Must-Play Single-Player Games Included In Xbox Game Pass (2024)

Xbox Game Pass is the gift that keeps on giving. Microsoft continues to outdo itself with its vast medley of AAA titles, indie classics, party games, and other juicy content. It's hard to think of a better deal in the gaming space. Everyone who thinks of themselves as a gamer, die-hard or casual, should strongly consider looking into Game Pass, as there's truly something for everyone on the platform.

While gaming is often best experienced with others, there's always a time and place for solo, immersive gaming sessions. Playing a game alone lets players take things at their own pace and form a deep connection with the art itself, unrestricted by the fear of letting a teammate down. The best single-player games on Xbox Game Pass stand out for their authenticity, replayability, and creativity.

Updated on May 31, 2024, by Michael Colwander: Even in the multiplayer era, many players love to lose themselves in engaging single-player adventures. That makes Xbox Game Pass one of the best values in gaming, as it's loaded with fantastic single-player experiences. The best part is that more games are added each month, giving players plenty of options.

30 Truth Be Told, Lies Of P Is A Great Soulslike

Lies of P is the latest Soulslike hit and one that surprisingly didn't come from FromSoftware. It was developed by Neowiz Games and Round8 Studio with each developer definitely understanding the assignment. Lies of P currently has an 80 Metacritic score and was praised for its difficulty and customization.

How Long To Beat Lies Of P?

Lies of P is inspired by the classic tale The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi. As Pinocchio, players can choose to lie throughout the story, which can influence what ending they get. Altogether, Lies of P is one of the most fascinating takes on Pinocchio's story yet, and a great Soulslike for beginners.

Lies of P

Inspired by the familiar story of Pinocchio, Lies of P is an action souls-like game set in a dark Belle Époque world. Guide Pinocchio on his unrelenting journey to become human.

Platform(s)

PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Microsoft Windows , macOS , Xbox One , Xbox Series S/X

Released

September 19, 2023

Developer(s)

Neowiz Games , Round8 Studio

Publisher(s)

NeocoreGames

Genre(s)

Soulslike , Action

Engine

Unreal Engine 4

ESRB

M17+

29 Wasteland 3 Is Great For Fans Of Classic Fallout Games

Wasteland 3 is the third game in the newly revived Wasteland series. The original Wasteland, which has a remastered version on Game Pass, was released in 1988. Its developer, Interplay Games, later went on to create Fallout, perhaps the most important post-apocalyptic franchise in gaming history. The company created Wasteland 2 in 2014 thanks to a Kickstarter campaign created by Interplay co-founder Brian Fargo. Wasteland 2: Director's Cut is also available on Game Pass.

How Long To Beat Wasteland 3?

Each Wasteland game is an isometric RPG with a deep, choice-filled narrative. Longtime Fallout players should absolutely give the Wasteland series a shot, especially if they have been disappointed with more recent Fallout games.

28 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Is The Sequel To One Of The Best Star Wars Games In Recent Memory

Star Wars video games, much like the franchise itself, have been all over the place. One of the bright spots of the franchise in recent years has been the Star Wars Jedi series starring Cameron Monaghan as Jedi Padawan and Order-66 survivor Cal Kestis.

How Long To Beat Star Wars Jedi: Survivor?

The first Star Wars Jedi game, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its Jedi gameplay, tough difficulty, and overall great story. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor takes things up a notch as Cal and his friends try to survive under the Galactic Empire. Survivor features five different lightsaber types and larger maps compared to Fallen Order, encouraging exploration.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Franchise

Star Wars

Platform(s)

PlayStation 5 , Xbox Series X/S , PC

Released

April 28, 2023

Developer(s)

Respawn Entertainment

Publisher(s)

EA

Genre(s)

Action-Adventure

ESRB

T

Prequel

Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order

27 Starfield Lives Up To Its Lofty Ambitions

Much to the relief of many Bethesda faithful, Starfield has been receiving impressive reviews. Starfield is Bethesda's latest RPG game, taking a prolonged break from The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Bethesda's bet paid off as Starfield is Bethesda's most expansive and most ambitious RPG to date.

How Long To Beat Starfield?

Starfield is more than just "Fallout in Space" as it puts an even greater emphasis on exploring, giving players over a thousand planets to visit. The game is nearly limitless, and that extends to its innovative New Game Plus mode, which will blow players away once they start it. Starfield is a serious Game of the Year contender, so it's amazing to have it available on release day on Xbox Game Pass.

Starfield

Set 300 years in the future, the player will assume the role of a customisable character who is a member of Constellation, an organization of space explorers.

Platform(s)

Microsoft Windows , Xbox Series X|S

Released

September 6, 2023

Developer(s)

Bethesda Softworks

See Also

Assassin's Creed Odyssey Review - IGNAssassin's Creed Odyssey reviewAssassin's Creed Odyssey review - a vast and generous voyageAssassin’s Creed Odyssey – The Game That Greece Built

Publisher(s)

Bethesda Softworks

Genre(s)

RPG , Open-World , First-Person Shooter

ESRB

M

26 Sea Of Stars Is One Of 2023's Most Overlooked Gems

In the midst of the hype surrounding Starfield, Sea of Stars has been overlooked. The game is a traditional turn-based RPG developed by Sabotage Studio. Sea of Stars is set in the same universe as Sabotage's 2018 award-winning action platformer The Messenger and stars heroes Valerie and Zale. Valerie and Zale can combine their sun and moon powers to perform Eclipse Magic, which is necessary to triumph over the evil alchemist The Fleshmancer.

How Long To Beat Sea Of Stars?

Sea of Stars' gameplay draws heavily from classics such as Breath of Fire and Chrono Trigger while also having fun minigames such as fishing. Sea of Stars currently has an 88 Metacritic Score, making it one of the highest-reviewed games of 2023.

Sea of Stars

Sea of Stars tells the story of two Children of the Solstice who will combine the powers of the sun and moon to perform Eclipse Magic, the only force capable of fending off the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer.

Platform(s)

Windows , Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series S/X

Released

August 29, 2023

Developer

Sabotage Studio

Genre(s)

RPG

Engine

Unity

Sequel

The Messenger

Mode

Single-player

25 The Quarry Continues A Golden Age Of Interactive Horror Games

The Quarry is another fantastic outing from Supermassive Games, the terrifying minds behind Until Dawn and The Dark Picture Anthology. The Quarry is an interactive horror drama that boasts extremely impressive visuals and a cast that includes Brenda Song, David Arquette, Lin Shaye, Ariel Winter, and Justice Smith.

How Long To Beat The Quarry?

True to its genre, players will have to make tough choices as The Quarry's cast of camp counselors try to survive the night at Hackett's Quarry. Depending on choices, not every character will survive, which not only adds to the minute-by-minute intensity of The Quarry but adds replayability as each playthrough can feel widely different.

24 Like A Dragon Series Is Full Of Over-The-Top Fun

The Like a Dragon series, better known by its former name Yakuza, had been a PlayStation mainstay for years. That's changed in recent years as the Like a Dragon games all made their way to Xbox and PC, including most recently Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.

How Long To Beat Like A Dragon Series?

Players looking for over-the-top and comedic action, and later turn-based RPG, games that aren't afraid to get serious when it needs to should absolutely give the Like a Dragon series a try. With Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth now out to rave reviews, it's worthwhile to begin catching up in this fantastic franchise.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

A major departure from previousYakuzagames is the battle system. Instead of the real-time actionbeat 'em upmechanics of previous games,Yakuza: Like a Dragonfeatures areal-timeturn-basedRPGtype combat, with a four-person battle team.

Franchise

Yakuza

Platform(s)

Linux , macOS , PC , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X

Released

November 10, 2020

Developer(s)

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios , Sega

Publisher(s)

Sega

Genre(s)

Adventure , Action

ESRB

M

23 Indivisible Is A Brilliant Platform Action RPG

Indivisible is a great example of "have your cake and eat it, too." It tells a fantastic story that sees the short-tempered and eager Ajna awaken a mysterious power after her village was burned down and her father killed. Throughout her subsequent journey that isn't afraid to be serious or funny, Ajna meets a wide cast of 20 playable characters.

How Long To Beat Indivisible?

Indivisible takes some cues from Valkyrie Profile in its battle system where characters in combat are tied to face buttons. Players can send all characters at once or strategically time their attacks to take advantage of character synergy. Beyond fighting, Indivisible features platform Metroidvania gameplay full of exploration and plenty of reason to return to old stomping grounds. All of this is depicted in a beautiful art style and with wonderful music. Indivisible is a complete package that all RPG enthusiasts should try.

22 Limbo Is A Haunting Indie Classic

Limbo was one of the earliest indie hits and remains an unsettling classic. Limbo features a striking visual style, which features a strong visual contrast, as well as gray and film grain textures, that emphasize the mysterious unknowns of the deadly world inhabited by its lost protagonist.

How Long To Beat Limbo?

Limbo is a game of trial and error. Limbo's art style can obscure enemies, obstacles, and puzzle solutions from the player. This leads to a lot of deaths. In turn, completing Limbo is a satisfying experience and one that players still haven't forgotten over a decade later.

21 Doom (2016) Is Old School Arcade Shooting Fun

Doom (2016) feels like a rite of passage for fans of FPS shooters. What began as a revolutionary FPS on PC in 1993 has since expanded into a fully fleshed-out action adventure RPG with multiple iterations. The 2016 game saw immediate success, being nominated for "Game of the Year" at The Game Awards and winning several awards at the NAVGTR Awards show.

How Long To Beat Doom (2016)?

In Doom, players should expect fast-paced gunplay, tons of exploration options, and more blood and guts than they'll know what to do with. If for no other reason, Doom should be played to enjoy its masterpiece of a soundtrack composed by Mick Gordon, which still holds up to this day.

20 Ori & The Blind Forest: Definitive Edition Is One Of Microsoft's Best Indie Games

Ori and the Blind Forest is an unforgettable Metroidvania-style platformer exclusive to Xbox. This highly regarded title made waves after its release in 2015, eventually spawning the second game in the series, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, in 2020. Ori is a masterpiece for a multitude of reasons, but its stunning landscapes make it unforgettable.

How Long To Beat Ori And The Blind Forest?

With over 7,000 hand-painted graphics in the game, Johannes Figlhuber (Lead Artist) and Blind Forest's team at Moon Studios literally brought their art to life. Ori is a must-play for fans looking to dip their toes into the Metroidvania world and a study of the power of graphic design.

Ori & The Blind Forest: Definitive Edition

Ori fell from the Spirit Tree in the forest of Nibel during a storm and was adopted by a bear-like creature named Naru, who raised Ori as her own.

Platform(s)

Windows , Xbox One , Nintendo Switch

See Also

Assassin's Creed Odyssey | Ubisoft Store

Released

March 11, 2016

Developer

Moon Studios

Genre(s)

Adventure , Metroidvania

Engine

Unity

Sequel

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Mode

Single-player

19 ReCore: Definitive Edition Fixes Most Of The Flaws Of The Original Release

ReCore was one of Xbox One's overlooked first-party exclusives. A modern take on the classic old-school 3D platform genre with beautiful visuals and fun tools like grappling hooks, ReCore initially suffered from numerous technical and gameplay issues. Many of these problems were remedied by the Definitive Edition, which is the version available on Xbox Game Pass.

How Long To Beat ReCore: Definitive Edition?

In ReCore, players take on the role of Joule Adams. Joule awakens from her century-long cryogenic slumber in the distant world of Far Eden, which was meant to be colonized by Earthlings after Earth became uninhabitable. However, Far Eden is an empty wasteland full of mysteries. Accompanied by her robot companions, Joule is determined to solve them all.

ReCore: Definitive Edition

Assume the role of Joule Adams, a young survivor of a terrible cataclysm who journeys from Earth to the desert world, "Far Eden" to build mankind's new home.

Platform(s)

Windows , Xbox One

Released

August 29, 2017

Developer

Armature StudioComcept

Publisher(s)

Microsoft Studios

Genre(s)

Action , Adventure

Engine

Unity

Mode

Single-player

18 Quantum Break Blended Gaming With Television

Given Quantum Break's status as one of Microsoft's best-selling intellectual properties on Xbox One, it should come as no surprise that this 2016 release is one of Game Pass's best titles. Developed by Remedy Entertainment, Quantum Break pairs third-person shooter mechanics with several innovative features, such as an integrated companion television show, resulting in a modern gaming experience that matches its futuristic tone.

How Long To Beat Quantum Break?

After an experiment involving time travel goes horribly wrong, the game's protagonist, Jack Joyce, and his close friend disagree about how to handle the fallout. This sets the events of Quantum Break into motion, as Jack and the player use their new time-traveling abilities to stop the looming "End of Time."

Quantum Break

Jack Joyce attempts to stabilize time before it breaks completely, after he gains the ability to manipulate time locally when an experiment goes awry.

Platform(s)

Windows , Xbox One

Released

April 5, 2016

Developer

Remedy Entertainment

Genre(s)

Action-Adventure , Third-Person Shooter

Engine

Northlight Engine

Mode

Single-player

17 Senua's Saga: Hellblade II Is A Remarkable Sequel Exclusive To Xbox

In 2017, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice surprised many with its originality, stunning visuals, fantastically dark Norse-like world, and engaging gameplay. The original Hellblade has become a great argument in favor of video games being art. In many ways, its sequel, Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, tops it.

How Long To Beat Senua's Saga: Hellblade II?

In Hellblade II, Senua sets off to Iceland to free her people from the tyranny of Viking marauders. Hellblade II includes a brand-new fighting system, a dynamic weather system, and a greater emphasis on exploration while still maintaining the psychological horror fans have come to love in the growing franchise. Senua still struggles with her psychosis and it's fascinating how Hellblade II continues to build upon this narratively and in gameplay. With the Game of the Year race likely being underwhelming in 2024, expect to see Hellblade II take home plenty of honors.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2

"Senua's Saga: Hellblade II" continues the harrowing journey of Senua, a Celtic warrior plagued by mental illness, as she delves deeper into the mythic and brutal world that intertwines with her psyche. Set in the dark, foreboding landscapes of Viking-age Scandinavia, Senua battles both physical and psychological demons in her quest to confront the Norse gods and seek redemption. The game builds on the intense narrative and psychological depth of its predecessor, featuring stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and visceral combat.

Platform(s)

PC , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Released

May 21, 2024

Developer(s)

Ninja Theory

Publisher(s)

Xbox Game Studios

Genre(s)

Action-Adventure

Engine

Unreal Engine 5

See at Xbox Games Store

16 Pentiment Is Obsidian's First RPG Under Microsoft

Following Microsoft's acquisition of Obsidian Entertainment, the studio's entire library was added to Xbox Game Pass. This included future titles like Pentiment, a unique role-playing game released in 2022. Set in 16th-century Germany, this RPG follows its protagonist, Andreas Maler, as they attempt to solve a murder mystery over the course of 25 years.

How Long To Beat Pentiment?

Pentiment takes advantage of its medieval setting with a variety of period-themed mysteries and era-appropriate art styles, many of which play a major role in the game's surprise-filled narrative. While Pentiment might not be everyone's cup of tea, its engaging storyline will undoubtedly win over plenty of Xbox Game Pass players.

Pentiment

In 16th century Bavaria, Andreas Maler, a master artist finds himself caught in the middle of murders, scandals, and intrigue.

Platform(s)

Windows , Xbox One , Xbox Series S/X

Released

November 15, 2022

Developer(s)

Obsidian Entertainment

Publisher(s)

Xbox Game Studios

Genre(s)

Action RPG

Engine

Unity

ESRB

M

15 The Walking Dead: Season One Kicks Off An Unforgettable Saga

The Walking Dead took the world by storm when it was released in 2010, and it didn't take long for game developers to see the opportunity to cash in. Telltale Games became well known for its reimagining of numerous media franchises, but it wasn't until the company released The Walking Dead: Season One in 2012 that it put itself on the map.

How Long To Beat The Walking Dead: Season One?

In The Walking Dead: Season One, players make decisions as Lee Everett while he tries to survive the zombie outbreak in rural Georgia. These decisions affect the game's heart-wrenching narrative, eventually crafting a beautiful story that revolves around the protagonist's fleeting connections in a dying world. Once players are done with the first season, three other The Walking Dead seasons follow, and players' choices carry over from one game to the next, making Walking Dead a unique, emotional gaming experience.

The Walking Dead The Game

Lee Everett, a convicted criminal, has been given a second chance at life in a world devastated by the undead. With corpses returning to life and survivors stopping at nothing to maintain their own safety, protectingan orphaned girl named Clementine may offer him redemption in a world gone to hell.

Franchise

The Walking Dead

Platform(s)

Microsoft Windows , OS X , PlayStation 3 , Xbox 360

Released

April 24, 2012

Developer(s)

Telltale Games

Publisher(s)

Telltale Games

Genre(s)

Horror , Survival Horror , Interactive Narrative

Engine

Telltale Tool

ESRB

M17+

How Long To Beat

12+ hours

14 Wolfenstein Reboot Series Revives The Classic Franchise

Wolfenstein is one of the oldest video game franchises that's still active. First debuting in 1981 as a top-down stealth game, Wolfenstein eventually found its home as a first-person shooter, which helped usher in one of the most popular genres today.

How Long To Beat The Wolfenstein Series?

In recent years, Wolfenstein has seen a successful reboot series by MachineGames, and published by Bethesda Softworks, starting with Wolfenstein: The New Order. The New Order was followed by a sequel in Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus and two spinoffs in Wolfenstein: The Old Blood and Wolfenstein: Youngblood. All four of these are great FPS games in their own right and are a worthy choice for players who prefer playing single-player FPS games as opposed to multiplayer-centric ones.

13 This War Of Mine: Final Cut Provides A Different Perspective Of War

This War of Mine: The Little Ones is a poignant take on the war genre that has become more and more relevant as the years progressed. This War of Mine is a survival game where players don't take the role of soldiers, but citizens. Players must strategize how to gather supplies and maintain the health of their group in a wartorn Graznavia.

How Long To Beat This War Of Mine?

The Final Cut of This War of Mine is the 2019 remaster of the 2014 game and includes all DLC and updates released at the time, as well as a new scenario, new quests, and a new character. The War of Mine is an unforgettable experience and the realistic scenario it depicts is something all players should look to explore now more than ever.

This War of Mine: Final Cut

A group of survivors try to survive during wartime.

Platform(s)

Windows , OS X , Linux , Android , iOS , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , Nintendo Switch , Xbox Series S/X , PlayStation 5

Released

November 14, 2019

Developer(s)

11 Bit Studios

Publisher(s)

11 Bit Studios

Genre(s)

Survival , Strategy

Mode

Single-player

12 Viva Piñata's Characters Are Just As Colorful As Its Art Style

Developer Rare is best known for its work on the Nintendo 64 with GoldenEye 007, Perfect Dark, and the Banjo-Kazooie series. However, in 2002, they were purchased by Microsoft. That doesn't mean they've left their creative and charming minds behind, though. One of their most prolific franchises since their Microsoft acquisition is Viva Piñata.

How Long To Beat Viva Piñata?

Viva Piñata is overflowing with color and personality. Viva Piñata is a life simulator where players tend to a farm on Piñata Island. Players can interact with a fun cast of characters as they manage Viva Piñata's surprisingly deep and highly replayable gameplay. Both Viva Piñata and its sequel, Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise, were overwhelmingly praised. Thankfully, both are also on Xbox Game Pass.

11 Brush Up On The Mass Effect Galaxy With The Mass Effect Series

The Mass Effect series is one of the crown jewels of both BioWare and EA. BioWare went above and beyond to create a galaxy that feels so alive and real with unforgettable characters, races, cultures, and locations.

How Long To Beat The Mass Effect Series?

On Xbox Game Pass both the Mass Effect Legendary Collection, which remasters the original Mass Effect Trilogy, and Mass Effect Andromeda through EA Play. The Legendary Collection even makes extra enhancements to the original Mass Effect, which hasn't aged as well as its successors. While Mass Effect Andromeda is unlikely to have any bearing on Mass Effect 4, it's worth a second chance in the lead-up. Many of the early release issues have been fixed and, when given an honest chance, many will find Andromeda a good game even if it doesn't live up to the original trilogy.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Commander Shepard steps up to the plate to defend the galaxy against the Reapers, an ancient threat that cyclically wipes out the dominant species in the galaxy to prevent them from making mistakes with AI and other advanced technology.

Franchise

Mass Effect

Platform(s)

PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One

Released

May 14, 2021

Developer(s)

BioWare

Publisher(s)

EA

Genre(s)

Science Fiction , Action-Adventure , Space , Action RPG , Third-Person Shooter , single player

Engine

Unreal Engine 3

ESRB

M17+

How Long To Beat

60+ hrs

Sequel(s)

Mass Effect: Andromeda