If you’re on a solo gaming journey, Xbox Game Pass is your ultimate buddy here. From captivating narratives to mind-bending challenges, we have compiled a list of the top 25 best single player xbox game pass games that you can play right now with an active Game Pass subscription.
1. A Plague Tale: Requiem
Single Player games just don’t get any better than the Plague Tale Requeim, especially if you love a good and emotional story. It’s a direct sequel to the award-winning Plague Tale Innocence title that took the whole gaming community by storm. And Requiem is trying to build on that legacy. The game continues the adventures of Siblings, Amicia and Hugo, who are once again at the center of another wave of death and destruction.
But this time, Hugo’s dormant powers have kicked in and the duo can use them to stay alive as they try to find a cure to Hugo’s illness on a new Island. The game looks absolutely stunning with a great story and challenging gameplay that keeps you hooked for many hours.
2. BookWalker: Thief of Tales
Coming up next, we have The BookWalker: Theif of Tales, a uniquely crafted video game where you step into the shoes of Etienne Quist, a once-devoted bookworm turned daring thief, in the mesmerizing realm of The Bookwalker. And while it might not look like much at first, this game is more than a mere pixelated adventure.
As Etienne, your job is to delve into the realms of these books and steal valuable items for a criminal boss in hopes of reclaiming your lost status in this world. It’s a game where each flip of a page unravels a new and uncharted landscape, bursting with puzzles and challenges that defy logic and enemies that emerge from the shadowy corners of fiction.
3. Deathloop
If you are looking for a thrilling new FPS title that breaks the boundaries of tradition, Deathloop might just be the perfect game for you. It’s a next-gen first-person shooter crafted by the visionary minds at Arkane Lyon—the same creative powerhouse behind Dishonored. In this game, you become Colt, one of two dueling assassins trapped in a bewildering timeloop.
Your only chance at salvation hinges on eliminating the lives of eight pivotal targets before the day starts anew. But it’s not gonna be easy, as Deathloop is filled with intricate puzzles demanding precise execution. But you’ve got the arsenal of ethereal abilities and fierce weaponry to tackle this challenge. Or better yet, you can let another player take the role of Colt as you, yourself choose to become Juliana, Colt’s arch nemesis, whose only task is to stop and eliminate Colt in multiplayer mode.
4. Amnesia: The Bunker
Now, I have talked about this game MANY times. But then again, Amnesia deserves all the praise it can get. This series has given us some of the best horror games in the market and The Bunker sits somewhere on top of that list. In this game, you step into the shoes of a soldier, Henri Clement, left all alone in a desolate WW1 Bunker, with nothing but a flashlight and a trusty old gun to fight the evil entities hiding in the dark.
This game is all about keeping your wits intact as you navigate the dark corners of this bunker in hopes of finding a way out of this hell hole. But you must be careful as you are constantly being hunted by an ever-present threat reacting to your every move and sound. This game is as much about puzzle-solving as it is about uncovering secrets. Definitely a must-play title.
Adding to the game’s charm is its uncanny resemblance to the iconic show “Rick and Morty.”
5. Doom Eternal
At first, I was a little skeptical about whether or not Doom Eternal will do justice to the iconic Doom title. But as soon as I stepped into the shoes of demon slayer, the nostalgia just hit me and took me back to the exhilarating gameplay of the original with brutality pumped all the way up. The gameplay is super smooth with fluid animation and gunplay, which allows you to move around the battlefield in style as you slay through hordes of demons.
The game looks absolutely sick with a ton of detail added to the environment as well as each individual demon, which especially shows when you spray them with bullets. And everything just becomes 10 times more thrilling and immersive with the intense music in the background that keeps you pumped up.
6. Sunset Overdrive
Speaking of thrill, Sunset Overdrive is as thrilling as it gets. It’s an unconventional FPS action-adventure game set in Sunset City, where a rogue energy drink has turned the residents into evil mutants. But for you, it’s a golden ticket to a chaotic playground with no rules to abide by as you wreak havoc on these mutants using an arsenal of deadly weapons.
The thing that I love the most about this game is its insane parkour system that allows you to leap into action, grind along rails, vault over obstacles, and run across walls with unmatched agility. It’s not just a shooter; it’s a vibrant explosion of style and attitude that challenges the norms and delivers a one-of-a-kind adventure that I’ve never experienced in a while now.
7. Prey
Sunset Overdrive might be your playground but Prey ain’t going easy on you fellas! It’s a captivating sci-fi thriller that throws players into a mind-bending narrative set aboard the Talos I, a futuristic space station orbiting the moon in the year 2032. As the protagonist, Morgan Yu, players awaken to a chilling reality – the space station, once intended for groundbreaking experiments to reshape humanity, has fallen into chaos. Hostile aliens have taken it hostage, turning it into a deadly battleground where survival is paramount.
Now, you are all alone to find a way out of this hell hole teeming with deadly mutants out for blood. Your best bet to make it out alive is to find the source and eliminate it before you become one with the mutants. It’s a perfect game for someone who loves a good story, and epic gunplay.
8. Psychonauts 2
It’s time to take some pressure off and dive into a less haunting but equally as chaotic world of Psychonauts 2. It’s a whimsical platform-adventure game that follows the journey of Razputin “Raz” Aquato, a skilled acrobat and a gifted young psychic working for the Psychonauts organization. But since our last encounter with the game, the organization is facing a crisis – there’s a traitor in the ranks and you have to find out who he/she is.
Now, if you have played the first game, you’d exactly how this game can get. It’s got a cinematic flair and a touch of humor that takes players on a rollercoaster ride of quirky missions and mysterious conspiracies. But glad our boy Raz, is a psychic and can dive into people’s minds – battling their inner demons, unlocking hidden memories, and helping them come to terms with their emotional baggage. It’s nothing that we’ve ever experienced before.
9. HALO: The Master Chief Collection
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is widely regarded as a highly valuable compilation for fans of the Halo series and for very good reasons. It brings together several mainline Halo games into a single package, providing an opportunity to experience or relive epic single-player campaigns, as well as enjoy various multiplayer modes and maps.
For those who left the game due to its buggy launch, this is your chance to jump right back in, as The Master Chief collection has received updates over time to address issues, improve performance, and enhance the overall look and feel of the game for a more polished experience. It’s a great choice for both fans of the franchise and newcomers who want to experience the legendary campaigns that have made the series so popular in the first place.
10. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
If a good story and narrative is what you are looking for, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice might just be the game for you. Playing as Celtic warrior, you embark on this wild adventure that takes you to the Viking Hell in search for the soul of your dead lover. Developed by Ninja Theory, the game stands out not only for its captivating gameplay mechanics but also for its focus on mental health and psychological exploration.
The game offers a hauntingly atmospheric experience, immersing players in a world filled with eerie landscapes, ancient ruins, and mystical realms. And the use of binaural audio technology adds to the immersive experience by replicating the auditory hallucinations Senua hears. It’s unlike any other game that I’ve ever played. So, if you haven’t already, you should definitely give it a shot while it’s still on Game Pass.
Have you already played all of these games? Check out our list of the best upcoming game pass games to play in 2024
11. Planet of Lana
You might not be a big fan of Indie games, but a gem like this deserves some spotlight. Planet of Lana is a hand-painted adventure game that blends platforming, puzzles, and exploration with a visually stunning art style. The story revolves around a young girl named Lana and her loyal animal companion as they embark on a journey through a beautifully crafted world to save their homeland from an impending threat.
It’s a very short 3-5 hours long but highly addicting game that offer a mix of platforming challenges, environmental puzzles, and an emotionally engaging storyline. And while it might not look so “challenging”, Planet of Lana keeps you at the edge of your seat throughout the adventure.
12. Persona 5 Royal
This game needs no introduction as the Persona franchise is highly regarded as one of the best JRPGs ever made. Persona 5 Royal is the sixth main installment in the long-running series where you play as a group of high school students in Tokyo who lead double lives as “Phantom Thieves,” using their supernatural powers and personas to fight enemies in an alternate reality known as the Metaverse.
Each character has its own unique Personas that they can use to fight intense turn-based battles that rely on power and strategy. But it’s not just the battles, fans love these games due to their social element, they can attend high school, develop social links with other characters, and engage in various activities in their other life to improve their stats and relationships. So, if you love JRPGs, this one is the game for you!
13. Ghostwire Tokyo
Coming up next, we have Ghostwire Tokyo, yet another power-packed action-adventure game where you play Akito, an ordinary guy turned extraordinary after being possessed by a spirit. Together they dive headfirst into an otherworldly Tokyo, a city of stunning beauty, eerie mystery and tons of monsters.
I am a fan of Ghostwire Tokyo’s exhilarating combat that lets you fight with malevolent spirits in a fast-paced and fun way. And while you are not battling it out on the streets, you can untangle the shroud of secrecy that’s veiling the city’s enigma. There’s much to be done in this game and don’t just take my word for it, Ghostwire Tokyo has received overwhelmingly positive reviews with a high Metascore of 82.
14. Forza Horizon 5
I just couldn’t let this one slide as Forza Horizon has always been one of my favorite racing game series of all time. And Forza Horizon 5 just takes it to a whole new level. It’s not just about crossing the finish line first, but it’s a journey that lets you take control of your racing experience. And this time, none other than the streets of Mexico, as your personal playground.
The game gives you total command of an awe-inspiring fleet of the world’s most exceptional cars. Feel the rush as you tear through diverse landscapes that stretch from sun-kissed beaches to dense jungles, bustling cities to endless deserts. And the best part is, you get to enjoy more arcadey gameplay combined with stunningly realistic visuals. And with a plethora of engaging open-world activities, the game will keep you hooked for hours on end.
15. Quantum Break
It’s been a while since Quantum Break’s release but it still remains one of the best single-player games in the market. Developed by Remedy Entertainment, Quantum Break brilliantly merges third-person shooter mechanics with inventive gameplay elements, resulting in a modern gaming experience that perfectly aligns with its futuristic setting.
And it’s narrative unfolds through a series of integrated live-action episodes that adapt to your choices. The game also features a branching narrative with moments where you have to make critical choices that impact the story’s direction. These choices not only influence the gameplay but also affect the live-action episodes that follow.
16. Yakuza Series
Yakuza is one of the most underrated action-adventure franchises that deserves more recognition. It’s an epic journey that combines gritty crime drama with heartwarming camaraderie and unapologetic absurdity. Spanning multiple entries, each installment paints a vivid picture of the intricate world of organized crime in Japan while weaving in a tapestry of unforgettable characters and experiences.
And while the whole series is amazing, if you are just getting started and are unsure where to start from, Yakuza 0 is your best bet. As a prequel, it provides deep insight into the origins of key characters and the Yakuza underworld. It introduces players to the vibrant streets of 80s Kamurocho and Sotenbori, offering a mix of compelling narratives, engaging side stories, and a wealth of activities to partake in.
17. The Outer Worlds
There’s a good chance, you’ve already played The Outer Worlds. But if you haven’t, I definitely think you should try it out, especially if you already have an active Game Pass subscription. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, The Outer Worlds is a critically acclaimed action RPG title that’s often compared to the likes of Fallout.
Set in an alternate future, the game takes place in a universe where mega-corporations have colonized and terraformed various planets, controlling every single thing, except for… You! A guy who has just awakened from a deep cryo-sleep and embarks on this wild adventure that disrupts the whole system. The game is loved by many for its engaging narrative, player-driven storyline, and darkly humorous take on sci-fi themes. A must-play for Fallout fans.
18. Lego Star Wars: Skywalker Saga
Of course, how we could possibly forget about Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, one of the best Star Wars games in the series? Skywalker Saga covers all nine mainline Star Wars films in one comprehensive package. The game features an open-world design, allowing players to freely explore iconic locations from the Star Wars universe. Each film’s story is adapted with LEGO’s signature humor and storytelling style.
Despite being a more “simplified” version of Star Wars games, Skywalker Saga’s attention to detail is truly impressive, with each location brimming with life and authenticity. And if we talk about things to do, the game is filled to the brim with puzzles, side quests, and various activities that keep you immersed for hours on end.
19. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
If Lego isn’t your thing but you still want to enjoy that thrilling Star Wars experience, Fallen Order might just be the right game for you. It’s a thrilling third-person action-adventure game set in the expansive Star Wars universe. This narrative-driven, single-player experience throws you into the role of a Jedi Padawan who narrowly escapes the devastating Order 66 purge after the events of “Revenge of the Sith.”
Your mission is to rebuild the fallen Jedi Order, embarking on a quest that demands you piece together your shattered past, unlock potent new Force abilities, and master the iconic lightsaber – all while staying ahead of the Empire and its ruthless Inquisitors. I love this game for many reasons, be it the game’s cinematic combat, thrilling exploration, or challenging puzzles – it’s all worth it!
20. Ori and The Blind Forest
Now, if you are a fan of indie platformers, there’s a good chance you’ve already played this game. But if you haven’t, Ori and the Blind Forest is a game that you shouldn’t miss out on. It’s a critically acclaimed action-platformer by Moon Studios that’s been highly praised for its stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and challenging gameplay.
The game emphasizes exploration, puzzle-solving, and precision-based platforming. As Ori, you must navigate through various environments, each with its own challenges, obstacles and puzzles. And as you progress through the story, Ori also gains new abilities that allow for enhanced traversal and combat. It’s a unique and memorable gaming experience that resonates with players who appreciate both action and narrative-driven games.
21. Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Mass Effect fans, Rejoice! As Game Pass brings you not only one but 3 awesome Mass Effect games in one single package, Mass Effect Legendary Edition! This edition offers a visual overhaul to make the games more immersive and up-to-date with the modern generation but that’s far from the only thing that’s made me recommend this one.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition comes packed with tons of content including 40+ single-player DLCs, refined aiming and combat mechanics, updated controls, and adjustments to certain gameplay elements to improve consistency across the three games. And despite all these major improvements, the game stays true to its roots and offers a nostalgic experience for returning players.
22. Soma
It’s time to take a deep dive into the dark depths of the seas in SOMA, a deeply impactful and thought-provoking horror game that has left an indelible mark on players. And while I am not a big fan of “underwater exploration”, this game really makes me want to give it a shot. It’s not your ordinary horror game filled with random jump-scares or some dark entity constantly hunting you from the shadows.
Soma gives the genre a more psychological touch, coupled with its philosophical and disturbing story that creates a unique blend that really keeps you immersed. And for a single-player game, a proper ending could really make or break your whole experience. Luckily, for Soma, it’s the former that’s true!
23. Tunic
If you’re a fan of games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or others that embrace expansive open-world experiences, you’ll find Tunic right up your alley. In this game, you step into the shoes of a small fox, who embarks on a big adventure without any guide. This game is all about exploration as it teaches you about the secrets of the world through the pages that you collect.
These pages make up a sacred book that assists you in strategizing your progress throughout the game. It doesn’t hold your hand like most games, it lets you take on this challenge at your own pace. But beware of enemies, as combat in this game is simply as challenging as exploration in this game. You need to dodge, parry, block, and strike with precise timing to defeat your enemies. Think you can do that? Well, give Tunic a try and find out!
24. Dishonored 2
Next up, we have Dishonored 2, one of Arkane Studio’s finest games ever! Set 15 years after the vanquish of Lord Regent and the Great Plague, Dishonored 2 puts you back into the shoes of supernatural assassins. But this time around, you get to choose between two distinct characters, Emily and Corvo. And your choice not only aligns with the in-game lore but also provides diverse gameplay experiences for each character.
Speaking of gameplay, I think Dishonored 2 heavily improves upon the gameplay mechanics and the world-building aspects of its predecessor. However, the story does lack a little “impact” that made Dishonored so immersive in the first place. But I think everything else is on point and makes up for this particular shortcoming.
25. High on Life
Last but not least, we have High on Life, a game unlike any other you’ve ever played. From the get-go, you’re thrust into a world where talking alien guns are your allies in the battle against aliens with a bizarre agenda – kidnapping humans to utilize them as substances for a cosmic high. Yes, you read that right. The premise alone is a wild ride, and it sets the tone for an action-packed shooter that’s anything but ordinary.
Yet, don’t be fooled by the comical chaos. High on Life is as challenging as it gets. You’ll need your sharpest skills to take down these eccentric extraterrestrials, armed with their offbeat superpowers and an uncanny urge to attain a celestial high. Adding to the game’s charm is its uncanny resemblance to the iconic show Rick and Morty. So, you know it’s a good one!
