As the Xbox One approaches its 12th year on the market, Microsoft continues to support the console with a steady stream of excellent games, even as they prepare to transition fully to the Xbox Series X/S. We've scoured the Xbox One's extensive library to bring you our top 25 games, selected by the entire IGN content team after much debate. These titles represent the pinnacle of what the Xbox One has to offer. For more gaming options, don't miss our list of free Xbox games.
Here's our curated list of the 25 best Xbox One games.
More on the best of Xbox:
- Best Xbox Series X|S Games
- Best Xbox 360 Games
The Best Xbox One Games (Spring 2021 update)
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25. Outer Wilds
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 is a captivating sci-fi adventure with a unique magical quality. Its open-ended exploration might leave you wandering through space and crashing into planets at breakneck speed, but the handcrafted solar system is brimming with intriguing breadcrumbs, compelling story teases, and stunning sights that draw you into one breathtaking experience after another. The game's time loop mechanic adds a thrilling urgency to its serene exploration, making Outer Wilds a journey worth embarking on. The expansion, Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye, praised as "a wonderful return to the clockwork solar system of Outer Wilds," is available for $15 USD, alongside a free 4K/60fps update for Xbox Series X|S owners.
24. Destiny 2
Developer: Bungie | Publisher: Bungie/Activision | Release Date: September 6, 2017 | Review: IGN's Destiny 2 review | Wiki: IGN's Destiny 2 Wiki
Destiny 2's seasonal model initially faced skepticism, but it has evolved into a compelling narrative that seamlessly connects seasons. Its addition to Game Pass has expanded its reach, attracting more players. Whether you're battling the darkness with Stasis or simply enjoying the thrill of shooting with cool guns, Destiny 2 has stood the test of time. The latest expansion, The Final Shape, is now available. For a deeper dive, check out our free-to-play guide to Destiny 2.
23. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
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 masterpiece of atmosphere, storytelling, and gameplay integration. Ninja Theory's dedication to Senua's story has created an unforgettable experience. The game's serious themes are reinforced by its stunning visuals and dense narrative. Now optimized for Xbox Series X|S, our performance review found it even outperforms high-end PCs. The sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, is now available exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
22. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
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 a shift to turn-based RPG combat. The game blends humor and drama, featuring a colorful cast and side missions like delivering formula to diaper-wearing gangsters. Its main storyline explores 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. For more on the series, see our guide to all Yakuza games in order.
21. Gears Tactics
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 franchise into an XCOM-like turn-based strategy game, retaining classic elements like cover-based combat and executions. The strategic gameplay and high-quality character development, combined with stunning in-engine cutscenes, make it a standout. The original Gears also made our list of the best Xbox exclusives.
20. No Man's Sky
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 beloved game is a testament to Hello Games' dedication. Continuous updates have added Expeditions, revamped space stations, new enemies, and cross-platform bases, fulfilling many community requests. No Man's Sky also featured in our best survival games list and is recommended for fans of Starfield. Look forward to Light No Fire, Hello Games' upcoming survival adventure announced at The Game Awards 2023.
19. Elder Scrolls Online
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 on Xbox offers a rich online RPG experience that improves with each update, including the addition of Morrowind. It now leverages the power of Xbox Series X and is available on Xbox Game Pass. This MMO allows for flexible play without feeling like a second job, letting you immerse yourself in Tamriel. For a complete timeline, see our guide on how to play the Elder Scrolls games in order.
18. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
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 excels in combat mastery, requiring perfectly timed parries followed by lightsaber flourishes or force powers. The game's challenging difficulty rewards skill, while its memorable story takes you across the galaxy with a diverse crew. The sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is now available on Xbox One and ranks among the best Star Wars games ever.
17. Titanfall 2
Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA | Release Date: October 28, 2016 | Review: IGN's Titanfall 2 review | Wiki: IGN's Titanfall 2 Wiki
Titanfall 2 surpassed its predecessor by delivering a remarkable single-player campaign alongside enhanced multiplayer features. While its story may be light, the campaign's innovative design and gameplay twists are among the best in modern shooters. An ex-Respawn developer confirmed that Titanfall 3 was in development for 10 months before being canceled in favor of Apex Legends, which is next on our list.
16. Apex Legends
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 evolved since its 2019 launch, offering regular seasonal updates with new Legends, story content, map changes, and quality-of-life improvements. These updates, along with holiday events and quests, keep the game fresh and engaging, making it one of the best alternatives to Fortnite.
15. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
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, including The Phantom Pain and Ground Zeroes, is the most ambitious entry in the series, featuring a vast sandbox with a wide range of weapons, vehicles, gadgets, and AI companions. While its story may feel incomplete due to creative differences with Konami, the game offers a rewarding experience for fans of open-world stealth games.
14. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
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 on the success of Blind Forest, enhancing the world, combat, and storytelling. Its creative puzzles, dynamic platforming, and emotional narrative make it one of the best platformers available. Following a reported difficult relationship with Microsoft, Moon Studios released No Rest for the Wicked, a Dark Souls-inspired ARPG, into early access in 2024.
13. Forza Horizon 4
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 not only the best in its series but also one of the greatest racing games ever made. Its dynamic seasons and vast car selection, set in a beautifully rendered Great Britain, offer a joyful and immersive experience. The latest entry, Forza Horizon 5, was crowned IGN's 2021 Game of the Year and is also available on Xbox One.
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 continues the series' tradition of excellent third-person shooting, exploring Kait Diaz's backstory and delivering an engaging narrative. Multiplayer modes like Versus, Horde, and the new Escape mode provide diverse gameplay. The Coalition is developing a prequel, Gears of War: E-Day, and multiple new projects using Unreal Engine 5, along with a Gears of War movie and adult animated series with Netflix.
