What are the best Xbox Game Pass games? If you’ve just picked up an Xbox Series X|S, you’re probably wondering what games to pick up first. But instead of splashing the cash on all the latest triple-A games, you should think about subscribing to the Xbox Game Pass – Microsoft’s Netflix-inspired games service.
While the pass, which you can purchase from $9.99/£7.99 a month right here, offers something for everyone, it can be quite overwhelming for first-time users. The pass offers everything from the best Xbox FPS games like Halo Infinite, to the best Xbox RPG games like The Witcher 3, to the best Xbox racing games like Forza Horizon 5. Ultimate users also have the entire EA Play library at their fingertips too.
If all that sounds too much for you, then don’t worry, we’re going to break down the best games on the Xbox Game Pass right here for you. All you need to do is pick one or two of these absolute bangers to download on your shiny new console and you’re good to go.
Here are the best Xbox Game Pass games:
- Halo: Master Chief Collection
- Gears 5
- Deathloop
- Forza Horizon 5
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Sea of Thieves
- Exoprimal
- Psychonauts 2
- Overcooked 2
- No Man’s Sky
1. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
If you’ve got an Xbox but you’ve not played Halo, then what are you waiting for? The Master Chief Collection includes six games, starting with Reach and ending with Halo 3: ODST, allowing you to dive into the Halo story from the very beginning.
Since some of the games are pretty old now, you’ll be happy to hear that they’ve been graphically enhanced for this collection, meaning your playthroughs should be buttery smooth.
Add in Halo multiplayer and you’ve got everything you need to become a die-hard fan.
2. Gears 5
Recently remastered for the Xbox X|S, Gears 5 is a third-person shooter that directly follows on from the end of Gears of War 4. While the single-player storyline is pretty complex, the game’s tutorial is good at bringing you up to speed quickly. In the single-player, you’re tasked with helping Kait learn more about her family background while trying to hold back the horde.
If a compelling single-player isn’t enough to convince you to download, maybe Gears 5’s cracking multiplayer mode will. With several online modes and a split-screen option, Gears 5 is great to play with friends.
3. Deathloop
What would you do if you were stuck in a loop, tasked with killing eight people in different ways as the same day repeats? Deathloop is an immersive sim that pretends to be one of the best FPS games from the developer behind the hit series Dishonored, where you’ll need to figure out how to break a time loop.
It’s an unorthodox puzzle game that requires you to kill all of the Visionaries on the island of Blackreef, but as you find new weapons and earn new abilities, you keep them and your knowledge across each loop, culminating in a very satisfying ending. In fact, in our Deathloop review, we called it “Arkane at its best”.
4. Forza Horizon 5
Set in a stunning recreation of Mexico, Forza Horizon 5 stands as arguably the best open-world racing game ever. With a mind-blowing amount of vehicles on offer, a highly-impressive amount of live service support with plenty of regular new content, and super smooth and fun racing, it’s an amazing experience even if you’re not a big racing games fan.
From off-roading in the sand dunes to blasting around a street circuit in a dense city, there is a place, occasion, and vehicle for any type of racing in Forza Horizon 5.
5. Rainbow Six Siege
If you’re a lover of tactical shooters, Rainbow Six Siege is absolutely the game for you. With more than 60 operators to choose from and a constantly evolving meta, Rainbow Six Siege’s gameplay will constantly keep you on your toes.
If you’re feeling particularly competitive, Rainbow Six Siege ranked mode will provide you with the necessary challenge online.
6. Sea of Thieves
If you’re ready to do your best Jack Sparrow impression, the shores of Sea of Thieves are waiting for you. Rare’s impressive live-service game has changed a fair bit over the last couple of years, granting swashbuckling pirates like you the chance to prove you’ve got the sea legs to survive.
Sea of Thieves is best enjoyed with friends, but it can be played alone too. Just try and stay out of the water.
7. Exoprimal
Do you like killing dinosaurs? Check. Do you like killing dinosaurs in powerful exosuits that have a range of abilities? Check. Do you like killing dinosaurs with your friends while trying to defeat hundreds of dinos against another team? Check. Then Exoprimal is definitely for you.
One of the best co-op games on Xbox right now, Exoprimal is just chaotic fun. It doesn’t have a deep story or deep gameplay, but it is a superbly fun game that our Exoprimal review praises for its chaos. Make sure to use our Exoprimal tier list to ensure you know which of the exosuits to pick.
8. Psychonauts 2
Easily one of the best Xbox Series X games so far, Psychonauts 2 is a must-download from the Xbox Game Pass. In this platformer, you’ll take control of Raz, a psychic spy who can delve into the minds of others.
With colorful worlds, brilliant characters, and genuinely surprising storylines, there’s something for everyone in Double Fine’s game.
9. Overcooked 2
Desperate for a new multiplayer game that you can play with friends and family? Overcooked 2 is the answer to your prayers. This cooperative cooking game puts you and your friends at the center of a busy kitchen and whacks up the heat.
You’ll need to work together to fulfill orders, otherwise, you’ll find yourself out of the frying pan and into the fire.
10. No Man’s Sky
If you’re looking to explore the world at your own pace, No Man’s Sky is for you. Here you can hop in a ship and explore the ever-growing world around you while battling and interacting with its many players.
You might recall No Man’s Sky received quite a lot of flak when it launched in 2016, but it’s quite a different game now. Thanks to Sean Murray and Hello Games’ efforts to consistently improve the game with updates, this space exploration survival game keeps its passionate community guessing what’s coming next.
So there you have it, the best games on the Xbox Game Pass right now. Obviously, games come and go each month, so keep an eye on our full list of Xbox Game Pass games for the latest on the all-you-play service. You can also read our Xbox Game Pass Ultimate review for a more detailed analysis of the service.
