The Xbox One, now entering its 12th year on the market, continues to be a platform for excellent games despite Microsoft's shift towards the newer Xbox Series X/S consoles. Publishers are still actively releasing top-tier titles for the Xbox One, ensuring that its library remains robust and engaging.
We at IGN have meticulously combed through the Xbox One catalog to curate a list of our top 25 favorite games. This selection, a result of extensive debate and consensus among our entire content team, encapsulates what we believe to be the pinnacle of gaming experiences on the Xbox One. Additionally, if you're looking for more options, don't miss our list of free Xbox games.
Below, you'll find our definitive list of the 25 best Xbox One games:
For more insights into the Xbox ecosystem, explore our guides on the Best Xbox Series X|S Games and Best Xbox 360 Games.
The Best Xbox One Games (Spring 2021 update)
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25. Outer Wilds
Image credit: Annapurna Interactive
Developer: Mobius Entertainment | Publisher: Annapurna Interactive | Release Date: May 28, 2019 | Review: IGN's Outer Wilds review | Wiki: IGN's Outer Wilds Wiki
Outer Wilds, a captivating sci-fi adventure, casts a spell with its unique blend of mystery and exploration. Its open-ended structure might leave you adrift in space, yet the handcrafted solar system is brimming with intriguing clues, story fragments, and stunning visuals that pull you into a series of awe-inspiring moments. The game's time loop mechanic adds a thrilling urgency to its serene exploration, making it a journey worth embarking upon. The expansion, Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye, further enriches this experience, and a free 4K/60fps update enhances it for Xbox Series X|S owners.
24. Destiny 2
Image credit: Bungie
Developer: Bungie | Publisher: Bungie/Activision | Release Date: September 6, 2017 | Review: IGN's Destiny 2 review | Wiki: IGN's Destiny 2 Wiki
Destiny 2 has evolved significantly with its new seasonal model, weaving a compelling narrative across seasons. Its inclusion in Game Pass has broadened its appeal, drawing more players into its universe. Whether you're harnessing Stasis to combat darkness or simply enjoying the thrill of combat with unique weapons, Destiny 2 continues to captivate with its expansive world and engaging expansions like The Final Shape. Check out our free-to-play guide to discover what you can experience without spending a dime.
23. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Image credit: Ninja Theory
Developer: Ninja Theory | Publisher: Ninja Theory | Release Date: August 8, 2017 | Review: IGN's Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice review | Wiki: IGN's Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice Wiki
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a testament to immersive storytelling and atmospheric design. Ninja Theory's dedication to Senua's journey results in a profound experience that blends mechanics and narrative seamlessly. The game's optimization for Xbox Series X|S enhances its already stunning presentation, and the upcoming sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, promises to continue this compelling saga.
22. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Image credit: SEGA
Developer: Ryu ga Gotoku Studios | Publisher: SEGA | Release Date: January 16, 2020 | Review: IGN's Yakuza: Like a Dragon review | Wiki: IGN's Yakuza: Like a Dragon Wiki
Yakuza: Like a Dragon reinvents the series with a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and shifts to a turn-based RPG format. Its blend of humor and drama, featuring a cast of quirky characters and absurd side missions, elevates the Yakuza experience. The game also tackles serious themes, making it a multifaceted narrative. Its sequel, Infinite Wealth, and the upcoming Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii in 2025, continue to expand this universe.
21. Gears Tactics
Image credit: Microsoft
Developer: Splash Damage/The Coalition | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: April 28, 2020 | Review: IGN's Gears Tactics review | Wiki: IGN's Gears Tactics Wiki
Gears Tactics successfully transitions the Gears of War series into a turn-based strategy game reminiscent of XCOM. It retains the essence of Gears with cover-based combat and executions, delivering a strategic twist to the franchise. The game's story and character development are commendable, making it a standout title in the series.
20. No Man's Sky
Image credit: Hello Games
Developer: Hello Games | Publisher: Hello Games | Release Date: August 9, 2016 | Review: IGN's No Man's Sky review | Wiki: IGN's No Man's Sky Wiki
No Man's Sky's journey from launch to its current state is a testament to Hello Games' commitment to player feedback. With continuous updates enhancing gameplay, from Expeditions to revamped space stations, the game has become a beloved survival adventure. Its upcoming title, Light No Fire, promises to continue this legacy.
19. Elder Scrolls Online
Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: June 9, 2015 | Review: IGN's Elder Scrolls Online review | Wiki: IGN's Elder Scrolls Online Wiki
Elder Scrolls Online offers a rich RPG experience that's continually improved with updates, including the beloved Morrowind content. Its availability on Xbox Game Pass and optimization for Xbox Series X make it an accessible and engaging MMO. For a complete timeline, see our guide on how to play the Elder Scrolls games in order.
18. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Image credit: EA
Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA | Release Date: November 15, 2019 | Review: IGN's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order review | Wiki: IGN's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Wiki
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order masterfully blends combat with a memorable narrative, allowing players to explore the galaxy as Cal Kestis. Its sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, continues this legacy, offering one of the best Star Wars gaming experiences to date.
17. Titanfall 2
Image credit: EA
Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA | Release Date: October 28, 2016 | Review: IGN's Titanfall 2 review | Wiki: IGN's Titanfall 2 Wiki
Titanfall 2 excels with its standout single-player campaign and enhanced multiplayer offerings. Its innovative gameplay twists make it one of the best shooter campaigns of its generation, despite the shift in focus to Apex Legends.
16. Apex Legends
Image credit: EA
Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA | Release Date: February 3, 2019 | Review: IGN's Apex Legends review | Wiki: IGN's Apex Legends Wiki
Apex Legends has carved its niche in the battle royale genre with its slick gunplay and regular updates. New Legends, map changes, and quality-of-life improvements keep the game fresh and engaging, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
15. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Image credit: Konami
Developer: Kojima Productions/Konami | Publisher: Konami | Release Date: September 1, 2015 | Review: IGN's Metal Gear Solid 5 review | Wiki: IGN's MGS 5 Wiki
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain offers an expansive sandbox with complex gameplay mechanics and a narrative that, while incomplete, is still compelling. Its focus on stealth and creative mission approaches makes it a standout title for fans of the genre.
14. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Image credit: Microsoft
Developer: Moon Studios | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: March 11, 2020 | Review: IGN's Ori and the Will of the Wisps review | Wiki: IGN's Ori and the Will of the Wisps Wiki
Ori and the Will of the Wisps builds upon its predecessor, offering a more vibrant world, enhanced combat, and a poignant narrative. Its platforming and puzzles are top-notch, making it one of the best in its genre.
13. Forza Horizon 4
Image credit: Microsoft
Developer: Playground Games | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: October 2, 2018 | Review: IGN's Forza Horizon 4 review | Wiki: IGN's Forza Horizon 4 Wiki
Forza Horizon 4 is hailed as the best car game of the last decade, offering a dynamic, seasonal experience in a beautifully crafted version of Great Britain. Its engaging gameplay and diverse car selection make it a standout title, with the latest entry, Forza Horizon 5, continuing its legacy.
12. Gears 5
Developer: The Coalition | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: September 10, 2019 | Review: IGN's Gears 5 review | Wiki: IGN's Gears 5 Wiki
Gears 5 maintains the series' tradition of excellent third-person shooter gameplay while delving deeper into Kait Diaz's story. Its engaging narrative and innovative multiplayer modes, including Escape, make it a must-play for fans of the franchise.
11. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Image credit: Microsoft
Developer: 343 Industries | Publisher: Microsoft | Release Date: November 11, 2014 | Review: IGN's Halo: The Master Chief Collection review | Wiki: IGN's Halo: The Master Chief Collection Wiki
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is the definitive Halo experience, offering remastered campaigns and an enhanced multiplayer suite. It's an essential collection for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.
10. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Image credit: Activision
Developer: FromSoftware | Publisher: Activision | Release Date: March 22, 2019 | Review: IGN's Sekiro: Shadows Die review | Wiki: IGN's Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Wiki
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice offers a challenging yet rewarding experience with its precision-based combat and unique setting. Its demanding gameplay and compelling narrative make it a standout title in FromSoftware's catalog.
9. Inside
Image credit: Playdead
Developer: Playdead | Publisher: Playdead | Release Date: June 29, 2016 | Review: IGN's Inside review | Wiki: IGN's Inside Wiki
Inside is a masterpiece of storytelling and puzzle design, captivating players with its atmospheric world and thought-provoking narrative. Its polish and impact make it an unforgettable experience.
8. It Takes Two
Image credit: EA
Developer: Hazelight Studios | Publisher: EA | Release Date: March 26, 2021 | Review: IGN's It Takes Two review | Wiki: IGN's It Takes Two Wiki
It Takes Two offers a unique multiplayer experience, blending whimsical graphics with a heartfelt story about a couple turned into dolls. Its cooperative gameplay and engaging narrative make it a standout title for players looking for a shared experience.
7. Control
Image credit: 505 Games
Developer: Remedy Entertainment | Publisher: 505 Games | Release Date: August 27, 2019 | Review: IGN's Control review | Wiki: IGN's Control Wiki
Control is a visually stunning and narratively rich action-adventure game that showcases Remedy's storytelling prowess. Its engaging mystery and innovative use of telekinesis make it a must-play title.
6. Hitman 3
Image credit: IO Interactive
Developer: IO Interactive | Publisher: IO Interactive | Release Date: January 20, 2021 | Review: IGN's Hitman 3 review | Wiki: IGN's Hitman 3 Wiki
Hitman 3 is the pinnacle of the series, offering breathtaking visuals and intricate missions. Its rebranding as Hitman: World of Assassination consolidates the trilogy's content, making it the best Hitman experience since Blood Money.
5. Doom Eternal
Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: id Software | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: March 20, 2020 | Review: IGN's Doom Eternal review | Wiki: IGN's Doom Eternal Wiki
Doom Eternal delivers an unparalleled single-player FPS experience, emphasizing fast-paced, demon-slaying action. Its engaging combat loop and stunning visuals make it a standout title in the genre.
4. Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Image credit: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release Date: November 10, 2020 | Review: IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla review | Wiki: IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla Wiki
Assassin's Creed Valhalla exemplifies the series' evolution into a full-blown RPG, offering a rich Norse-Viking world filled with activities and brutal combat. Its standalone appeal makes it accessible to newcomers, with the next installment, Assassin's Creed Shadows, set to continue this legacy.
3. Red Dead Redemption 2
Image credit: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar Games | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release Date: October 26, 2018 | Review: IGN's Red Dead Redemption 2 review | Wiki: IGN's Red Dead 2 Wiki
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a technical marvel and a storytelling masterpiece set in a meticulously crafted open world. Its attention to detail and immersive narrative make it one of the greatest games ever made, with its world inviting endless exploration.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Image credit: CD Projekt
Developer: CD Projekt Red | Publisher: CD Projekt | Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Witcher 3 review | Wiki: IGN's The Witcher 3 Wiki
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt sets the standard for RPGs with its expansive world, rich storytelling, and engaging gameplay. Its expansions and overall production quality make it a landmark title in gaming history.
1. Grand Theft Auto 5 / GTA Online
Image credit: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar Games | Publisher: Rockstar Games | Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Review: IGN's GTA 5 review | Wiki: IGN's GTA 5 Wiki
Grand Theft Auto 5 remains the epitome of open-world gaming with its detailed, engaging world and expansive content. Its single-player story and the ever-evolving GTA Online offer endless hours of entertainment, cementing its place as the best Xbox One game ever.
Upcoming Xbox One Games
Looking ahead to 2025, Xbox One players can anticipate exciting titles like Little Nightmares 3, Atomfall, and the Croc: Legend of the Gobbos remaster.
The 25 best Xbox One games
These are our top picks for the best Xbox One games. We invite you to share your favorites that didn't make our list or create your own ranked list using our tier list tool. Don't forget to explore our other lists for the Best PS4 Games, Best PC Games, and Best Nintendo Switch Games for more gaming recommendations.
