As the Xbox One continues to thrive with a robust library of games, players are spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting the cream of the crop. Whether you’re a fan of epic RPGs, intense action titles, or immersive storytelling experiences, the Xbox One has something to offer for every type of gamer. In this article, we rank and review the top 10 must-play games for Xbox One, based on critical acclaim, fan reception, and their ability to deliver unforgettable gaming moments. Here are the games that have defined a generation and are essential for any Xbox One library.
Key Takeaways
- Baldur’s Gate 3 is celebrated as one of the greatest RPGs of all time, offering deep gameplay and a rich narrative.
- Elden Ring stands out with its expansive open world and challenging combat, marking it as FromSoftware’s crowning achievement.
- Persona 5 Royal enchants with its stylish presentation and compelling story, making it a top-rated JRPG.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition is a comprehensive package that delivers an exceptional fantasy experience.
- Hades combines addictive roguelike mechanics with a captivating story, earning it high praise and numerous awards.
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
Stepping into the rich world of Baldur’s Gate 3, players are treated to an RPG experience that is both expansive and deeply engaging. The game has garnered critical acclaim, with many praising its intricate storytelling and strategic gameplay. It’s no surprise that it has been mentioned as a top-tier game for its sheer content alone.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is everything I expected from the game and more. I can totally see why it won awards.
While Metacritic scores offer a glimpse into the critics’ perspective, it’s the playerbase that truly brings the game’s success to light. The anticipation for fixes, like the Xbox missing save problem, shows the community’s commitment to this title. Baldur’s Gate 3 stands as a testament to the genre, and its arrival on Xbox consoles has been met with excitement.
Here’s a quick look at what makes Baldur’s Gate 3 a must-play:
- Engrossing narrative that adapts to player choices
- Complex characters with rich backstories
- Strategic, turn-based combat that rewards planning
- A vast world filled with lore and secrets to uncover
2. Elden Ring
Elden Ring represents a bold evolution for the genre-defining Souls-like games, thrusting players into the vast and mysterious world of The Lands Between. The challenge is real, as you’ll need to master combat techniques, dodge deadly attacks, and time your moves to perfection if you aim to claim the title of Elden Lord.
The game’s open-world design allows for strategic retreats and tactical approaches, giving players the freedom to choose their battles and return stronger.
While the sound quality and mixing are top-notch, some players find the music too somber, which can affect the atmosphere outside of the expected dungeon delves. Despite this, the game’s expansive world filled with dungeons, bosses, and monstrous enemies offers a compelling experience that fans of dark fantasy settings will appreciate.
Elden Ring is not just a game; it’s a testament to FromSoftware’s ability to innovate within their established formula, providing a Souls-like experience that is both familiar and fresh.
3. Persona 5 Royal
Stepping into the stylish shoes of the Phantom Thieves, Persona 5 Royal invites you into a world where you balance the life of a high school student with that of a secret vigilante. The game’s blend of social simulation and dungeon-crawling is a unique formula that has captivated players worldwide.
With its expanded content and refined gameplay, Persona 5 Royal enhances the original in almost every way, making it not just a definitive edition, but a must-play experience on the Xbox One.
The game’s critical acclaim is evident, with a Metascore that reflects its quality. Here’s a quick look at how it stands:
| Aspect | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic Score | 95 |
| User Appreciation | High |
| Replayability | Exceptional |
Persona 5 Royal isn’t just a game; it’s a journey through a beautifully crafted narrative that will leave you with memories as vivid as its art style. But one thing you won’t feel is regret in picking up this title, as it’s truly the best Persona title, if not one of the best video games around.
4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition represents the pinnacle of immersive role-playing experiences on the Xbox One. Play as a highly trained monster slayer for hire, traversing a massive open world that sets new standards in size and depth. This edition includes all the downloadable content, expansions, and improvements since the original release, offering the definitive way to experience Geralt of Rivia’s epic journey.
To many, The Witcher 3 is not just a game but a masterpiece that masterfully combines a gripping story with a vast world ripe for exploration. While combat may not reach the perfection of some other titles, it remains engaging and is complemented by the rich narrative and the freedom to shape your adventure through choices.
The Witcher 3’s open world is teeming with content, from bustling cities to mysterious forests, each filled with quests, monsters, and treasures. The Complete Edition ensures that players have access to the full experience, with no corner of its detailed world left unexplored.
The game’s impact on the gaming community and its lasting appeal are undeniable. It’s a title that invites players to lose themselves in its world, promising dozens, if not hundreds, of hours of gameplay. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition is an essential addition to any Xbox One library.
5. Hades
In Hades, you take on the role of Zagreus, the son of the titular God of the Dead, on his quest to escape the Underworld. This rogue-like dungeon crawler is praised for its ability to maintain a sense of progression, despite the repetitive cycle of death and rebirth that defines the genre.
The palace of Hades serves as more than just a starting point; it’s a hub where the narrative unfolds and relationships deepen with each return. The characters you meet here are not mere set pieces; they evolve, offering new dialogues and insights that enrich the story.
What sets Hades apart is not just its gameplay but the writing. The dialogue is sharp, the characters are well-crafted, and the story is engaging. It’s a game where dying isn’t just a setback—it’s an integral part of the experience, allowing you to explore deeper into the lives of the Underworld’s inhabitants.
- Engage with a cast of memorable characters
- Unlock new permanent perks and upgrades
- Experience a story that unfolds with every death
Hades doesn’t just challenge your reflexes; it invites you to dive into a richly woven narrative, making each attempt to escape the Underworld a unique journey.
6. The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is a masterclass in narrative design and player choice, offering a fresh take on the original game with additional content and updated visuals. The game challenges conventional storytelling and provides a unique experience that is both thought-provoking and humorous.
- Narrative Depth: Explores themes of choice and free will.
- Player Engagement: Offers multiple endings based on player decisions.
- Visuals: Enhanced graphics bring the game’s office environment to life.
- Replayability: Encourages multiple playthroughs to discover all content.
The Stanley Parable is still an excellent, provocative and unique experience that any fan of narrative adventures and out-of-the-box game design must play.
Critics and players alike have praised the game for its innovative approach to storytelling and its ability to keep players engaged through its clever writing and branching paths. Whether you’re revisiting the game or experiencing it for the first time, The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is a title that stands out in the Xbox One library.
7. Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 is not just a game; it’s a breathtaking journey across the diverse terrains of Mexico, delivering an unparalleled racing experience. Your Ultimate Horizon Adventure awaits! With over 500 cars to choose from, players can explore over 100 square kilometers of road, showcasing the game’s impressive graphics on Xbox.
The game has been lauded for its vibrant and ever-evolving open world landscapes, which provide limitless, fun driving action. It’s a title that raises the bar of previous Forza titles, introducing fun innovations to the racing genre.
Forza Horizon 5 is a testament to the series’ legacy, perfecting the open-world driving and racing formula with each new installment.
Whether you’re a long-running fan or a newcomer, Forza Horizon 5 is a game worth sinking into, especially with its impressive graphics that make full use of the Xbox Series X’s power.
8. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Stepping into the vibrant world of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, players are treated to a blend of over-the-top action and deep turn-based RPG mechanics. The game has garnered attention for its excellent gameplay, despite some criticism regarding its story and dialogue.
Average Playtime Across All Styles:
- Main Story: 31 hours
- Main + Extras: 58.5 hours
- Completionist: 67 hours
Fans of the series praise the game for its comedic elements that seamlessly transition to serious tones when necessary. Ichiban, the protagonist, has been lauded as a favorite modern-day character by many gamers.
While the game may not be a first-party title, it certainly deserves more recognition. Its unique charm and engaging gameplay make it a standout title on the Xbox One.
Despite the mixed user reviews on Metacritic, the game’s strengths lie in its gameplay and character development. It’s a title that shouldn’t be overlooked by RPG enthusiasts.
9. Diablo IV
With its stunning visuals, gripping storytelling, addictive gameplay, and robust multiplayer features, Diablo IV is an absolute must-play for any fan of the genre. The game has sparked debates among players, with some feeling that its endgame content could be more robust, yet its Season 2 updates show promise for future improvements.
While some may question its placement on this list, there’s no denying the impact and excitement that Diablo IV has brought to the gaming community. Its campaign has been praised, and the game continues to evolve, suggesting that its best days are still ahead.
Diablo IV continues to captivate players with its dark fantasy world and deep, engaging mechanics.
As we look forward to the future of Diablo IV, here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
- Engaging and expansive campaign
- Deep character customization
- Thrilling multiplayer experience
- Regular updates and seasonal content
10. Resident Evil 4
Capping off our top 10 list is the iconic Resident Evil 4, a game that redefined the survival horror genre with its intense gameplay and compelling narrative. This Xbox One version brings the classic into the modern era with updated graphics and controls, ensuring that both new and returning players can experience the terror in full HD.
- Revamped Controls: Modernized for an improved gaming experience.
- Enhanced Graphics: High-definition visuals bring the horror to life.
- Expanded Content: Includes all additional post-launch content.
Resident Evil 4 remains a masterpiece of the genre, offering a blend of action and horror that has influenced countless games since its original release.
Whether you’re navigating the eerie village for the first time or returning for another adrenaline-fueled adventure, Resident Evil 4 on Xbox One is an essential play for any horror enthusiast.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our journey through the top 10 must-play games for Xbox One, it’s clear that the console has been home to a diverse and impressive library of titles. From the captivating open worlds of Red Dead Redemption 2 to the innovative storytelling of The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe, there’s something for every type of gamer. Whether you’re revisiting these classics on the Xbox Series X|S thanks to backward compatibility or experiencing them for the first time, these games represent the pinnacle of gaming on Microsoft’s consoles. With our expert reviews and rankings, we hope you’ve found your next gaming obsession or rekindled your love for an old favorite. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 must-play Xbox One games?
The top 10 must-play Xbox One games, according to Metacritic, are: 1. Baldur’s Gate 3, 2. Elden Ring, 3. Persona 5 Royal, 4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition, 5. Hades, 6. The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe, 7. Forza Horizon 5, 8. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, 9. Diablo IV, 10. Resident Evil 4.
Can I play Xbox One games on Xbox Series X|S?
Yes, thanks to Microsoft’s commitment to backwards compatibility, many of the best Xbox One games can be enjoyed on the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
How are games ranked and reviewed?
Games are ranked based on various factors including critical reception, player reviews, and overall impact on the gaming community. Reviews often involve hours of gameplay, analysis, and comparison by gaming experts.
Is Baldur’s Gate 3 available on Xbox consoles?
Yes, Baldur’s Gate 3, hailed as one of the greatest RPGs of all time, is available on Xbox consoles.
What is the highest-rated Xbox Series X|S game of all time?
According to Metacritic, Baldur’s Gate 3 is the highest-rated Xbox Series X|S game of all time with a score of 99.
Are there any subscription services for Xbox that offer these top games?
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that offers a range of games for a monthly fee, including some of the top-rated games for Xbox consoles.
