Prepare for an extraordinary gaming adventure! Xbox Game Pass opens the door to a vast library of remarkable titles, leaving you with the delightful dilemma of selecting the most captivating games to enjoy. Forget about budget constraints, thanks to the subscription model – your main focus should be curating a collection of the finest titles to grace your gaming rig. Fret not, for we’ve delved deep into the extensive catalog to present you with the definitive Xbox Game Pass journey. Discover the top games eagerly awaiting your attention.
1. Halo: The Master Chief Collection for xbox
- Developer(s): 343 Industries
- Genre(s): First-Person Shooter
- X|S Enhanced: Yes
- File Size Xbox Series: 116 GB (May 2023)
The legendary Master Chief’s adventures have never been more accessible than in the Master Chief Collection. This comprehensive gathering of Halo games is a testament to 343 Industries’ dedication to preserving the series. Not only does it include every mainline Halo game (except Halo 5: Guardians), but it also adds the fantastic Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach.
From captivating campaign co-op to heart-pounding Firefight battles and iconic multiplayer modes, the Master Chief Collection has it all. If you consider yourself a Halo fan, this is a must-play on Xbox Game Pass. And for those who’ve never experienced the Master Chief’s saga, there’s no better way to dive into this epic.
2. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide for xbox
- Developer(s): Fatshark
- Genre(s): FPS
- X|S Enhanced: Yes
- File Size Xbox Series: 53 GB (October 2023)
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is the type of game tailor-made for Xbox Game Pass. The exhilarating rush and chaos of diving into a mission with up to four players is inherently thrilling. It’s reminiscent of the excitement you’d find in Left 4 Dead. However, this Fatshark creation is steeped in the rich lore of the Warhammer 40K universe, resulting in environments that exude the grim-dark aesthetics found in the series’ novels.
Your character’s quips range from boisterous boasts about their chainsword skills to condemnations of Heretics defying the Emperor’s will. Even if you’re not a die-hard Warhammer 40K fan, Darktide’s dynamic gameplay keeps you coming back for more as unexpected Specialist enemy types can spring up during missions, keeping you on your toes.
3. Cocoon for xbox
- Developer(s): Geometric Interactive
- Genre(s): Puzzle, Adventure
- X|S Enhanced: No
- File Size Xbox Series: 3 GB (October 2023)
Extraordinary puzzle games are a rare find, offering innovative mechanics that challenge players to think within the game’s unique framework. Games like Portal and Superliminal set the standard for this genre. Cocoon, a puzzle game from one of the developers behind Limbo and Inside, stands shoulder to shoulder with these exceptional titles. Featuring minimalist yet otherworldly level design, you control a character who transports orbs to various devices. These orbs contain entire worlds, and you can seamlessly transition between them. As you delve deeper, you must venture into these orbs while carrying other orbs, nesting worlds within worlds.
Describing it might sound confusing, but Cocoon brilliantly introduces you to this recursive world concept. Seamless transitions between orbs are a marvel to behold. Cocoon is a game that must be experienced to fully appreciate its awesomeness, and it currently shines as one of the standout titles in the Xbox Game Pass library.
4. Spiritfarer for xbox
- Developer(s): Kowloon Nights, Thunder Lotus Games
- Genre(s): Platformer, Indie Games, Simulation
- X|S Enhanced: No
- File Size Xbox Series: 7 GB (October 2023)
Spiritfarer casts you as a ferry master, guiding souls to their final resting places. Despite the grim premise, the game offers a profoundly hopeful experience, exploring themes of love, loss, and growth. The art design strikes a delicate balance between addressing a somber subject and providing the soothing experience players expect from a management simulator.
Spiritfarer wears many hats. Beyond its premise, at its core, it’s a lighthearted farming and relationship simulation. It incorporates elements familiar to genre fans, including crop planning, gift-giving, and plenty of crafting. The game presents a lovely world to explore, with some light platforming for good measure.
5. Lies Of P for xbox
- Developer(s): Round8 Studio, Neowiz
- Genre(s): Soulslike
- X|S Enhanced: Yes
- File Size Xbox Series: 35 GB (September 2023)
When it comes to Souls-like games, no one does it quite like the creators of the genre themselves, FromSoftware. Lies of P, however, comes incredibly close to matching the level of polish and iconic design found in its inspirations. You step into the shoes of Pinocchio, a stringless puppet dressed in Victorian garb, creating a grim take on the classic fairy tale. The fictional city of Krat has been overrun by frenzied puppets, and you must navigate through blood-soaked cobblestone streets and gear-strewn alleyways to find your creator, Geppetto.
The combat in Lies of P will feel familiar to fans of Bloodborne and Sekiro, as it draws from the Soulsborne formula. However, it introduces several changes that set it apart from the crowd of other Souls-like titles. Features like Ergo, the equivalent of Souls or Blood Echoes, waiting for you outside of boss arenas and the separation of blade and handle upgrades, make Lies of P a delightful and challenging tale for those craving more Souls-like action.
6. Quake II for xbox
- Developer(s): id Software
- Genre(s): FPS
- X|S Enhanced: No
- File Size Xbox Series: 2 GB (September 2023)
Nightdive Studios has taken it upon themselves to preserve the mid-to-late 90s FPS boom with a modern sheen, and they’ve done it magnificently with Quake II. A classic from id Software’s old catalog, Quake II’s original release provided players with an extensive and interconnected single-player campaign, co-op support, and, as expected from the Quake series, a fast-paced arena multiplayer experience.
The 2023 remaster of Quake II goes beyond the usual enhancements. It includes a graphical upgrade, modernized UI, quality-of-life features, multiplayer support, and more. But what truly sets it apart is the inclusion of every expansion pack ever released, a new single-player campaign developed by MachineGames, and, uniquely, the entire campaign from the Nintendo 64 port, a treasure previously exclusive to N64 owners.
The complete Quake II package arriving on Game Pass is a lovingly crafted time capsule of the late 90s era.
7. Starfield for xbox
- Developer(s): Bethesda
- Genre(s): Action, RPG
- X|S Enhanced: Yes
- File Size Xbox Series: 101 GB (September 2023)
The anticipation for Starfield prior to its release was monumental, with fans eagerly awaiting Bethesda’s latest RPG. The weight of expectations may have felt as heavy as performing a spacewalk without a suit. However, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can rejoice, as Starfield is an absolute joy. Filled with dense exploration and well-crafted storylines, it delivers the same experience many have cherished from the Elder Scrolls and Fallout series. It’s precisely the kind of game that can keep you captivated for years, a true successor to the grandeur of Skyrim.
You assume the role of a miner, soon to become an explorer, depending on how you choose to role-play your character. Once you embark on this adventure, the world – no, the universe – opens up before you. You can spend hours surveying planets, becoming a seedy contraband seller, building magnificent outposts, hunting down space bounties, or pursuing virtually anything your space-faring heart desires. Starfield is a remarkable game, standing as one of the best experiences available on Xbox Game Pass.
8. Firewatch for xbox
- Developer(s): Campo Santo
- Genre(s): Adventure
- X|S Enhanced: No
- File Size Xbox Series: 3 GB (September 2023)
Part thriller, part mystery, part romance – Firewatch is an unforgettable walking simulator and radioplay that immerses players in the role of a newly appointed forest lookout. Your goal? Watch for fires.
Needless to say, the game’s actual plot is far more intriguing than its brief description. The creative team behind the game includes industry veterans, including some of the minds behind the first season of Telltale’s The Walking Dead. With a short playtime, Firewatch is a must-play for anyone who enjoys a story-driven experience. In terms of gameplay, it has you exploring the great outdoors, where more unfolds beneath the surface than meets the eye.
9. A Short Hike for xbox
- Developer: Adam Robinson-Yu
- Genre(s): Adventure
- How Long To Beat: 2 Hours
- X|S Enhanced: No
- File Size Xbox Series: 693 MB (August 2023)
“A Short Hike” is one of the shortest and most delightful games you can find on Xbox Game Pass, clocking in at around two hours – and that’s being generous if you decide to aim for the summit of Hawk Peak, the ultimate goal of the game. However, rushing through it would be a disservice to this gem. Although its visuals are simple, and the premise straightforward, “A Short Hike” excels at celebrating the joy of veering off the beaten path.
How many times have you ignored a main questline to explore a new area, chat with an interesting character, or chase down one more ability upgrade? “A Short Hike” is a love letter to this style of video game playing.
Activities like playing beachstickball may offer no tangible rewards, but they serve as a fun diversion from your journey. Following a painter from one spot to another may not grant significant in-game benefits, but it allows you to learn about his struggles and art. Providing money to a kid for college isn’t necessary to finish the game, but it’s immensely satisfying. “A Short Hike” lives up to its title, being incredibly short. Yet, extending its playtime just a bit longer is what the game is all about.
10. Limbo for xbox
- Developer(s): Playdead
- Genre(s): Platformer
- How Long To Beat: 5 Hours
- X|S Enhanced: No
- File Size Xbox Series: 212 MB (August 2023)
“Limbo” is a striking black-and-white puzzle platformer that places a small child in a nightmarish world. An early indie game sensation, “Limbo” has players navigating a stark environment, solving puzzles, and striving to survive. Despite its bleak aesthetic, “Limbo” delivers an incredibly thrilling experience. It’s a game that keeps players on edge during cinematic moments and manages to surprise during its puzzle sequences. It’s easy to see why so many developers continue to emulate “Limbo’s” success even today.
11. Venba for xbox
- Developer: [Developer Name]
- Genre(s): [Genres]
- How Long To Beat: [Game Duration]
- X|S Enhanced: [Yes/No]
- File Size Xbox Series: [File Size] (Month Year)
It’s not often that a short game can evoke deep emotions, but that’s precisely what “Venba” achieves within its easily digestible runtime. You step into the shoes of Venba, an immigrant from India responsible for managing and feeding her small family of three. The gameplay is simple, taking the form of click-and-drag puzzles as you work your way through Venba’s recipe book. Some instructions are missing, so you must rely on context clues and logical leaps to complete the exquisite dishes, brought to life with vibrant colors and bold art.
“Venba” is engaging without being overly challenging, and it shines a light on the cultural aspects embraced by Venba as her son grows up and distances himself from them. The game’s story revolves around the trials of parenthood, specifically focusing on how raising a child in a “better” place can lead to cultural dissonance and rejection.
12. Celeste for xbox
- Developer(s): [Developer Name]
- Genre(s): [Genres]
- How Long To Beat: [Game Duration]
- X|S Enhanced: [Yes/No]
- File Size Xbox Series: [File Size] (Month Year)
Games typically take players on a journey, but “Celeste” redefines this concept. Players assume the role of Madeline, a young woman determined to climb to the summit of Mount Celeste. Along the way, she must confront her inner demons while remaining resolute in her goal. The poignant story is intricately woven into the fabric of this challenging platformer, emphasizing the game’s themes. “Celeste” is not for the faint of heart, but seeing it through to the end is incredibly rewarding.
13. TOEM for xbox
- Developer: [Developer Name]
- Genre(s): [Genres]
- How Long To Beat: [Game Duration]
- X|S Enhanced: [Yes/No]
- File Size Xbox Series: [File Size] (Month Year)
Not every game needs to be an epic quest with an intricate storyline or a competitive battle royale with high-stakes duels. Sometimes, all you need is a game that lets you relax and take cute pictures, and that’s precisely what “TOEM” offers. It invites you on a simple adventure to explore the world and capture photos of delightful moments and charming creatures. “TOEM” isn’t here to challenge you or judge the quality of your photos. Instead, it’s here to be played, completed, and enjoyed in a single, bite-sized sitting. If that sounds wonderfully delightful to you, then “TOEM” is the game for you.
14. Maquette for xbox
- Developer: [Developer Name]
- Genre(s): [Genres]
- How Long To Beat: [Game Duration]
- X|S Enhanced: [Yes/No]
- File Size Xbox Series: [File Size] (Month Year)
“Maquette” is a puzzle game that, much like “Portal” and “Superliminal” before it, takes a single concept and explores it throughout the game. While “Portal” played with physics and “Superliminal” played with perception, “Maquette” challenges you with puzzles that play with the idea of a recursive world. In each “area,” you have a table in front of you that interacts with the larger world around you when manipulated.
What makes “Maquette” even more delightful is its heartfelt story, waiting for you to uncover as you progress.
15. Grand Theft Auto V for xbox
- Developer(s): Rockstar North
- Genre(s): Open-World, Action
- How Long To Beat: 32 Hours
- X|S Enhanced: Yes
- File Size Xbox Series: 84 GB (July 2023)
Grand Theft Auto V returns to Xbox Game Pass, offering the vibrant open-world setting of Los Santos for players to immerse themselves in a life of crime and adventure. Countless hours can be spent enjoying the game’s various activities and diving into its gripping story.
Playing through GTA V is an experience like no other, offering the freedom to explore a living, breathing city with masterful game design. It’s a ridiculously fun game that makes chaotic heists, intense car chases, and other criminal endeavors feel exhilarating. So, whether you’re into the story or simply causing mayhem, Grand Theft Auto V has something for every player.
16. Minecraft Legends for xbox
- Developer(s): Blackbird Interactive, Mojang
- Genre(s): Action, Strategy
- How Long To Beat: 9 Hours
- X|S Enhanced: Yes
- File Size Xbox Series: 7 GB (May 2023)
Like how Diablo was simplified in Minecraft Dungeons, real-time strategy games are the focus of Minecraft Legends, which largely succeeds in providing a more simplified version of the genre. The controls have been made simple enough that you can still keep up with the action even if you’re not familiar with the strategies required to play an RTS game. Additionally, if you enjoy the original sandbox game, the overworld of Minecraft is quite accessible.
You’ll be relieved to know that the troops you command in combat—from sturdy Golems to explosive Creepers—are well-known to you.
17. Goat Simulator for xbox
- Developer(s): Coffee Stain Studios
- Genre(s): Simulation, Action
- How Long To Beat: 6 Hours
- X|S Enhanced: No
- File Size Xbox Series: 3 GB (May 2023)
Even if Xbox Game Pass offers a ton of strategic games, sometimes all someone actually needs is the capacity to act like a goat for a little period of time. Fortunately, Goat Simulator takes care of this. Long after they’ve discovered many of the game’s humorous allusions and hidden objectives, players may spend hours immersed in its fascinating mechanics.
This hilarious game by Coffee Stain Studios captures the thrill of being a destructive goat. And while though Goat Simulator mostly ignores the practical purposes of being a goat for comedic effect, the game’s fantasy elements maintain an unprecedented amount of entertainment value. resemble a goat. Become a goat. Act as a goat would.
18. Iron Brigade for xbox
- Developer: EA Black Box
- Genre(s): Sports
- How Long To Beat: 10 Hours
- X|S Enhanced: No
- File Size Xbox Series: 6 GB (May 2023)
Available for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers courtesy of EA Play, Skate 3 is a classic. Even if you’ve never been skateboarding a day in your life, the enjoyment you can find in Skate 3 is undeniable. The amount of tricks you can perform, the areas you can skate in, and the bones you can break all contribute to making one of the most entertaining games you can play. To cap it all off, you can play Skate 3 online with friends to “compete” against each other or just zoom around parks one-upping each other.
If you know someone who has played Skate 3, you can guarantee they have at least one story of some amazing thing they did while playing, complete with a hilarious anecdote about how the ragdoll physics turned what could have been a failed trick into a burst of genuine laughter, the kind of laughter that hurts your face. Skate 3 shows how old it is in the graphics department, but it’s still aged incredibly well.
19. Astroneer for xbox
- Developer: System Era Softworks
- Genre(s): Adventure
- How Long To Beat: 22 Hours
- X|S Enhanced: No
- File Size Xbox Series: 1 GB (May 2023)
The world can never have too many delightful sandbox games set in space. In Astroneer, you explore different planets, collecting enough resources to make your way to the next one, all the while building little bases on each one to serve your exploration needs. There’s admittedly a bit of wonkiness when it comes to moving around on the various planets, and you can expect your rover and other methods of transportation to get…stuck on occasion.
But the difficulties you encounter as you comb the surface of each planet are all part of Astroneer’s charm. It combines the mindlessness of a must-mine-for-minerals kind of game with the grit-your-teeth nature of a survival game. It’s simple, fun, but a challenge nonetheless. And have we mentioned the fact that you can play with friends?
20. A Plague Tale: Requiem for xbox
- Developer: Asobo Studio
- Genre(s): Action-Adventure, Stealth
- How Long To Beat: 17 Hours
- X|S Enhanced: Yes
- File Size Xbox Series: 53 GB (May 2023)
A Plague Tale: Requiem enlarges the conflict we were introduced to in its predecessor. while some may prefer small scale encounters, narrative beats experienced in the Innocence there is no denying scope of what Asobo Studios attempts in sequel. Amicia and Hugo are back, with even more aggressive enemies to contend with and a political conflict to get embroiled in. Amicia is clearly capable of handling things as Requiem leans in toward the combat aspect of its gameplay.
Requiem feels like one of Sony’s iconic narrative-driven games, and the performances for each character are incredible. If you are Xbox fan but you have been feeling like missing out on single player experiences, A Plague Tale Requiem is good place to start.
21. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R for xbox
- Developer: [Developer Name]
- Genre(s): [Genres]
- How Long To Beat: [Game Duration]
- X|S Enhanced: [Yes/No]
- File Size Xbox Series: [File Size]
It’s hard to argue for All-Star Battle R against more modern games in the genre like Dragon Ball FighterZ or Mortal Kombat 11, but even for non-fans of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, there’s a simple joy in choosing from a wide roster of characters and not needing to take the combat quite as seriously as something from a top tier franchise. Ultimately, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R isn’t a game that’s going to endure the test of time like its contemporaries, but it has an enormous roster of characters from one of the most inventive manga/anime series of all time. Of course it is going to be a treat for all JoJo fans to see so many characters with their stands brought to life in game.
22. Darkest Dungeon for xbox
- Developer: Red Hook Studios
- Genre(s): RPG
- How Long To Beat: 58 Hours
- X|S Enhanced: No
- File Size Xbox Series: 3 GB (February 2023)
Without a doubt, Darkest Dungeon prepares players for a harsh, turn-based, roguelike encounter. Cast as the unfortunate heir to a cursed estate, players must assemble a group of fearless but helpless explorers to destroy the evil that has engulfed the land. Characters’ sanity will decline as they are exposed to the Lovecraftian monsters that live in the many biomes, pushing them to the brink of insanity. Combat is as lethal for the body as it is for the mind.
The term “Lovecraftian horrors” is used rather literally in this case since the themes and creature designs are blatantly derived from Lovecraft’s classic cosmic horror tales and are illustrated in an incredibly colorful, nearly comic book-like manner. You’re in for a remarkable, albeit taxing, voyage when you combine the experience with Wayne June’s amazing voice acting.
23. Signalis for xbox
- Developer(s): [Developer Name]
- Genre(s): Sci-fi, Survival Horror
- How Long To Beat: [Game Duration]
- X|S Enhanced: [Yes/No]
- File Size Xbox Series: [File Size]
Signalis is a sci-fi survival horror game with a distinct PS1 aesthetic. This homage to classic horror games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill offers a gripping narrative, eerie ambiance, and challenging puzzles. If you’re a fan of old-school horror games, Signalis is a must-try experience that captures the essence of the genre.
24. Norco for xbox
- Developer(s): [Developer Name]
- Genre(s): Point-and-Click Adventure, Narrative
- How Long To Beat: [Game Duration]
- X|S Enhanced: [Yes/No]
- File Size Xbox Series: [File Size]
Norco is a dystopian sci-fi point-and-click adventure that delves into themes of collective loss and melancholy. It shares narrative-driven qualities with games like Kentucky Route Zero and Mutazione while delivering a rich and thought-provoking experience. If you appreciate well-crafted storytelling and atmospheric games, give Norco a try.
25. Pentiment for xbox
- Developer(s): Obsidian Entertainment
- Genre(s): Narrative Adventure
- How Long To Beat: [Game Duration]
- X|S Enhanced: [Yes/No]
- File Size Xbox Series: [File Size]
Pentiment is a narrative adventure from Obsidian Entertainment, known for their storytelling prowess. Set in a unique historical setting, you play as an artist in a Benedictine monastic church. The game masterfully brings this environment to life and offers an immersive and captivating experience. With Obsidian’s reputation for engaging narratives, Pentiment is a game worth exploring.
26. Somerville for xbox
- Developer(s): [Developer Name]
- Genre(s): Atmospheric, Puzzle Platformer
- How Long To Beat: [Game Duration]
- X|S Enhanced: [Yes/No]
- File Size Xbox Series: [File Size]
If you enjoyed games like Limbo and Inside, you’ll likely find elements of Somerville appealing. This atmospheric game tells its story wordlessly, relying on character actions and environmental storytelling. It differs from its predecessors by adding a 3D dimension, creating a unique and captivating experience. The addition of companions, your family, and your dog, adds an emotional depth to the narrative.
27. Vampire Survivors for xbox
- Developer(s): Luca Galante
- Genre(s): Roguelike
- How Long To Beat: 6 Hours
- X|S Enhanced: No
- File Size Xbox Series: 2 GB (January 2023)
Vampire Survivors is a deceptively simple yet highly engrossing roguelike game. In this Castlevania-inspired title, you move your character across the screen, collecting power-ups to automatically combat hordes of foes. It offers a pick-up-and-play experience with the addictive nature of a roguelike. Vampire Survivors is a great addition to Game Pass for those looking for a game that’s easy to dive into and hard to put down.
