The Xbox ecosystem offers a vast library catering to all tastes, from intense shooters and deep RPGs to competitive fighting games. While Microsoft’s own studio output has seen quieter periods, its aggressive acquisition strategy, bringing giants like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard into the fold, has significantly bolstered the Game Pass subscription service. This has created an almost overwhelming wealth of choices for players. To help navigate this abundance, here is a selection of standout titles available on Xbox Series X and S, many also playable on Xbox One, representing the best experiences the platform has to offer. For those seeking a profound and challenging adventure, Elden Ring stands as a monumental achievement. This open-world action RPG from FromSoftware drops players into the hauntingly beautiful Lands Between, a world ripe for exploration and filled with formidable foes. Its freedom, deep lore, and rewarding combat have cemented it as a modern classic. From the same developer, Sekiro Shadows Die Twice offers a more focused, precision-based experience. Set in a reimagined Sengoku-era Japan, it trades RPG customization for a refined parry-based combat system that is intensely satisfying to master. Its demanding gameplay and stunning world design make it unforgettable. For narrative depth and player choice, few games compare to Red Dead Redemption 2. This prequel to the original is a stunningly detailed cowboy simulator and a gripping tale of an outlaw gang’s final days. The world feels truly alive, making every interaction meaningful within its epic story. The Master Chief Collection remains the definitive way to experience the Halo saga. This package includes six classic games, offering hundreds of hours of iconic sci-fi campaigns and timeless multiplayer. It is an essential piece of gaming history optimized for modern consoles. Fans of atmospheric horror have two exceptional options. The Dead Space remake brilliantly revitalizes the classic sci-fi survival horror, with enhanced visuals, sound design, and gameplay tweaks that make the terror feel fresh. Meanwhile, Resident Evil Village continues the series’ resurgence, blending Gothic horror, intense combat, and a memorable cast of villains in a first-person perspective. For action with incredible style, Hi-Fi RUSH is a surprise delight. This rhythm-based brawler sees every attack sync to the game’s infectious soundtrack. Its vibrant art, charismatic characters, and perfectly executed concept make it a joyful and unique experience. Pentiment offers a completely different pace. This narrative-driven adventure from Obsidian is a historical mystery set in 16th-century Bavaria. Its focus on art, dialogue, and consequence over action provides a thoughtful and deeply engaging journey through a meticulously researched period. The fighting game community is well-served by Street Fighter 6. It boasts a robust single-player World Tour mode, incredibly deep and accessible combat systems, and a vibrant online scene, making it a complete package for both newcomers and veterans. Game Pass subscribers have immediate access to a rotating selection of these and many other titles, including the entire Halo series, the deep action of Hi-Fi RUSH, and the strategic combat of the Yakuza Like a Dragon games. The service continually adds new and classic games, making it the best way to sample the diversity of the Xbox library. Whether you own a Series X, Series S, or an older console, this selection represents the pinnacle of gaming available on the platform, from sprawling open worlds and heart-pounding horror to innovative indies and competitive fighters.
