Best Xbox exclusives you need to own

The best Xbox exclusives are like a guided tour of the must-sees or must-plays available as part of Microsoft's gaming ecosystem like the Xbox Series X and the delightful Game Pass. However, bear in mind that this list may be up for quite the rejig soon if the rumors are true about Microsoft taking a lot of its titles multiplatform, with more news allegedly coming this year. 

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. If you want the best Xbox exclusives, read on for 15 unmissable classics.

15. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Developer: Ninja Theory
Genre: Adventure
Game Pass: Yes 

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 as a sequel had a lot to live up to, and oh boy, it doesn’t disappoint. The follow-up to 2017’s Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, this Xbox exclusive is hauntingly beautiful as players travel through Iceland as well as Senua’s trauma in order to save her people. Nearly every aspect of the first game has been improved here, be it the visuals or the new combo-based combat system. From photorealistic graphics, environmental puzzles and plenty of lore and collectables to uncover, this title makes for a perfect single-player experience.  

Read our five-star Hellblade 2 review if you want more information about this must-play exclusive!   

14. Microsoft Flight Simulator 

Developer: Asobo Studio
Genre: Flight
Game Pass: Yes

Sometimes, you just want to see what your house looks 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. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide

Developer: Fatshark
Genre: Shooter
Game Pass: Yes 

The first FPS set in the Warhammer 40K universe, Darktide has that signature Grimdark atmosphere and throws you into full-blown action. However, what makes this game so interesting is that you aren’t playing as a space marine here; instead, you're a group of convicts tasked with completing missions on Atoma Prime. The shooter builds on the great systems from Vermintide 2, with four players mowing down waves of enemies in the brutal setting. Multiple classes also mean that there are multiple ways to play Darktide, and with highly customisable features, there is always something to do and work towards during every play-through.   

Slay your way through the chaos by reading our Warhammer 40K: Darktide review.  

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 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.

Check out our Quantum Break review for more details. 

11. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Developer: 343 Industires
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. 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. 

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. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Developer: Moon Studios
Genre: Platformer
Game Pass: Yes

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 best Metroidvania games of this generation, and it's the perfect send-off to one of the most touching stories available on Xbox One.  

Want to know more about this cute platformer? Check out our Ori and the Will of the Wisps review.

9. Sunset Overdrive

Developer: Insomniac Games
Genre: Action
Game Pass: Yes

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.

8. Forza Motorsport 7

Developer: Turn 10 Studios
Genre: Racing
Game Pass: Yes

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 best racing games currently available.

Don't believe us? Check out our five-star Forza Motorsport 7 review. 

7. 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 manoeuvrability 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. 

6. 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 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. 

For more information, you can read our Gears 5 review.

5. Forza Horizon 5

Developer: Playground Games
Genre: Racing
Game Pass: Yes

The Forza Horizon series is undoubtedly the best racer going at the moment, and this latest entry's jaunt to Mexico continues the hot streak. The South American country hosts plenty of thrilling locations to screech through, from drifting around a volcano to skidding around swamps, with the fleet of cars you race in as eye-meltingly fast as you'd hope for. And, if you want to make sure you've got a full set, we've got the Forza Horizon 5 Barn Find locations to help you test them all out. 

But before you go zooming away, have a peek at our Forza Horizon 5 review. 

4. Valheim

Developer: Fishlabs  
Genre: Survival  
Game Pass: Yes 

Valheim may still be in early access, but thanks to its endless hours of Viking-themed exploring and the ability to craft cool longships, we can confidently add this to our list of the best Xbox exclusive games to play right now. In Valheim, you take on the role of a fallen Viking trying to survive in the afterlife. It’s a classic open-world survival game, complete with boss fights, crafting weapons and shelters, and multiplayer features. On top of all that, the game’s massive and has an addictive skill system, so prepare for Valheim to consume your life (trust us, it’s worth it, though).  

3. Starfield

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

Bethesda Game Studios' epic space RPG has arrived 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. Psychonauts 2

Developer: Double Fine
Genre: Adventure / Platformer
Game Pass: Yes

Some 16 years after the original game was released, we finally got a sequel. Thankfully, though, Psychonauts 2 was more than worth the wait, delivering a fantastically whimsical tour through various minds against a soundtrack that'll get your feet tapping. It's a fantastic platformer with levels that are so brilliantly designed that you'll be thinking about them for years to come. Plus, there's a handy recap at the start of the game so you don't have to have played the original to get stuck in.

Want to know about the top pick of our list? Head over to our Psychonauts 2 review. 

If you have played everything on this list already, check out our guide to all the upcoming Xbox Series X games. We also have a list of all the biggest video game release dates to look out for.