The Xbox One has established itself as one of the most successful consoles in the gaming world, offering a diverse library of titles across various genres. Whether you’re into heart-pounding action, deep role-playing adventures, or thought-provoking narratives, there’s something for every kind of gamer.
With the launch of the Xbox Series X and S, some may think the Xbox One is past its prime, but in reality, the console continues to offer a great gaming experience. In this article, we will highlight some of the best Xbox One games you should definitely check out.
The Best Xbox One Games You Need to Play
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
One of the most revered RPGs of all time, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a must-play for any Xbox One owner. Developed by CD Projekt Red, this open-world fantasy game introduces you to Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating a war-torn world filled with dangerous creatures and morally gray characters.
The game offers hundreds of hours of content, including the brilliant DLC expansions Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, which are both critically acclaimed.
The gameplay in The Witcher 3 is a masterclass in open-world exploration, combat, and decision-making. The vast world of The Continent is beautifully realized, with dynamic weather, a day-night cycle, and stunning landscapes. The storylines are captivating, with many choices impacting the world around you, making it a personal experience.
Why Play?
- Deep narrative with choices that matter.
- Expansive open world filled with lore and side quests.
- Engaging combat system with strategic depth.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar Games’ Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic tale of life in the late 1800s American frontier. As Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, you’re tasked with navigating the difficult landscape of survival, loyalty, and betrayal. The game’s open-world design is incredibly detailed, making it one of the most immersive experiences in gaming.
The narrative is deeply emotional, with compelling characters that feel like real people, not just digital avatars. Whether you’re engaged in high-stakes shootouts, hunting for wildlife, or simply riding through the stunning countryside, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers something for everyone.
Why Play?
- Stunning visuals and realistic open-world environments.
- Deep narrative with compelling characters and a moving story.
- Rich side activities such as hunting, fishing, and playing poker.
3. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
The Halo series is the crown jewel of Xbox, and the Master Chief Collection offers the best of the franchise. This collection contains six games from the series, remastered and enhanced for the Xbox One. You get to experience the entire saga of Master Chief, from his origins in Halo: Combat Evolved to the thrilling conclusion in Halo 4.
The multiplayer modes, especially in Halo 2 and Halo 3, are still among the best in gaming. The Master Chief Collection also offers seamless integration with Halo: Reach, which had previously been missing from the main series. It’s the perfect opportunity to dive into one of the most iconic franchises of all time.
Why Play?
- The complete Halo experience, including multiplayer and remastered visuals.
- Iconic first-person shooter gameplay.
- Rich lore and world-building.
4. Gears 5
The Gears of War franchise has long been synonymous with brutal action, and Gears 5 is no exception. Developed by The Coalition, this game brings you into the heart of a war between humans and the Locust Horde, with a personal story revolving around Kait Diaz and her connection to the enemy.
The game combines fast-paced shooting with tactical gameplay, featuring new mechanics such as a grappling hook and more fluid movement. The single-player campaign is engaging, but the multiplayer modes, such as Horde and Escape, offer excellent replay value.
Why Play?
- Intense action and brutal combat.
- Engaging single-player campaign with a strong story.
- Fun multiplayer modes that keep players coming back.
5. Forza Horizon 4
If you love racing games, Forza Horizon 4 is a must-have title for your Xbox One collection. Set in a beautiful, fictionalized version of Great Britain, the game features hundreds of cars to collect, races to complete, and challenges to conquer. The dynamic seasons in the game change the environment and how cars handle, offering fresh experiences throughout the year.
The game’s online multiplayer component allows players to seamlessly join races, events, and challenges with friends or strangers. Whether you prefer arcade-style fun or realistic driving simulations, Forza Horizon 4 offers something for all types of racing fans.
Why Play?
- Gorgeous open-world environments to explore.
- Huge car selection with extensive customization.
- Exciting multiplayer modes.
6. Sea of Thieves
Rare’s Sea of Thieves is a unique multiplayer experience that lets you live out your pirate fantasies. Players take to the seas in a ship, exploring islands, battling skeletons, and finding treasure, all while engaging with other pirate crews. The game’s co-op experience is its biggest draw, as teamwork is essential to operating a ship and completing objectives.
The world of Sea of Thieves is constantly evolving, with regular updates adding new content like seasonal events and limited-time adventures. It’s a game that’s best enjoyed with friends, but it also offers solo players plenty of opportunities for fun.
Why Play?
- Fun and dynamic pirate gameplay.
- Open-world exploration with cooperative gameplay.
- Constant updates and live events to keep things fresh.
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7. Minecraft
No list of great Xbox One games would be complete without mentioning Minecraft, the beloved sandbox game by Mojang Studios. With its iconic blocky graphics, the game allows players to create and explore vast worlds.
Whether you prefer building intricate structures, surviving against mobs, or exploring procedurally generated landscapes, Minecraft offers endless possibilities.
The game’s multiplayer mode lets you join servers where you can take part in custom minigames or collaborate with others to build massive projects. The regular updates introduce new features and content, ensuring that there’s always something new to explore.
Why Play?
- Creative freedom to build and explore.
- Constant updates and community-driven content.
- Family-friendly and accessible to players of all ages.
8. Fortnite
Epic Games’ Fortnite is a battle royale that needs little introduction. It’s a phenomenon that has become a cultural touchstone, offering fast-paced combat, construction mechanics, and a fun, cartoony aesthetic. The game’s battle royale mode pits 100 players against each other until only one remains.
Fortnite has become more than just a game; it’s an ever-evolving platform that features collaborations with major franchises, live events, and a vibrant community. The game is free to play, but the in-game store offers cosmetics and battle passes that allow players to further customize their experience.
Why Play?
- Fun and addictive battle royale gameplay.
- Constant updates and collaborations with pop culture.
- Free-to-play with in-game purchases for cosmetics.
9. Minecraft Dungeons
For fans of Minecraft who enjoy a more structured, dungeon-crawling experience, Minecraft Dungeons is an excellent choice. This action-RPG offers up to four-player co-op as you venture into dungeons to fight enemies, collect loot, and complete quests. The gameplay is similar to classic hack-and-slash titles like Diablo, but with the charm of the Minecraft universe.
The game is easy to pick up and play, but it also offers some depth with different classes, gear, and abilities. It’s a fun game for both casual and dedicated gamers alike.
Why Play?
- A simple yet addictive hack-and-slash RPG.
- Family-friendly and easy to pick up.
- Local and online co-op play.
10. Cuphead
For fans of challenging platformers with a retro flair, Cuphead is a must-play. This 2D run-and-gun game features beautifully hand-drawn animation inspired by 1930s cartoons. The game’s difficulty is renowned, with bosses that require precision, strategy, and patience.
The visual style alone makes Cuphead worth checking out, but the tough yet rewarding gameplay will keep you coming back for more.
Why Play?
- Gorgeous hand-drawn animation and unique art style.
- Challenging but rewarding gameplay.
- Fun co-op mode for you and a friend.
FAQs
What are the best Xbox One exclusive games?
Some of the best Xbox One exclusives include Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Gears 5, and Forza Horizon 4. These games showcase the best of what Xbox has to offer in terms of action, racing, and world-building.
Can Xbox One games be played on Xbox Series X/S?
Yes, most Xbox One games are backward compatible with the Xbox Series X and S. In fact, some games even get performance improvements when played on the newer consoles.
Is Fortnite free on Xbox One?
Yes, Fortnite is free to play on Xbox One. However, it offers in-game purchases for cosmetics, such as skins, emotes, and the battle pass.
What is the longest Xbox One game in terms of hours?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is often regarded as one of the longest games due to its vast open world and numerous quests. Depending on how much time you spend on side activities, it can easily take over 100 hours to complete everything.
Is Minecraft suitable for children?
Yes, Minecraft is one of the most family-friendly games available, offering a creative and safe environment for children to play and explore. It also has a multiplayer mode for kids to play with friends or family members.