The Best Games to Try on Xbox Game Pass in 2024
Xbox Game Pass has made some controversial decisions regarding tiers and subscriptions, but it remains the top choice for gaming subscriptions. Here’s what you should be playing.
Xbox Game Pass is currently the main reason to invest in an Xbox console. This incredibly valuable subscription service continues to add new games frequently, ranging from AAA titles to indie gems. It’s also the go-to spot for day-one access to Xbox first-party games—at least within the new and debated Ultimate tier after recent tier restructuring. With so many franchises available, it can be tough to decide what to play next.
Top Xbox Game Pass Games for 2024
While Game Pass does offer a “surprise feature” that spins a wheel to suggest what to play, these recommendations can be a bit too random. Simply put, the sheer volume of games on the service can be overwhelming, which is where our curated list comes in. We’ve selected both first-party and third-party titles to create a lineup that meets a wide range of gaming preferences. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss.
Must-Play Games for Xbox Game Pass Subscribers on PC and Console
Octopath Traveler 1 & 2
These JRPGs are among the most beloved of recent years and are now both available on Xbox Game Pass. The unique HD-2D style allows you to choose from eight characters, each contributing to a broader narrative with unique combat and diplomatic abilities. If you’re a fan of 90s-era RPGs, Octopath Traveler will have you reaching for your controller. The second game even includes a new update, allowing you to face off against heroes from the first—so jump in and enjoy.
Lies of P
If you enjoy Bloodborne and Pinocchio, Lies of P is tailor-made for you. This action RPG takes the core formula of FromSoftware’s Souls games and delivers a unique twist, almost like a “cleaner” version of Bloodborne. Playing as Pinocchio, the game’s lying mechanic subtly alters the story and gameplay systems. The developers have taken Carlo Collodi’s classic tale and turned it on its head—this is an adventure not to be missed.
Halo Infinite
Master Chief is Xbox’s biggest mascot, so of course, his games are on Xbox Game Pass. Halo Infinite is the latest entry, marking the start of a new chapter in the franchise with both campaign and multiplayer modes. While the multiplayer is free on all platforms, Xbox Game Pass offers regular perks and rewards. Though 343 Industries has done a commendable job of supporting the game, the ten-year plan looks uncertain, with recent shifts to the Unreal Engine signaling changes. As long as the studio continues to carry the campaign and multiplayer foundations into the next installment, we’re in good hands.
Sea of Thieves
Now available on PlayStation, Sea of Thieves remains accessible “for free” through Xbox Game Pass. Its latest season, like those before it, introduces new weapons for melee and naval combat, mystical skills, and shipboarding improvements. It’s the ultimate pirate adventure, surpassing what Skull and Bones aimed to achieve.
Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 is undoubtedly the best in the series. The vibrant open-world map of Mexico is highly inviting, and the game’s rewarding system ensures you never feel like a failure. Whether you’re racing down highways, tearing through the Mexican countryside, or overtaking someone on a Hot Wheels track, the experience is unmatched among racing games. It’s not just the pinnacle of the Forza series but one of the greatest racing games ever made.
Diablo 4
Diablo has long been a pillar of the RPG genre, and the fourth installment delivers admirably. Many consider it the best entry in Blizzard’s series, with most launch issues patched up. While the story could use some refinement, there’s plenty to enjoy across its classes and diverse gameplay. The new Vessel of Hatred expansion just dropped (included in the subscription), making it a great time to dive into this classic dungeon-crawling experience.
Doom Eternal
Doom Eternal takes everything we loved from the previous game and cranks up the violence, music, and combat mechanics. While the environments might feel similar, and the next chapter looks set to expand things, the sheer fun of Doom Eternal is undeniable. New additions, especially the Ancient Gods DLC, drastically change how you battle demons, all included on Game Pass at no extra cost.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
A Plague Tale: Innocence was a solid game, but the sequel delves into even darker territory. Amicia and Hugo’s journey is fraught with challenges, with human foes proving to be more dangerous than the rats that plague their world. New allies bring more tools to handle enemies, even if the sequel leans more on combat than stealth. Its heartbreaking finale will leave you craving more, making it a journey worth taking.
Valorant
While all previous Riot games are available on Game Pass, Valorant stands out. PC players have enjoyed this competitive shooter for years, and playing through Xbox Game Pass offers even more. All past agents are unlocked for XGP players, and with its recent arrival on consoles, now’s the time to start climbing the ranks.
Citizen Sleeper
Citizen Sleeper is unlike any other RPG, blending tabletop dice mechanics with management simulations. You play as a “sleeper,” essentially a human mind disconnected from its body, navigating a space station. Each day, you receive a set of dice to perform survival tasks. Success or failure can hinge on your dice rolls, requiring strategic decisions to stay alive. It’s an experience you have to try to understand, and with the sequel doubling down on its mechanics, there’s plenty to explore.
