The Best Games on Xbox Game Pass: 10 Standout Picks

Is Xbox Game Pass still worthwhile? That depends on how you play. Following a major price rise and tier reshuffle in late 2025, the service later became cheaper but lost some features, making the value question less straightforward. Even so, its catalogue remains packed with excellent Xbox and PC games.

The service had a particularly strong 2025, adding Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Hollow Knight: Silksong. In 2026, notable additions have included CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077, a large group of Ubisoft titles, and day-one releases such as Forza Horizon 6 and Halo: Campaign Evolved.

This selection was updated on 23 October to include Gears of War: E-Day. Availability can vary by subscription tier, platform and region, so check the Game Pass listing before starting a download.

How these Game Pass recommendations were chosen

The size of Game Pass can make choosing a game difficult. These recommendations prioritise quality, variety and different play styles, from long role-playing adventures to compact arcade-inspired indies. For ideas beyond Xbox, browse RETROCADE’s arcade gaming coverage or explore the arcade machine buying guide.

1. Gears of War: E-Day

Where to play: Game Pass Ultimate on Windows PC and Xbox Series X.

This spectacular shooter returns to the Locust invasion, delivering the muscular action expected from a Gears of War campaign. Its semi-open-world sections are less convincing than the core combat, but the multiplayer remains strong and cooperative play is especially effective. It is not coming to PlayStation 5.

2. Forza Horizon 6

Where to play: Game Pass Ultimate on Windows PC and Xbox Series X.

The open-world festival formula is familiar, but it remains remarkably effective. Set in Japan, the new map is the series’ most beautiful yet, while the racing is rewarding and more purposeful than in Forza Horizon 5. Progression feels less scattered without sacrificing the series’ accessible driving.

3. Luna Abyss

Where to play: Game Pass Ultimate on Windows PC and Xbox Series X.

This concise science-fiction shooter combines punchy firefights inspired by Doom, lock-on combat and first-person platforming reminiscent of Metroid Prime, plus bullet-hell boss encounters. Kwalee Labs closed after the game was widely overlooked at launch, but its stylish, confident action makes it an excellent short Game Pass experience.

4. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered

Where to play: Game Pass Premium and Ultimate on Windows PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X.

This 2011 turn-based role-playing game follows a young boy who enters a magical world, meets charming creatures and becomes involved in a grand adventure. Level-5 collaborated with Studio Ghibli on the game, including selected animated scenes, while composer Joe Hisaishi provides the music. It is an inviting comfort-game choice.

5. Denshattack!

Where to play: Game Pass Ultimate on Windows PC and Xbox Series X.

Denshattack! fuses train simulation with extreme sports and draws visual inspiration from the cel-shaded Dreamcast game Jet Set Radio. Players jump, drift and flip a train through a surreal, post-apocalyptic Japan while taking part in illegal stunt races. Its rapid score-attack design is unusual, energetic and built for repeated attempts.

6. Blood Dungeon

Where to play: Game Pass Ultimate on Windows PC and Xbox Series X.

From the creators of Nidhogg, this deliberately rough-edged dungeon crawler combines the auto-shooting progression of Vampire Survivors with 2D platforming. Runs focus on rapidly increasing firepower, while crude doodle characters become increasingly formidable. The result is simple, fast and hypnotically replayable.

7. Hades 2

Where to play: Game Pass Premium and Ultimate on Windows PC and Xbox Series X.

Supergiant’s sequel brings another sharply designed roguelike journey through Greek mythology. This time, Melinoë, princess of the Underworld and Zagreus’ sister, is trying to defeat Chronos, the Titan of Time. Repeated deaths gradually reveal story and relationships, while progression emphasises expanding tactical options. It is beautiful, demanding and still remarkably compelling.

8. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Where to play: Game Pass Premium and Ultimate on Windows PC and Xbox Series X.

Warhorse Studios’ role-playing game offers a deeply grounded medieval adventure. Players step into the muddy boots of Henry of Skalitz, a former blacksmith’s apprentice who begins life as a peasant. Social status, detailed dialogue, demanding combat and lively side quests create a world far removed from conventional power fantasies. The slow start rewards patience.

9. Minishoot’ Adventures

Where to play: Game Pass Premium and Ultimate on Windows PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X.

Imagine a twin-stick shooter in the style of Geometry Wars combined with a classic 2D Zelda adventure. That is the foundation of Minishoot’ Adventures, which adds satisfying upgrades, collectibles, dungeons and bullet-hell bosses. Its clear progression and excellent handling make the concept feel far more substantial than the pitch suggests.

10. 1000xResist

Where to play: Game Pass Premium and Ultimate on Windows PC and Xbox Series X.

Sunset Visitor’s 2024 science-fiction story follows Watcher, one of many clones of Iris, a survivor of an alien pandemic that nearly destroyed humanity. As Watcher and her sisters explore Iris’ memories, they question the survivor’s near-godlike status. The gameplay is closer to a visual novel than an action game, but its dialogue, character work and thoughtful themes make it a distinctive narrative experience.

More gaming and arcade ideas

Several of these games suit short sessions, while others are better approached as long-form adventures. If you prefer physical controls, compare RETROCADE’s arcade machines, consider a space-saving bartop arcade, or look at racing simulators for a dedicated driving setup.