Top 25 Xbox One Games to Play in 2025

The Xbox One, now in its 12th year, remains a vibrant platform despite Microsoft’s shift toward the Xbox Series X/S. Publishers continue to release standout titles for the console, keeping its library fresh and exciting.

After thorough evaluation and spirited discussion, the IGN team has curated a list of the 25 finest Xbox One games. These selections reflect the console’s best offerings, handpicked for their quality and impact. Explore our guide to free Xbox games for additional recommendations.

Discover the top 25 Xbox One games below.

Explore more Xbox highlights:

Top Xbox One Games (Spring 2021 Update)

25. Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds blends sci-fi adventure with a captivating sense of wonder. Its open-ended exploration might leave you drifting through space, occasionally crashing into planets, but its meticulously crafted solar system brims with intriguing clues, compelling narrative hints, and stunning visuals that pull you from one awe-inspiring moment to the next.

This universe invites discovery, with a time loop mechanic that keeps you eager for more while adding intense pressure to its tranquil exploration. It may take time to find your footing, but Outer Wilds is an unforgettable journey worth embarking on.

The expansion, Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye, hailed as a brilliant return to this intricate solar system, is priced at $15 USD. Xbox Series X|S owners can also enjoy a free 4K/60fps update.

24. Destiny 2

Destiny 2’s evolving seasonal model initially sparked skepticism, but Bungie has woven a gripping narrative that seamlessly connects each season. Its inclusion in Game Pass makes it even more accessible, drawing in new players. Whether you’re wielding Stasis to battle darkness or enjoying the thrill of its arsenal, Destiny 2’s longevity shines, especially with expansions like The Final Shape, available now.

Check our free-to-play guide for Destiny 2 to explore all the no-cost content.

23. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice masterfully blends atmosphere, narrative, and innovative design. Ninja Theory’s dedication to Senua’s journey delivers a profound experience, with stunning visuals and a gripping story that tackles weighty themes in a vivid, haunting tale.

Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Hellblade outperforms many high-end PCs. Its sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, is now available exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PC.

22. Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza: Like a Dragon redefines the series with a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and a shift to turn-based RPG mechanics. Its colorful cast and absurd side missions, like delivering formula to quirky gangsters, amplify the series’ humor, while the main story dives into themes of betrayal and marginalization.

The sequel, Infinite Wealth, and the 2025 release, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, are also available on Xbox One. See our guide to the Yakuza series for more details.

21. Gears Tactics

Gears Tactics transforms the Gears of War formula into a stellar XCOM-style strategy game, retaining iconic elements like cover-based combat and brutal executions. Its strategic depth, compelling story, and polished cutscenes make it a seamless genre shift.

The original Gears ranks among the best Xbox exclusives of all time.

20. No Man's Sky

No Man’s Sky is a remarkable redemption story, with Hello Games delivering consistent updates like Expeditions, revamped space stations, and new enemies. These enhancements, alongside cross-platform bases, have made it a fan favorite.

It’s also a top survival game and a great alternative to Starfield. Look forward to Hello Games’ next title, Light No Fire, announced at The Game Awards 2023.

19. Elder Scrolls Online

Elder Scrolls Online is a compelling MMO, enriched by regular updates and the inclusion of Morrowind. Optimized for Xbox Series X and available on Game Pass, it offers a flexible, immersive Tamriel experience without demanding constant commitment.

Our guide to the Elder Scrolls series provides a complete timeline.

18. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order delivers thrilling lightsaber combat, rewarding precise parries and force abilities, especially on higher difficulties. Its engaging story follows Cal Kestus and a ragtag crew across the galaxy, offering a memorable Star Wars adventure.

The sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is available on Xbox One and ranks among the best Star Wars games ever.

17. Titanfall 2

Titanfall 2 surpasses its predecessor with a stellar single-player campaign and expanded multiplayer. Its innovative campaign, driven by clever design and a surprising twist, makes it one of the generation’s top shooters.

An ex-Respawn developer revealed Titanfall 3 was in development for 10 months before being canceled for Apex Legends, next on our list.

16. Apex Legends

Apex Legends brings Respawn’s slick gunplay to a dynamic battle royale. Regular seasonal updates, including new Legends, maps, and mechanics, keep it fresh, making it a top alternative to Fortnite.

15. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain offers an expansive sandbox, blending complex stealth mechanics with creative freedom. Its vast arsenal and flexible missions reward tactical play, making it a standout for open-world stealth enthusiasts.

14. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps builds on Blind Forest with a vibrant world, enhanced combat, and creative puzzles. Its heartfelt story and fluid platforming make it a top-tier platformer.

Moon Studios’ next project, No Rest for the Wicked, a Dark Souls-inspired ARPG, entered early access in 2024.

13. Forza Horizon 4

Forza Horizon 4 is a racing masterpiece, capturing the joy of driving across a dynamic, seasonal Britain. Its vast car roster, vibrant soundtrack, and social gameplay make it a benchmark for racing games.

Forza Horizon 5, IGN’s 2021 Game of the Year, is also available on Xbox One.

12. Gears 5

Gears 5 delivers intense cover-based shooting and a personal story centered on Kait Diaz. With engaging multiplayer modes like Versus, Horde, and the innovative Escape, it’s a thrilling addition to the series.

The Coalition is developing a prequel, Gears of War: E-Day, and collaborating with Netflix on a Gears movie and animated series.

11. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Halo: The Master Chief Collection bundles six iconic campaigns, with a remastered Halo 2 Anniversary shining brightest. Enhanced multiplayer and ongoing updates make it the definitive Halo experience for veterans and newcomers alike.

10. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice delivers FromSoftware’s signature challenge with precise, skill-based combat. Its unique take on Japanese history, paired with innovative traversal and fighting mechanics, offers a rewarding, distinct experience.

FromSoftware’s Elden Ring, crowned Game of the Year in 2022, is a modern masterpiece.

9. Inside

Inside is a masterpiece of polish and storytelling. Building on Limbo, its meticulously crafted visuals, sound, and puzzles create an unforgettable, thought-provoking narrative that lingers long after completion.

Playdead’s next project is a third-person sci-fi adventure set in a distant corner of the universe, to be published by Epic.

8. It Takes Two

It Takes Two is a delightful co-op adventure, blending whimsical visuals with unique multiplayer gameplay. Josef Fares’ heartfelt story of a struggling couple turned into dolls offers a joyful, cooperative experience.

Hazelight’s next game, Split Fiction, arrives in March. Read our preview for more details.

7. Control

Control, IGN’s 2019 Game of the Year, excels with gripping storytelling and telekinetic combat. Remedy’s brutalist-inspired world and mysterious narrative keep you hooked from start to finish.

Remedy’s Alan Wake 2, released in 2023, ties into Control’s lore. Control 2, a multiplayer spin-off FBC Firebreak, and Max Payne remakes are in development.

6. Hitman 3

Hitman 3 elevates Agent 47’s adventures with stunning visuals and creative missions, from Dubai’s heights to a Knives Out-inspired mystery. It’s the best in the series since Blood Money.

Rebranded as Hitman: World of Assassination, it consolidates the trilogy. IO Interactive is now focusing on Project 007, pausing the Hitman series.

5. Doom Eternal

Doom Eternal is a relentless FPS masterpiece, pitting you against hordes of demons in a thrilling combat dance. Its empowering gameplay and escalating challenges make it a standout on Xbox One.

It’s also among the best Steam Deck games.

4. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla embraces its RPG evolution, offering a rich Norse-Viking world brimming with activities. Its brutal combat and accessible story make it a perfect entry point for newcomers.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, is next in the series. See our guide for the full series timeline.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 sets a new standard for open-world storytelling, weaving a complex tale of loyalty and loss. Its breathtaking American frontier, packed with detailed side quests and immersive distractions, is a technical and artistic triumph.

It ranks among the best-selling games of all time.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a monumental RPG, with sprawling, dense open worlds filled with monsters, mysteries, and rich stories. Its stellar voice acting, epic soundtrack, and branching narrative set a high bar for the genre.

The Witcher 4, starring Ciri, and a remake of The Witcher 1 using Unreal Engine 5 are in development.

1. Grand Theft Auto 5 / GTA Online

Grand Theft Auto 5’s vast, detailed world remains unmatched, packed with engaging missions, side activities, and a living city. Its gripping crime saga and expansive GTA Online, featuring heists and races, cement it as the ultimate Xbox One experience.

GTA 6, set in Vice City with a female protagonist, is confirmed for 2025. See our series guide for more details.

Upcoming Xbox One Games

Exciting Xbox One titles for 2025 include Little Nightmares 3, Atomfall, and the Croc: Legend of the Gobbos remaster.

These are our top Xbox One game picks. Share your favorites in the comments or create your own ranked list using our tier list tool!

Also, explore our lists of the Best PS4 Games, Best PC Games, and Best Nintendo Switch Games.