As the Xbox One approaches its 12th year on the market, Microsoft continues to support it, even as it shifts focus to the Xbox Series X/S. Remarkably, publishers are still delivering top-tier games to the Xbox One, ensuring that its library remains vibrant and appealing. Our team at IGN has meticulously curated a list of the 25 best Xbox One games, showcasing the console's enduring appeal. These selections reflect a consensus among our content team, highlighting the cream of the crop from the Xbox One's extensive catalog. For those looking for more options, don't miss our list of free Xbox games.
Here's our curated list of the 25 best Xbox One games:
More on the best of Xbox:
- Best Xbox Series X|S Games
- Best Xbox 360 Games
The Best Xbox One Games (Spring 2021 update)
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Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is a captivating sci-fi adventure that combines open-ended exploration with a compelling time loop mechanic. Its handcrafted solar system is filled with intriguing mysteries and breathtaking sights, encouraging players to delve deeper into its enchanting universe. The expansion, "Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye," adds even more depth to this unforgettable journey, available for $15 USD, alongside a free 4K/60fps update for Xbox Series X|S owners.
Destiny 2
Destiny 2 has evolved with a new seasonal model that weaves a continuous narrative, attracting more players, especially with its inclusion in Game Pass. The game offers a rich experience, from battling with Stasis to engaging with its expansive universe, highlighted by expansions like "The Final Shape." For those interested, our free-to-play guide provides insights into what Destiny 2 offers without cost.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice stands out for its immersive atmosphere and poignant storytelling. Ninja Theory's dedication to Senua's narrative creates a compelling experience, enhanced by stunning visuals and a deep exploration of its themes. The game has been optimized for Xbox Series X|S, outperforming high-end PCs, and its sequel, "Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2," is now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon reinvents the series with a turn-based RPG approach, introducing protagonist Ichiban Kasuga and a cast of quirky characters. The game blends humor with dramatic storytelling, exploring themes of betrayal and marginalization. Its sequel, "Infinite Wealth," and the upcoming "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii," set for 2025, continue the series' legacy on Xbox One.
Gears Tactics
Gears Tactics successfully transitions the Gears of War series into a turn-based strategy format, maintaining the franchise's signature elements like cover-based combat and executions. The game's engaging story and strategic gameplay make it a standout, proving that genre shifts can be executed brilliantly.
No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky has undergone a remarkable transformation since its launch, with numerous updates enhancing its gameplay and community features. From Expeditions to revamped space stations, Hello Games has turned the title into a beloved survival adventure. It's also featured on our lists of the best survival games and games like Starfield, with the upcoming "Light No Fire" promising more exciting adventures.
Elder Scrolls Online
Elder Scrolls Online offers an expansive RPG experience on Xbox, continually improved with content updates and now optimized for Xbox Series X. Its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass makes it accessible, allowing players to explore Tamriel without committing to a full-time MMO experience.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order excels in its combat mechanics and storytelling, offering a rewarding experience as players master lightsaber and force abilities. Its sequel, "Star Wars Jedi: Survivor," continues this legacy, available now on Xbox One and recognized as one of the best Star Wars games.
Titanfall 2
Titanfall 2 enhances its predecessor with a memorable single-player campaign and expanded multiplayer features. Its innovative gameplay and diverse modes ensure a compelling experience, despite the cancellation of Titanfall 3 in favor of Apex Legends.
Apex Legends
Apex Legends brings Respawn's dynamic gunplay to the battle royale genre, continuously evolving with seasonal updates that introduce new Legends, maps, and gameplay mechanics. Its engaging content and community features make it a standout title on Xbox One.
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear Solid 5 offers an expansive sandbox experience with a focus on stealth and tactical gameplay. Despite its narrative challenges, the game's innovative mechanics and open-world design make it a must-play for stealth enthusiasts.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Ori and the Will of the Wisps builds on its predecessor with enhanced gameplay, a richer world, and a poignant narrative. Its creative puzzles and platforming challenges, combined with emotional storytelling, cement its place among the best platformers available.
Forza Horizon 4
Forza Horizon 4 is celebrated as the pinnacle of car games, offering a dynamic open-world experience set in a stunning rendition of Great Britain. Its diverse car selection, seasonal changes, and engaging social features make it an unparalleled driving experience.
Gears 5
Developer: The Coalition | Publisher: Microsoft| Release Date: September 10, 2019 | IGN's Gears 5 review | IGN's Gears 5 Wiki
Gears 5 continues the franchise's legacy with a compelling story focused on Kait Diaz and robust multiplayer modes. Its new Escape mode adds a fresh twist to the series, while the promise of future projects, including a prequel and Netflix adaptations, keeps the Gears universe expanding.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Halo: The Master Chief Collection offers a comprehensive Halo experience, with remastered campaigns and an updated multiplayer suite. Its ongoing improvements and extensive content make it essential for both new and veteran players.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice delivers a challenging yet rewarding experience with its precise combat and immersive world. Its unique setting and gameplay mechanics distinguish it within FromSoftware's catalog, complemented by the success of their latest title, Elden Ring.
Inside
Inside is a masterpiece of atmospheric storytelling and puzzle design. Its meticulous attention to detail and thought-provoking narrative make it an unforgettable journey that resonates long after completion.
It Takes Two
It Takes Two offers a unique multiplayer experience that combines whimsical storytelling with innovative gameplay. Its cooperative nature and engaging narrative make it a must-play, with Hazelight Studios' next project, "Split Fiction," eagerly anticipated.
Control
Control stands out for its exceptional storytelling, engaging gameplay, and unique setting. Its blend of action and mystery, along with the integration of telekinesis, makes it a compelling adventure. Remedy's continued work on related projects, including "Alan Wake 2" and "Control 2," ensures the universe's expansion.
Hitman 3
Hitman 3 elevates the series with its stunning visuals and diverse mission design. Its rebranding as "Hitman: World of Assassination" consolidates the trilogy, while IO Interactive shifts focus to the upcoming James Bond project, "Project 007."
Doom Eternal
Doom Eternal offers an unparalleled FPS experience, emphasizing intense combat and a dynamic gameplay loop. Its engaging campaign and seamless integration into the Steam Deck ecosystem highlight its versatility and appeal.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Assassin's Creed Valhalla exemplifies the series' evolution into a full-fledged RPG, set in a richly detailed Norse-Viking world. Its engaging combat and expansive content make it accessible to newcomers and veterans alike, with the upcoming "Assassin's Creed Shadows" set to continue the saga.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a technical and narrative masterpiece, offering an immersive open-world experience that captures the essence of the American frontier. Its detailed world and compelling characters make it a timeless classic, already recognized as one of the best-selling games of all time.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt sets the standard for RPGs with its expansive world, rich storytelling, and engaging gameplay. Its expansive content, including two major expansions, ensures countless hours of exploration and adventure, with CD Projekt Red's future projects promising to expand the universe further.
Grand Theft Auto 5 / GTA Online
Grand Theft Auto 5 remains the pinnacle of open-world gaming, offering a vast, detailed world filled with engaging content. Its single-player narrative and expansive multiplayer component, GTA Online, provide endless entertainment, with the upcoming GTA 6 set to continue the franchise's legacy.
Upcoming Xbox One Games
There are exciting upcoming Xbox One games in 2025, including "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.
