The Xbox One generation is now in its twilight, thanks to the arrival of the Xbox Series X and S – but that only means that there’s a huge catalogue of games for the older consoles to enjoy whenever you like. So, here are our recommendations for games you should play. Some are enhanced for Xbox One X, and many are available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a subscription service that allows you to download and play full games as often as you want.
Check out lists in the table below if you are looking for a specific type of game.
What are the best Xbox One games of all time?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hun
The Witcher 3 is not only the best Xbox One game, but it is also one of the best games of all time. It is an extraordinary feat of game design in which every action in the massive third-person RPG appears to have an effect on the game world. If you save a merchant from bandits in a random encounter, you may run into him again many hours later in a city, where he will give you a massive discount on the items he has for sale. The world itself appears to be alive and vibrant, and the game is capable of testing your abilities so you don’t just blitz through it.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a massive open-world game that takes the combat and exploration of FromSoftware’s oeuvre into a bold new genre. There are so many places to explore and map out, enemies to defeat, and sights to see. Everywhere you go will present a new challenge, whether it’s in taut and impressive combat or figuring out where to go next, and the journey as a whole is almost unmissable.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Although Red Dead Redemption 2 begins slowly, the amount of depth and variety in mission types will quickly have you hooked. It is also quite large, so set aside a month to go through everything it has to offer. And, with the addition of Red Dead Online, you have plenty to do even after you completed the single-player story.
Halo Infinite
Halo is back – there are a couple of other solid campaigns to check out on Xbox One in the form of Halo 4 and 5, but Infinite blows them out of the water by shifting the action to an open-world setting and allowing you to approach a slew of optional tasks however you see fit.
Control
If you enjoy third-person shooters, Control offers one that will feel unlike any you’ve played before, thanks to its bizarre paranormal plot. Control is utterly unique, very distinct, and deeply satisfying in terms of gameplay and atmosphere, thanks to a decent roster of side-missions and challenges beyond the main story.
Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 is not only the best driving game on the Xbox One, but also one of the best on any gaming machine. Its Mexican setting is ideal for providing a wide range of race styles and conditions. It looks incredible and has a tonne of content to offer.
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is a brilliant little platformer with a simple art style that packs in so much character and so many unique touches. We say “little” because there’s plenty of content here, including a massive post-game trove of extra-challenging levels and bosses for the dedicated.
Disco Elysium
An RPG that throws out the rulebook and allows you to approach conversations, decisions, and even your job in a variety of ways, leaving you feeling completely rejuvenated by the amount of freedom it provides. This is a hilarious, touching, and razor-sharp game that should not be missed.
Doom
Whatever Bethesda believes, and whatever millennial tastes are, Doom is all about its single-player campaign, which is a blood-splattered brilliant beast of a game. It’s lengthy, insanely hectic, unbelievably satisfying, and gloriously gory to look at, and it’s more than a worthy update of the classic original.
Hitman 3
The Hitman reboot was a fantastic episodic adventure, but the latest sequel is even better – perhaps the best stealth game ever. You’ will need patience, but the sheer number of ways to complete each assassination mission will keep you coming back for more. This game also improves on the first two entries’ episodes, allowing you to revisit them with the new and improved game engine.
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey revitalised the franchise, and Valhalla solidifies its best elements. You play as Eivor, a Viking warrior tasked with settling their people in England, and it’s a thrilling adventure.
