Game Pass is always adding new games to the platform, giving us the chance to enjoy new gaming experiences for free every once in a while. But with so many options, it gets a little overwhelming to find games worthy of our time.
Keeping that in mind, I have made a list of my top 30 picks for the best xbox game pass games that you can play in 2024. From thrilling co-op games on Game Pass to memorable action-adventures, there’s something for everyone.
1. Palworld
Palworld took the whole gaming community by storm when it hit the gaming market and for very good reasons. This game is a literal cocktail of many great features from different genres all combined into a monster-taming package. But despite people calling it “Pokemon with guns”, I don’t think Palworld is anything like Pokemon. It’s a totally different game. Sure, it draws some inspiration from Pokemon, but it turns the whole gameplay onto its head.
Here, you play as a nobody, trying to survive and thrive in a brutal environment that is filled with pals, poachers, black marketers, villagers, and a whole bunch of stuff. But what I’ve been enjoying the most in this game is the base building; I am genuinely impressed by how awesome it really is. You can build right about anything in this game. Definitely a keeper!
2. Starfield
Starfield is probably the biggest game on Xbox Game Pass right now. And I am not talking about popularity; I am talking about the sheer scale of the game. You could literally spend days and weeks playing this game with still a lot to spare. Sure, some parts of this massive space adventure might feel a little boring, but the game’s richness lies in its diverse systems, incredible world-building, awesome quest design, fun NPC interactions, and tons of customization options. It’s an exploration-heavy game that will keep you curious and excited for a VERYY Long time.
3. The Outer Worlds
Another Space Adventure worth putting down on this list is The Outer Worlds. In this game, you play as a space explorer, trying to survive a hostile space colony controlled by a corporate board. Your mission in this game is to find a crew, get a ship, and explore the unknown planets around you to find and loot anything of value.
And unlike many traditional RPGs, these NPC crewmates of yours, also have their own meaningful stories and missions that you explore with them. They’ll even help you out in battles against the hordes of strange monstrosities that you come across during your adventure, with their own unique skills and attacks.
4. Fallout Series
The Fallout series needs no introduction at all. It’s a highly loved and adored franchise that is known for its amazing post-apocalyptic setting, rich stories, and immersive role-playing elements. You play as a survivor trying to get by in a desolate world that is filled with mutated creatures, warring factions, unexpected chaos, and brutal weather.
Each title in the franchise brings something new to the table and with Game Pass, you have options to explore the war-torn regions of Boston in Fallout 4, dive deep into the Mojave Desert in Fallout New Vegas, or the ruins of the Washington DC in Fallout 3.
5. Deep Rock Galactic
Deep Rock Galactic is the ultimate co-op action shooter that I can easily recommend to any FPS lover out there. It’s a wickedly fun and addicting multiplayer game where you and your mates step into the shoes of space dwarves, stuck on a mysterious planet, trying to survive hordes of alien monsters. Now, I have spent hours playing this game and one of the reasons why me and THOUSANDS of other players love it so much is that it gives you the perfect dose of fun and challenge.
It isn’t just about blasting away at alien baddies (although that’s definitely a big part of it). It’s about working together with your teammates, combining your unique abilities to overcome the challenges the game throws your way.
6. Warhammer 40k Darktide
While we are on the topic of co-op shooters, I think it’s only fair to include Warhammer 40k Darktide on this list. Darktide follows the same co-op gameplay of Vermintide 2, where you and your mates take on waves of enemies in the city of Tertium’s hive. You get to pick from four different classes, each with its own unique skills, abilities, and weapons that you can choose from, according to your own playstyle. Darktide even lets you customize your appearance, and gender for a fully personalized gameplay experience. This one’s available on Game Pass for Console, PC and Cloud.
7. Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thieves has been out and around for quite a while now. But this game is as refreshing as ever. It’s an open-world multiplayer adventure where you can live out your wildest pirate fantasies with your trusty crewmates by your side. You can do a whole bunch of pirate-y stuff in this game, from hunting for buried loot in the depths of the Ocean to fighting intense battles with other hostile pirates using makeshift weapons. And this game really shines when it comes to combat; you’ve got ship battles, melee fights, and intense gunplay that keep you busy for a very long time.
8. High on Life
Next up, we have High on Life, an absurdly fun action shooter that throws you into a wild and vibrant world overrun by junkie aliens with an evil plan to turn humans into their own personal drug stash. But worry not! You’re not alone in this fight against the evil invaders. You’ve got an arsenal of small, loud, crazy alien-shaped guns by your side to help you blow these nasty creatures to bits.
High on Life is unlike any other game I’ve ever played; it’s wacky with a dark sense of humor and it doesn’t shy away from absurdity… this game CRAVES it. And on top of its hilarious gameplay, High on Life also features a pretty vast world that comes packed with a wide variety of biomes, each with its own diverse environment and challenges.
9. Ghostwire Tokyo
Another action-packed adventure game that I REALLY enjoyed on Game Pass is Ghostwire Tokyo. This game throws you right into the heart of the action in a twisted city of fictional Tokyo that is overrun by strangely mutated creatures. Your goal here is to find out the reason behind this strange happening alongside a group of brave fighters. Your character has tons of cool-looking elemental abilities and skills that you can use to slay these monsters in fast-paced battles. But the thing that kept me going for hours was the exhilarating parkour seamlessly mixed into combat; it’s mind-blowing.
10. Remnant 2
Then we also have Remnant 2 on Game Pass. It’s a direct sequel to the highly acclaimed From the Ashes title where you play as one of the few survivors on the planet, who have teamed up against massive monsters and evil gods. This sequel cranks up everything, from action, to loot, and even the boss battles to the max.
On top of that, Remnant 2 looks stunning on Xbox thanks to Unreal Engine 5’s immense capabilities. This one is a great option for fans who want to enjoy a more fair-to-play multiplayer shooter experience that doesn’t push them to spend money in the game for things they don’t actually need.
11. Lies of P
Next up, we have Lies of P, a solid souls-like action game that takes inspiration from the likes of Bloodborne. In this game, you take control of a puppet character who is on a mission to protect the city of Krat from evil monsters. Sure, Lies of P could do MUCH better with some more originality. But besides that, it provides solid gameplay that can be very brutal to beginners of this genre, but extremely rewarding for souls-like fans who love a good challenge.
12. Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice
Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice is the type of game you should play if you are looking for an unforgettable single-player experience. It’s an award-winning psychological thriller where you play as Senua, a Celtic warrior who embarks on a wild adventure to Viking hell in search of her lover’s soul. Hellblade is more like a movie than a video game, where your character often experiences severe psychosis and mental breakdowns that come to life with the game’s brilliant sound design and terrifyingly dark environment. And things become so much better with combat hitting right at the sweet spots!
13. Plague Tale Requiem
Plague Tale Requiem is another promising action adventure game on Game Pass that is a must-play for fans who love an emotional story filled with action and suspense. This sequel to Plague Tale Innocence puts you back into the shoes of Amicia and Hugo, two siblings who continue their journey to find a cure for Hugo’s illness.
But unlike the first game, Requiem gives you more freedom to tackle the challenges and enemies. You no longer need to hide and run from danger. Thanks to their newfound powers and abilities, you can now fight back enemies and face obstacles head-on.
14. HALO: The Master Chief Collection
Now, if you are a HALO fan and you happen to have an active Game Pass Subscription, you are in luck! The Master Chief Collection on Game Pass combines six mainline HALO games in a single package for an ultimate adventure. This collection not only brings all of these games together, but also enhances the visuals, improves gameplay mechanics, and even introduces some new modern features. This Collection is great for both old players looking to relive some of these classics and new ones who want to experience a thrilling co-op split-screen gameplay with their buddies.
15. It Takes Two
Speaking of split-screen co-op; If you are looking for a game to play with your partner on Game Pass, look no further than It Takes Two. This game has been loved by everyone for its brilliantly designed gameplay that’s equal part challenging and rewarding. You play as Cody and May, two puppet characters who are stuck in an unknown world. You and your partner take control of each character and your job is to find a way out.
For that, you will have to complete a ton of challenging tasks, tackle obstacles, solve puzzles, and explore new and gorgeous worlds as you go. And the best part about It Takes Two is that it never becomes repetitive; you are always facing new puzzles and challenges that keep you engaged for plenty of hours.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out on games coming to Xbox Game Pass in 2024.
16. No Man’s Sky
There’s a very good chance that you’ve already played No Man’s Sky, but if you haven’t and you OWN a Game Pass, you are missing out on a gem here. Sure, it had a rough start but the game is in a VERY, VERY good place right now. This massive procedurally-generated open-world adventure game lets you do a plethora of things.
I remember losing hours of sleep, trying to build cool-looking bases, exploring the unknown parts out of curiosity, and taking part in community events that have gotten so much better over the past few months. This one’s available on Game Pass for Console, Cloud, and PC.
17. Grounded
If you are an Indie fanboy who loves a good adventure, Grounded might just be the right game for you. In this game, you are shrunken down to half the size of an ant and your task is to get yourself back to normal. For that, you have to explore this familiar yet TOTALLY different backyard universe that is filled with a variety of creatures and challenges that once looked harmless.
Survival is a big part of this game; you need to gather resources, build shelters, and get weapons to fight these now-massive creatures. You can choose to play solo or cooperatively with up to three other players to make this wild adventure into the tiny world much more fun and exciting.
18. Psychonauts 2
Speaking of Indie games, Psychonauts 2 is another promising title that builds upon the success of its predecessor. In this game, you take control of a psychic named Raz, who is tasked to find a mole that has secretly infiltrated the organization. Psychonauts gameplay combines traditional platforming with mind-bending psychic powers, which allows you to explore peoples’ minds, find clues, solve puzzles, and of course, fight enemies in thrilling battles. Overall, it’s a pretty fun game that has received a ton of love from players and critics alike.
19. Cocoon
Now, if you are looking for a mind-bending puzzle game, you should definitely give Cocoon a shot. It might look simple but don’t fall for its cute looks, Cocoon has a pretty complex gameplay at its core. There are worlds inside worlds, fit into orbs that you carry around on your back and explore at any time. These worlds are all interconnected and you have to dive into each one, manipulate the environment, and rearrange objects to solve some mind-numbing puzzles. It’s quite difficult to explain this game but it’s a great one for those who enjoy a good puzzle.
20. Persona 3 Reload
Persona 3 Reload is one of the best JRPGs available on Game Pass right now. It’s a remake of the beloved 2006 JRPG that comes packed with new content, enhanced graphics, and improved voice acting that breathe new life into the classic experience of the original. Reload combines traditional turn-based combat with social simulation elements, where you, playing as a high school student, have to balance your life between battling supernatural creatures in the mysterious shadow world and building relationships with other students in your real life. Persona series has received a ton of love from players all around the world and this one is no different.
21. Sea Of Stars
Then we have Sea of Stars, a great-looking pixelated role-playing adventure that combines nostalgia with innovation, offering a modern twist on classic RPG gameplay. In this game, you take control of two kids, who embark on a wild adventure to save the world from the evil Flashmancer and his minions. You get to explore a vast and gorgeous pixel world that’s filled to the brim with challenging obstacles and enemies that engage you in strategic turn-based battles. It’s a great choice for RPG fans who are looking for a classic gameplay experience with a modern twist.
22. Hifi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush is a thrilling rhythm-based action game that puts you in the shoes of Chai, a wannabe rockstar who has a music player stuck in his chest that allows him to sync his moves with the beat of the music. With this new-found superpower, he decides to take on an evil corporation and its allies in fast-paced rhythm-based battles.
With your trusty old guitar in hand, fighting in this game is all about timing your attacks right to blow these pesky bots to bits in style. Hifi Rush has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players, and you will see why when you boot it up on your Xbox console.
23. Dead Island 2
Dead Island 2 recently dropped on Game Pass as a surprise entry and players are having a blast with this one. This is the game you should play if you are a fan of senseless chaos and happen to have an active Game Pass subscription. In this game, you play as one of the only few survivors in the city of Los Angeles after a deadly virus turns everyone into zombies. Your job is to find out how this virus spread while tearing apart those monsters with an arsenal of deadly weapons and gruesome executions. Check it out on Game Pass for Consoles and Cloud.
24. Monster Hunter Rise
If zombies aren’t your thing but you still have that itch for intense combat, Monster Hunter Rise might scratch that for you. This series has long been a fan-favorite for RPG fans who enjoy strategic real-time battles that push their limits as they attack, dodge, and parry colossal monsters. I really enjoyed the battles in Rise; they are purely exhilarating, especially with the variety of weapons at your disposal. From massive swords to lethal axes, you have got’em all. This one is available on Game Pass for Console, Cloud and PC.
25. RE 2 Remake & RE 3 Remake
Now, if you are craving some horror in your gaming life, Game Pass has got you covered with the remakes of cult-classic horror games, Resident Evil 2 and 3. These remakes are designed to let the new generation of horror game fans experience classic survival horror with a modern makeover. With improved visuals, smoother controls, and revamped gameplay mechanics, both of these games recreate the spine-chilling experience that made the originals so popular in the first place.
However, if I were to pick one, I would recommend RE2, it’s much better in terms of puzzles, horror elements, and even the game world. But if you want more action-oriented gameplay, RE3 in my opinion is a much better option.
26. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Then we have Lego Star Wars, one of my personal favorite Star Wars games in the series, and for good reasons. This action-adventure game seamlessly combines two completely different worlds in a way that captivates fans of both. In this game, you get to experience the entire saga across all nine major movies, from The Phantom Menace to The Rise of Skywalker.
As for the gameplay, this game lets you do a ton of fun stuff; you can explore a vast open world with 23 unique planets, meet over 300 different characters from the franchise, and engage in exhilarating Lightsaber duels against the forces of evil.
27. Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order
Another Star Wars game that I think deserves a spot on this list is Jedi Fallen Order. Set after the events of Order 66, this game puts you in the shoes of a young Jedi Padawan named Cal, who vows to rebuild the fallen Jedi Order. But in order to do that, you will have to fight the Galactic Empire and the Imperial Inquisitors.
Speaking of fights, the lightsaber battles in this game are an absolute marvel. But fighting’s not all you do, there’s a whole universe to explore, puzzles to solve, secrets to uncover, and a cast of colorful characters to spend time with. It’s like living your very own version of a Star Wars movie.
28. The Elder Scrolls Series
Bethesda’s widely popular Elder Scrolls series is also available on Game Pass with three amazing titles. We have Elder Scrolls 3 Morrowind, 5 Skyrim, and Elder Scrolls Online. All of these games are incredibly awesome; each one features expansive, open-world environments that are fully detailed and filled with countless locations to explore.
But the thing that I like the most about this series is that it gives you total control over your player and journey. You can create your own path and play the game however you choose. Take on epic quests, join guilds, explore dungeons, or simply sit down with some random NPCs to talk about life. The possibilities are quite endless in this game.
29. Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Mass Effect fans are also in luck because Game Pass lets you enjoy not one but three iconic Mass Effect games in a single Legendary Edition. You get to play your favorite Commander Shephard, who takes on a wild journey to save the world in one of the most memorable adventures out there. This game is super rich when it comes to story and gameplay.
You can do so much other than completing quests; you can build relationships, engage in deep conversations with NPCs, explore world politics, and make choices that not only affect your journey in THIS game but also carry out to the next game in the series. This one’s available on Console and Cloud.
30. Diablo 4
Lastly, Diablo 4 is also making its way to Game Pass this month and I am super excited about it. This latest addition to the iconic RPG series offers everything that you expect from a great role-playing title. From compelling narrative and exceptional voice acting to Diablo’s highly addicting combat and loot mechanics, this game has something for everyone. I have always been a fan of Diablo’s challenging yet equally rewarding battles that combine strategic equipment hunting and talent trees with the player’s own combat skills. Even the story in Diablo 4 is much more compelling; it’s a great title overall.
