Xbox Game Pass offers players instant access to over 100 high-quality games for one low monthly price. With major new releases joining the library all the time, it can be overwhelming deciding what to play first. This list breaks down 10 of the best games currently available, spanning immersive RPGs, thrilling shooters, creative indies and more.
Xbox Game Pass has revolutionized the way we play games. For $9.99 per month, subscribers gain unlimited access to a Netflix-style library of over 100 titles across Xbox consoles and PC. The sheer variety is astonishing, from brand new AAA blockbusters on day one launch to unique indie experiences you may otherwise never discover.
With major publishers like Bethesda, EA and Ubisoft now onboard, iconic series like Halo, Gears of War and Yakuza are available in full. Even PlayStation classics like Bloodborne can now be played on Xbox via cloud streaming technology. Simply put, Game Pass is the best value in gaming.
But with so many options to choose from across action, adventure, RPG, platformer and more, decision paralysis can set in. To help, here’s our expertly curated list of the 10 highest quality experiences we recommend trying first.
Top 10 Xbox Game Pass Games
1. Elden Ring
The long-awaited open world action RPG from Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin more than lives up to its hype. Elden Ring casts players as a Tarnished warrior on a quest to seize control of the mysterious Elden Ring and become Elden Lord. With its vast seamless world, challenging real-time combat and seemingly endless customization, Elden Ring is a true masterpiece. Despite punishing difficulty, experiencing its rich lore and diverse biomes is utterly intoxicating. For gamers craving adventure, Elden Ring is essential.
Elden Ring
2. Halo Infinite
Microsoft’s flagship Xbox franchise makes a thunderous return with Halo Infinite. Part sequel and part reboot, Halo Infinite reminds fans why they fell in love with Master Chief, rewarding exploration and sandbox chaos. The free-to-play multiplayer especially hits the sweet spot, with fluid gameplay and regular content updates keeping it feeling fresh. Halo veterans will relish Infinite’s compelling story campaign too, as Chief battles The Banished amidst the shattered ruins of Zeta Halo.
Halo Infinite
3. Forza Horizon 5
Playground Games’ open-world racer is quite simply one of the best looking and playing games ever made. Forza Horizon 5’s vast, varied depiction of Mexico is a technical showcase, with unparalleled draw distances, ray tracing effects and buttery smooth 60fps performance. Beyond eye candy, Horizon 5’s intrepid Festival campaign never stops delivering joy behind the wheel across scenic country, deserts and jungles. Hundreds of cars can be fine-tuned for races, stunts and exploration amid dynamic weather from blizzards to thunderstorms. If you’re seeking freedom on four wheels, Forza Horizon 5 is essential.
Forza Horizon 5
4. Psychonauts 2
A passion project over 16 years in the making, Double Fine’s Psychonauts 2 was worth the wait. This psychedelic 3D platformer casts players as Razputin Aquato, a newly graduated acrobat gifted with psychic powers. Raz must delve into troubled minds to uncover a mole inside the Psychonauts, an international spy agency. Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, Psychonauts 2 tackles themes of trauma and healing with grace. Its levels set inside emotional mindscapes are true marvels of creativity and design. A rare sequel that meets expectations, Psychonauts 2 is uplifting proof triple A games can still have real heart.
Psychonauts 2
5. Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar’s open world western epic remains a towering achievement in interactive storytelling. As the Van Der Linde gang struggles to survive the death throes of the Wild West, players inhabit enigmatic outlaw Arthur Morgan across a 60+ hour narrative touching on loyalty, loss and the human condition. Its frontier world brims with atmosphere and period detail, with Rockstar’s trademark gameplay providing endless emergent moments. Whether enjoying campfire songs under the stars or robbing trains through snow-capped mountains, Red Dead Redemption 2 is immersion gaming perfected.
Red Dead Redemption 2
6. Minecraft
The ultimate virtual sandbox, Minecraft enables players to build whatever they can imagine across randomly generated worlds. Its Lego-like simplicity hiding near limitless depth, Minecraft has become a global phenomenon. Over 200 million copies sold is testament to its versatility as both a relaxing creativity tool and challenging survival game. Constant updates introduce new biomes to explore and mechanics to master year after year. Play solo or with friends, Minecraft allows total freedom to create your personal blocky paradise.
Minecraft
7. Hades
This smash hit roguelike hack n slash centers on Zagreus, son of Hades, attempting to fight his way out of the Underworld despite inevitable death. With each failed run, Zagreus grows stronger while story and characters advance via brilliant writing and voice acting. Combat feels sublime thanks to nuanced weapon types and upgrade trees offering wild synergies between runs. Approachable for newcomers yet endlessly replayable for veterans, Hades perfects the roguelike formula by making failure fun.
Hades
8. Hollow Knight
This crowdfunded labour of love set the bar for modern 2D Metroidvanias. Within the fallen bug kingdom of Hallownest, players battle infected insects and primal beasts while uncovering tragic secrets. Hollow Knight’s exquisite hand drawn art and haunting score make exploring its labyrinthine tunnels a dark delight. Combat emphasizes measured sword strikes and spells over button mashing, with brutal but fair boss fights demanding mastery. With tons of content and multiple endings, Hollow Knight is a triumph and an absolute bargain.
Hollow Knight
9. Monster Hunter Rise
The latest Monster Hunter perfects the series addictive core loop of crafting weapons and armor from giant beasts. With 14 unique weapon types offering drastically different playstyles, mastering even one provides hundreds of hours of gameplay. Rise adds new mobility options through special Silkbind attacks and Palamutes mounts, bringing welcome agility against its challenging quarries. The Rampage sieges against kaiju-sized monsters are another highlight. From solo hunts to four player co-op, Monster Hunter Rise hits the sweet spot.
10. Grounded
This unique survival game shrinks players down to the size of ants in a suburban backyard. Once mundane sights like grass, puddles and picnic tables become alien landscapes teeming with threats. Gather resources to build bases and weapons to conquer spiders, ladybugs and more imposing insect life. Play solo or in four player co-op, with a full day/night cycle and changing seasons altering the backyard world. Accessible yet filled with secrets, Grounded makes players rethink the micro and macro alike.
Upcoming Xbox Game Pass Releases
With Xbox investing over $10 billion into Game Pass over the next decade, the service will keep expanding with day one launches of major Xbox exclusives. These include space RPG Starfield in 2023 and stylish vampire shooter Redfall later in 2022 from Bethesda. Indie fans can look forward to charming action RPG Sea of Stars as well as Replaced, a gorgeous sci-fi platformer set in an alternative 1980’s America. More surprises are certain too as Xbox continues securing partnerships across the industry to strength Game Pass’ incredible value.
Conclusion
This list has just scratched the surface of Xbox Game Pass’ diverse library. From blockbuster hits to hidden indie experiences across countless genres, Game Pass enables discovering your next favorite game easier than ever. Its sheer variety offers something for all tastes, with major updates arriving constantly thanks to Xbox’s massive investment into the platform. For the price of one new release each year, Game Pass grants unlimited access instead to over 100 ever expanding options. Simply put, Game Pass is the best deal in gaming. So why wait? Join and start playing from one of the many masterpieces discussed today.
