15+ Best Games on Xbox Game Pass: The Service’s Greats

Xbox Game Pass subscribers of the highest tier have access to over 400 games, so figuring out which ones are the best can be intimidating.

For that reason, we’ve listed some of the best games on Game Pass in 2024 from a range of genres, showcasing just how eclectic the service’s selection is.

With this list in hand, players can avoid monotonously scrolling to find what to play next and get straight into some of the best Xbox Series X games available on Microsoft’s on-demand service.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. 15 Best Games on Xbox Game Pass in 2024
3. More of the Best Games on Xbox Game Pass in 2024
4. Xbox Game Pass Price and Tiers Explained
5. The Bottom Line
6. FAQs
7. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. 15 Best Games on Xbox Game Pass in 2024
3. More of the Best Games on Xbox Game Pass in 2024
Show Full Guide
4. Xbox Game Pass Price and Tiers Explained
5. The Bottom Line
6. FAQs
7. References

15 Best Games on Xbox Game Pass in 2024

Before jumping into the Xbox Game Pass games list, it’s important to note there are so many experiences that didn’t make the cut. That doesn’t mean they aren’t worth playing; moreover, it means the titles here are where you should start your journey.

15.  Lies of P

At the moment, the Soulslike genre is very fashionable; it feels like every week, a new game is released, trying to capture what made the genre so popular. One of the few that have come close is Lies of P from the South Korean developer NEOWIZ.

If you like a challenge, an atmospheric world with plenty to explore, and mystery, this game is undoubtedly for you. It looks stunning and offers excellent, crunchy combat that will have players struggling, but it never feels unfair. It’s one of the best single-player games on Xbox Game Pass and offers a satisfying challenge.

14. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

For fans of Xbox of old, it does get much better than this, and if you’ve never experienced the six classic games in this collection, you’re missing out on some of the best FPS games around. The history of Xbox and FPS games can be experienced here in a perfect package; it also shows the introduction of Xbox’s most iconic character.

The remaster includes single-player and multiplayer options and campaigns that can be played locally with a pal. It offers one of the best co-op games on Xbox Game Pass and is also a perfect deep dive into Xbox history.

13. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Star Wars is undoubtedly one of the biggest franchises on the planet; it’s instantly recognizable. Thanks to EA Play games being included on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the game is available through the service so players can explore the iconic planets and wield their lightsabers at will.

The second game in the series only builds on what was established in the original, improving it in every way. The force powers feel better, there are two new stances to enjoy, and the galaxy far, far away has never been more enjoyable to explore. It’s one of the best story games on Xbox Game Pass, as well as our pick for the best Star Wars game ever.

12. It Takes Two

It Takes Two won game of the year in 2021 and is the second game on this list available, thanks to EA Play games being included with the service. It’s easily one of the best two-player games on Xbox Game Pass you can play in 2024.

This is the one if you’re looking for a game to play with a friend. You can play locally or online, but it’s an experience built for two. Over the ten or so hours, you will be taken on a journey that’s a blast to play but also makes you think. This is undoubtedly the best co-op game Xbox Game Pass offers.

11. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a sequel to 2015’s Ori and the Blind Forest. Both are must-play Metroidvanias that will undoubtedly tug at your heartstrings, offering gorgeous visuals and morish gameplay that will keep you coming back for me.

This game fires on all cylinders, everything working together to offer a complete experience with a captivating tale that will mesmerize even the most cynical person. It’s one of the best Xbox Game Pass games ever made and well worth going through for gamers of all ages.

10. Doom (2016)

Single-player shooters are pretty rare. Traditionally, this type of game is reserved for online, but Doom is a fantastic example of an FPS game that can be enjoyed solo. For that reason, it’s one of the best single-player games on Xbox Game Pass, even though its multiplayer offerings aren’t too bad either.

The gunplay is a delight, and it only improves in the sequel, Doom Eternal, which is also on Xbox Game Pass. As a package, these are two of the best shooters around. They encourage players to be aggressive and demonstrate why revitalizing this series was a stroke of genius by Bethesda. The gore is succinctly complimented with devastating combat, preventing players from sitting back.

9. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition compiles three of the best RPGs ever made. When experienced as one package, it offers a complete story that will excite and entice players equally.

This remaster improves the visuals and gameplay, but what’s most important is the story, which remains intact and ready to be enjoyed thanks to Game Pass, proving it is truly timeless. It’s easily among the best RPGs on Xbox Game Pass as you get the whole trilogy in its definitive form, whether playing on Xbox consoles or PC.

8. Celeste

Celeste is a minimalistic but challenging platformer that follows a young woman as she attempts to climb Celeste Mountain. As she struggles to conquer the mountain, she also battles depression and doubts whether she can succeed at the task ahead. It’s even our pick for the best indie game in 2024 overall.

Celeste is a joy to play. Upon completion, it will leave you deep in quiet contemplation, but you may also wonder if you can beat the last section quicker, thanks to how well-polished the levels are. Despite its challenging platform, the narrative is what drives it, meaning it’s one of the best story games on Xbox Game Pass to this day.

7. Hollow Knight

When first looking at Hollow Knight, the charming art and cutesy design may be misleading. Despite its simplicity, this is one of the most challenging games around. If you like hard games full of exploration, then you’ll think this is one of the best games on Xbox Game Pass.

Hollow Knight is another example of a game being so well designed that you’ll only have yourself to blame whenever anything goes wrong. For fans of Soulslikes, there is plenty on offer, but it’s a unique take on the increasingly popular genre.

6. Persona 3 Reload

The 2024 remake of Persona 3 is the definitive version of a classic game that also reimagines particular sections to help deliver this updated and complete RPG experience.

The strength of any Persona game is the relationships made along the way, elevating this to one of the best RPGs on Xbox Game Pass. The visual style and music are consistent with the rest of the series, helping sustain what makes the series so iconic.

5. Resident Evil 2

While there are many frightening experiences on Microsoft’s service to play, it’s Resident Evil 2 which ranks as one of the best horror games on Xbox Game Pass. That’s due to its suffocating atmosphere, thrilling combat, and intense story, which will stay with you long after the credits roll.

No game on this list is as atmospheric as Resident Evil 2. The zombies are terrifying, and the combat is visceral, but what stands out is the addition of constantly being stalked by Mr X to unsettle the player. Mr X means there’s never any time to breathe, and the pressure is on. His persistent threat adds a layer of tension unseen in even the best horror games in 2024.

4. Sea of Thieves

Sea of Thieves was first released in 2018. Since then, it has only grown and developed, with new content constantly added. The game allows players to explore the ocean with their pals, tackle the campaign, and even fish.

There’s plenty on offer here, but most importantly, the ultimate pirate fantasy with friends. Sea of Thieves can be enjoyed solo, but this is one of the best multiplayer games on Xbox Game Pass, a shared world.

3. Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon is like the cool younger brother of the main Forza series, which doesn’t entirely take itself so seriously but still offers impressive gameplay and great driving mechanics. It’s our pick for the best racing game on Xbox Game Pass for good reason, after all.

In addition to the enjoyable races and exploration of the open world, Forza Horizon 5 is awe-inspiring, showcasing some of the best visuals on the platform. Each game takes place in a unique location, with the latest entry taking place in the gorgeous vistas of Mexico.

2. Inside

Inside is a unique game that only lasts a few hours but will not be forgotten long after the credits roll. This is a game where the less said, the better, allowing the mystery to take hold and drag the player through a gripping tale that constantly keeps you guessing.

Along the way, there are puzzles to solve, platforming sections to conquer, and an uneasy feeling as the mind boggles. It’s easily the best horror game on Xbox Game Pass and an unforgettable experience.

1. Control Ultimate Edition

Remedy’s Control is a single-player experience that expertly blends mystery with narrative. The gameplay also feels like a power fantasy that is as enjoyable as it is satisfying. It’s our pick for the best Xbox Game pass game.

The game’s Ultimate Edition includes both expansions, so there is even more to experience thanks to this version’s inclusion on Xbox Game Pass. Control takes the number one spot because there are very few games like this, and it offers a complete experience for everyone, regardless of personal taste.

More of the Best Games on Xbox Game Pass in 2024

Xbox Game Pass Price and Tiers Explained

There are four different tiers of Xbox Game Pass, including the PC tier. The four tiers vary in price and what’s included, and they have changed recently.

The Bottom Line

These are just some of the best games on Xbox Game Pass; the service is stacked with enjoyable experiences that will serve every type of taste. Whether you like platformers, RPGs, shooters or smaller, more digestible experiences, there is something for everyone.

Fortunately, the service is constantly updated, too, with new games released all the time. For that reason, this page will be frequently updated, and maybe sometime soon a new game will take the top spot. With new Xbox games releasing later this year and beyond, it’s a great time to have a Game Pass subscription.

FAQs