Xbox Game Pass has established itself as the gold standard of subscription services in the world of gaming. But with over 250 games to choose from, settling on which game to invest your time into can be a daunting task. Thankfully, our Top 10 Game Pass lists are here to help you find the perfect game for any situation.

Console Exclusives – Single-Player

Updated April 14, 2020

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10. Halo Wars 2

PC enthusiasts might scoff at any real-time-strategy game relying on a traditional controller, but the teams at 343 Industries and Creative Assembly built Halo Wars 2 so that it does not feel limited with a gamepad in hand. Featuring two playable races, each with over three dozen unique units, fans are sure to recognize many of the iconic enemies and vehicles that make up the Halo universe. A small but dedicated community makes finding another player to test your military prowess a painless experience, while the nearly 10-hour campaign is a must-play for Halo faithful as the cutscenes are some of the most spectacular in the series.

9. State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition

Almost everyone has wondered how they would make out in a zombie apocalypse, and now with Game Pass you can put your skills to the test. More than just a zombie shooter, State of Decay 2 leans heavily into RPG elements that make it the go-to zombie simulator. Building the perfect community while balancing limited resources and conflicting survivor personalities is difficult enough, but throw in hordes of zombies and perma-death for all characters and prepare for your heart to race as you try to escape a charging Juggernaut with your favourite community member. The recent Juggernaut Edition brings a slew of improvements as well as making all previous DLC free to play. With multiple maps to conquer, and drop-in online co-op, there is no shortage of content for those craving some zombie fun.

8. Quantum Break

The talented team at Remedy Entertainment are known for compelling single-player experiences, and Quantum Break is no exception. Known for its controversial use of FMV between chapters, the weight of the player’s decisions are lived out in live-action. The blurring between gaming and TV was hit-or-miss for many, but the standout performances from Shawn Ashmore (Iceman from the X-Men movie series) and Aidan Gillen (Littlefinger from Game of Thrones) are undeniable. Pair that with an array of time-manipulation superpowers and you will be hooked throughout the 10-hour campaign.

7. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Looks might be deceiving when it comes to this hardcore platformer. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a Metroidvania developed by Moon Studies that should be on the radar of all Xbox owners. Stunning visuals paired with a emotional soundtrack make the 12-hour campaign a joy to experience. With a larger focus on NPCs to guide you through the open world and a deeper combat system than its predecessor, this sequel expands 2015’s Ori and the Blind Forest (also on Game Pass) into a more complete experience.

6. Rare Replay

Game Pass subscribers looking for a blast from their past can find it with Rare Replay. Despite a couple gems missing due to licensing disputes (sorry Goldeneye fans), the library of 30 games is sure to have something for everyone. Banjo-Kazooie, Perfect Dark, Conker’s Bad Fur Day, Battletoads, and Jet Force Gemini are just some of the incredible classics included in this amazing collection. Alongside the games comes a slew of features including rewinds and auto-saves for older titles, as well as an impressive video library with over an hour of behind-the-scenes footage from the iconic game developer. 

5. Sea of Thieves

Perhaps the most stunningly beautiful chat room ever created, Sea of Thieves is not your typical game. Those looking for meaningful progression should look elsewhere. Sea of Thieves is all about living out your pirate dreams with friends in the ultimate sandbox. Whether you and your crew decide to hunt treasure, or other pirates, every play session is unique thanks to truly emergent gameplay. Gamers who only gave Sea of Thieves a chance at launch will be pleasantly surprised by an influx of new content over the years including the Arena for dedicated PVP alongside deeper quests that will have completionists sailing the seas for months to come.

4. Forza Horizon 4

There is a reason why Forza has become the gold standard in racing games. While the Motorsport series gives car enthusiasts a ton to dig their teeth into, the Horizon spin-offs aim to capture the heart of all gamers. Those motorheads will still find plenty of depth in tuning each car, but the open-world mechanics and insane variety of activities make Forza Horizon 4 so much more. When you are not racing you can compete in drift or stunt challenges, or explore the Great Britain countryside in search of landmarks and hidden garages housing classic cars. The latest entry has been praised for its dynamic weather system that works in harmony with rotating seasons. Those itching for competition can find it in the recently added 72-car battle royale mode (you read that correctly) called The Eliminator.

3. Halo The Master Chief Collection

Despite a rocky launch, Halo The Master Chief Collection has rounded form to become one of the greatest collections in gaming. In a package that includes the first four numbered Halo games as well as critically acclaimed spin-offs ODST and Reach, there is no shortage of content here. The six campaigns can be played solo or with friends, and the technical upgrades in the older games can be easily appreciated by a single button that seamlessly switches from the original graphics to the shiny new coat. The multiplayer options are nearly endless, narrowing your preferences by specific games or game types. Halo 5 is also available to Game Pass subscribers, but the breadth of content in this collection makes for the better launching point for new fans and returning vets alike.

2. Gears 5

Giving the Halo series a run for its money, Gears of War has been cementing itself as a system seller for nearly 15 years. Gears 5 continues the series tradition of stunning visuals, strategic cover-based third person action, and an eclectic array of weapons to mow down Locust. Players who want the whole story can download the first four games (as well as the spin-off Judgement) with their subscription. But if you rather not invest into the story, Horde mode is an addictive co-op experience that has iterated on the superb original which spawned the industry name for the wave-based experience. If you get tired of chainsawing AI opponents, the online competitive multiplayer is as intense as ever. New to the series is “Arcade” mode where players pick unique character classes and earn points for eliminations that can be spent on their favourite guns. “Arcade” acts as a perfect entry for newcomers or a chance to warm up before jumping into ranked. New content is being constantly added, including free maps, to ensure this blockbuster exclusive stays installed on every Xbox.

1. Sunset Overdrive

Before Insomniac Games was releasing Marvel’s Spider-Man exclusively for Playstation 4, they were behind another incredible console exclusive for Microsoft. Sunset Overdrive is a perfect blend of the developer’s other works; combing the insane arsenal of the Ratchet and Clank series with the sheer joy of movement found in Spider-Man creates a must-play experience. The game oozes personality with an art-style to match and is genuinely funny (a rarity in gaming). Xbox fans may never get the sequel they clamored for, but that shouldn’t detract Game Pass subscribers from experiencing one the system’s best kept secrets.

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You can catch Mark Staniusz on Twitter at the aptly branded @MarkStaniusz handle. Be sure to tell him about how cool games are or maybe talk about sports. Whatever floats your boat, really.