The Best Xbox One Games

As the Xbox One approaches its 12th year, Microsoft continues to support its legacy console with an impressive array of titles. Even as the focus shifts towards the current-gen Xbox Series X/S, game publishers are still delivering top-notch experiences on the Xbox One. We've meticulously curated a list of the top 25 Xbox One games, selected through rigorous internal discussions by the IGN content team. These titles represent the pinnacle of what the Xbox One has to offer. For more gaming options, be sure to explore our list of free Xbox games.

Here's our selection 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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25. Outer Wilds

Image credit: Annapurna Interactive
Developer: Mobius Entertainment | Publisher: Annapurna Interactive | Release Date: May 28, 2019 | Review: IGN's Outer Wilds review | Wiki: IGN's Outer Wilds Wiki

Outer Wilds stands out as a sci-fi adventure that encapsulates a unique kind of magic. Its open-world exploration can feel daunting, yet the handcrafted solar system is brimming with intriguing clues, captivating narratives, and stunning visuals that pull you into an immersive experience. The game’s time loop mechanic adds a thrilling urgency to its serene exploration. Though it may take some time to adjust, embarking on this journey in Outer Wilds is undeniably rewarding. The expansion, Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye, adds even more depth for just $15 USD, while a free 4K/60fps update enhances the experience on Xbox Series X|S.

24. Destiny 2

Image credit: Bungie
Developer: Bungie | Publisher: Bungie/Activision | Release Date: September 6, 2017| Review: IGN's Destiny 2 review | Wiki: IGN's Destiny 2 Wiki

Destiny 2 has evolved significantly with its new seasonal model, offering a compelling narrative that seamlessly connects seasonal arcs. The addition to Game Pass has further expanded its player base. Whether you're battling the darkness with Stasis or enjoying the thrill of combat with unique weaponry, Destiny 2 has stood the test of time. The expansion, The Final Shape, now available, continues to draw players in with its engaging content. Check out our free-to-play guide for everything you can experience in Destiny 2 without spending a dime.

23. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Image credit: Ninja Theory
Developer: Ninja Theory | Publisher: Ninja Theory | Release Date: August 8, 2017 | Review: IGN's Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice review | Wiki: IGN's Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice Wiki

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a testament to atmospheric storytelling and innovative design. Ninja Theory's meticulous attention to detail has crafted an unforgettable experience. The game's striking visuals and profound narrative delve into themes of mental health with sensitivity and depth. Now optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Hellblade outperforms even high-end PCs, according to our performance review. The sequel, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, is available exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PC, continuing this compelling journey.

22. Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Image credit: SEGA
Developer: Ryu ga Gotoku Studios | Publisher: SEGA | Release Date: January 16, 2020 | Review: IGN's Yakuza: Like a Dragon review | Wiki: IGN's Yakuza: Like a Dragon Wiki

Yakuza: Like a Dragon redefines the series with a fresh protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and a shift to turn-based RPG combat. This change, combined with a cast of quirky characters and humorous side missions, elevates the series' signature absurdity. Yet, it's also a poignant drama exploring themes of betrayal and the marginalized. The sequel, Infinite Wealth, and the upcoming Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, set for 2025, continue to expand this rich narrative universe. For more on the series, see our guide to the Yakuza games in order.

21. Gears Tactics

Image credit: Microsoft
Developer: Splash Damage/The Coalition | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: April 28, 2020 | Review: IGN's Gears Tactics review | Wiki: IGN's Gears Tactics Wiki

Gears Tactics successfully transitions the Gears of War series into a turn-based strategy game, reminiscent of XCOM. It retains the series' signature cover-based combat and executions, delivering a strategic yet familiar experience. The story, bolstered by strong character development and cinematic cutscenes, holds its own. Gears Tactics is a testament to how franchises can successfully evolve into new genres. The original Gears series remains one of the best Xbox exclusives of all time.

20. No Man's Sky

Image credit: Hello Games
Developer: Hello Games | Publisher: Hello Games | Release Date: August 9, 2016 | Review: IGN's No Man's Sky review | Wiki: IGN's No Man's Sky Wiki

No Man's Sky is a remarkable comeback story, with Hello Games continuously enhancing the game through numerous updates. These include Expeditions for multiplayer challenges, revamped space stations, new enemies, and cross-platform bases, all responding to community feedback. No Man's Sky has become a beloved title in the survival genre and a great alternative to games like Starfield. Look forward to Light No Fire, Hello Games' upcoming survival adventure announced at The Game Awards 2023.

19. Elder Scrolls Online

Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: June 9, 2015 | Review: IGN's Elder Scrolls Online review | Wiki: IGN's Elder Scrolls Online Wiki

Elder Scrolls Online on Xbox offers a rich online RPG experience that only gets better with each update, including the addition of Morrowind. It now leverages the power of Xbox Series X, and its availability on Xbox Game Pass makes it an accessible and enjoyable MMO. You can dip in and out without feeling overwhelmed, fully immersing yourself in the world of Tamriel. For a complete timeline of the series, see our guide on how to play the Elder Scrolls games in order.

18. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Image credit: EA
Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA | Release Date: November 15, 2019 | Review: IGN's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order review | Wiki: IGN's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Wiki

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order excels in making you master combat through precise timing and strategic use of lightsabers and force powers. The game's challenging difficulty levels reward mastery, while its narrative takes you on a memorable journey across the galaxy with a compelling cast. A sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, now available on Xbox One, further solidifies its place among the best Star Wars games ever made.

17. Titanfall 2

Image credit: EA
Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA | Release Date: October 28, 2016 | Review: IGN's Titanfall 2 review | IGN's Titanfall 2 Wiki

Titanfall 2 surpasses its predecessor by delivering a stellar single-player campaign alongside enhanced multiplayer modes. The campaign, though light on story, offers innovative gameplay twists that make it one of the best shooter campaigns of this generation. The multiplayer expansion, with more Titans, maps, and game modes, ensures continued engagement. An ex-Respawn developer revealed that Titanfall 3 was in development but was canceled in favor of Apex Legends, our next entry.

16. Apex Legends

Image credit: EA
Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA | Release Date: February 3, 2019 | Review: IGN's Apex Legends review | Wiki: IGN's Apex Legends Wiki

Apex Legends brought Respawn's polished gunplay to the battle royale genre, continuously improving with seasonal content. Each season introduces new Legends, map changes, and innovative mechanics alongside a battle pass, keeping the game fresh and engaging. With holiday events and quests, Apex Legends remains a staple in our gaming rotation, offering a compelling alternative to games like Fortnite.

15. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Image credit: Konami
Developer: Kojima Productions/Konami | Publisher: Konami | Release Date: September 1, 2015 | Review: IGN’s Metal Gear Solid 5 review | Wiki: IGN's MGS 5 Wiki

Metal Gear Solid 5, including The Phantom Pain and Ground Zeroes, is the most ambitious entry in the series. Its expansive sandbox offers players a vast array of tools for creative mission approaches, rewarding stealth but accommodating aggressive playstyles. Despite creative differences with Konami affecting Hideo Kojima's vision, Metal Gear Solid 5 remains a must-play for fans of open-world stealth games.

14. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Image credit: Microsoft
Developer: Moon Studios | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: March 11, 2020 | Review: IGN's Ori and the Will of the Wisps review | Wiki: IGN's Ori and the Will of the Wisps Wiki

Ori and the Will of the Wisps builds upon the success of Blind Forest, delivering a more vibrant world, an enriched combat system, and a poignant narrative. This platformer stands out for its creative puzzles and dynamic platforming, interspersed with emotional storytelling. Moon Studios released No Rest for the Wicked, a Dark Souls-inspired ARPG, into early access in 2024, though their relationship with Microsoft has reportedly ended.

13. Forza Horizon 4

Image credit: Microsoft
Developer: Playground Games | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: October 2, 2018 | Review: IGN's Forza Horizon 4 review | Wiki: IGN's Forza Horizon 4 Wiki

Forza Horizon 4 is not just the best Forza game but arguably the greatest car game of the last decade. Its dynamic seasons in a beautifully rendered Great Britain, combined with a focus on fun rather than simulation, create an unparalleled driving experience. The game's expansive car selection, changing environments, and uplifting soundtrack make it a joy to play. Forza Horizon 5, crowned IGN's 2021 Game of the Year, is also available on Xbox One.

12. Gears 5

Developer: The Coalition | Publisher: Microsoft| Release Date: September 10, 2019 | IGN's Gears 5 review | IGN's Gears 5 Wiki

Gears 5 maintains the series' signature cover-based shooter mechanics while deepening the narrative around Kait Diaz. Its heartfelt story, engaging multiplayer modes, including the new Escape mode, and the return of classic Versus and Horde modes make it a standout title. The Coalition is developing a prequel, Gears of War: E-Day, and multiple new projects using Unreal Engine 5, alongside a Gears of War movie and an adult animated series with Netflix.

11. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Image credit: Microsoft
Developer: 343 Industries | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: November 11, 2014 | Review: IGN's Halo: The Master Chief Collection review | Wiki: IGN's Halo: The Master Chief Collection Wiki

The Master Chief Collection is a comprehensive package of Halo campaigns, highlighted by the remastered Halo 2 Anniversary. With updates enhancing the multiplayer experience, this collection is the definitive Halo experience, continually improving and fulfilling its vast potential. Whether you're a veteran or new to the series, this collection offers the quintessential Halo journey.

10. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Image credit: Activision
Developer: FromSoftware | Publisher: Activision | Release Date: March 22, 2019 | Review: IGN's Sekiro: Shadows Die review | Wiki: IGN's Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Wiki

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice showcases FromSoftware's mastery in delivering challenging, skill-based combat within a richly atmospheric world. Its unique take on Japanese history and innovative traversal and combat systems make it a rewarding experience for those willing to master its demanding gameplay. FromSoftware's latest hit, Elden Ring, received widespread acclaim and was named Game of the Year in 2022 by both IGN and The Game Awards.

9. Inside

Image credit: Playdead
Developer: Playdead | Publisher: Playdead | Release Date: June 29, 2016 | Review: IGN's Inside review | Wiki: IGN's Inside Wiki

Inside is a masterpiece, a non-sequel to Limbo that took six years to polish every detail. Its engaging puzzles and powerful, non-verbal storytelling create an unforgettable experience. Inside's impact lingers long after completion, making it a must-play. Playdead's next project is a third-person science fiction adventure set in a remote corner of the universe, to be published by Epic.

8. It Takes Two

Image credit: EA
Developer: Hazelight Studios | Publisher: EA | Release Date: March 26, 2021 | Review: IGN's It Takes Two review | Wiki: IGN's It Takes Two Wiki

It Takes Two offers a unique multiplayer experience that requires cooperation between players, either locally or online. Its whimsical, fairy-tale visuals and engaging story about a couple transformed into dolls make it a delightful journey. Hazelight Studios, led by Josef Fares, continues to innovate with Split Fiction, set to release in March. Our preview offers insights into what to expect.

7. Control

Image credit: 505 Games
Developer: Remedy Entertainment | Publisher: 505 Games | Release Date: August 27, 2019 | Review: IGN's Control review | Wiki: IGN’s Control Wiki

Control, IGN's 2019 Game of the Year, excels in third-person action-adventure with a compelling narrative and innovative telekinesis mechanics. Set in a stunning brutalist-inspired world, it keeps players engaged from start to finish. Remedy's latest, Alan Wake 2, ties into Control's lore, with Control 2 and a multiplayer game, FBC Firebreak, in development alongside remakes of Max Payne 1 and 2.

6. Hitman 3

Image credit: IO Interactive
Developer: IO Interactive | Publisher: IO Interactive | Release Date: January 20, 2021 | Review: IGN's Hitman 3 review | Wiki: IGN's Hitman 3 Wiki

Hitman 3 is the pinnacle of the series, offering stunning visuals and diverse mission approaches. From the breathtaking Dubai mission to the Knives Out-inspired second level, it keeps players engaged with countless ways to eliminate targets. Rebranded as Hitman: World of Assassination, it consolidates the trilogy's content. IO Interactive is now focusing on the James Bond game, Project 007.

5. Doom Eternal

Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: id Software | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: March 20, 2020 | Review: IGN's Doom Eternal review | Wiki: IGN's Doom Eternal Wiki

Doom Eternal is the definitive single-player FPS campaign of the Xbox One generation. Its combat loop, centered around the player's prowess amidst waves of demons, is unmatched. As you progress, you grow more powerful, engaging in an exhilarating dance of destruction. Doom Eternal also features on our list of the best Steam Deck games.

4. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Image credit: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release Date: November 10, 2020 | Review: IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla review | Wiki: IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla Wiki

Assassin's Creed Valhalla embodies the series' evolution into an expansive open-world RPG. Set in a Norse-Viking world, it offers endless activities and brutal combat. It's accessible to newcomers, requiring no prior knowledge of the series. The next installment, Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, continues this epic saga. See our guide to the Assassin's Creed games in order for more information.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

Image credit: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar Games | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release Date: October 26, 2018 | Review: IGN's Red Dead Redemption 2 review | Wiki: IGN’s Red Dead 2 Wiki

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a technical and narrative masterpiece, setting a new standard for open-world storytelling. Its detailed world, filled with diverse activities from hunting to side quests, immerses players in the American south and west. The story of honor, loyalty, and loss, combined with its expansive world, makes it one of the greatest games ever made. Red Dead 2 is among the best-selling games of all time.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Image credit: CD Projekt
Developer: CD Projekt Red | Publisher: CD Projekt | Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Witcher 3 review | Wiki: IGN's The Witcher 3 Wiki

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers one of the richest RPG experiences, with vast open worlds filled with engaging content. Its narrative, bolstered by excellent performances and an iconic soundtrack, is complemented by stunning visuals and expansive expansions. The Witcher 3 sets the standard for open-world adventures. CD Projekt Red is developing The Witcher 4, featuring Ciri as the protagonist, and an Unreal Engine 5 remake of The Witcher 1.

1. Grand Theft Auto 5 / GTA Online

Image credit: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar Games | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Review: IGN's GTA 5 review | Wiki: IGN’s GTA 5 Wiki

Grand Theft Auto 5's expansive and detailed world remains the benchmark for open-world games. Its single-player story, a satirical take on the American dream, is enhanced by three playable characters. GTA Online offers endless content, from heists to custom races, ensuring years of engagement. GTA 5 is the ultimate Xbox One game, with GTA 6 set to release in 2025, returning to Vice City with a new female protagonist.

Upcoming Xbox One Games

There are several exciting Xbox One games slated for 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.