Top Xbox One Games of All Time

The Xbox One, now approaching its 12th year on the market, continues to receive support from publishers with a range of excellent games. As Microsoft prepares to transition more focus to its current-gen Xbox Series X/S consoles, the Xbox One remains a robust platform for gaming. Our team at IGN has curated a list of the 25 best Xbox One games, selected through rigorous internal discussion to highlight the platform's finest offerings. You can also explore our list of free Xbox games for more gaming options.

Here is our selection of the top 25 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 blends sci-fi with an enchanting sense of magic. Its open-ended exploration can leave you drifting through space, yet the handcrafted solar system is brimming with intriguing clues and captivating story elements. The time loop mechanic adds both tension and urgency to the serene exploration, making it a journey well worth embarking on. The expansion, Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye, enhances the experience further, and a free 4K/60fps update is available 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's seasonal model has evolved into a compelling narrative experience, seamlessly connecting story arcs from season to season. Its inclusion in Game Pass has broadened its player base, making it more accessible. Whether you're battling with Stasis or engaging in intense gunfights, Destiny 2 continues to captivate players, especially with expansions like The Final Shape. Check out our free-to-play guide for more on what you can do 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 masterclass in atmosphere and storytelling, blending mechanical and conceptual design flawlessly. Ninja Theory's dedication to Senua's narrative creates a profoundly immersive experience. The game's optimization for Xbox Series X|S enhances its performance, and the sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, is now available exclusively 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 by introducing a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and shifting to a turn-based RPG format. The game's blend of humor and drama, along with its exploration of societal themes, sets it apart. 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 the Yakuza games in order.

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 franchise into a turn-based strategy game, akin to XCOM. It retains the series' signature cover-based combat and executions, delivering a compelling story with high-quality character development and stunning in-engine cutscenes. The original Gears of War series is also celebrated as one of 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's journey from launch to its current state is a testament to Hello Games' dedication. Continuous updates have transformed it into a beloved title, adding Expeditions, overhauled space stations, new enemies, and cross-platform features. It's also featured on our lists of the best survival games and games similar to Starfield. Look forward to Light No Fire, the next survival adventure from Hello Games.

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 on Xbox offers an expansive online RPG experience that continues to improve with regular updates, including the addition of Morrowind. Its optimization for Xbox Series X and inclusion in Xbox Game Pass 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 excels in combat, requiring mastery of timing and skill to progress. Its engaging story and stellar gameplay make it a standout title, with a sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, now available on Xbox One, further solidifying its place as one of the best Star Wars games.

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 an outstanding single-player campaign and enriched multiplayer modes. Its campaign, though light on story, is a standout for its innovative design and gameplay twists. Respawn's shift to focus on Apex Legends after canceling Titanfall 3 is a testament to the studio's evolving priorities.

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 grown since its 2019 launch, offering regular seasonal content that includes new Legends, map changes, and quality-of-life updates. Its battle royale format, combined with Respawn's signature gunplay, makes it 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 is an ambitious entry in the series, offering a complex sandbox for players to engage in stealthy or aggressive gameplay. Despite some narrative shortcomings, it remains a significant achievement 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 its predecessor with a richer world, expanded moveset, and a poignant story. It's one of the best platformers available, offering creative puzzles and soulful moments. Moon Studios' next venture, No Rest for the Wicked, is a Dark Souls-inspired ARPG now in early access.

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 out as the best car game of the last decade, offering a dynamic, seasonally changing world set in a fictionalized Great Britain. Its focus on fun and social engagement, combined with a diverse car selection and cheerful soundtrack, makes it a standout title. The latest entry, Forza Horizon 5, also available on Xbox One, was 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 delivers on its promise of third-person cover-based shooter excellence, continuing the story of Kait Diaz. Its multiplayer modes, including the new Escape mode, add variety to the series' staple Versus and Horde modes. The Coalition is working on multiple projects, including a prequel, Gears of War: E-Day, and a Netflix movie and series.

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

The Master Chief Collection is a must-own for Halo fans, offering a comprehensive collection of campaigns, including the remastered Halo 2 Anniversary, and a robust multiplayer suite. It's the quintessential Halo experience that continues to improve over time.

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 and rewarding experience with its precision-based combat and unique take on Japanese history. Its atmosphere and story distinguish it within FromSoftware's portfolio, while its gameplay mechanics offer fresh challenges. FromSoftware's Elden Ring was crowned Game of the Year in 2022 by IGN and The Game 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, building upon the success of Limbo with meticulously crafted visuals, animations, and puzzles. Its impactful, non-verbal story lingers long after completion. Playdead's next game, a 3rd-person science fiction adventure, will be published by Epic.

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, requiring collaboration to progress through its whimsical world. Its story about a failing marriage turned into a cooperative adventure is both engaging and heartwarming. 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 won IGN's 2019 Game of the Year for its exceptional third-person action-adventure gameplay and storytelling. Its unique setting, engaging mystery, and innovative telekinesis mechanics make it a standout title. Remedy's latest projects include Alan Wake 2, Control 2, and FBC Firebreak, along with remakes of Max Payne 1 and 2.

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 a visually stunning and mechanically superior entry in the series, offering diverse ways to eliminate targets across its missions. It was rebranded as Hitman: World of Assassination, consolidating the trilogy's content. IO Interactive is now focusing on the James Bond game, Project 007.

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 is one of the best single-player FPS campaigns of the Xbox One generation, offering intense combat and a dynamic gameplay loop. Its challenging encounters and rewarding progression make it a must-play. It also features on our list of the best Steam Deck games.

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 open-world RPG, offering a rich Norse-Viking world with engaging combat and numerous activities. It's an accessible entry point for new players, and the next game, Assassin's Creed Shadows, is set in Feudal Japan. For more on the series, see our guide to the Assassin's Creed games in order.

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 narrative of honor, loyalty, and loss, combined with its detailed environment, makes it one of the greatest games ever made. It's already one of the best-selling video games of all time.

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 offers a vast and densely packed open world, filled with monsters to slay, mysteries to solve, and stories to unfold. Its production values, from dialogue to visuals, set a new standard for RPGs. CD Projekt Red is developing The Witcher 4 with Ciri as the protagonist and an Unreal Engine 5 remake of The Witcher 1.

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 pinnacle of open-world gaming, with its detailed map and engaging single-player story. GTA Online offers endless content, from heists to custom races, ensuring years of playtime. Rockstar has confirmed GTA 6 for a 2025 release, featuring a return to Vice City and the series' first female protagonist. For more on the series, see our guide to the GTA game series.

Upcoming Xbox One Games

In 2025, Xbox One players can look forward to 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. 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.