Best Xbox exclusives you need to own

If you're wondering what the best Xbox exclusives are, we've put our heads together to come with a roundup that shines a light on the standout offerings that are exclusive to the console. Of course, over time, we've seen more new games eventually land on PS5, with Microsoft taking a lot of its releases multiplatform this year - including the likes of Forza Horizon 5, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and the Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2.

And more upcoming Xbox Series X games are set to get the same treatment, with the newly announced Forza Horizon 6 also slated to come Sony's console post-launch after it initially arrives as an Xbox timed exclusive. But some of the best Xbox Series X games are still only available on the console, along with some of the highlights from past console generations like Xbox One and Xbox 360. And we're also still set to see some future releases be exclusive, such as the Fable reboot.

Below, we've brought together the best Xbox exclusives, which includes some of the best games on Xbox Game Pass on right now. Read on below to discover our selection and see what adventures await on Xbox.

15. 33 Immortals

Developer: Thunder Lotus
Genre: Action / roguelike
Game Pass: Yes

33 Immortals is currently out on Xbox Series X in game preview, which is the name for Early Access on the console, but it's one Xbox console exclusive that's worth trying out if you're after a co-op experience. As an action-roguelike that's made for 33 players, you take on the role of a damned soul who's trying to rebel against God's final judgement.

With massive bosses to try and defeat as a mortal who's been deemed sinful, you'll be fighting for your very soul as you progress your skills and work together with a swath of other players to immerge victorious. With MMO-like raids to boot, it'll be interesting see how the game changes over time, but early signs are promising.

14. Microsoft Flight Simulator 

Developer: Asobo Studio
Genre: Flight
Game Pass: Yes

Sometimes, you just want to see what your house looks like from the seat of a Boeing-747, and Microsoft Flight Simulator is more than happy to oblige that insatiable curiosity.

The beloved franchise flew back into our hearts by giving you all the options you'd expect from a flight simulator - immaculately crafted planes and stunning vistas to soar over, as well as the sort of tranquil experience you'd want when 50'000 feet up in the air. Well, tranquil until you have to land the plane again...

13. South of Midnight

Developer: Compulsion Games
Genre: Adventure
Game Pass: Yes

South of Midnight is the latest example of how Xbox is the leader in taking risks and investing in exciting new IPs when it comes to their exclusives. Developed by the minds behind We Happy Few, Compulsion Games, this Xbox title is a third-person action-adventure that throws you into Southern folklore and a narrative packed with themes surrounding trauma and loss.

While the combat isn't super deep and can feel a bit like a chore at times, South of Midnight makes up for it with its amazing story, unique art style, and general creativity. You'll struggle to find another game like South of Midnight, and it's marked itself as a star when it comes to 2025 games for sure. For more details, check out our South of Midnight review and see why we love it.

12. Quantum Break

Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Genre: Action
Game Pass: Yes

It might've overextended a bit with its experimental TV tie-in elements, but Xbox One exclusive Quantum Break from Remedy Entertainment (makers of Max Payne and Alan Wake) has moments where its mix of third-person shooting and temporal powers really soars.

As Jack Joyce, you've stumbled into time-manipulating godhood just in time for a thrilling action yarn worthy of the big screen. It's worth playing Quantum Break just for those moments when you've trapped enemies in a prism-like stasis bubble, peppered them with soon-to-be-unfrozen bullets, then warp-dashed over to another baddie for a melee takedown, all in the span of a few seconds. Talk about badass. Check out our Quantum Break review for more details.

11. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Developer: 343 Industries
Genre: Shooter
Game Pass: Yes

You can't really say you've owned an Xbox unless you've played at least one Halo game. It's the series that cemented the console's gaming credentials, and for that reason, Halo: The Master Chief Collection is pretty damn near essential.

The main draw here is the chance to play through four of the Xbox's most formative games in their best possible versions - the early games are remade with improved graphics, there are frame rate boosts, re-done hi-res cutscenes, and more. Everything's brought up to a modern standard, remastering and reinvigorating the classics. If, for some reason, you're still unsure about adding one of the best shooters to your library, read our Halo: Masterchief Collection review.

10. Grounded 2

Developer: Obsidian Entertainment / Eidos Montreal
Genre: Survival
Game Pass: Yes

While it's currently in its game preview Early Access period, Grounded 2 already offers up so much to do and discover in its open-world, which is much larger this time around. Not unlike Grounded, you once again take on the role of a kid who's been shrunk down. With different archetypes to choose from, each playable character has their own set of abilities as you try to navigate a park, which, thanks to your size, is a immense playground filled with hazards and curiosities.

With new creatures to face, including snails and butterflies, you'll once again find yourself going up against terrifying spiders and other insect foes as you explore. With improved combat, exploration has also gotten much more enjoyable thanks to the addition of the buggy mount, which you can ride around. For more on the Early Access experience that's now out in the wild, you can head on over to our Grounded 2 review.

9. Sunset Overdrive

Developer: Insomniac Games
Genre: Action
Game Pass: Yes

You might know Insomniac as the studio that brought us Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PS5, but did you know it also made one of the wildest Xbox exclusives on this list? Sunset Overdrive is an open-world, Jet Set Radio-style metropolis bursting with color and a healthy dose of punk rock attitude, letting you pull off some spectacularly absurd feats of mass destruction.

Whether you're launching bowling bowls, fireworks, or explosive teddy bears while mowing down hordes of mutants, robots, and bizarre gang members, grinding along telephone poles with your physics-defying sneakers, Sunset Overdrive is such a blast that its attempts at edgy humor can be almost forgiven. If you want off-the-rails fun, this one's for you.

8. Forza Motorsport 7

Developer: Turn 10 Studios
Genre: Racing
Game Pass: No

Despite being sadly delisted from sales in 2021, Forza Motorsport 7 speaks to the first time Forza truly perfected its racing formula. Everything is as flawless as those 4K visuals with better AI, improved handling, more substantial collisions - everything you need to make the cars all feel superb.

It all combines to deliver an experience that's both realistic and fun, as long as you don't mind working for it as some of the progression can be a little demanding as you try to collect cars and win events to get ever further. But, even though there's a hint of grind, this is still one the best racing games not currently available (though definitely still playable if you own a copy yourself). Check out our five-star Forza Motorsport 7 review for more.

7. State of Decay 2

Developer: Undead Games
Genre: Survival action-adventure
Game Pass: Yes

With State of Decay 3 coming in 2025, now's your chance to check out why State of Decay 2 cemented the series as one of the best Xbox exclusive franchises ever. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where zombies run rampant, it's up to you and your fellow survivors to build a new life for yourselves.

With its nail-biting blend of survival crafting and third-person action, State of Decay 2 is one of the most thrilling homegrown Xbox games for anyone looking for a layered action-adventure with plenty of bite and huge replay potential. The Xbox version comes furnished with DLC and other key updates to elevate the experience, making Undead's finest one of the best zombie games to take advantage of right now. Check out our State of Decay 2 review to see why we love it.

6. Halo Infinite

Developer: 343 Industries
Genre: Shooter
Game Pass: Yes

Halo Infinite might have been years in the making, with some Craig-sized bumps along the way, but by the time it finally hit consoles, fans were rightly wowed by the game's focused and compelling multiplayer alongside the vast open-world that shakes up Halo's single-player story.

Not only does this feel like the most vital Halo since 2010's Halo Reach, but the addition of the grapple hook gives Chief a pleasing maneuverability that makes firefights even more satisfyingly chaotic. After several years in the wilderness, Master Chief is finally back in top form. Read our Halo Infinite review for more details.

5. Gears 5

Developer: The Coalition
Genre: Shooter

Following straight on from the events of Gears of War 4, Gears 5 – as it is now simply called – focuses on the story of Kait Diaz. Struggling to come to terms with the death of her mother, Kait is now focused on finding out more about her past after, in her mother's last moments, she's passed a necklace that bears the Locust Horde icon.

All the old favorites are back, too, of course, from Marcus Fenix to his son JD, and it's all in for a brilliant Gears experience. It's not just limited to single-player or brilliant co-op story moments, though, as there's an extensive multiplayer component to the game, too, ranging from PvP frays to a glorious horde mode that literally keeps on giving. For more information, you can read our Gears 5 review.

4. Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Genre: RPG
Game Pass: Yes

Skyrim's jankier, equally beloved older brother Morrowind is holding down the fort as a classic Xbox exclusive that has never crossed the PlayStation pond.

Yes, it's dated. Yes, you'll probably be frustrated by that fact when you come face to face with its clunkier controls. But Morrowind's adventure through Tamriel still stands out as one of the most definitive RPG experiences of all time, and if you've already polished off Oblivion Remastered, you'll want to at least give it a go on Game Pass. It's rude not to. Check out our glowing The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind review for our thoughts on this old-school Bethesda offering back in 2006

3. Starfield

Developer: Bethesda Studios
Genre: Action RPG
Game Pass: Yes

Bethesda Game Studios' epic space RPG arrived in 2024 and although Starfield isn't taking the number one slot in our best Xbox exclusives list, it is still one of the best out there.

Join Constellation as they look for the mysteries of the cosmos, meet friends and foes alike, become a space pirate, or just spend literal days building your very own spaceship - Starfield is not short of things to do and planets to discover. Visit our Starfield review to find out why we believe this is Bethesda's best game in recent years.

2. Fable 2 

Developer: Lionhead Studios
Genre: RPG /Adventure
Game Pass: Yes

When we talk about the best RPG games of all time, Fable 2 always comes up in conversation. Developed by Lionhead Studios, in Fable 2, you can be any type of hero you want to be...if you're prepared for the consequences.

Every action you take in this game matters, as a morality system follows your every move. So, as your character works to save the world from destruction, keep in mind all the witnesses! If you love role-playing or want a recap ahead of Fable 4, then this is the game for you. Check out our Fable 2 review for more details on this classic.

1. Avowed

Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Genre: Action RPG
Game Pass: Yes

Avowed is one of the best Xbox exclusives to release in 2025, period. In fact, it's also made our list of best games of 2025 so far as well. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment (the minds behind Fallout: New Vegas) and set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, the game is an exploration masterpiece that rewards you for discovering every nook and cranny of a stunning, detailed, fantastical world.

Of course, there is a classic fantasy storyline in Avowed as well to enjoy. You are a Godlike envoy from the Aedyr Empire who is sent to the Living Lands in order to stop the spread of a mysterious illness known as the "Dream Scourge". As you embark on quests, side-quests, and take on bounties, you'll soon be hooked into everything that Avowed has to offer, trust us. If you want more information, make sure to head to our Avowed review.

Still rocking your last-gen console? Check out the best Xbox One games to play next.