Top Xbox One Games of All Time

The Xbox One, now approaching its 12th year on the market, continues to receive fantastic game releases from publishers, even as Microsoft shifts focus to its current-gen Xbox Series X/S consoles. We've meticulously curated a list of the 25 best Xbox One games, chosen by the IGN content team after extensive discussion. These titles represent the pinnacle of what the Xbox One has to offer. For those seeking more options, you can also explore our list of free Xbox games.

Here's our selection 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

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 is a sci-fi game with a unique charm, inviting players into a handcrafted solar system filled with intriguing mysteries and breathtaking visuals. The open-ended gameplay might leave you navigating through space, but the game's allure lies in its enticing clues and narrative teases. The time loop mechanic adds both tension and depth, making it a compelling journey worth exploring. 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. Additionally, a free 4K/60fps update enhances the experience 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 captivating narrative that seamlessly connects each season's story. The addition to Game Pass has broadened its player base, enhancing the experience of battling darkness with Stasis or engaging in thrilling gunplay. The game's enduring appeal is evident in expansions like The Final Shape, now available. For those interested in free gameplay, our guide to Destiny 2 offers insights into what you can enjoy without cost.

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 stands out for its atmospheric storytelling and seamless integration of mechanics with concept. Ninja Theory's dedication to Senua's narrative creates a compelling experience, underscored by stunning visuals and a profound storyline. The game has been optimized for Xbox Series X|S, with performance surpassing even high-end PCs. Its 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 combines humor and drama, with a storyline exploring themes of betrayal and marginalization. Its sequel, Infinite Wealth, and the upcoming Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii set for 2025, are also available on Xbox One. For more on the series, see our guide to all 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, echoing the success of Halo Wars. It retains classic elements like cover-based combat and executions, delivering a compelling narrative and stunning in-engine cutscenes. The original Gears series 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's journey from launch to a beloved game is a testament to Hello Games' dedication. Regular updates have added features like Expeditions, overhauled space stations, and cross-platform bases, fulfilling community requests. It ranks among the best survival games and is a stellar choice for those awaiting Starfield. Look forward to Light No Fire, Hello Games' upcoming survival adventure announced at The Game Awards 2023.

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 engaging online RPG experience, enhanced by regular content updates and the inclusion of Morrowind. Its optimization for Xbox Series X and availability on Xbox Game Pass make it an accessible and enjoyable MMO. For a complete timeline, check out 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 with its combat mechanics, requiring precise timing for parries and force powers. The game's engaging story takes players across the Star Wars universe, complemented by challenging gameplay and memorable characters. Its sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, now available on Xbox One, is hailed 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 by delivering an outstanding single-player campaign alongside robust multiplayer enhancements. The campaign, though light on story, is a highlight of this generation's shooter games, featuring innovative gameplay twists. The cancellation of Titanfall 3 in favor of Apex Legends marked a significant shift for Respawn.

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 evolved since its 2019 launch, with regular seasonal updates introducing new Legends, map changes, and gameplay mechanics. These updates, combined with holiday events and quests, keep the game fresh and engaging. It remains one of the best alternatives to 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, including The Phantom Pain and Ground Zeroes, is the most ambitious entry in the series, offering a complex sandbox with numerous creative gameplay options. While the story may feel incomplete, the game's stealth and action mechanics are rewarding and versatile. It's a must-play for fans of open-world stealth games.

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 elevates the series with an expanded world, enhanced combat, and a poignant narrative. Its puzzles and platforming are among the best in the genre, creating an unforgettable experience. Moon Studios' relationship with Microsoft has since ended, leading to the release of No Rest for the Wicked, a Dark Souls-inspired ARPG, in early access in 2024.

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 not only the best Forza game but also one of the greatest car games ever made. Its depiction of a seasonal Great Britain, combined with a diverse car selection and a vibrant soundtrack, creates an unparalleled driving experience. The series' latest entry, Forza Horizon 5, was 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 franchise's tradition of excellent third-person shooting, focusing on Kait Diaz's story. Its engaging narrative and diverse multiplayer modes, including the new Escape mode, make it a standout. The Coalition is currently working on Gears of War: E-Day and other projects using Unreal Engine 5, alongside a Netflix movie and animated 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

Halo: The Master Chief Collection offers a comprehensive Halo experience, with remastered campaigns and an improved multiplayer suite. It's the ultimate collection for both longtime fans and newcomers to the Master Chief's 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 showcases FromSoftware's mastery of challenging combat and intricate storytelling. Its unique take on Japanese history and new traversal mechanics offer a fresh yet demanding experience. FromSoftware's Elden Ring, a subsequent success, 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, following up on Limbo with six years of meticulous development. Its polished visuals, animations, and non-verbal storytelling create a profound and unforgettable experience. Playdead's next project is a third-person science fiction adventure set in a remote corner of the universe, to 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 that requires cooperation to navigate its whimsical world. Its engaging story about a failing marriage and innovative gameplay make it a must-play. 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 action-adventure gameplay and storytelling. Its beautiful brutalist-inspired setting and innovative use of telekinesis create a captivating experience. Remedy is expanding the universe with Control 2, Alan Wake 2, and other projects.

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 best entry in the series since Blood Money, offering stunning visuals and diverse mission approaches. Its rebranding as Hitman: World of Assassination consolidates 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 the pinnacle of single-player FPS campaigns on Xbox One, with a gameplay loop centered on intense demon battles. Its combat mechanics and progression system are unmatched, making it a standout title. 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 epitomizes the series' evolution into a full-blown RPG, offering a rich Norse-Viking world with brutal combat and endless activities. It's an excellent entry point for newcomers. The next game, Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, is eagerly anticipated.

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 and narrative masterpiece, setting a new standard for open-world storytelling. Its detailed world, filled with activities and side quests, offers an immersive experience that's unmatched. It's already one of the best-selling 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: Wild Hunt is a monumental RPG, offering vast, densely packed open worlds filled with engaging content. Its story, visuals, and expansions set a new benchmark for the genre. CD Projekt Red is developing The Witcher 4 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's expansive, detailed world remains the standard for open-world games. Its single-player story is a gripping crime epic, while GTA Online offers endless multiplayer content, from heists to vehicular deathmatches. GTA 6, set to release in 2025, will feature a return to Vice City and introduce the series' first female playable character.

Upcoming Xbox One Games

There are plenty of upcoming Xbox One games 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.