Top Xbox One Games of All Time

The Xbox One has been a cornerstone of gaming for over a decade, and despite the emergence of the Xbox Series X/S, developers continue to support it with exceptional titles. Our team at IGN has meticulously curated a list of the 25 best Xbox One games, reflecting a diverse range of genres and experiences that truly showcase the console's potential.

For more gaming options, don't forget to 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

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 captivating sci-fi adventure that immerses players in a handcrafted solar system filled with mysteries and breathtaking sights. Its open-ended exploration and time loop mechanic create a unique blend of serene discovery and thrilling tension. The game's expansion, "Echoes of the Eye," offers a wonderful return to this enchanting universe, and a free 4K/60fps update enhances the experience on Xbox Series X|S.

24. Destiny 2

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

Destiny 2 has evolved into a compelling narrative experience with its seasonal model, drawing players in with its engaging storyline and the addition to Game Pass. The game's expansions, like "The Final Shape," continue to offer fresh content, making it a timeless favorite. Check out our free-to-play guide for more on what you can enjoy without spending a dime.

23. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

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 masterful atmosphere, storytelling, and seamless integration of gameplay and narrative. Ninja Theory's dedication to Senua's journey creates a profound experience, now optimized for Xbox Series X|S. Its sequel, "Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2," is available exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PC.

22. Yakuza: Like a Dragon

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 blends humor with drama, exploring themes of betrayal and marginalization. Its sequel, "Infinite Wealth," and the upcoming "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" continue the series' legacy on Xbox One.

21. Gears Tactics

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, maintaining the series' signature elements while introducing new strategic depth. Its compelling story and high-quality cutscenes make it a standout title, showcasing the franchise's versatility.

20. No Man's Sky

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 remarkable comeback story is a testament to Hello Games' dedication. Continuous updates have transformed the game into a beloved adventure, featuring Expeditions, overhauled space stations, and cross-platform bases. It's also a top choice for survival game enthusiasts and a great alternative to Starfield.

19. Elder Scrolls Online

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 robust online RPG experience that keeps getting better with each update. Its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass makes it an accessible and enjoyable MMO for players to dive into without committing to a second job. The game's world of Tamriel is rich and engaging, offering countless hours of exploration.

18. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

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 and memorable story. Mastering the art of lightsaber combat and force powers is rewarding, especially on higher difficulties. The game's sequel, "Star Wars Jedi: Survivor," continues this legacy as one of the best Star Wars games available on Xbox One.

17. Titanfall 2

Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA | Release Date: October 28, 2016 | Review: IGN's Titanfall 2 review | Wiki: IGN's Titanfall 2 Wiki

Titanfall 2 delivers where its predecessor fell short, offering an outstanding single-player campaign alongside enhanced multiplayer features. Its smart, variety-driven design makes it one of the best shooter campaigns of its generation, highlighted by a memorable gameplay twist.

16. Apex Legends

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 into a premier battle royale experience with regular seasonal updates, new Legends, and engaging content. Its slick gunplay and variety of game modes make it a must-play for fans of the genre and a strong competitor to Fortnite.

15. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

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 offers a vast sandbox filled with creative mission approaches, rewarding stealth gameplay, and a complex narrative. Despite creative differences with Konami, the game remains a standout title for fans of open-world stealth adventures.

14. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

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 a top-tier platformer known for its creative puzzles and soulful moments, setting a high standard for the genre.

13. Forza Horizon 4

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 a masterpiece of the racing genre, offering a dynamic world inspired by Great Britain's diverse landscapes. Its focus on fun, coupled with a vast selection of cars and seasonal changes, makes it an unparalleled driving experience. The series' latest entry, Forza Horizon 5, continues this excellence 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 delivers a heartfelt and engaging story while maintaining the series' signature third-person cover-based shooter gameplay. New modes like Escape add fresh challenges to the mix, making it a must-play for fans of the franchise. The Coalition's ongoing projects, including a prequel and a Netflix adaptation, promise to expand the Gears universe further.

11. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

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. Its continuous updates have transformed it into a must-own collection for both newcomers and longtime fans of the series.

10. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

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 yet rewarding experience with its skill-based combat and unique take on Japanese history. Its atmospheric world and engaging gameplay make it a standout title, complemented by FromSoftware's acclaimed follow-up, Elden Ring.

9. Inside

Developer: Playdead | Publisher: Playdead | Release Date: June 29, 2016 | Review: IGN's Inside review | Wiki: IGN's Inside Wiki

Inside is a masterpiece of atmospheric storytelling and puzzle design. Its polished visuals and impactful narrative make it an unforgettable experience, earning it a well-deserved perfect score. Playdead's next project promises to continue this legacy of excellence.

8. It Takes Two

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 is a unique multiplayer experience that combines whimsical visuals with a heartfelt story about a failing marriage. Its cooperative gameplay and engaging narrative make it a standout title, offering hours of fun for players and their partners.

7. Control

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 and engaging mystery, combined with innovative telekinesis mechanics, make it a must-play experience. Remedy's ongoing projects, including Alan Wake 2 and Control 2, promise to expand this intriguing universe.

6. Hitman 3

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 stunning conclusion to the trilogy, offering breathtaking visuals and diverse mission scenarios. Its rebranding as Hitman: World of Assassination consolidates the series' content into a single, cohesive experience. IO Interactive's focus on Project 007 keeps the future exciting for fans of stealth and strategy.

5. Doom Eternal

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, offering a relentless combat experience and a richly detailed world. Its challenging gameplay and rewarding progression system make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

4. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

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 vast Norse-Viking world filled with engaging activities and brutal combat. Its standalone nature makes it an accessible entry point for newcomers, while its depth satisfies longtime fans.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

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 storytelling masterpiece, setting a new standard for open-world games. Its richly detailed world, engaging narrative, and diverse activities make it an immersive experience that continues to captivate players years after its release.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

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 a vast open world filled with compelling stories, challenging combat, and stunning visuals. Its expansive content and memorable expansions make it a benchmark for the genre, with future projects like The Witcher 4 promising to continue its legacy.

1. Grand Theft Auto 5 / GTA Online

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 best Xbox One game, offering a sprawling, meticulously detailed world filled with engaging content. Its single-player campaign and the expansive GTA Online mode provide endless hours of entertainment, making it a timeless classic. The anticipation for GTA 6, set to release in 2025, only adds to its enduring appeal.

Upcoming Xbox One Games

Looking ahead, Xbox One players can look forward to exciting titles 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.