The Best Xbox One Games: A Must-Play List for 2023

Xbox One is currently one of the most popular gaming platforms in the world. Since 2013, it become a hub for gamers of all kinds because of its large number of games, powerful hardware, and thriving online community. From first-person shooters and role-playing games to sports and racing, you’ll find Xbox One games according to your gaming preference.

Besides Series X and Series S, the popularity of the best Xbox One games is not only limited to console owners but has also expanded to include PC gamers. Games like “Grand Theft Auto V” to “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt”, got gamers’ appreciation and are enjoyed by millions of players around the world.

With stunning graphics, immersive storylines, and innovative gameplay, new Xbox One games are a testament to the power and potential of the console. These games are not only great to play but also showcase the incredible range of experiences on Xbox One.

The purpose of this article is to provide everything you need to know to build your Xbox One game library. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the platform, you’ll find the Best Xbox One Games to suit your interests and playstyle.

The Best Xbox One Games

We’ve hunted the internet and come up with a complete overview of the best games available on the platform. This list is based on their popularity, critical reception, and overall quality.

So, whether you’re looking for action-packed first-person shooters or thought-provoking role-playing games, this list will help you find the top Xbox One Games to play. So, sit back, grab your controller, and prepare to enter a world of gaming excellence on Xbox One.

01. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The first game on this list is “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt”, an action role-playing game developed by “CD Projekt Red”. The game was released on May 19, 2015, and has since become one of the best Xbox One games of all time, offering players a dark and immersive fantasy world to explore.

“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” is based on the story of “Geralt of Rivia”, a monster hunter who is searching for his missing adoptive daughter. The game’s world is wild and full of life, offering players tons of activities, such as hunting monsters, completing quests, and engaging in combat.

The combat system is also very unique and engaging. Players can use a combination of melee and ranged attacks, as well as magic spells, to defeat their enemies. Players can also utilize the game’s alchemy system to make potions, oils, and bombs to aid them in combat.

The hunting world is filled with amazing characters, each with its own individual storylines and quests. The game’s main storyline is complex and engaging, offering players a dark and emotional tale that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” received so much vital acclaim upon its release, with many critics praising the game’s world-building, story, and gameplay mechanics. Even it won multiple awards, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2015.

The impact of Witcher 3 on the gaming industry has been significant, inspiring a TV series and several books, and becoming one of the best-selling Xbox One games of all time. The game’s success has also led to a renaissance in the popularity of single-player narrative-driven games.

02. Grand Theft Auto V

In the 2nd position, we have got “Grand Theft Auto V”, developed by “Rockstar North” and published by “Rockstar Games”. It is a legendary action-adventure game that has been re-released for the Xbox One in 2014. It offers players a vast open world to explore thrilling crime-filled experiences. The variety of exciting gameplay mechanics and features make it one of the best Xbox One games available.

Grand Theft’s single-player campaign follows the lives of three main characters, Michael, Franklin, and Trevor with their own unique storylines and missions. Players can switch between characters at any time, creating a dynamic and immersive gameplay experience. The game also features an online multiplayer mode to team up with friends and complete missions together.

The open world is massive and full of incredible things to do, including completing missions, stealing cars, robbing banks, and engaging in high-speed chases with the police. And the combat system is fluid and responsive, letting players utilize a variety of weapons and gadgets to take down their enemies.

Auto V also offers players a wide range of customization options, such as personalizing characters, vehicles, and weapons. Additionally, the radio stations and soundtrack feature a wide range of music and commentary, adding to the immersive atmosphere of the game.

With its engaging storyline, detailed world, and thrilling gameplay mechanics, it won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2013. Whether you love action-adventure games, open-world exploration, or thrilling multiplayer experiences, Grand Theft Auto V is a must-play game for any serious gamer.

03. Red Dead Redemption 2

“Red Dead Redemption 2”, another “Rockstar Games’” action-adventure game got the 3rd position on the list. It was released for Xbox One in 2018 and is the prequel to the original “Red Dead Redemption”. In the game, you’ll be playing as “Arthur Morgan”, an outlaw, and member of the “Van der Linde” gang, and navigate through the dying Wild West, facing rival gangs, corrupt officials, and other dangers.

“Red Dead Redemption 2” offers an open-world environment and a compelling storyline that delves into the themes of loyalty, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions. Its gameplay mechanics are some of the most immersive and realistic ever seen in an Xbox One game. It also allows players to explore a vast, stunningly rendered world filled with wildlife, NPCs, and other players in the online mode.

The game features a dynamic weather system, a day/night cycle, and a variety of mini-games such as poker and fishing. The attention to detail, immersive open-world environment, and compelling storyline were highly praised by both critics and players.

The game won “Best Game Direction” and “Best Narrative” awards at The Game Awards 2018. Most importantly, Its impact on the gaming industry was also significant, with many calling it a masterpiece and one of the best Xbox One games of all time. 

04. Halo 5: Guardians

If you love first-person shooter video games, “Halo 5: Guardians” is the best Xbox One game for you. It was developed by “343 Industries” and published by “Microsoft Studios” exclusively for Xbox One. It is the fifth main installment in the Halo series and was released worldwide on October 27, 2015. 

The game’s storyline is based on two main characters, Spartan Locke and Master Chief. And their motive is to search for the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of Cortana, an artificial intelligence construct.

“Halo 5: Guardians” features the ability to sprint, climb ledges and walls, and aim down sights, which was not present in previous Halo games. Players can also use thrusters to boost themselves in various directions for more dynamic and fast-paced combat.

One of the most important changes in Halo 5 is the squad-based gameplay. Players can create a team of Spartans, each with their unique abilities, and can give them commands to perform specific actions during combat. Its multiplayer mode also features new game modes, maps, and weapons, which have been well-received by the players.

Despite some criticisms, Halo 5: Guardians was a commercial success, selling over 5 million copies within the first three months of its release. The game’s multiplayer mode, in particular, has remained popular among players, with a large and active player base still enjoying the game’s various multiplayer modes and maps.

05. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)

At number 5, we have “PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds”, commonly known as PUBG, one of the best multiplayer battle royale games developed by “PUBG Corporation” and published by “Microsoft Studios”. It was first released in March 2017 for PC and later in December 2017 for Xbox One.

The game quickly became a worldwide phenomenon and has since been adapted for mobile devices as well. And as of 2021, it has sold over 70 million copies worldwide

PUBG is a battle royale game with up to 100 players dropping onto an island from a plane, then scavenging for weapons, equipment, and resources while fighting to be the last player or team standing. The game’s map shrinks over time, forcing players into closer proximity and intensifying the action.

One of the unique features of PUBG is players can team up according to their own. Players also can choose to play solo or join a team and work together to take down other players. And it has a variety of weapons, vehicles, and attachments that players can use to gain an advantage over their opponents.

PUBG has had a significant impact on the gaming industry since its release, spawning numerous imitators and competitors. The game’s popularity has also led to the creation of a professional esports scene, with major tournaments and events held around the world.

PUBG has received generally positive reviews from critics and players, with particular praise for its intense gameplay and tactical combat mechanics. However, the game has also faced criticism for bugs, glitches, and server stability. But overall it is one of the best Xbox One Games as well as one of the best mobile games of all time.

06. Forza Horizon 4

For those who love to play car games, “Forza Horizon 4” is the best choice for you. It is a racing game developed by “Playground Games” and published by “Microsoft Studios”. It was released in 2018 for the Xbox One and PC, and quickly became one of the best racing games on the market.

“Forza Horizon 4” 4 is set in a fictionalized representation of the United Kingdom. The game features dynamic weather and day/night cycles, which affect the gameplay and driving experience. It also introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to own properties, to unlock new cars and game features.

The game offers over 450 cars from more than 100 licensed manufacturers. It features a campaign mode, where players compete in a series of races to become the Horizon Festival champion. There are also online multiplayer modes, where players can race against each other or engage in cooperative gameplay.

“Forza Horizon 4” is also known for its incredible graphics and realistic driving mechanics. And its attention to detail in car handling and design is impressive, making the driving experience incredibly immersive. Plus a powerful and intuitive editor that allows players to create custom races and challenges.

Overall, “Forza Horizon 4” is one of the best Xbox One games, offering players an immersive and comprehensive racing experience. Its vast open world, a wide variety of cars, dynamic weather system, and day and night cycles make it one of the most realistic racing games available, and its accessible gameplay mechanics make it enjoyable for both casual and hardcore gamers alike. 

07. Rocket League

Now comes “Rocket League”, one of our favorite Xbox one Games in this current period. It is a high-octane sports-action game developed and published by “Psyonix”. The game was first released for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 4 in 2015 and then later ported to Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and other platforms. Rocket League is a unique blend of soccer and racing, where players control rocket-powered cars and try to hit a ball into the opposing team’s goal to score points.

Rocket League’s gameplay mechanics are what makes it stand out among other sports games. The game has both single-player and multiplayer modes and offers a variety of gameplay options. The main mode is a 3v3 game of soccer, but the game also has other game modes, including 2v2, 4v4, and a chaotic 4v4 mode with power-ups.

The game has a steep learning curve, but it’s rewarding once players get the hang of it. The controls are intuitive and responsive, allowing players to make quick turns, jumps, and boosts. Players can customize their cars with different skins, hats, and trails, and can even trade items with other players.

One of the amazing features of Rocket League is to customize your car with different cosmetic items, such as paint jobs, wheels, and decals. These items can be unlocked by playing matches, or players can purchase them from the in-game store. Additionally, players can also earn experience points to level up their account, unlocks new cosmetic items, and gives them a sense of progression.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The Xbox One has proven to be a formidable gaming platform that has played host to a wide range of titles that cater to different interests and preferences. From action-packed games like “Red Dead Redemption 2” and “Halo 5: Guardians,” to sports games like “Forza Horizon 4” and “Rocket League,” and finally to adventure games like “Sea of Thieves,” there is no shortage of any Xbox One games.

In terms of the Xbox One platform, it has been a great place for gamers to enjoy high-quality games, and with the increasing power of the new Xbox Series X, it’s safe to say that the platform will continue to play host to some of the best Xbos one games available in the market.

Finally, for those looking to expand their Xbox One gaming library, there is a multitude of games that one can consider, including titles like “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare,” “Minecraft,” “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” “Fallout 4,” and “Titanfall 2.” These games are all highly regarded in the gaming community, and they offer a unique experience that is worth exploring.

In conclusion, the Xbox has been and continues to be a great platform for gamers to experience some of the best Xbox one games available. With a vast library of high-quality titles to choose from, it is easy to see why the Xbox One is considered one of the top gaming platforms in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the world of gaming, the Xbox One offers an exceptional gaming experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.