Xbox Game Pass is like walking into a candy store. There are so many different options to choose from when it comes to its game selection, and some of the best games on Xbox Game Pass can be hard to spot.
Some need acquired tastes like liquorice (Dordogne), while many others will enjoy a beloved, comfortable chocolate bar (Minecraft). However, there’s a good chance you’ll find something to sate your palette in Microsoft’s rolling digital library. Here are the 13 best games on Xbox Game Pass right now.
[Updated: May 2024]
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
Those seeking adventure should look towards The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This (take a deep breath) 12-year-old game (breathe out) still has a fervent fanbase, and is still played to this day for good reason. There are many weapons, armor, spells, and even dragon shouts to find across the open world. There are also branching side quests that in and of themselves have deep, fascinating stories and characters behind them. You should take an arrow in the knee in this game and explore the grand landscapes of Skyrim with Xbox Game Pass. The Special Edition also comes with all of the DLC.
Halo Infinite
In my opinion, Halo Infinite gets way too much flak. This entry was my first step into the series, and I was floored by this sci-fi experience. Each weapon in Master Chief’s arsenal feels powerful, but in the frantic first-person shooter levels, you’re scrounging for whatever you can find, adding to the tension of battle. Finding improved weapons from the tough bosses you kill in the open world is gratifying, and the world itself truly grabbed me. The storyline with Master Chief saving the UNSC and the world on the brink is also thrilling to experience. The multiplayer, to me, feels dated with tired map design and modes, but the single-player campaign is the main attraction.
Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush is one of the best Xbox exclusives in years. It combines thrilling action combat with engaging music rhythm gameplay to create a unique melee-focused experience. You play as a unique, clumsy protagonist, trying to save the day from Vandelay Technologies’ evil leader. The slapstick is on point, and the script is laugh-out-loud hilarious. The action is also fantastic as you switch between the powers of your allies and string together combos on your foes. You also can’t forget the stand-out music selection in Hi-Fi Rush with rock hits from Nine Inch Nails, The Prodigy, and The Black Keys.
Minecraft
There’s not much else to be said about Minecraft but I’ll try my best. It’s a worldwide phenomenon for a reason as it allows players to build their own structures, craft their own items, and explore a randomly generated world. Building with your friends is a lot of fun, and many players have created amazing buildings throughout the years like Hogwarts from Harry Potter. Someone even made a working 3D graphing calculator. This game is great for kids, as it lets them show their creative side and figure out how to build materials in the game. Despite existing for over a decade, the game is still getting updates and DLC based on Mega Man X and SpongeBob SquarePants.
Monster Hunter Rise
After many years of struggling to get into the series, Monster Hunter Rise finally got me on the saddle. Alongside your friends, you’re taking down monstrous beasts, collecting their materials, fur, etc, and then crafting incredible gear for your player. It’s a rewarding game loop that keeps you playing for hours on end.
There’s a strategy to each battle, and you need to keep your wits about you to survive in some of these encounters. Ultimately, it’s Monster Hunter’s new maneuverability of the wirebugs that lets you zip from place to place like Indiana Jones’ whip that really made it click for me. You can also mount your pet palamute, letting you get to the battle quicker. It’s one of the best games on Xbox Game Pass because of how gratifying collecting resources and physically seeing your character getting stronger is.
Need for Speed: Unbound
Exhaust-ed of Forza Horizon and need another enthralling racing game to play? Need for Speed: Unbound could good detour. The rush of driving through its city streets brought me back to the days of Underground 2, and you can deeply customize your car, go on tough street races, and try to be the best in the city.
There’s also a unique anime-like art style, and cast members have a unique shader that makes them stand out. There are also vibrant visual effects as you drift around corners and boost. Go check this one out!
Persona 3 Reload
Atlus’ Persona 3 Reload is a fantastic way to get into the series or continue your love for the JRPG franchise. It’s a complete remake of the PS2 gem that some fans argue is the best Persona game. Expect engaging turn-based combat revolving around collecting shadows, a provoking, dark story, and plenty of wonderful characters to meet along the way. The visual improvements are a stand-out with stunning UI and a complete uplift on the same level as Persona 5 Royal.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has been out for almost five years now, and I’m still surprised when anyone tells me that they’ve finished it.
This game’s absolutely massive, taking place in a stunning Greek-inspired open world. You can tell Ubisoft did its research with the spectacular architecture and intriguing culture to be found in the game. Kassandra (one of the two possible playable characters) is one of the best protagonists in the series; she has spunk, charming humor, and an overall badassery that few other Assassin’s Creed heroes can match. The story also takes twists and turns you’ll find fascinating. Oh, and the combat’s thrilling with a deep customization system alongside it.
TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge
A gorgeous throwback retro art style? Check. Exceptional beat-em-up action? Check. Yummy pizza slices? Cowabunga, dude! TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is radical with its high-intensity battling. You can team up with three other players (no matter if they’re local, online, or have a different system) to battle Shredder and the Foot Clan.
Each character offers a unique battling style, and every boss is challenging to defeat. The levels are also detailed with all sorts of references and have their own gameplay surprises in store.
Dordogne
If you’re fatigued from the intense FPS gameplay of most triple-A games, Dordogne is a fantastic palette cleanser. This game features a beautiful watercolor-like art style and a compelling narrative that tells the story of a woman’s childhood. It’s charming and adorable, but there’s an element of drama in the background that continues to grow as the game proceeds.
You’ll also interact with the environment in unique ways. Don’t miss out on this French indie game!
Celeste
It’s not often that a game truly moves me, but by the end of Celeste, I wept like a baby. Celeste was completely out of my comfort zone. It’s a punishing platformer that tests your skills, and typically I don’t have the patience for something like this. However, the challenging gameplay comes hand-in-hand with the storyline. As Madeline, you’re trying to overcome your anxiety, and as you climb the mountain, she’s pushing herself.
With anxiety and depression myself, this game strongly connected with me like no other did. Also, it will help others understand a foundation of what it’s like to deal with symptoms like this daily. You also can’t forget about Lena Raine’s extraordinary soundtrack for Celeste.
Forza Horizon 5
One of the best driving games available on Xbox Game Pass is Forza Horizon 5. Variety is the spice of life and this is what you get with this Forza title. You’re exploring volcanoes, the desert, beaches, Mexican towns, and even wintry mountain landscapes within Forza Horizon 5. There are also many cars to unlock as you complete challenges, earn cash, and get the best times around the open world. If you love outstanding graphics to test on your Xbox Series X or PC, Forza Horizon 5 is a grand tour-de-force to show off your lovely 4K TV.
Guilty Gear Strive
From slick cars to hot combos, Guilty Gear Strive is one of the best fighting games on Xbox Game Pass. It checks every box, with stunning combos, flashy special moves, the usual inventive character designs, and some of the best visuals amongst any 2D fighter you can play right now. All that rocking music is a bonus, too.
Guilty Gear Strive is the ultimate package, and this Arc System Works game also has a fantastic tutorial system to help let new players enter the chaos. We said as much in our review, noting, “Guilty Gear Strive is [..] what I needed right now: a good, solid, very online-capable fighting game with plenty of big swords, charging dolphins, and doctors with questionable credentials to go around.”
