Top Xbox One Games Ranked for 2025

The Xbox One, now in its 12th year, remains a vibrant platform despite Microsoft’s shift toward Xbox Series X/S. Developers continue to deliver standout titles for the console.

We’ve curated a list of the 25 best Xbox One games, chosen by the IGN team after spirited discussions. These selections showcase the console’s finest offerings. Explore our free Xbox games list for additional titles.

Here are the top 25 Xbox One games.

More Xbox highlights:

Top Xbox One Games (Spring 2021 Update)

25. Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds blends sci-fi adventure with a captivating mystique. Its open-ended exploration might leave you adrift in space, but the handcrafted solar system brims with intriguing clues, compelling narrative hints, and stunning visuals that pull you from one awe-inspiring moment to the next.

This world invites discovery, with a time loop mechanic that keeps you craving more while adding gripping tension to its tranquil exploration. It takes time to master, but Outer Wilds is an unforgettable journey worth embarking on.

The expansion, Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye, hailed as a stellar return to its clockwork universe, is priced at $15 USD. A free 4K/60fps update is available for Xbox Series X|S owners.

24. Destiny 2

Destiny 2’s seasonal model initially sparked skepticism but has since woven a gripping narrative across its seasons. Its inclusion in Game Pass makes it even more accessible, drawing players into its fold. Whether wielding Stasis to fend off darkness or blasting foes with stylish weapons, Destiny 2 endures, especially with expansions like The Final Shape, now available.

Check our free-to-play guide for Destiny 2 to explore its no-cost offerings.

23. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice masterfully blends atmosphere, narrative, and innovative design. Ninja Theory’s dedication to Senua’s journey crafts an extraordinary experience. Its stunning visuals and deep story amplify its poignant themes in a vivid tale of struggle and triumph.

Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Hellblade outperforms high-end PCs. Its sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, is available exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PC.

22. Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza: Like a Dragon redefines the series with a new hero, Ichiban Kasuga, and shifts from brawling to turn-based RPG combat. Its quirky cast and absurd side missions, like delivering formula to gangsters in diapers, elevate the series’ humor. Yet, its core story of betrayal and themes of marginalization deliver dramatic depth.

Its sequel, Infinite Wealth, and the 2025 release, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, are also on Xbox One. See our guide to the Yakuza series for more details.

21. Gears Tactics

Gears Tactics transforms Gears of War into an XCOM-style strategy game, retaining cover-based combat, brutal executions, and more in a tactical format. The formula shines, bolstered by strong storytelling, rich character arcs, and striking in-engine cinematics. It’s a rare genre shift executed flawlessly.

Gears of War ranks among the top Xbox exclusives of all time.

20. No Man's Sky

No Man’s Sky is a redemption story, evolving through updates like Expeditions, revamped space stations, and new enemies. Hello Games’ commitment has turned it into a beloved title, offering cross-platform bases and endless exploration. It’s a standout survival game akin to Starfield.

Look forward to Hello Games’ next survival adventure, Light No Fire, revealed at The Game Awards 2023.

19. Elder Scrolls Online

Elder Scrolls Online thrives as an ever-evolving MMO, enriched by updates like Morrowind content and Xbox Series X optimization. Available on Game Pass, it’s perfect for casual dips into Tamriel’s immersive world without demanding constant commitment.

Our guide to the Elder Scrolls series offers a complete timeline.

18. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order excels in lightsaber combat, requiring precise parries and force powers to defeat foes. Its gripping story follows Cal Kestus and his misfit crew across the galaxy, delivering a memorable Star Wars adventure.

Its sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is available on Xbox One and ranks among the best Star Wars games ever.

17. Titanfall 2

Titanfall 2 surpasses its predecessor with a stellar single-player campaign and robust multiplayer. Its innovative campaign design delivers a standout shooter experience, highlighted by a surprising gameplay twist that redefines the genre.

An ex-Respawn developer revealed Titanfall 3 was in development for 10 months until it was shelved for Apex Legends, next on our list.

16. Apex Legends

Apex Legends brings Respawn’s sharp gunplay to a dynamic battle royale. Regular updates, including new Legends, maps, and mechanics, keep it fresh. Seasonal content, holiday events, and quests make it a top alternative to Fortnite.

15. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain offers an expansive sandbox, blending stealth and chaos with a vast array of weapons, vehicles, and companions. Its complex gameplay rewards tactical precision but allows for explosive freedom, making it a pinnacle of open-world stealth adventures.

14. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps builds on Blind Forest with a vibrant world, enhanced combat, and intricate platforming. Its creative puzzles, heartfelt story, and serene moments make it one of the finest platformers available.

Moon Studios’ next title, No Rest for the Wicked, a Dark Souls-inspired ARPG, launched in early access in 2024.

13. Forza Horizon 4

Forza Horizon 4 is a racing masterpiece, capturing the joy of driving through a dynamic, four-season rendition of Great Britain. Its vast car roster, lively soundtrack, and social gameplay make it the ultimate car game, surpassing even Forza Horizon 3.

Forza Horizon 5, IGN’s 2021 Game of the Year, is also available on Xbox One.

12. Gears 5

Gears 5 delivers intense cover-based shooting and a heartfelt story exploring Kait Diaz’s past. With engaging multiplayer modes like Versus, Horde, and the new Escape mode, it’s a thrilling addition to the series.

The Coalition is developing Gears of War: E-Day, a prequel, and collaborating with Netflix on a Gears movie and animated series.

11. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Halo: The Master Chief Collection unites six Halo titles, with a remastered Halo 2 Anniversary as its crown jewel. Enhanced multiplayer and ongoing updates make it the definitive Halo experience for veterans and newcomers alike.

10. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice delivers FromSoftware’s signature challenge with precise, skill-driven combat. Its supernatural take on Japanese history, paired with innovative traversal and fighting mechanics, offers a uniquely rewarding adventure.

FromSoftware’s Elden Ring, crowned Game of the Year in 2022, is a must-play.

9. Inside

Inside is a masterpiece of polish and storytelling. Building on Limbo, its meticulous design, evocative visuals, and subtle narrative create an unforgettable experience that lingers long after completion.

Playdead’s next project is a third-person sci-fi adventure, set for release by Epic.

8. It Takes Two

It Takes Two shines as a co-op gem, blending whimsical visuals with a heartfelt story of a struggling marriage. Its unique multiplayer mechanics make it a joyous, unforgettable experience for friends or partners.

Hazelight’s next title, Split Fiction, arrives in March. Read our preview for details.

7. Control

Control, IGN’s 2019 Game of the Year, excels with gripping storytelling, telekinetic combat, and a haunting brutalist world. Remedy’s narrative mastery keeps you hooked, craving more of its enigmatic universe.

Remedy’s Alan Wake 2, tied to Control’s lore, launched in 2023. Control 2 and a multiplayer spin-off, FBC Firebreak, are in development.

6. Hitman 3

Hitman 3 dazzles with stunning visuals and creative assassination missions, from Dubai’s heights to a Knives Out-inspired mystery. It’s the trilogy’s finest, now rebranded as Hitman: World of Assassination.

IO Interactive is focusing on Project 007, pausing the Hitman series.

5. Doom Eternal

Doom Eternal is a relentless FPS triumph, pitting you against hordes of demons in a thrilling combat dance. Its empowering gameplay and escalating challenges make it a standout on Xbox One.

It’s also a top pick for Steam Deck players.

4. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla embraces its RPG evolution in a vivid Norse-Viking world. Packed with activities and brutal combat, it’s accessible to newcomers while offering depth for series fans.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, is next. See our series guide for more.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a storytelling and technical marvel, weaving honor, loyalty, and loss into a breathtaking American frontier. Its meticulously detailed world, brimming with side quests and distractions, sets a new standard for open-world games.

It ranks among the best-selling games ever.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt delivers an unmatched RPG experience with vast, dense open worlds filled with monsters, mysteries, and personal tales. Its stellar voice acting, intricate story, and massive expansions make it a benchmark for the genre.

The Witcher 4, starring Ciri, and a remake of The Witcher 1 are in development.

1. Grand Theft Auto 5 / GTA Online

Grand Theft Auto 5’s sprawling, vibrant world sets the gold standard for open-world games. Its gripping crime saga, diverse side activities, and bustling city life captivate, while GTA Online offers endless heists, races, and chaotic fun.

GTA 6, set in Vice City with a female protagonist, arrives in 2025. See our series guide for more.

Upcoming Xbox One Games

Exciting Xbox One titles for 2025 include Little Nightmares 3, Atomfall, and the Croc: Legend of the Gobbos remaster.

These are our top Xbox One picks. Share your favorites in the comments or create your own ranked list with our tier list tool!

Also, explore our lists of the Best PS4 Games, Best PC Games, and Best Nintendo Switch Games.