The Xbox One, now approaching its 12th year on the market, continues to receive fantastic game releases from publishers even as Microsoft gears up to transition to its next-gen Xbox Series X/S consoles. We’ve delved into the Xbox One's extensive catalog to handpick the top 25 games, curated by the entire IGN content team through rigorous selection and debate. These titles showcase the best of what the Xbox One has to offer, and you can also explore our list of free Xbox games for additional options.

Here's our curated list 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 an enchanting allure. Despite its open-ended nature that might leave you wandering through space without clear guidance, this handcrafted solar system is brimming with captivating mysteries, intriguing story elements, and visually stunning scenes that pull you into one breathtaking moment after another. The world invites exploration, and the time loop mechanic adds a thrilling tension to the otherwise serene journey. Once you find your space legs, Outer Wilds is an unforgettable adventure. The expansion, "Echoes of the Eye," offers a wonderful return to this solar system for $15 USD, while 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 initially met with skepticism, but Bungie has crafted a compelling narrative that weaves together seasonal story arcs. The addition to Game Pass has attracted more players. Whether you're fighting the darkness with Stasis or enjoying the thrill of combat, Destiny 2 has stood the test of time, with expansions like "The Final Shape" drawing players back. Check out our free-to-play guide to see what you can experience 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 masterpiece of atmosphere, storytelling, and the integration of mechanics and concepts. Ninja Theory's dedication to Senua's story shines through, creating an immersive experience. The game's stunning visuals and deep narrative enhance its serious themes, making it a poignant journey through darkness. Now optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Hellblade even outperforms high-end PCs. The sequel, "Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2," is 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 with a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and a shift to a turn-based RPG format. The game blends comedy with drama, featuring a cast of quirky characters and absurd side missions. The narrative delves into themes of betrayal and the struggles of marginalized groups. The sequel, "Infinite Wealth," and the upcoming "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii," 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 series into a turn-based strategy game akin to XCOM. It retains classic elements like cover-based combat and executions, delivering a strategic experience with a compelling story and high-quality character development. This seamless genre shift showcases the franchise's versatility. The original Gears also features on our list 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 redemption story is a testament to Hello Games' dedication. Through numerous updates, the game has added quality-of-life features, new challenges, overhauled space stations, and more, becoming beloved by players worldwide. It also features on our list of the best survival games and is a great alternative to Starfield. Look forward to "Light No Fire," Hello Games' upcoming survival adventure.

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 offers compelling reasons to play on Xbox, from its excellent RPG mechanics to continuous content updates. It now leverages the power of Xbox Series X and is available on Xbox Game Pass, making it easy to enjoy without a heavy time commitment. For a full 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, demanding mastery of parries and force powers, especially on higher difficulties. The game's memorable story takes you across the galaxy with a diverse crew, offering stellar gameplay and plenty of enemies to battle. The sequel, "Star Wars Jedi: Survivor," is one of the best Star Wars games and is available on Xbox One.

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

While the original Titanfall was great, its sequel delivers a standout single-player campaign alongside enhanced multiplayer elements. The campaign's innovative design and variety make it one of the best of its generation. Respawn's pivot to Apex Legends after canceling Titanfall 3 speaks to their evolving focus, but Titanfall 2 remains a must-play.

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 transformed Respawn's gunplay into an exciting battle royale format, continually improving through regular updates. Each season brings new Legends, map changes, and quality-of-life enhancements, keeping the game fresh and engaging. It's 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, featuring a vast sandbox with numerous tools for creative mission approaches. Stealth gameplay is rewarded, but the game accommodates diverse playstyles. Despite creative tensions with Konami, it remains a top choice for open-world stealth fans.

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 on the success of its predecessor, offering a richer world, enhanced combat, and a poignant story. It's one of the best platformers across all platforms, featuring creative puzzles and emotional storytelling. While Moon Studios has moved on from Microsoft, their latest project, "No Rest for the Wicked," is a promising ARPG 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 is not only the best in its series but arguably the greatest car game of the last decade. Its depiction of Great Britain across four seasons, combined with a focus on fun and a vibrant soundtrack, creates a joyful experience. Forza Horizon 5, IGN's 2021 Game of the Year, continues this legacy 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 maintains the series' excellence in third-person cover-based shooting while exploring Kait Diaz's backstory. The heartfelt story and engaging multiplayer modes, including the new Escape mode, make it a standout title. The Coalition is working on a prequel, "Gears of War: E-Day," and multiple new projects, 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 is essential for its campaigns, particularly the remastered Halo 2 Anniversary, and its now-improved multiplayer suite. It's the definitive Halo experience, perfect for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

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 delivers FromSoftware's signature challenging combat within a supernatural Japanese setting. Its unique traversal and combat systems offer a rewarding experience for those willing to master its demanding gameplay. FromSoftware's latest, "Elden Ring," was a critical success and Game of the Year in 2022.

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 that combines polished visuals, animations, and audio with impactful storytelling. Its puzzles and non-verbal narrative leave a lasting impression. Playdead's next game, a third-person sci-fi adventure, is eagerly anticipated.

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's both whimsical and heartfelt. Its story of a couple turned into dolls and forced to work together is engaging and fun, requiring cooperation either locally or online. Hazelight Studios' next game, "Split Fiction," is set for 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, IGN's 2019 Game of the Year, excels in third-person action-adventure with exceptional storytelling and innovative telekinesis mechanics. Its mysterious setting and engaging plot make it a must-play. Remedy's recent release, "Alan Wake 2," ties into Control's universe, with "Control 2" and a multiplayer game in development.

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 in the series since "Blood Money," with stunning visuals and diverse mission approaches. It's now part of "Hitman: World of Assassination," consolidating the trilogy's content. IO Interactive is focusing on a James Bond game, "Project 007," while Hitman is on hiatus.

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 offers one of the best single-player FPS campaigns on Xbox One, built around intense, fast-paced combat against hordes of demons. It's an unparalleled experience in terms of action and intensity, also featured 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 represents the series' evolution into a full-blown RPG, offering a vast Norse-Viking world with engaging combat and numerous activities. It's an excellent entry point for new players, with "Assassin's Creed Shadows" set in Feudal Japan on the horizon.

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 storytelling masterpiece, setting a new standard for open-world games. Its detailed world, rich characters, and compelling narrative make it one of the greatest games ever made. It's already one of the best-selling games despite being out for only seven years.

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, dense open world filled with content, from monster hunts to intricate stories. Its production values, including dialogue, soundtrack, and visuals, set a benchmark for RPGs. With expansive expansions, it remains a pinnacle of the genre. CD Projekt Red is working on "The Witcher 4" and an Unreal Engine 5 remake of the first game.

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 gold standard for open-world games. Its single-player story is a crime epic, while GTA Online offers endless multiplayer content, from heists to custom races. With GTA 6 set for 2025, featuring a return to Vice City and the series' first female protagonist, GTA 5 remains the best Xbox One game.

Upcoming Xbox One Games

Looking ahead, 2025 will bring exciting 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. Don't forget to check out our lists of the Best PS4 Games, the Best PC Games, and the Best Nintendo Switch Games for more gaming recommendations.