Top Xbox One Games of All Time

The Xbox One, now in its 12th year, continues to receive top-tier game releases despite the advent of the Xbox Series X/S. We've scoured the Xbox One library to bring you a curated list of the 25 best games, selected by the IGN content team after extensive discussion. These titles represent the pinnacle of what the Xbox One has to offer. For more options, you can also 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 may be a sci-fi game, but it has a magical quality that sets it apart. Its open-ended nature might leave you adrift in space, yet the handcrafted solar system is brimming with enticing clues and stunning sights that draw you into one breathtaking moment after another. The time loop mechanic adds tension to its serene exploration, making it a journey worth experiencing. The expansion, Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye, is available for $15 USD, and a free 4K/60fps update is offered for Xbox Series X|S owners.

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's new seasonal model was initially met with skepticism, but it has delivered a compelling narrative that intertwines seasons effectively. Its inclusion in Game Pass has brought more players into its fold. Whether you're fighting back the darkness with Stasis or enjoying the thrill of combat, Destiny 2 has stood the test of time, with expansions like The Final Shape available now. Check out our free-to-play guide for more on what you can do 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 is a masterclass in atmosphere and storytelling, seamlessly blending mechanical and conceptual design. Ninja Theory's dedication to Senua's story has resulted in a captivating experience. Its serious subject matter is reinforced by its beautiful presentation and dense narrative. Now optimized for Xbox Series X|S, it 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

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 turn-based RPG combat. The game's absurdity is elevated with a cast of quirky characters and humorous side missions. It's as much a drama as a comedy, touching on themes of betrayal and marginalization. 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 the Yakuza games in order.

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 brilliantly 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. The original Gears also made our list of the best Xbox exclusives.

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 is the industry's comeback story, with Hello Games continuously supporting the game through updates that enhance gameplay and add community-requested features. It's beloved by players and has secured its place on our list of the best survival games. Look forward to Light No Fire, Hello Games' upcoming survival adventure.

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 rich online RPG experience that keeps improving with each update. It takes advantage of the Xbox Series X and is available on Xbox Game Pass, making it an easy choice for players looking to explore Tamriel without committing to a full-time MMO. For a full timeline, see our guide on how to play the Elder Scrolls games in order.

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 in combat, requiring mastery of parrying and using lightsaber and force powers effectively. Its challenging gameplay is complemented by a memorable story set in the Star Wars universe. The sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is now available on Xbox One and is one of the best Star Wars games to date.

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 surpasses its predecessor with an outstanding single-player campaign and enhanced multiplayer features. Its campaign, though light on story, is renowned for its innovative design and gameplay twists. Respawn had been developing Titanfall 3 for 10 months before shifting focus to Apex Legends.

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 since its 2019 launch, with regular seasonal updates introducing new Legends, map changes, and quality-of-life improvements. Its dynamic gameplay and ongoing content make it one of the best games like 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 is the most ambitious entry in the series, offering a complex sandbox with a vast array of tools for creative mission approaches. Its stealth mechanics are rewarding, and even chaotic gameplay is enjoyable. Despite creative differences with Konami, it remains a must-play for stealth fans.

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 on the success of Blind Forest with a more vibrant world, enhanced combat, and an emotional narrative. It's one of the best platformers available, with creative puzzles and soulful moments. Moon Studios has since released No Rest for the Wicked, a Dark Souls-inspired ARPG, into early access.

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 not only the best Forza game but arguably the greatest car game in recent history. Its depiction of Great Britain, with changing seasons and a diverse car selection, creates a fun and immersive experience. The series' latest, Forza Horizon 5, was IGN's 2021 Game of the Year 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' signature third-person shooter gameplay while exploring Kait Diaz's backstory. Its heartfelt story, engaging multiplayer, and new Escape mode make it a standout. The Coalition is developing a prequel, Gears of War: E-Day, and working on multiple projects with Unreal Engine 5, alongside a Gears of War movie and an adult animated series with Netflix.

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 essential for fans and newcomers alike, offering remastered campaigns and updated multiplayer. It's the definitive Halo experience, constantly improving with new features and polish.

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 delivers FromSoftware's signature challenging combat with new mechanics that demand precision. Its supernatural setting and cryptic story differentiate it from other FromSoftware titles, making it a rewarding journey for those who persevere. FromSoftware's latest, Elden Ring, was crowned Game of the Year in 2022.

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, following up on Limbo with polished visuals, animations, and a thought-provoking story. Its puzzles and non-verbal narrative leave a lasting impact. Playdead's next game is a third-person sci-fi adventure set in a remote corner of the universe, to be published by Epic.

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 offers a unique multiplayer experience, requiring cooperation to navigate its whimsical world. Its story about a failing marriage transformed into a playful adventure is both engaging and heartwarming. Hazelight Studios' next game, Split Fiction, is set to release in March.

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 action-adventure gameplay and storytelling. Its mysterious setting and engaging characters, along with innovative telekinesis mechanics, make it a must-play. Remedy has since released Alan Wake 2 and is developing Control 2 and a multiplayer game called FBC Firebreak, alongside remakes of Max Payne 1 and 2.

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 visually stunning and offers diverse ways to eliminate targets, with missions that feel like interactive films. It's the best Hitman since Blood Money. The game has been rebranded as Hitman: World of Assassination, consolidating the trilogy's content. IO Interactive is now focusing on the James Bond game, Project 007.

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 best single-player FPS campaign of the Xbox One generation, with a gameplay loop that celebrates player prowess against hordes of demons. Its combat dance is unmatched, and it's also a top pick for Steam Deck players.

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 showcases the series' evolution into a full-fledged open-world RPG, set in a Norse-Viking world. It's accessible to newcomers and offers a brutal combat experience. The next game, Assassin's Creed Shadows, is set in Feudal Japan. For more on the series, see our guide to the Assassin's Creed games in order.

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 detailed world, rich with distractions and side quests, is a testament to Rockstar's dedication. It's one of the best-selling games of all time.

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 offers a vast and sophisticated RPG experience, with expansive open-world areas filled with content. Its production values, from dialogue to visuals, are unparalleled, and its expansions are among the best in gaming. CD Projekt Red is developing The Witcher 4 and an Unreal Engine 5 remake of The Witcher 1.

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's detailed and expansive map remains the gold standard for open-world games. Its single-player story is a gripping crime epic, while GTA Online offers endless multiplayer content, from heists to races. It's the best Xbox One game, with GTA 6 set to release in 2025, featuring a return to Vice City and the series' first female protagonist.

Upcoming Xbox One Games

2025 will see more exciting releases for Xbox One, including 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. Share your thoughts in the comments or create your own ranked list using our tier list tool above!

Don't forget to check out our lists of the Best PS4 Games, the Best PC Games, and the Best Nintendo Switch Games.