Top Xbox One Games of All Time

The Xbox One, now in its 12th year, continues to receive excellent game releases from publishers, even as Microsoft shifts focus to the current-gen Xbox Series X/S. To celebrate this legacy, the IGN content team has meticulously selected 25 of the best Xbox One titles available, reflecting extensive debate and passion for gaming. For those seeking more options, our list of free Xbox games is also worth exploring.

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)

26 Images

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 captivates with its enchanting sci-fi exploration. This open-ended game invites you to drift through a meticulously crafted solar system, filled with engaging mysteries and breathtaking vistas. The time loop mechanic adds a thrilling urgency to your serene journey, making every discovery feel vital. The expansion, Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye, offers even more to explore, and a free 4K/60fps update enhances the experience on Xbox Series X|S.

24. Destiny 2

Image credit: Bungie Developer: Bungie | Publisher: Bungie/Acvtision | Release Date: September 6, 2017 | Review: IGN's Destiny 2 review | Wiki: IGN's Destiny 2 Wiki

Destiny 2's evolving seasonal model weaves a compelling narrative across its seasons, making it an enthralling experience. Available on Game Pass, it attracts a broad player base. Whether you're wielding Stasis or enjoying the game's diverse weaponry, Destiny 2 keeps you engaged with expansions like The Final Shape. Our free-to-play guide offers insights into what you can enjoy 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 excels in creating an immersive atmosphere and telling a poignant story. Ninja Theory's dedication shines through in every aspect, from its stunning visuals to its deep narrative. Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, it even outperforms high-end PCs. The sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, continues this legacy on Xbox Series X|S and PC.

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 revolutionizes the series with a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and a shift to turn-based RPG combat. Its blend of humor and drama, exploring themes of betrayal and marginalization, sets it apart. The sequel, Infinite Wealth, and the upcoming Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii are also available on Xbox One. Our guide to the Yakuza series provides a comprehensive overview.

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 transforms the iconic Gears of War series into a turn-based strategy game, reminiscent of XCOM. It retains the series' core elements like cover-based combat and executions, delivering a compelling story through high-quality cutscenes. The seamless transition to a new genre showcases the franchise's versatility. The original Gears also ranks among the best Xbox exclusives.

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 is a testament to the power of perseverance, with Hello Games continually enhancing the game through updates. From new challenges like Expeditions to revamped space stations and cross-platform bases, the game has evolved significantly. It's also a standout in our list of best survival games and a great alternative to Starfield. Look forward to Light No Fire, Hello Games' next adventure.

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 MMO experience that continues to improve with regular updates. The inclusion of Morrowind and optimization for Xbox Series X make it a must-play. As we await The Elder Scrolls 6, ESO provides an excellent way to immerse yourself in Tamriel, available on Xbox Game Pass. Our guide on the Elder Scrolls series timeline is a great resource for fans.

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 excels with its engaging combat system, requiring perfect timing for parries and force powers. The memorable story takes you across the galaxy with a diverse crew, making it an unforgettable adventure. The sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is available on Xbox One and ranks among the best Star Wars games ever.

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 surpasses its predecessor with a stellar single-player campaign and enhanced multiplayer. Its innovative gameplay twists make it one of the best shooter campaigns of its generation. Although Titanfall 3 was canceled in favor of Apex Legends, Titanfall 2 remains a beloved classic.

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 brings Respawn's renowned gunplay to the battle royale genre, continually improving with regular seasonal updates. New Legends, map changes, and quality-of-life enhancements keep the game fresh and exciting. It's a top choice for fans of games like Fortnite.

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, encompassing The Phantom Pain and Ground Zeroes, is the most ambitious entry in the series. Its expansive sandbox and diverse approach to missions cater to both stealth and action fans. Though Hideo Kojima's vision faced challenges, the game remains a standout in open-world stealth gaming.

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 the success of Blind Forest with a richer world, enhanced combat, and a moving narrative. Its innovative puzzles and dynamic platforming make it one of the best platformers available. Moon Studios' future projects, including No Rest for the Wicked, promise more exciting adventures.

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 stands as the pinnacle of car gaming, offering a vibrant, seasonally dynamic rendition of Great Britain. Its diverse car selection and engaging soundtrack create an unparalleled driving experience. The series' latest entry, Forza Horizon 5, also available on Xbox One, was named IGN's 2021 Game of the Year.

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' signature cover-based shooting while delving into Kait Diaz's compelling story. Its multiplayer modes, including the new Escape mode, ensure hours of entertainment. The Coalition's ongoing projects, including a prequel and a Netflix series, keep the franchise thriving.

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 ultimate Halo experience, featuring remastered campaigns and an enhanced multiplayer suite. It's essential for both long-time fans and newcomers to the series, providing a comprehensive journey through the iconic saga.

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 delivers FromSoftware's signature challenging combat with a unique twist on Japanese history. Its precise, skill-based mechanics and intriguing story make it a rewarding experience. FromSoftware's latest, Elden Ring, also received widespread acclaim and multiple Game of the Year awards.

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 game design, offering a polished, atmospheric experience that lingers long after completion. Its non-verbal storytelling and clever puzzles make it an essential play. Playdead's next project, a third-person sci-fi adventure, is eagerly anticipated.

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 that's both fun and meaningful. Its whimsical graphics and engaging story of a couple turned into dolls make it a standout. Hazelight Studios' next game, Split Fiction, is set to release in March.

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 earned IGN's 2019 Game of the Year for its exceptional action-adventure gameplay and storytelling. Its unique setting and telekinesis mechanics set it apart. Remedy's ongoing projects, including Control 2 and Alan Wake 2, continue to expand this intriguing universe.

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 most visually stunning entry in the series, with captivating missions that encourage creative problem-solving. Rebranded as Hitman: World of Assassination, it consolidates the trilogy into a single experience. IO Interactive is now focusing on Project 007, a James Bond game.

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 offers one of the best single-player FPS campaigns on Xbox One, with a relentless gameplay loop and escalating challenges. Its blend of speed and strategy makes it an exhilarating experience. It also ranks among the best games for Steam Deck.

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 represents the series' evolution into a full-blown open-world RPG. Its Norse-Viking setting offers endless exploration and brutal combat. Newcomers can jump right in, and the next installment, Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, is eagerly awaited.

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 landmark achievement in video game storytelling and open-world design. Its detailed world and complex narrative set a new standard. Despite its short time on the market, it's already one of the best-selling games ever.

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 offers an unparalleled RPG experience, with vast, richly detailed worlds and compelling stories. Its expansions and overall production quality make it a benchmark for open-world adventures. CD Projekt Red's future projects, including The Witcher 4 and a remake of the first game, continue to excite fans.

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's expansive, detailed world remains the gold standard for open-world games. Its engaging single-player story and extensive multiplayer content in GTA Online offer endless hours of play. With GTA 6 on the horizon for 2025, featuring a return to Vice City and a new female protagonist, the series continues to evolve.

Upcoming Xbox One Games

Looking ahead, several exciting titles are set to release on Xbox One in 2025, including Little Nightmares 3, Atomfall, and the Croc: Legend of the Gobbos remaster.

The 25 best Xbox One games

Those are our picks for the top Xbox One games. Let us know in the comments what's on your list that didn't make ours or create your own ranked list using our tier list tool above!

Be sure to also check out our lists of the Best PS4 Games, the Best PC Games, and the Best Nintendo Switch Games.