You may not stick with it for hundreds of hours, but it is still fun while it lasts and a classic that we’re glad to see more easily available.
Madden NFL 25
Platforms
Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox One
Genre
Simulator, Sport, Strategy
Developer
EA Orlando
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release
August 16, 2024
Whether it’s football season or not, there’s never a bad time to play Madden. This entry is the most refined entry you can find on Game Pass, with upgraded physics, visuals, and modes to make it the ultimate football simulation. You can choose to pit your favorite team against its rival, head online for competitive games, or go through the career mode depending on your mood. Love it or hate it, you know what you’re getting with Madden so having a fresh version on Game Pass is an obvious pick.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
82%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Vicarious Visions
Publisher
Activision
Release
June 30, 2017
We all might associate Crash with PlayStation, but the shorts-wearing Bandicoot is actually owned by Activision and has been on all platforms for years. The N Sane Trilogy is a delightful remake of the first three games originally developed by Naughty Dog on the PS1. The facelift to the graphics makes this cartoon-inspired world and characters pop, but the gameplay needed no touching up to feel modern. Just be ready for a challenge because this platformer isn’t for the faint of heart.
Another Crab's Treasure
84%
Platforms
Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure, Indie
Developer
Aggro Crab Games
Publisher
Aggro Crab Games
Release
April 25, 2024
Game Pass is full of difficult games and soulslikes, but Another Crab’s Treasure flips that genre on its head. It has all the mechanics of a FromSoftware game, but with a cartoon art style, whimsical tone, and plenty of accessibility options to make it more appealing to those who find that style of game too difficult. You play as a humble hermit crab trying to get their shell back but end up going on a quest to discover the truth behind the source of the ocean’s pollution. It’s a breath of fresh air for the genre and a great little adventure that is perfect for Game Pass.
Sea of Thieves
68%
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.
Watch Dogs: Legion
67%
Platforms
Google Stadia, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox One
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Ubisoft Toronto
Publisher
Ubisoft Entertainment
Release
October 29, 2020
The third entry in the Watch Dogs series had mixed reviews at launch but is a great time if you come at it with the right expectations. Rather than expect a deep character-driven story, Legion wants you to treat it more like a sim sandbox where you collect tons of characters with their own skills and use them to play around in a big open world playground. If you just want a fun game to play with various systems in and do some generic open world activities, you can do far worse than this.
One Lonely Outpost
Platforms
PlayStation 4, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Simulator, Strategy, Indie
Developer
Freedom Games
Publisher
Freedom Games
Release
June 26, 2023
If you’re craving a new game like Stardew Valley on Game Pass, give One Lonely Outpost a try. You’re let loose on an alien planet with the goal of terraforming the land by planting crops, building the infrastructure, and even raising robotic farm animals. Building up your colony it a delight and a fantastic cozy game with a sci-fi twist that makes it just unique enough to stand out without breaking away from what we love about farming sims.
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
87%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac
Genre
Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
Developer
Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher
Blizzard Entertainment
Release
July 27, 2010
Blizzard has made some of the best PC games of all time, with Starcraft 2 being its last great RTS. Featuring the classic trio of Protoss, Zerg, and Terran, this campaign puts you in command of an army across various scenarios and situations to see if you have the tactical mind to overcome. If you missed out on this gem, this campaign collection gives you the base game plus all the DLCs to experience the full Starcraft experience… except for the multiplayer, sadly.
Metal Slug Tactics
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Tactical, Indie, Arcade
Developer
Leikir Studio
Publisher
DotEmu
Release
November 05, 2024
Trading in its run-and-gun mechanics for a tactical RPG, Metal Slug Tactics makes that genre jump look effortless. Each of your moves and abilities calls back to the original shooters while still retaining the stunning art style and animations. Thanks to the inclusion of some roguelike elements, you will always need to stay on your toes to defeat the Rebel Army. Expect to fail a few times and learn along the way and enjoy the process of refining your tactics.
Hi-Fi Rush
95%
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.
33 Immortals
Platforms
Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Indie
Developer
Thunder Lotus
Publisher
Thunder Lotus
There are a few roguelikes that allow for multiplayer, but none on the level as 33 Immortals. Just like the name suggests, this game puts you and 32 other players into a dungeon for a massive raid-like experience. Each player is a damned soul rebelling against your final judgment by fighting back against hordes of monsters and massive bosses that will take the entire team to overcome.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Strategy, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Developer
Capcom
Publisher
Capcom
Release
July 19, 2024
Perhaps one of Capcom’s most unique games of the last decade, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess might turn you off because of its cumbersome name. However, if you give it a shot, you’ll see there’s something very special here. This game is one part 3D action game where you run around and fight enemies with stylish sword combat, but also part strategy or tower defense game. While you’re attempting to restore your world to life, you will rescue villagers who you can recruit and assign roles to help defend the Maiden you’re escorting. When the action begins, you can pause time to reposition and change their roles to suit the situation. It’s worth a look if only to see this new blending of genres.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
90%
Platforms
Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Mac
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
Developer
Owlcat Games
Publisher
Owlcat Games
Release
December 07, 2023
While we don’t have Baldur’s Gate 3 on Game Pass, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is hardly a compromise. This is another highly tactical and deep isometric RPG that uses the d100 TTRPG systems. If you don’t know what that means, don’t worry because the game will teach you everything you need to know. It features almost as much depth and role playing opportunities as BG3, but with a sci-fi edge and even greater impact on the world based on your character’s decisions. If you have any interest in the 40K universe or lore, or are willing to develop one, this is a great place to start.
Age of Mythology: Retold
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
Developer
World's Edge
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
September 04, 2024
RTS games are still rare on consoles, and even among the few we get, there are only a handful that manage to feel good to play on a controller. Age of Mythology: Retold is from the team that brought you Age of Empires and puts a more mythological twist on history. Instead of your armies simply battling other ancient soldiers, gods and monsters will also be in the mix for a bit of spice. This game was also a day-one addition to Game Pass, so it is a perfect game to try if you don’t typically play RTS games.
Hollow Knight
92%
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.
Doom Eternal
85%
4.5/5
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.
Halo Infinite
85%
4/5
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.
Forza Horizon 5
85%
4/5
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.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator
Developer
Asobo Studio
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
November 19, 2024
Even those who don’t like flight simulation games admit that Flight Simulator is an amazing experience. With Flight Simulator 2024, Asobo is pushing the limits on what a flight simulator even is. Yes, there are plenty of new planes and aircraft but that is only scratching the surface. You can now take on different jobs or exit your plane and explore the accurately detailed world and wildlife. This could be the most technologically impressive game ever made so there’s no reason not to at least give it a shot to experience it for yourself.
