Nowadays, Xbox users don’t even need to buy games to get their money’s worth with the Xbox Series X or Xbox One. Thanks to Game Pass Ultimate, a $17 monthly subscription service. Xbox Game Pass game players have access to a rotating library of more than 400 games on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. As well as hundreds of games for PC. Given the vast array of games available and the finite hours in a day. Deciding what to play from the Game Pass library can indeed pose a challenge. And if you wait too long, the game you love might leave the service. We’ve rounded up some of the best Xbox Game Pass games available right now. New Xbox Game Pass arrive on the service almost every week, and older games leave the service as well. We’ll keep updating this list as the Xbox Game Pass library rolls around.
More Xbox best lists
- Best Xbox Series X games
- Biggest upcoming Xbox games
- Best Xbox controllers
- Best Xbox headsets
Xbox Game Pass boasts a plethora of outstanding games beyond those mentioned below. Which offering a treasure trove of diverse and enjoyable experiences. These are just the games we think every Xbox owner should be playing. And we review this list regularly to make sure we’re sticking to our picks. The list includes recent releases like Starfield and Sea of Stars, as well as Microsoft staples, including Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5.
Here are the best games to sample right now on GamePass. Microsoft certainly has more Game Pass additions on the horizon for the rest of the year, so stay tuned here for more of our favorites.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
The first Plague Story was an unexpected hit punching above its weight from a relatively small developer. A sequel could have expanded its scope, but instead, Ausbo Studio kept its narrative firmly focused on telling a human story in an alternate French history. The mechanics of controlling the rats have been expanded. The story is still primarily concerned with the family dynamics between Hugo and his protective older sister Amecia. It’s also a downright beautiful game with lush environments that rival the biggest AAA studios.
Arcade Paradise
The first Plague Story was an unexpected hit punching above its weight from a relatively small developer. A sequel could have expanded its scope, but instead, Ausbo Studio kept its narrative firmly focused on telling a human story in an alternate French history. The mechanics of controlling the rats have been expanded. The story is still primarily concerned with the family dynamics between Hugo and his protective older sister Amecia. It’s also a downright beautiful game with lush environments that rival the biggest AAA studios.
Batman: Arkham Knight
Rocksteady revolutionized the superhero game genre with the Arkham series, and their third installment featuring the Dark Knight pushed the boundaries even further, delivering an unparalleled Batman experience. With intense action, thrilling Batmobile chase sequences, and a narrative delving into the hero’s haunted past, it served as a grand conclusion to Rocksteady’s legendary trilogy.
Celeste
An impeccably crafted indie platformer, Celeste is known for its gritty but fair difficulty and surprisingly emotionally engaging story. As you climb the mountain, you’ll face vicious platforming challenges that will test your skills, all while discovering a subtle story of self-discovery and overcoming depression. It has an impressive 94 score on Metacritic, so don’t sleep on it. And don’t worry if you’re not a fan of platforming, because Celeste has a full suite of difficulty modifiers that let you experience climbing on your own terms.
Cocoon
Limbo was a platformer that used its familiar mechanics to tell an engaging series with jaw-dropping revelations. Cocoon, the first game from a new studio created by key Limbo devs, similarly uses the mechanics of an environmental puzzler to build something that’s more than meets the eye. Cocoon puts you inside the cicada’s chattering carapace, solving puzzles by moving special orbs. But the real magic lies in how he uses this premise to ask questions about life and self-evolution, which unfolds over time.
Death’s Door
Death’s Gate is a top-down action-adventure about everyone’s favorite subject: death! Players control an immortal raven who acts as a reaper whose latest job goes awry and finds him trapped in the mortal world. Although Death’s Door tackles some more serious themes, it never comes across as cheesy or sleazy. Indeed, the world is full of charming characters to interact with, and a life-affirming story about growth and acceptance to appreciate the excellent gameplay.
Diablo IV
When Microsoft finalized its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before the studio’s vast library began arriving on Xbox Game pass. We’re still waiting for a lot of catalogs, but it started with a big one. The latest in the beloved dungeon-crawling RPG series Diablo, Diablo IV lets you delve into the deep and terrifying world of the Asylum to save it from Lilith, the demon mother.
Doom Eternal
Id Software, with the unleashed fury of a hellish storm, brought forth Doom Eternal, a sequel that was bigger, bolder, and more brutal than its predecessor, much to the exhilaration of all who dared to play. Pure action from start to finish and unrelenting as armies of the damned are thrown at you. Doom Eternal is a doomsday metal journey that takes no prisoners.
Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 captivates with its stunning visuals, abundant gameplay options, and extensive content, ensuring. It is a racing game that is accessible and enjoyable for all. From a technical standpoint, it’s remarkable how visually stunning everything. The team has achieved in Playground Games is – everything from finely detailed vehicle models to lush virtual recreations of Mexican landscapes. Thing Unlike the simulated Forza Motorsport line. The Forza Horizon series leans towards arcade racing, emphasizing player freedom in a vast open world.
Forza Motorsport
Forza Motorsport returns to its roots as a simulation track racer, delivering high-performance vehicle excitement synonymous with the series. Car development and upgrades are streamlined enough for enthusiasts to understand, but with the ability to get their hands dirty under the hood with precise fine-tuning. It’s a graphical showpiece for the Xbox, making Game Pass a great game to try out, regardless of whether you’re a gearhead.
Gears Tactics
Gears Tactics cleverly applies the franchise’s aesthetic and atmosphere to a strategy game. Although vastly distinct in nature, Gears Tactics seamlessly integrates into the beloved franchise, attributed to its solid mechanics and superbly crafted level design. Gears Tactics seamlessly integrates key gameplay elements and distinctive Gears of War aesthetics into a top-down tactical format. Featuring a robust progression system, engaging tactical encounters, and thrilling boss battles, it’s a must-play for both Gears enthusiasts and strategy game aficionados.
