21 Best Games on Xbox Game Pass You Need to Play in 2026

This list highlights standout titles, hidden gems, and classics available through Xbox Game Pass.

Stick around to see which best games on Xbox Game Pass make this subscription a must-have.

Our Top Picks for The Best Games on Xbox Game Pass

Here are my top three must-play picks from the best games on Xbox Game Pass library. Each stands out for its gameplay or unique experience:

Avowed

ACTION RPG

The next great first-person fantasy RPG and one of the best games on Xbox Game Pass. I love exploring its sprawling world and mastering combat and magic all in one seamless experience.

Diablo IV

ARPG

The ultimate dark fantasy loot grind. The game’s dungeons, character builds, and epic boss fights had me hooked for hours straight, and the online multiplayer keeps every match intense.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

RPG

Visually stunning turn-based action. Its tactical combat and gorgeous visuals make each encounter feel meaningful and rewarding.

These three show the best of the best games on Xbox Game Pass, but there’s plenty more to explore in the full list.

21 Best Games on Xbox Game Pass for Epic Gaming

From epic RPGs and visceral shooters to puzzle-packed adventures, these games prove there’s something for everyone. I’ve curated the absolute best games on Xbox Game Pass for you to jump into today. How many of these have you played?

Avowed

The Next Great First-Person Fantasy RPG

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Genre First-Person Fantasy RPG Xbox Series X|S, PC Creator/s Obsidian Entertainment Average playtime 30–50 hrs Best for Narrative-driven RPG fans

Avowed

hooked me from the start with its sprawling world of Eora, where every spell I cast or choice I make actually matters. Dual-wielding magic feels sick, and the lore is deep enough to get lost in for hours. As one of the best games on Xbox Game Pass, it makes me want to explore every corner and experiment with builds constantly.

Combat feels tight and satisfying. Every duel demands strategy, but it also rewards quick thinking. I can go full wizard chaos or play a more methodical approach.

Why we chose it

Avowed

blends player freedom, rich lore, and visceral combat into an RPG that hooks hard. Every corner of Eora has something to explore.

I love how the RPG mechanics click together. Crafting my character, talking to NPCs, and tackling dungeons feels so satisfying. The story reacts to my decisions, and I feel like I’m shaping my own saga. Yeah, some side quests drag a bit, and sometimes enemy encounters feel repetitive, but honestly, I’m too invested to care.

The visuals are next-level. Magic effects pop off the screen, and environments feel alive, not to mention the soundtrack nails the epic fantasy vibe. Lighting changes and weather effects add to immersion.

My verdict:

If you love first-person RPGs that let you craft your own story, this is one of the best games on Xbox Series X right now.

Diablo IV

The Ultimate Dark Fantasy Loot Grind

• Our Score
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• Genre
• Action RPG
• PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S
• Creator/s
• Blizzard Entertainment
• Average playtime
• 30–100+ hrs
• Best for
• Players seeking intense combat and loot

Diablo IV

• is one of the best games on
• Xbox Game Pass

for dark fantasy fans, dropping me into a world dripping with gothic vibes.

Combat is brutal and satisfying, loot drops feel amazing, and the open world has enough secrets to keep me hunting for hours. Playing with friends in online multiplayer makes every dungeon crawl feel alive.

Combat flow is perfect, where each class feels distinct and timing matters. I geek out on character builds. Crafting skills and pulling off insane combos make me feel like a total badass. Sure, some world events get grindy, but scoring a legendary drop after a tough fight is worth it.

Why we chose it

Diablo IV

hooks with endless loot and a world that feels alive and dangerous. It keeps me grinding without getting stale.

The visuals hit hard, dark, detailed, and atmospheric. Lighting and spell effects all feel weighty, and the soundtrack intensifies every fight.

Diablo IV

perfectly nailed that dark fantasy mood.

My verdict:

Loot chasers and dungeon crawlers will love

Diablo IV

. It’s brutal and easily one of the best action RPG games worth checking.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Visually Stunning Turn-Based Action

• Our Score
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• Genre
• Turn-Based Tactical RPG
• PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
• Creator/s
• Sandfall Interactive
• Average playtime
• 20–30 hrs
• Best for
• Fans of strategic, story-driven combat

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• is one of the best games on
• Xbox Game Pass
• for strategy lovers,

hitting me with a tactical twist I didn’t know I needed.

Timing, rhythm, and strategy all matter, and pulling off a perfect combo feels amazing. The game preview had me hyped, and to be honest, it matched my expectations.

The gameplay flows smoothly. I can tweak characters, swap abilities, and feel progress each match, which feels like I’m digging the strategic depth. Planning moves and experimenting with character abilities makes me feel like a commander.

Why we chose it Clair Obscur blends tactical depth and stunning visuals into an experience that keeps strategy lovers engaged.

Early difficulty spikes can be brutal, but that’s part of the thrill, and I finally got my hands on mastering timing windows, which was very satisfying.

The visuals are gorgeous; spell effects glow, and characters move with flair. The soundtrack amps up the tension perfectly, which makes this game a treat for my eyes and my brain.

My verdict:

If you want a challenge that tests brains and reflexes, Clair Obscur is an amazing turn-based RPG game for you to pull up and master.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

The Biggest Black Ops Yet

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• Genre
• First-Person Shooter
• PC, Xbox One/Series X|S, PS4/PS5
• Creator/s
• Treyarch & Raven Software
• Average playtime
• 20–60+ hrs
• Best for
• FPS fans who want campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies in one
• Black Ops 7
• threw me ten years into the future,

and I haven’t looked back since. The co-op campaign takes me from neon-lit Tokyo rooftops to the Mediterranean coast and into some genuinely mind-bending psychological territory. I can run it solo or squad up – both feel great.

Multiplayer is the real hook. Sixteen 6v6 maps at launch, the evolved Omnimovement system, and deep loadout customisation keep every session fresh. I lose track of time chasing that next prestige.

Why we chose it Black Ops 7 packs campaign, multiplayer, and the biggest Zombies map in Black Ops history into one Game Pass day-one package.

Zombies are the cherry on top – the Dark Aether setting is genuinely creepy, and Easter egg hunting with a squad never gets old. Visuals are sharp across every environment, and the gunplay sounds and feels exactly as punchy as it should.

My verdict: Campaign, multiplayer, Zombies – Black Ops 7 covers all the bases and does it well. One of the strongest FPS titles among the best games on Xbox Game Pass right now.

Hollow Knight [The Definitive Atmospheric Metroidvania]

• Our Score
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• Genre
• Metroidvania Action-Adventure
• PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
• Creator/s
• Team Cherry
• Average playtime
• 20–60+ hrs
• Best for
• Challenging platforming and exploration fans

Hollow Knight

sucks me into Hallownest immediately.

Platforming, combat, and exploration feel precise. Every hidden path or secret is a reward, and I’m constantly surprised, totally one of the most engaging Metroidvania games I’ve ever played.

I love the flow of exploration.

Movement and charms all click together.

Skill ramps up naturally, and each death teaches me something. Some bosses can wreck me early, but learning patterns is satisfying. And I occasionally wish there were more checkpoints, but the challenge is part of the fun.

Why we chose it

Hollow Knight

is all about exploration, challenging combat, and atmosphere. It’s a must-play for anyone who loves metroidvanias.

The art style and soundtrack hit just right. Fluid animations, haunting music, and layered environments make the world feel alive. Tiny touches like lighting and particle effects really sell the mood.

My verdict:

If you want a fun yet tough world to explore,

Hollow Knight

is one of the best games on Xbox Game Pass for platformer fans. You’ll get addicted in no time, period.

DOOM: The Dark Ages

Medieval Chainsaw Mayhem

• Our Score
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• Genre
• First-Person Shooter
• PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5
• Creator/s
• id Software
• Average playtime
• 10–20 hrs
• Best for
• Fans of fast-paced, gore-filled action

DOOM: The Dark Ages

throws me into medieval chaos with chains, shields, and dragons, where it successfully keeps my adrenaline high.

Combat is fast and brutal, so I can say I never get bored. The dark ages twist keeps the classic DOOM thrill fresh.

I feel pure control during fights. Weapon variety, environmental hazards, and fast movement keep my reflexes sharp. Yeah, levels could use more verticality, but chaining kills and jumping into chaos is insane.

Why we chose it

DOOM: The Dark Ages

has brutal FPS action and unforgettable battles that are a blast to play.

The visuals combine gritty medieval with classic DOOM gore. Fire, particle effects, and dynamic lighting make each battle pop. The soundtrack perfectly hypes each skirmish.

My verdict:

DOOM: The Dark Ages

is the best adrenaline-packed shooter, perfect for pew-pew fans.

Forza Horizon 5

Visually Stunning Open World Racing

• Our Score
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• ★
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• Genre
• Open-world arcade racing
• Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5
• Creator/s
• Playground Games, Xbox Game Studios
• Average playtime

~120 hrs (completionist)

Best for

Players who want a visually stunning, expansive racing experience

Forza Horizon 5

threw me straight into Mexico’s sun-soaked streets and winding mountains, and I couldn’t stop exploring.

This game is all about freedom: the maps are massive, events pop up everywhere, and I can jump into races or just cruise around for hours.

Driving feels smooth and satisfying. Each car handles differently and tuning options let me tweak setups.

My favorite part is how I can push limits without feeling punished. Occasionally, some AI racers act weird, but that doesn’t break the flow. I love the sense of speed and exploration here.

Why we chose it

Forza Horizon 5

gives you stunning visuals, exploration freedom, and racing thrills into a package that will keep you hooked for hours.

The graphics are insane. Sunlight hits surfaces perfectly, reflections on wet roads are stunning, and dust clouds feel alive. The soundtrack mixes chill tracks with hype music that fits each battle or race perfectly.

My verdict:

For pure freedom and insane visuals, Forza Horizon 5 is the top open-world game for racing. Hours of exploration never get old.

Vampire Survivors

The Perfect Time-Sink Roguelite

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Genre Roguelite, Survival PC, Switch, Xbox One/Series X|S, Mobile Creator/s poncle Average playtime 20–100+ hrs Best for Addictive, time-sink gameplay fans

Vampire Survivors

is pure chaos in a single-stick shooter. I watch my character evolve from a weakling to a screen-clearing powerhouse in minutes, and I keep coming back for “one more run.”

Xbox Game Pass games don’t often hit this addictive sweet spot.

It’s deceptively simple. Survival depends on dodging, timing, and item pickups.

I love how the progression hooks me, even if I only have ten minutes. Some enemies feel unfairly stacked in later stages, but that’s part of the thrill.

Why we chose it

Vampire Survivors

proves that simple mechanics plus relentless progression can create an addictive, replayable experience.

Pixel graphics don’t hold me back, thanks to the clear animations and impactful explosions. The soundtrack keeps tension high, and every wave looks chaotic but readable, which keeps me engaged.

My verdict:

Vampire Survivors

chaos at its finest, it keeps me hooked, run after run. An engaging vampire game in the Game Pass library.

The Alters [Sci-Fi Cloning and Existential Choice]

• Our Score
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• Genre
• Sci-Fi Adventure, RPG
• PC, Xbox Series X|S
• Creator/s
• 11 bit studios
• Average playtime
• 12–15 hrs
• Best for
• Players who love choice-driven narratives

The Alters

• pulled me in with its
• unique spin on identity and survival

. I create alternate versions of myself, manage personalities, and juggle life-and-death decisions. This is a game that really makes me think while keeping gameplay engaging.

Playing it is intense. Each clone feels meaningful, and making the wrong choice can bite me later. Some puzzles feel obtuse at first, but mastering the logic is satisfying.

I love the weight each decision carries.

Why we chose it

The Alters

blends deep narrative, tactical decision-making, and sci-fi aesthetics into an experience that sticks with me long after I stop playing.

The visuals are sleek and slightly eerie. Lighting highlights every corridor, character models feel alive, and sci-fi UI animations make the world feel believable. The soundtrack sets a suspenseful tone.

My verdict:

The Alters

is strategic and mind-bending, perfect for narrative fans. A standout story-driven title on Xbox Game Pass.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

The Foundational FPS Archive

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Genre First-Person Shooter Compilation PC, Xbox One/Series X|S 2014–2020 (collection updates)

• Creator/s
• 343 Industries
• Average playtime
• 50–200+ hrs
• Best for
• Classic FPS fans wanting the full Halo saga

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

• is a trip down FPS gaming history and one of the best games on
• Xbox Game Pass

for shooter fans. I can hop between remastered classics or dive into online multiplayer with friends.

Every mission reminds me why Halo shaped shooters forever.

The gameplay is sharp.

Weapon mechanics, shield timing, and squad tactics all feel amazing. Don’t get me started on the multiplayer; it is competitive and fast-paced, which gives me countless hours to refine skills. Some remastered levels show their age, but nostalgia plus solid design keep me hooked.

Why we chose it Halo: MCC guarantees history, challenge, and endless multiplayer fun for fans of shooters and newcomers.

Graphics feel modern yet true to the originals. Character models pop, maps feel alive, and explosions hit hard. Each Halo world has distinct architecture and atmosphere that pulls me in immediately.

My verdict:

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

has all those missions, endless multiplayer, and FPS perfection. A staple for the best FPS games on Xbox.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Eternal Fantasy Sandbox

• Our Score
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• Genre
• Open-World RPG
• PC, Xbox One/Series X|S, PS4/PS5, Switch
• Creator/s
• Bethesda Game Studios
• Average playtime
• 50–200+ hrs
• Best for
• Players who love exploration and fantasy worlds

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

dropped me into Tamriel, and I’ve been lost ever since.

This game lets me explore mountains and cities freely, where I can craft, fight, or just wander and stumble upon random adventures. It’s endlessly fun for anyone who loves open worlds.

Gameplay is satisfying. Combat, magic, and stealth all have weight, and skill trees reward experimentation. I can lose hours exploring and shaping my story, and I can role-play however I want, and every session feels personal. Sure, some quests feel repetitive, but the sheer variety of side quests and exploration keeps me hooked.

Why we chose it

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

offers freedom and a fantasy world where every choice matters. It keeps me coming back for years.

The visuals mix rugged landscapes with detailed interiors. Lighting, weather, and dragon effects impress, though it shows age in textures sometimes. Soundtrack and ambient audio make even wandering alone feel epic.

My verdict:

The Elder Scrolls V:

Skyrim is the ultimate sandbox for adventurers. It’s a must-play if open-world freedom and fantasy exploration are your jam.

Retro Classics Collection [Instant Nostalgia & Arcade Fun]

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• Genre
• Arcade Compilation
• PC, Xbox One/Series X|S
• Creator/s
• Various
• Average playtime
• 5–50 hrs
• Best for
• Fans of classic arcade games and quick sessions

Retro Classics Collection

• hits me with pure nostalgia. The
• Game Pass
• library rotates through iconic 8-bit and 16-bit titles,
• perfect for quick bursts or long sessions of fun

. It’s a love letter to gaming history, and I can’t get enough of it.

Playing is a joy. The controls are tight, and every game has its quirks preserved. I find myself revisiting old favorites and discovering hidden gems I missed the first time. Some old-school difficulty spikes can be brutal, but that’s part of the charm.

Why we chose it The

Retro Classics Collection

packs nostalgia and classic gameplay in a single package, which lets me relive gaming’s golden era.

Visuals are authentic to their era; pixel-perfect and colorful. The soundtrack is retro bliss, instantly recognizable. Each game feels like stepping back in time, yet I can play on modern Xbox Series hardware.

My verdict: This collection brings nostalgia and arcade fun. I love jumping between classics and discovering hidden gems. Perfect for quick sessions or long retro marathons.

Atomfall

Post-Nuclear British Survival

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Genre Survival, Strategy PC, Xbox Series X|S Creator/s Atomic Projects Average playtime 15–35 hrs Best for Players who enjoy tactical survival challenges

Atomfall

drops me into a quarantined, retro-futuristic UK, and I’m instantly hooked. The survival mechanics mix resource management with action, where I’m forced to think fast and adapt. It’s a console experience with tension at every turn.

Playing is a grind, but satisfying. Scavenging and exploration require a high level of patience, where I have to think, plan, and adapt constantly. I love how choices impact my experience and survival strategies. Some missions feel repetitive, but the world is full of secrets I keep discovering.

Why we chose it

Atomfall

merges survival and story into a tense package that keeps me invested in every run.

The visuals are moody and detailed. Post-nuclear landscapes and neon signage make every area feel lived-in. The soundtrack is ambient, which adds weight to the inhospitable planet vibe.

My verdict:

Atomfall

keeps me on edge with its tactical survival and atmospheric world. It’s perfect if you love strategy and suspense in a post-apocalyptic setting.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

The Visceral Psychological Thriller

• Our Score
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• ★
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• Genre
• Action-Adventure, Psychological
• PC, Xbox One/Series X|S, PS4/PS5
• Creator/s
• Ninja Theory
• Average playtime
• 8–12 hrs
• Best for
• Players craving intense story and mind-bending visuals

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

hit me hard.

This game fuses combat, story, and psychosis in a way that’s emotionally intense. Every encounter feels personal, and the narrative grips me immediately.

Gameplay is precise.

Combat punishes mistakes, but it feels so amazing when I successfully adapt. Side puzzles and environmental storytelling add depth. Some sections are brutal for newcomers, but the design makes me feel every victory.

Why we chose it

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

blends emotional storytelling and technical brilliance into a thriller that sticks with me long after I stop playing.

Visuals are stunning, with facial animations and environmental effects that heighten immersion. Audio is a masterpiece; binaural sound makes psychosis feel real, and the music sets a dark, immersive tone.

My verdict:

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

is a brutal, emotional ride that sticks with me long after I put the controller down. Everything comes together to bring you an unforgettable psychological journey.

No Man’s Sky

The Infinite Space Exploration Simulator

• Our Score
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• ★
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• Genre
• Action-Adventure, Exploration
• PC, Xbox One/Series X|S, PS4/PS5
• Creator/s
• Hello Games
• Average playtime
• 50–500+ hrs
• Best for
• Players who love endless exploration and discovery

No Man’s Sky

dropped me into an endless universe, and I’m still finding new planets to explore.

This amazing space game gives me 18 quintillion worlds, base-building, freighters, and online multiplayer to adventure with friends.

It’s an infinite discovery at my fingertips.

Exploration feels massive and fun. Flying between planets, scanning flora and fauna, and expanding bases is relaxing yet exciting.

This game is a limitless playground where every planet feels like a new adventure. Yeah, I agree that some planets feel barren, and early updates were rough, but life in the universe keeps evolving with new features constantly.

Why we chose it

No Man’s Sky

brings you infinite exploration, base-building, and evolving gameplay into a universe that always gives new adventures.

Graphics are vibrant. Planets look unique, think lush forests and inhospitable deserts, plus weather effects impress. Space travel and freighter battles add cinematic flair, and the soundtrack sets a perfect cosmic tone.

My verdict:

No Man’s Sky

is perfect for explorers and sci-fi junkies – easily one of the best games on Xbox Game Pass for endless discovery. It’s a galaxy I keep coming back to, no matter how far I’ve flown.

Slay the Spire

The Perfect Strategy Deckbuilder

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Genre Roguelike, Deckbuilder PC, Xbox One/Series X|S, Switch, Mobile Creator/s MegaCrit Average playtime 20–100 hrs Best for Fans of strategy and card-based challenges

Slay the Spire

hooked me fast; it’s basically deckbuilding meets roguelike dungeon crawling, where every run feels different. Games like this make me think tactically and react on the fly, and I can’t stop tweaking my strategy for better combos.

Gameplay is deep. Choosing cards, planning attacks, and managing resources is satisfying, though some early runs can feel punishing. Each character offers a new approach, and the difficulty curve keeps me challenged but engaged.

Why we chose it

Slay the Spire

keeps me invested every time I climb with its randomness and replayability.

Art is simple but effective, with sharp visuals and animations that make every strike feel impactful. The soundtrack drives tension, and the randomized enemies keep runs unpredictable and fun.

My verdict:

Tactical roguelike fans will find themselves addicted to every climb in

Slay the Spire

. It’s strategic and endlessly replayable, a perfect brain-burner for long sessions.

Balatro

The Hypnotic Poker Roguelite

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Genre Roguelite, Card Game PC, Xbox Series X|S Creator/s LocalThunk Average playtime 10–40 hrs Best for Players who enjoy poker mechanics mixed with roguelite progression

Balatro

turned poker into a full-blown roguelite for me. The Game Pass library makes it easy to jump in, and I’m hooked on chaining winning hands into high-score combos. It’s perfect for quick sessions that pack a punch of fun.

Playing feels fast and exciting. Each hand is a mini-puzzle, and I constantly refine my approach.

The roguelite progression keeps me coming back. Some sessions can feel luck-heavy, but I love optimizing strategies and competing for high scores.

Why we chose it

Balatro

turns a classic game into a hypnotic, strategy-driven roguelite that’s addictive and satisfying every run.

Visuals are hypnotic, with smooth card animations and colorful neon highlights. Audio cues sync with each move, which adds tension and flair, and the minimalistic style keeps focus on gameplay.

My verdict:

If you crave quick, addictive strategy loops,

Balatro

hooks you fast. It’s poker turned roguelite magic, perfect for short bursts or chasing high-score supremacy.

Hi-Fi Rush

Action Syncopated to the Beat

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Genre Action, Rhythm PC, Xbox One/Series X|S Creator/s Tango Gameworks Average playtime 10–15 hrs Best for Players who love action synced to music beats

Hi-Fi Rush

hooked me from the first beat. Every attack, dodge, and jump syncs to the music, which turns combat into a rhythm spectacle. This rhythm game lets me experience stylish, high-energy battles with humor and flair.

Gameplay is exhilarating.

Timing attacks to the music is intuitive but satisfying, and combat flows smoothly. Boss fights feel like performing a live show where friends would cheer me on. Some encounters spike in difficulty, but I enjoy adapting my rhythm.

Why we chose it

Hi-Fi Rush

combines rhythm, style, and action into a unique, high-energy experience that makes every fight a performance.

Visuals pop with bright, comic-inspired colors and smooth animations. Sound design is impeccable as it matches the music with combat moves perfectly. Levels are dynamic; they keep me engaged and moving.

My verdict:

Action lovers who groove to the beat will feel right at home.

Hi-Fi Rush

makes every fight feel alive and hilarious, totally a rhythmic thrill ride I can’t pause.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

The Most Anticipated Metroidvania Sequel

• Our Score
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• ★
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• ★
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• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
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• ★
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• ★
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• ★
• Genre
• Action-Adventure, Metroidvania
• PC, Xbox Series X|S, Switch
• Upcoming 2025
• Creator/s
• Team Cherry
• Average playtime
• 30–80 hrs
• Best for
• Fans of challenging platformers and exploration

Hollow Knight: Silksong

• finally lets me control Hornet in a new kingdom,

and the Game Pass Ultimate version will be worth the wait. Exploration, combat, and challenge are dialed up from the original, which promises hours of rewarding gameplay.

Combat is precise and satisfying. Platforming challenges keep me sharp, and hidden paths encourage exploration. Side content adds depth and replayability, keeping me invested run after run. Some bosses feel punishing, but the learning curve is part of the thrill.

Why we chose it

Hollow Knight: Silksong

expands the original with deeper combat, exploration, and challenge. Totally a must-play for fans and newcomers.

Visuals are breathtaking, with a vibrant, hand-drawn kingdom and fluid animations. Soundtrack and environmental effects create an immersive world; they balance beauty and danger perfectly.

My verdict:

For fans of challenging platformers and deep exploration, Silksong promises a kingdom full of secrets and combat mastery. It’s a sequel that raises the bar without holding back.

My Overall Verdict on The Best Games on Xbox Game Pass

After playing through dozens of the best games on Xbox Game Pass, it’s clear some titles stand out depending on what kind of player you are. Here’s my take on where to start based on your gaming style.

For narrative-driven RPG fans →

Avowed

. The deep story, dual-wielding magic, and rich lore make it a must-play for anyone who wants to really get lost in a fantasy world. Every choice feels meaningful and pulls you deeper into Eora.

For open-world explorers →

Forza Horizon 5

. If you love freedom and speed, this game gives you a visually stunning playground with endless roads and secret spots to uncover. Racing fans and casual wanderers alike will feel at home.

For roguelike strategy lovers →

Slay the Spire

. If tactical depth and replayability are your jam, nothing scratches that itch better. It challenges your planning skills while keeping each climb fresh and rewarding.

For survival and co-op enthusiasts →

Grounded 2

. Shrunk to insect-size with friends, you face a backyard full of danger and discovery. Crafting, exploration, and teamwork make it perfect for social survival sessions.

For fast-paced action fans →

DOOM: The Dark Ages

. Brutal, chaotic, and insanely satisfying, it’s perfect for players who want to pull off over-the-top combos without slowing down.

Whatever your style, these picks show the diversity and power of the best games on Xbox Game Pass. From sprawling worlds to intense combat, there’s a title here to match every vibe and keep your gaming nights stacked.

FAQs What is the best game on Xbox Game Pass?

The best game on Xbox Game Pass is

Avowed

. Its first-person RPG world is massive, packed with rich storytelling, magic, and exploration that gives fans of fantasy RPGs a fully immersive adventure.

How much does Xbox Game Pass cost?

Xbox Game Pass costs $9.99/month for Essential, $14.99/month for Premium, and $29.99/month for Ultimate, giving access to hundreds of games across console, PC, and cloud.

Does Game Pass have horror games?

Yes, Game Pass has horror games like

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

and

A Plague Tale: Requiem

. These two offer tense, atmospheric experiences that mix story-driven scares with engaging gameplay.

Are there any 2-player games on Xbox Game Pass?

Yes, there are 2-player games on Xbox Game Pass.

Rocket League and

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

let you team up or face off with friends locally or online.

Are there any multiplayer games on Xbox Game Pass?

Yes, there are multiplayer games on Xbox Game Pass. Titles like Rocket League,

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

, and

Vampire Survivors

are among the best games on Xbox Game Pass for online fun.