As the Xbox One approaches its 12th year on the market, it remains a robust platform for gaming, with developers and publishers continuing to deliver outstanding titles. Despite the rise of the Xbox Series X/S, the Xbox One still boasts an impressive library of games that showcase the console's enduring appeal. Here, we present our curated list of the top 25 Xbox One games, chosen by the IGN content team after thorough deliberation. These selections represent the cream of the crop that the Xbox One has to offer. For those looking for more options, be sure 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)

26 Images

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 captivating sci-fi adventure with a unique blend of magic and mystery. Its open-ended exploration can be daunting, but the game's handcrafted solar system is filled with engaging puzzles, intriguing story elements, and stunning visuals that constantly pull you into its orbit. The time loop mechanic adds both excitement and tension, making every exploration a thrilling experience. The expansion, Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye, enhances the game further, and 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 has evolved into a narrative-rich experience with its seasonal model, weaving compelling stories across seasons. Its inclusion in Game Pass has broadened its reach, attracting more players. Whether you're battling with Stasis or enjoying the thrill of combat, Destiny 2 continues to captivate with its expansions, such as The Final Shape. For a comprehensive look at what you can do without spending a dime, check out our free-to-play guide.

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 masterclass in atmosphere and storytelling. Ninja Theory's dedication to Senua's journey results in a profound experience that marries mechanical and conceptual design beautifully. The game's serious subject matter is reinforced by its stunning visuals and immersive narrative. Now optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Hellblade 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 reinvents the series with a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and a shift to turn-based RPG combat. The game's humor, coupled with its cast of quirky characters and absurd side missions, elevates the Yakuza series to new comedic heights. Yet, it doesn't shy away from drama, delving into themes of betrayal and societal marginalization. The sequel, Infinite Wealth, and the upcoming Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, continue the series' legacy 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 reminiscent of XCOM. It retains the series' signature cover-based combat and visceral executions while delivering a compelling story through high-quality character development and cinematic cutscenes. This seamless genre shift showcases the franchise's versatility. The original Gears series remains a hallmark of 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 a controversial launch to a beloved title is a testament to Hello Games' commitment to its community. Through numerous updates, the game has expanded with features like Expeditions, revamped space stations, new enemies, and cross-platform bases. It remains a standout in the survival genre and a must-play for fans of games like Starfield. Look forward to Light No Fire, Hello Games' next 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 continues to thrive on Xbox, offering a rich online RPG experience that improves with each update. Its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass makes it even more accessible, allowing players to dive into the world of Tamriel without the commitment of a traditional MMO. With the addition of iconic locations like Morrowind and optimization for Xbox Series X, ESO remains a top choice for fans awaiting The Elder Scrolls 6.

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 its combat mechanics, requiring players to master precise parries and utilize force powers effectively. Its challenging gameplay is complemented by a memorable story that takes you across the galaxy with a diverse cast of characters. The sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, continues this legacy as one of the best Star Wars games 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

Titanfall 2 surpasses its predecessor with a stellar single-player campaign and enhanced multiplayer features. While the multiplayer expands on the original with more Titans, modes, and maps, the campaign stands out with its innovative design and memorable gameplay twist. Despite the cancellation of Titanfall 3 in favor of Apex Legends, Titanfall 2 remains a standout shooter on Xbox One.

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 transformed Respawn's gunplay into an exhilarating battle royale experience. Regular seasonal updates introduce new Legends, map changes, and gameplay mechanics, keeping the game fresh and engaging. With its vibrant community and dynamic content, Apex Legends stands as one of the best alternatives to Fortnite on Xbox One.

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 is an ambitious entry in the series, offering a vast open-world sandbox with a plethora of tools and strategies for mission completion. While its story may feel incomplete, the game's emphasis on stealth and creative gameplay remains unparalleled. It's a must-play for fans of open-world stealth games, despite the creative differences that affected Hideo Kojima's vision.

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 upon the foundation laid by Ori and the Blind Forest, offering a richer world, expanded combat mechanics, and a poignant story. Its platforming, puzzles, and emotional depth make it one of the best platformers available on any platform. Although Microsoft's relationship with Moon Studios has changed, the studio's latest project, No Rest for the Wicked, promises to continue their legacy.

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 one of the greatest racing games ever made. Its dynamic seasons transform the beautiful British landscape, adding variety to its already diverse car collection and engaging gameplay. With a vibrant soundtrack and a focus on fun over simulation, Forza Horizon 4 is an unmissable experience. The series continues to excel with Forza Horizon 5, 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' signature third-person cover-based shooting while introducing a compelling narrative centered on Kait Diaz's past. Its multiplayer modes, including the innovative Escape mode, add depth to an already robust experience. The Coalition's ongoing projects, including a Gears of War prequel and a Netflix collaboration, promise to expand the franchise's universe further.

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 the ultimate Halo experience, featuring six iconic games with remastered campaigns and updated multiplayer. It's a must-have for both longtime fans and newcomers, offering a comprehensive journey through the Master Chief's saga. With continuous improvements and new features, this collection remains a testament to the enduring legacy of Halo.

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 brings FromSoftware's signature challenging gameplay to a new level with its precise combat systems and supernatural setting. Its unique blend of action and atmosphere distinguishes it from the Souls-Borne series, offering a rewarding experience for those willing to master its mechanics. FromSoftware's success continues with Elden Ring, one of the best-reviewed games of recent years.

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 follows up the acclaimed Limbo with a polished and unforgettable experience. Its non-verbal storytelling and meticulously crafted puzzles create a profound impact that lingers long after completion. As Playdead works on its next project, a third-person sci-fi adventure, Inside remains a benchmark for narrative-driven games.

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 is a unique multiplayer experience that requires teamwork to navigate its whimsical world. Its engaging story about a couple transformed into dolls and forced to work together to return to their human forms is both heartwarming and entertaining. With Split Fiction on the horizon, Hazelight Studios continues to innovate in cooperative gameplay.

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 earned IGN's 2019 Game of the Year for its exceptional third-person action-adventure gameplay and compelling narrative. Set in a brutalist-inspired world, it features engaging characters and innovative telekinesis mechanics. Remedy's ongoing projects, including Alan Wake 2 and Control 2, promise to expand its intriguing universe further.

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 pinnacle of the series, offering stunning visuals and diverse assassination scenarios. From the breathtaking setting of Dubai to the intricate puzzles reminiscent of Knives Out, it provides hours of engaging gameplay. As IO Interactive shifts focus to Project 007, Hitman remains a highlight of stealth gaming on Xbox One.

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 definitive single-player FPS experience on Xbox One, with a relentless combat loop that challenges players to become increasingly powerful against hordes of demons. Its engaging narrative and dynamic gameplay make it a standout title, also recommended for Steam Deck users.

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 is the epitome of the series' evolution into a full-blown open-world RPG. Set in a Norse-Viking world, it offers endless activities and brutal combat. Its standalone nature makes it accessible to newcomers, while its depth satisfies long-time fans. The upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows will continue this legacy in Feudal Japan.

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 that sets the standard for open-world games. Its detailed recreation of the American South and West is filled with engaging activities and memorable characters. With its rich storytelling and expansive world, it's no surprise that it's 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 with vast open-world areas packed with content. Its sophisticated storytelling, stunning visuals, and expansive expansions set a new benchmark for the genre. With The Witcher 4 and an Unreal Engine 5 remake of the first game on the horizon, CD Projekt Red continues to push the boundaries of gaming.

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 detailed and expansive world remains the pinnacle of open-world gaming. Its engaging single-player story and the vast, evolving content of GTA Online offer endless entertainment. As we anticipate GTA 6 in 2025, GTA 5 continues to be the best Xbox One game ever.

Upcoming Xbox One Games

There are plenty of exciting titles on the horizon for Xbox One 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.