Xbox is one of the most popular gaming platforms in the world with a huge library of games to suit every taste and preference. Whether you have an Xbox One an Xbox Series X|S or an Xbox Game Pass subscription you can enjoy hundreds of amazing titles that will keep you entertained for hours. But with so many options how do you choose what to play? In this article we will help you find some of the best Xbox games in 2023 based on their genre quality and popularity. We will also give you some tips on how to optimize your gaming experience and get the most out of your Xbox console.
Quick answer
Here are some of the best Xbox games to play in 2023:
- Control: A satisfyingly weird action-adventure with a unique atmosphere and gameplay.
- Forza Horizon 4: An open-world racing game that lets you explore beautiful landscapes and seasons.
- Gears 5: A thrilling third-person shooter with a compelling story and multiplayer modes.
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection: A collection of six classic Halo games remastered for the Xbox Series X|S.
- Nier: Automata: A post-apocalyptic action-RPG with a captivating story and multiple endings.
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps: A gorgeous platformer with a heartfelt story and challenging gameplay.
- Psychonauts 2: A hilarious and creative platformer that takes you inside the minds of various characters.
- Red Dead Redemption 2: An epic western adventure with a rich open world and immersive gameplay.
- Sea of Thieves: A multiplayer pirate game that lets you sail loot and battle with other players.
How to choose a good game for your Xbox
Before we dive into the details of each game let’s talk about how to choose a good game for your Xbox. There are many factors that can influence your decision such as:
Your personal preferences:
What kind of games do you like? Do you prefer action adventure racing role-playing or something else? Do you like games with a strong story or games that focus more on gameplay? Do you like games that are easy or hard casual or hardcore realistic or fantasy?
Your budget:
How much money are you willing to spend on a game? Do you want to buy a new game or a used one? Do you want to buy a physical copy or a digital one? Do you want to subscribe to a service like Xbox Game Pass which gives you access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee?
Your hardware:
What kind of Xbox console do you have? Do you have an Xbox One an Xbox One S an Xbox One X an Xbox Series S or an Xbox Series X? Do you have a 4K TV or a regular HD TV? Do you have a good internet connection or a slow one? These factors can affect the performance and quality of the games you play.
Depending on these factors you may want to choose different games for your Xbox. For example if you have an Xbox Series X and a 4K TV you may want to play games that take advantage of the console’s power and graphics.
If you have an Xbox One S and a regular HD TV you may want to play games that are more optimized for your hardware. If you have a limited budget you may want to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass which gives you access to hundreds of games for a low price.
To help you find the best games for your Xbox we have categorized them by genre and quality. We have also included some information about their price availability and compatibility with different consoles.
Best action-adventure games for Xbox
Action-adventure games are games that combine elements of action and adventure genres. They usually involve exploring an open world fighting enemies solving puzzles and completing quests. Some of the best action-adventure games for Xbox are:
| Game | Genre | Developer | Price | Availability | Compatibility | Xbox Game Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Control | Action-adventure | Remedy Entertainment | $39.99 USD | Physical and digital copies | Xbox One Xbox Series X | S (enhanced) |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Action-adventure | Rockstar Games | $59.99 USD | Physical and digital copies | Xbox One Xbox Series X | S (backward compatible) |
| Nier: Automata | Action-RPG | PlatinumGames | $39.99 USD | Physical and digital copies | Xbox One Xbox Series X | S (backward compatible) |
Control
Control is a game by Remedy Entertainment the creators of Alan Wake and Max Payne. It is set in a secret government agency called the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) which deals with paranormal phenomena.
You play as Jesse Faden the new director of the FBC who has to uncover the secrets of the agency and fight against a mysterious force called the Hiss.
Control is a game that blends sci-fi and horror elements with a unique style and atmosphere. The game features dynamic combat mechanics that let you use telekinetic powers and various weapons.
You can also explore the FBC building which is constantly changing and shifting. Control is a game that will keep you on the edge of your seat with its unpredictable and immersive gameplay.
- Price: $39.99 USD
- Availability: Physical and digital copies
- Compatibility: Xbox One Xbox Series X|S (enhanced)
- Xbox Game Pass: No
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game by Rockstar Games the makers of Grand Theft Auto and Bully. It is a prequel to the original Red Dead Redemption which was released in 2010.
It is set in 1899 at the end of the Wild West era. You play as Arthur Morgan a member of the Van der Linde gang which is on the run from the law and rival gangs.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game that offers a rich and realistic open world with stunning graphics and details. You can explore various locations such as towns forests mountains and deserts. You can also interact with various characters animals and objects.
You can choose to follow the main story or engage in various side activities such as hunting fishing gambling robbing and more. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game that will immerse you in a captivating and epic western adventure.
- Price: $59.99 USD
- Availability: Physical and digital copies
- Compatibility: Xbox One Xbox Series X|S (backward compatible)
- Xbox Game Pass: No
Nier: Automata
Nier: Automata is a game by PlatinumGames the developers of Bayonetta and Metal Gear Rising. It is a sequel to the original Nier which was released in 2010.
It is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been driven to the moon by an alien invasion. You play as 2B a combat android who is part of a resistance group called YoRHa.
You have to fight against the alien machines that have taken over the earth. Nier: Automata is a game that combines action-RPG and hack-and-slash elements with a deep and complex story.
The game features fast-paced and fluid combat mechanics that let you use various weapons and skills. You can also switch between different perspectives such as third-person side-scrolling and top-down.
The game also has multiple endings that depend on your choices and actions. Nier: Automata is a game that will challenge you with its gameplay and surprise you with its story.
- Price: $39.99 USD
- Availability: Physical and digital copies
- Compatibility: Xbox One Xbox Series X|S (backward compatible)
- Xbox Game Pass: Yes
Best racing games for Xbox
Racing games are games that involve driving vehicles at high speeds on various tracks or roads. They usually have realistic physics and graphics that simulate the real-world driving experience. Some of the best racing games for Xbox are:
| Game | Day Mode | Night Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Need for Speed Heat | Compete in sanctioned races and earn money. | Participate in illegal street races and earn reputation. Avoid the police. |
| Forza Horizon 4 | Explore various regions and landmarks in Great Britain. Participate in various events and activities. Experience dynamic weather and seasons. | Same as day mode but with different lighting and atmosphere. |
| Dirt 5 | Race on various terrains and surfaces around the world. Customize your cars with various parts and liveries. Play solo or online with other players. | Same as day mode but with different lighting and atmosphere. |
Forza Horizon 4
Forza Horizon 4 is a game by Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios the creators of the Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon series.
It is the fourth installment in the Forza Horizon sub-series which focuses on open-world racing. It is set in a fictionalized version of Great Britain where you can explore various regions and landmarks.
You can also participate in various events and activities such as races stunts showcases festivals and more. Forza Horizon 4 is a game that features over 450 licensed cars from various manufacturers and eras.
You can customize your cars with various parts and paint jobs. You can also experience dynamic weather and seasons that change the environment and gameplay.
You can play solo or online with other players in cooperative or competitive modes. Forza Horizon 4 is a game that will delight you with its variety and beauty.
- Price: $59.99 USD
- Availability: Physical and digital copies
- Compatibility: Xbox One Xbox Series X|S (enhanced)
- Xbox Game Pass: Yes
Need for Speed Heat
Need for Speed Heat is a game by Ghost Games the developers of Need for Speed Rivals and Need for Speed Payback. It is the twenty-fourth installment in the Need for Speed series which is one of the most popular racing game franchises in history.
It is set in Palm City a fictionalized version of Miami where you can race on various streets and roads.
You can also customize your cars with various parts and styles. You can play in two modes: day and night. During the day you can compete in sanctioned races and earn money. During the night you can participate in illegal street races and earn reputation.
However you also have to avoid the police who will chase you down and try to bust you. Need for Speed Heat is a game that offers an exciting and adrenaline-fueled racing experience.
- Price: $59.99 USD
- Availability: Physical and digital copies
- Compatibility: Xbox One Xbox Series X|S (enhanced)
- Xbox Game Pass: No
Dirt 5
Dirt 5 is a game by Codemasters the makers of the Dirt and F1 series. It is the eighth installment in the Dirt series which focuses on off-road racing.
It is set in various locations around the world such as Brazil China Greece Italy Morocco and more. You can race on various terrains and surfaces such as dirt mud snow ice and gravel.
You can also experience dynamic weather and time of day that affect the gameplay. Dirt 5 is a game that features over 70 cars from various classes and eras such as rally rallycross GT trophy trucks buggies and more.
You can customize your cars with various liveries and stickers. You can play solo or online with other players in various modes such as career arcade playgrounds and more. Dirt 5 is a game that will thrill you with its fun and fast-paced off-road racing.
- Price: $59.99 USD
- Availability: Physical and digital copies
- Compatibility: Xbox One Xbox Series X|S (enhanced)
- Xbox Game Pass: No
| Game | Number of Cars | Number of Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| Forza Horizon 4 | Over 450 licensed cars from various manufacturers and eras. | Over 200 tracks in various locations and seasons. |
| Need for Speed Heat | Over 120 licensed cars from various manufacturers and eras. | Over 100 tracks in various locations and times of day. |
| Dirt 5 | Over 70 licensed cars from various manufacturers and eras. | Over 70 tracks in various locations and weather conditions. |
Best co-op games for Xbox
Co-op games are games that allow you to play with other players cooperatively. They usually involve working together to achieve a common goal or objective. Some of the best co-op games for Xbox are:
Gears 5
Gears 5 is a game by The Coalition and Splash Damage the developers of Gears of War 4 and Gears Tactics. It is the sixth installment in the Gears of War series which is one of the most acclaimed Xbox exclusive franchises.
It is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is fighting against a monstrous race called the Locust. You play as Kait Diaz a former Outsider who has a mysterious connection to the Locust.
You have to uncover the truth about your past and save the world from a new threat. Gears 5 is a game that features a gripping campaign mode that you can play solo or with up to three friends online or split-screen.
You can also play various multiplayer modes such as versus horde escape and more. Gears 5 is a game that delivers an intense and cinematic third-person shooter experience.
- Price: $59.99 USD
- Availability: Physical and digital copies
- Compatibility: Xbox One Xbox Series X|S (enhanced)
- Xbox Game Pass: Yes
Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thieves is a game by Rare the creators of Banjo-Kazooie and Perfect Dark. It is a multiplayer pirate game that lets you create your own pirate legend.
You can sail the seas with your crew of up to four players online or solo. You can explore various islands and regions such as the Shores of Plenty the Ancient Isles the Devil’s Roar and more.
You can also encounter various threats and opportunities such as storms volcanoes shipwrecks treasure maps skeleton forts megalodons krakens and more.
You can choose to cooperate or compete with other players in various activities such as trading fishing hunting raiding battling and more. Sea of Thieves is a game that offers a unique and immersive pirate adventure.
- Price: $39.99 USD
- Availability: Physical and digital copies
- Compatibility: Xbox One Xbox Series X|S (enhanced)
- Xbox Game Pass: Yes
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a game by 343 Industries and other studios which collects six classic Halo games remastered for the Xbox Series X|S.
It includes Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Halo 2: Anniversary Halo 3 Halo 3: ODST Halo 4 and Halo: Reach. You can play as Master Chief or other characters in various campaigns that span across the Halo universe.
You can also play various multiplayer modes with up to four players online or split-screen. Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a game that celebrates one of the most iconic and influential sci-fi shooter franchises in gaming history.
- Price: $39.99 USD
- Availability: Physical and digital copies
- Compatibility: Xbox One (backward compatible) Xbox Series X|S (enhanced)
- Xbox Game Pass: Yes
How to optimize your gaming experience on Xbox
To get the most out of your Xbox console and games you may want to follow some tips on how to optimize your gaming experience. Here are some suggestions:
Update your console regularly:
Make sure your console has the latest software updates that can improve its performance and stability. You can check for updates in the Settings menu of your console.
Adjust your display settings:
Make sure your TV or monitor has the best settings for your console and games. You can adjust the resolution brightness contrast color and more in the Display & Sound menu of your console. You can also use the Xbox Calibration Tool to fine-tune your display settings.
Use a wired connection:
If possible use a wired connection instead of a wireless one for your console and controller. This can reduce latency and interference and improve your online gaming experience. You can use an Ethernet cable for your console and a USB cable for your controller.
Use headphones or speakers:
If you want to enjoy the sound effects and music of your games you may want to use headphones or speakers instead of your TV or monitor speakers. This can enhance the audio quality and immersion of your games. You can connect your headphones or speakers to your console or controller via the audio jack or Bluetooth.
Use external storage:
If you have a lot of games and apps on your console you may want to use an external storage device to expand your storage space and speed up your loading times. You can use a USB 3.0 hard drive or solid state drive with at least 256 GB of capacity for your console. You can format and manage your external storage in the Storage menu of your console.
FAQs
- Q: How can I play Xbox games on my PC?
- A: You can play some Xbox games on your PC by using the Xbox app or the Xbox Cloud Gaming service. The Xbox app lets you access your Xbox Game Pass library and play games that are compatible with Windows 10. The Xbox Cloud Gaming service lets you stream games from the cloud to your PC via a web browser. You need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a compatible controller to use these services.
- Q: How can I play Xbox games on my phone or tablet?
- A: You can play some Xbox games on your phone or tablet by using the Xbox Cloud Gaming service. This service lets you stream games from the cloud to your device via an app or a web browser. You need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a compatible controller to use this service.
- Q: How can I share my Xbox games with my friends or family?
- A: You can share your Xbox games with your friends or family by using the Home Console feature or the Family Settings feature. The Home Console feature lets you set one console as your home console which allows anyone who uses it to access your games and subscriptions. The Family Settings feature lets you create a family group and manage the access and permissions of each member for your games and subscriptions.
Xbox is a great gaming platform that offers a wide range of games for every type of gamer. Whether you like action-adventure racing role-playing or any other genre you can find some of the best Xbox games in 2023 that will suit your taste and preference. You can also enjoy various features and benefits that will enhance your gaming experience such as Xbox Game Pass Xbox Live Gold and cloud gaming. With an Xbox console you can have endless hours of fun and entertainment with your friends and family.