The best Xbox exclusives are those that can only be played within Microsoft's gaming ecosystem - aka Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. It's not a case of these games being console exclusives anymore, but rather subscribing to this idea of a gaming platform. What's additionally great is that many (if not most) are also available for free as part of Xbox Game Pass, thus becoming some of the best PC games too.
If you're looking for more recommendations that include multi-platform releases, check out our list of the best Xbox One games and the best games on Xbox Game Pass. If you're short on hard drive space or in need of add-ons, have a gander at our roundup of the best Xbox One external hard drives and the best Xbox One accessories. But if you just want the best Xbox exclusives, read on for 10 unmissable classics.
10. Rare Replay
Release date: 2015
Developer: Rare
Genre: Compilation
Rare Replay is one of those brilliant compilations that collects together a studio's best work. They're, ahem, rare though, which is why Rare Replay is worth celebrating. Released to mark Rare's 30th anniversary, Rare Replay brings together the studio's iconic characters from its earliest 2D titles to Xbox 360 releases. You'll be able to experience:
- Atic Atac
- Banjo-Kazooie
- Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts
- Banjo-Tooie
- Battletoads
- Battletoads Arcade
- Blast Corps
- Cobra Triangle
- Conker's Bad Fur Day
- Digger T. Rock
- Grabbed by the Ghoulies
- Gunfright
- Jet Force Gemini
- Jetpac
- Jetpac Refuelled
- Kameo: Elements of Power
- Killer Instinct Gold
- Knight Lore
- Lunar Jetman
- Perfect Dark
- Perfect Dark Zero
- R. C. Pro-Am
- R. C. Pro-Am 2
- Sabre Wulf
- Slalom
- Snake Rattle N Roll
- Solar Jetman
- Underwurlde
- Viva Pinata
- Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise
Plus, it's already on Game Pass - so fill your boots!
9. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
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. Not only does it include Halo 1, Halo 2, Halo 3 and Halo 4, but also optionally remasters the earlier games so you can enjoy them as they were originally created, or in a spruced up high fidelity version. There's even multiplayer although that had a rocky start and, a few years down the line, isn't as busy as it used to be. No, 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.
8. Quantum Break
Release date: 2016
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Genre: Action
It might've overextended a bit with its experimental TV tie-in elements, but 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 (played by Shawn Ashmore, the lead in a relatively star-studded cast), you've stumbled into time-manipulating godhood and must use your newfound superpowers to wipe out waves of armed goons and prevent the cataclysmic End of Time. 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.
7. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Release date: 2020
Developer: Moon Studios
Genre: Platformer
Only one game could replace Ori and the Blind Forest on this list, and that's its sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Both games are worth playing, but Moon Studios' latest action-platformer improves on the original in every way, from its fluid platforming to its gorgeous world to its heart-breaking story. It's more inventive, more challenging, and thanks to its totally revamped combat and RPG-lite customization systems, much more involved. It's among the best-feeling 2D platformers ever made, it's one of the finest Metroidvania games of this generation, and it's the perfect send-off to one of the most touching stories available on Xbox One.
6. Sunset Overdrive
Release date: 2014
Developer: Insomniac Games
Genre: Action
Insomniac Games made a name for itself with the beloved Ratchet & Clank series, famous for their varied assortments of outlandish weaponry - so the studio decided to take that expertise in crafting absurd artillery, build an open-world, Jet Set Radio-style metropolis bursting with color around it, and infuse the chaotic proceedings with a healthy dose of punk rock attitude. Sunset Overdrive lets you pull off some spectacularly absurd feats of mass destruction, where you can launch bowling bowls, fireworks, explosive teddy bears, and more, mowing down hordes of mutants, robots, and bizarre gang members while you grind along telephone poles with your physics-defying sneakers. Its attempts at edgy humor constantly fall flat, but the sheer fun and freedom of grinding, flipping, and air-dashing around Sunset Overdrive's urban playground make it well worth a go.
5. Forza Motorsport 7
Release date: 2017
Developer: Turn 10 Studios
Genre: Racing
After a questionable previous installment, Forza Motorsport 7 finally perfects its racing game. 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. The precision of the controls creates some great moments as you push cars to their limits - screaming around corners on the edge of the tyres grip. 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 greatest racers currently available.
4. Halo 5: Guardians
Release date: 2015
Developer: 343 Industries
Genre: Shooter
It's nowhere near the best Halo game, but as sci-fi FPS adventures go, Halo 5: Guardians makes for a solid system exclusive. Master Chief shares the spotlight with newcomer Spartan Jameson Locke, leader of the four-strong Fireteam Osiris. Halo 5's campaign is best enjoyed in online co-op (supporting up to four players, though sadly there's no splitscreen option), and though the plot itself lacks sufficient oomph, the new focus on verticality in the level designs keeps the tense, tactical firefights feeling fresh. Meanwhile, the multiplayer is as exciting as ever, especially in the large-scale, multi-objective skirmishes of the 24-player Warzone mode. As for all the other tried-and-true modes, you really can't go wrong with Halo multiplayer in any capacity.
3. Forza Horizon 4
Release date: 2018
Developer: Playground Games
Genre: Racing
It wouldn't be an Xbox games list without a Forza and the latest, Forza Horizon 4 is a worthy addition. Everything you love is back and this time placed in a beautiful, race ready rendition of England. The location is the real star as ever, full of amazing landscapes to test your driving skills and impossible to hit magic sheep (go on, just try. Plus there are the exciting Showcase Events to really focus the experience and add thrills like the chasing the Flying Scotsman locomotive, and watching a giant hovercraft that smashing through country ahead. And, if you want to get all the cars we've got the Forza Horizon 4 Barn Find locations to help you along.
2. Sea of Thieves
Release date: 2018
Developer: Rare
Genre: Adventure
Possibly the biggest boon for Xbox One owners is the fact that Sea of Thieves is all theirs. Rare's emergent pirate adventure sees players sailing across the big blue, finding treasure where the X marks the spot, defeating hordes of skeletons and undead sea captains, and even collecting chickens and other items to sell to travelling merchants. Of course, you're doing all that in between swigging grog, singing sea shanties and having a laugh with your mates. Because, if you know nothing about Sea of Thieves, all you need to know is that's it's the best game to play with your friends.
1. Gears 5
Release date: 2019
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 comes 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 favourites 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.
