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. Every month more quality titles are added and at the end of the day, the service has quickly become one of the best value subscriptions in video games.
In recent years, really more so in the last year, the available library on Xbox Game Pass has exploded, especially with the addition of Game Pass for PC. Many first-party Xbox titles now release day one on both Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, making the service hold insane value.
Some need acquired tastes like licorice (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 top 20 best games on Xbox Game Pass right now waiting for you to jump into them.
[Updated: January 2025]
Best Xbox Game Pass Games on Xbox and PC
One of the greatest things about Xbox Game Pass and its titles as that more and more games are being launched as Day One Game Pass titles on both PC and Xbox. Paired with often-supported cross-platform functionality, this has created another high-value feature exclusive to the Xbox Game Pass service. All of the titles in this category have both Xbox and PC versions of the game, both of which are on Game Pass.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Even though we get annual releases of theCall of Dutyfranchise now, this is the first time it’s been available on both PC and Xbox Series X|S Day One via Game Pass. It’s a pivotal change for both one of the biggest franchises in the world and for the Game Pass subscription service. Set during the Cold War and stretching into the Gulf War era,Call of Duty: Black Ops 6revives the popularBlack Opsconspiracy-driven storytelling while adding new mechanics in all gameplay formats including the campaign, multiplayer, and zombies mode.
The ultimate feature ofDead Island 2is the F.L.E.S.H. system which stands for Fully Locational Evisceration System for Humanoids. This revolutionary gore mechanic lets players dismember zombies with pretty insane precision based on where they aim. Every strike from a variety of weapons including a flaming baseball bat or even electrified claws will peel away layers of flesh, muscle, and bone, creating rewarding satisfyingly grotesque combat.
While the story itself is plagued by rather dull dialogue and massive underdeveloped characters,Dead Island 2has many moments of redemption in terms of storytelling with its dark humor, satirical take on Hollywood elitism, and its knack for pitting players against zombified influencers and wealthy elites. With co-op multiplayer,Dead Island 2is the ideal co-op game for Game Pass. With over 2 million copies sold in its early launch weeks, a blend of inventive combat, rewarding exploration, and very over-the-top violence,Dead Island 2is one of the best titles on Game Pass.
Stellaris – PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
The PC version ofStellarisandStellaris: Console Editionare massive entries into the 4x genre, offering grand strategy gaming on both PC and consoles in a universe teeming with complexity, creativity, and even intricate storytelling. Developed in-house by fabled grand strategy developer Paradox—creators ofEuropa Universalis,Hearts of Iron, andCrusader Kings—Stellarisis a sci-fi take on the genre tasking players with growing a fledgling civilization from its first interstellar event to galactic dominance.
The game begins with empire creation, where players design their species’ biology, ethics, and government type. Want to lead a hive-mind fungus obsessed with conquest? Or a pacifist reptilian democracy focused on scientific discovery? The customization tools allow for nearly infinite combinations, shaping how your civilization interacts with alien races, handles crises, and evolves over millennia. This freedom extends to gameplay, where every decision—from diplomatic treaties to ship designs—carries weight. The procedural galaxy ensures no two playthroughs are alike: you might encounter ancient space leviathans, unlock reality-altering technologies, or trigger a robot uprising that reshapes the political landscape.
Exploration and warfare are equally as meaningful inStellaris. Science ships survey anomalies, uncovering cosmic mysteries like derelict megastructures or precursor civilizations, while construction ships build starbases to secure more resources for your sprawling empire. Combat hinges on strategic fleet customization, with players designing ships to counter enemy strengths—think armor-piercing weaponry for crystalline foes or point-defense systems to negate missile barrages. Battles unfold in cinematic, real-time spectacles, though the focus remains on macro-level tactics rather than flashy visuals. No microing or kiting-style tactics here. Diplomacy also plays a critical role, with alliances, federations, and espionage systems allowing players to outmaneuver rivals without firing a single shot.
Stellaris: Console Editiondeserves special praise for its intuitive control scheme, a real feat considering the genre’s PC roots. Radial menus and context-sensitive shortcuts streamline navigation through dense interfaces, making planetary management and fleet coordination surprisingly fluid on a controller. While newcomers might initially feel overwhelmed by the sheer depth—resource management, faction politics, and technological research all demand attention—the game’s tutorial and tooltips ease the learning curve. There’s a ton of fun to be had over long campaigns which is what putsStellaris: Console Editionon our list of best Game Pass games.
Inscryption – PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Inscryptionisn’t just a game—it’s a masterpiece and a wonderfully woven labyrinth of dread, strategy, and meta-narrative brilliance that has cemented itself as a modern indie classic. Now available on Xbox Game Pass, this 2021 gem by Daniel Mullins Games (creator of Pony Island) merges roguelike deck-building, escape-room puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-soaked odyssey that defies expectations at every turn. Starting as a seemingly straightforward card battler set in a shadowy cabin, the game evolves into a mind-bending exploration of identity, obsession, and the nature of play itself.
At its core,Inscryptionpits players against a masked figure named Leshy in a high-stakes card game where every move feels like a life-or-death gamble. The combat revolves around sacrificial mechanics: squirrels are offered as fuel to summon stronger creatures, while “bones” from fallen allies power undead armies. Battles unfold on a literal tipping scale, where damage dealt to your opponent shifts the balance in your favor—a system that transforms matches into tense, chess-like duels. But the genius lies in its unpredictability: cards mutate, bosses subvert around rules, and hidden abilities force players to experiment relentlessly.
What elevatesInscryptionbeyond its peers is its meta-narrative depth. The cabin itself becomes a character—players can stand up from the table to solve eerie escape-room puzzles, uncovering clues tied to the game’s lore. A locked safe, cryptic symbols, and even a jar of teeth (used to tip the scales in your favor via gruesome self-surgery) weave a story that blurs the line between reality and fiction. The game’s three acts shift genres entirely, morphing from a roguelike into a retro RPG and finally a surreal, existential showdown, all while critiquing gaming culture and player agency. It’s overall a fun ride, and while it gets a bit weaker at the end, the journey is still well worth it making this one of the best Xbox Game Pass titles available.
Age of Mythology: Retold – PC, Xbox Series X|S
Furthermore,Age of Mythology: Retoldfeatures a 50-mission campaign that spans Greek, Norse, Egyptian, and Atlantean mythologies. The many missions include iconic mythological units like Cyclopes, Centaurs, and Titans, all rendered in upgraded stunning 3D graphics. Beyond the story,Retoldboasts a variety of multiplayer and seasonal events, such as the New Year 2025 Event, which launched on January 23 and runs through February 26. This event offers 25 daily challenges across modes like Skirmish, Deathmatch, and Arena of the Gods, rewarding players with exclusive profile icons for completing them. Post-launch support, including balance tweaks and anti-cheat overhauls, further highlights the developers’ commitment to refining the experience in this upgraded version.
Octopath Traveler 2 – PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Octopath Traveler 2has cemented itself as one of the best RPGs on the service, offering a masterclass in retro-inspired JRPG design, storytelling, and strategic combat. Released as a surprise addition to the service in June 2024, the game’s arrival marked a pivotal moment for Xbox players, who finally gained access to a title previously exclusive to PlayStation, Switch, and PC. Its inclusion on Game Pass invites both newcomers and JRPG veterans to dive into a sprawling 60–80-hour JRPG adventure as part of the subscription. Critics and fans alike have praised the series HD-2D art style—a blend of nostalgic 16-bit sprites and modern 3D environments—which creates a visual feast that highlights the golden age of 1990s JRPGs while feeling fresh and dynamic.
Similar to the original,Octopath Traveler 2features eight distinct character-driven narratives, each offering a self-contained story that weaves into a grand, interconnected tapestry where all characters play a role. Players choose a protagonist—such as Throné, a thief seeking freedom from her assassins’ guild, or Osvald, a scholar bent on revenge after being framed for his family’s murder—and recruit the remaining seven travelers, each with unique motivations and gameplay mechanics. Unlike many traditional JRPGs,Octopath Traveler 2avoids a singular “save-the-world” plot, instead focusing on intimate, personal quests that range from emotional dramas to whimsical journeys, such as Agnea the Dancer’s pursuit of stardom. This structure allows players to tackle chapters in a non-linear fashion, with optional cross-path interactions that further deepen the eight character’s relationships.
A fun and innovative combat system combines turn-based strategy with a “Break & Boost” mechanic. Enemies have specific weaknesses such as swords or fire magic, and exploiting these weaknesses will “break” their defenses and open them up to devastating attacks. The addition of Latent Powers—essentially unique Limit Break-style abilities for each character—adds explosive depth to boss fights, demanding careful planning to an already refined combat system.
If you’re looking for many hours of fun and a well-written narrative, you won’t find a better modern JRPG experience thanOctopath Traveler 2. And with it now on Game Pass, you can’t beat the pure value of gaining access via your subscription.
No Man’s Sky – PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
After a rocky 2016 launch,No Man’s Skyhas transformed into a sprawling sci-fi epic, receiving over 29 massive content updates in the 9 years since its release. For space fans, it offers unparalleled amounts of exploration and evolution across countless procedurally generated planets, ecosystems, and creatures. Along the way, players can engage in interstellar trade or combat, fully powered by cross-platform multiplayer and even VR support for those who wish to partake.
Now part of Xbox Game Pass,No Man’s Skyoffers a trove of content for players to enjoy including exploring the expanse of space, landing on exotic planets and mining its resources, building multiple bases, and piloting a variety of unique starships. It’s been a unique journey forNo Man’s Sky, which had mostly negative reviews after its PlayStation-exclusive launch. But now, the much-improved open-world game is now part of the Xbox Game Pass subscription and playable on both PC and Xbox Series X|S.
Tales of Arise – PC, Xbox Series X|S
The game’s brilliance lies in its innovative combat and nuanced narrative. Departing from traditional turn-based systems,Tales of Arisedelivers fluid, party-driven battles where players swap between four characters, each with distinct styles—ranged, melee, or defensive—and unleash “Boost Attacks” to disrupt enemies or trigger devastating combos. This system, likened to Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Granblue Fantasy: Relink, rewards strategy while maintaining frenetic fast-paced but fluid combat. The story, centered on enslaved warrior Alphen and cursed noble Shionne, avoids simplistic morality, exploring oppression through multi-layered worldbuilding. Renan rulers enforce control not just through brute force but psychological manipulation, with characters like Shionne challenging stereotypes by rebelling against her own people. This mature narrative often missing from the genre, paired with stunning cutscenes and voice acting, elevates the game beyond its “ragtag heroes vs. empire” premise.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition – PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Those seeking adventure should look towardsThe 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 – PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
In my opinion,Halo Infinitegets 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 – PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Hi-Fi Rushisone of the best Xbox exclusivesin 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 inHi-Fi Rushwith rock hits from Nine Inch Nails, The Prodigy, and The Black Keys.
Minecraft – PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
There’s not much else to be said aboutMinecraftbut 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 likeHogwartsfromHarry Potter.Someone even made a working 3Dgraphing 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 onMega Man XandSpongeBob SquarePants.
Monster Hunter Rise – PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
After many years of struggling to get into the series,Monster Hunter Risefinally 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’sMonster Hunter’snew maneuverability of the wirebugs that lets you zip from place to place like Indiana Jones’ whip that really made it click for me. you’re able to 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.
Atlus’Persona 3 Reloadis 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 bestPersonagame. 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 asPersona 5 Royal.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Assassin’s Creed Odysseyhas 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 otherAssassin’s Creedheroes 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.
Dordogne – PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
If you’re fatigued from the intense FPS gameplay of most triple-A games,Dordogneis 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 – PC, Xbox One
It’s not often that a game truly moves me, but by the end ofCeleste,I wept like a baby.Celestewas 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 aboutLena Raine’s extraordinary soundtrackforCeleste.
Forza Horizon 5 – PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
One of the best driving games available on Xbox Game Pass isForza Horizon 5.Variety is the spice of life and this is what you get with thisForzatitle. You’re exploring volcanoes, the desert, beaches, Mexican towns, and even wintry mountain landscapes withinForza 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 5is a grand tour-de-force to show off your lovely 4K TV.
Best Xbox Game Pass PC Exclusive Games
While most of the titles on this list are available on both Xbox and PC, there are a few that are PC-exclusive but are just too darn good not to include. As such, we’ve added this category for the must-play PC exclusive titles currently on Game Pass.
StarCraft Remastered and StarCraft 2 Campaign – PC Only
StarCraft: RemasteredandStarCraft II: Campaign Collectionare landmark additions to Xbox Game Pass, offering both nostalgia and modernized RTS depth that solidify their status as titans of the real-time strategy genre. The original StarCraft (1998) revolutionized gaming with its asymmetrical factions—Terrans, Zerg, and Protoss—and its balance of accessibility and competitive complexity, earning it a place in history as the first video game played in space by NASA astronaut Daniel Barry during the STS-96 Discovery mission.StarCraft: Remasteredrevitalizes this legacy with 4K Ultra HD visuals, re-recorded orchestral audio, and modern online features while preserving the original’s iconic gameplay and Brood War expansion. Meanwhile, theStarCraft II: Campaign Collectionbundles over 70 missions across all three games including Wings of Liberty, Heart of the Swarm, and Legacy of the Void, delivering a multi-expansion-spanning narrative that explores galactic warfare through shifting perspectives, from Terran rebel leader Jim Raynor to the Zerg queen herself, Kerrigan, Queen of Blades. Together, these titles encapsulate decades of RTS innovation, making them essential for both veterans and newcomers and a must-play on the Game Pass.
Against the Storm – PC Only
Against the Stormreally shines with its dynamic risk-reward systems and strategic tension. Seasonal storms and curses threaten settlements, requiring players to balance resource exploitation with villager morale—overharvesting risks discontent, while underpreparing leads to collapse. ASlay the Spire-style progression tree lets players unlock permanent upgrades between runs, such as new buildings or faction perks, creating a satisfying meta-game loop. The roguelike structure is further enhanced via randomized blueprints, which limit available structures per run, demanding creativity and constant adaptation. It’s a truly must-play experience for anyone that’s a fan of city-builders or even the roguelike genre, asAgainst the Stormmasterfully fuses the two together which is why it earned a spot on our 20 Best Games on Game Pass list.
