Xbox Game Pass is one of the best deals in gaming. Available in a few different bundles which span across cloud mobile, PC and – of course – your Xbox console, Game Pass allows you to play through a vast library of games for one monthly fee. Whether you have the classic Xbox One X|S or the latest Xbox Series X|S, Game Pass can be a little overwhelming, so we’ve picked out the most essential games for you to get stuck into – no matter which Xbox-friendly device you’re playing on!
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Senua’s Sacrifice is quite possibly one of the most visceral and personal video games focused on the topic of mental health. You play as Senua, a troubled young woman on a dark quest into the heart of Helheim, the Viking Hell. While this can be a tough game if you or someone you know has struggled with their mental health in the past, it’s a fantastic story which is wonderfully executed. A must-play for Xbox Game Pass, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is available to play on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, cloud mobile and PC.
Sea of Thieves
Set sail on an adventure like no other in Rare’s iconic pirate adventure, Sea of Thieves. This ever-expanding service game will provide you with endless hours of entertainment as you traverse the Seven Seas on the hunt for treasure and glory. Take part in story campaigns, enjoy new monthly updates or just wander around in this pretty-as-a-picture adventure. The choice is yours, and it’s included with Xbox Game Pass for console, cloud and PC.
Gears 5
Admittedly, I’ve never played a Gear of War game, which is exactly why Gears 5 was one of the first I downloaded to my Xbox Series S. A video game series synonymous with Xbox, it’s worth taking advantage of at least one of the Gears games available through Game Pass, and this one is ready for the Series X|S consoles. Gears 5 has now been fully optimised for Xbox Series X|S, with reduced loading times, better graphics and textures, and 120 FPS in Versus. Available through Game Pass and playable on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and cloud mobile, Gears 5 is nothing less than essential for Xbox gamers.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Another iconic series that everyone with an Xbox needs to play, Halo: The Master Chief Collection is more than a must-play release – it’s 100% essential. The Master Chief Collection includes the remastered Halo 2: Anniversary game, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 3 and Halo 4, this is an unmissable collection. It’s not Halo Infinite, but it might tide you over until it releases! Halo: The Master Chief Collection is available through Game Pass for Xbox X|S, Xbox One and cloud mobile.
Forza Horizon 4
Published by Microsoft Studios and developed by Playground Games, Forza Horizon 4 is one of the most exciting (and realistic) racing games on the market. The game made a huge splash when it released back in 2018, and boasts an incredible Metacritic score of 92. A gem from Xbox Game Pass which is easy to overlook, Forza Horizon 4 is playable on Xbox X|S, Xbox One and cloud mobile.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition is regarded as one of the best instalments in the Dragon Age series, and if you’re looking for a long, mythical and meaty adventure to get stuck into then this might be the one for you! Inquisition sees you battling to stop the land of Thedas falling to demons, and with BioWare working hard on the next game in the series, there’s arguably never been a better time to dive into the fantasy action. Dragon Age: Inquisition is playable through Game Pass for Xbox X|S, Xbox One and cloud mobile.
Mass Effect 1-3
Some oldies but goodies, the Mass Effect games are due to be remastered in 2021. For now, you can dive into these essential games through Xbox Game Pass, (Mass Effect 3 is arguably one of the best). Playable through the console’s backwards compatibility, these Xbox 360 classics might lack the flash and style of Series X|S games, but they’re a narrative tour de force and well worth your time. Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 are playable through Game Pass for console only.
Destiny 2
While Destiny 2 didn’t wow everyone at launch, the game has seen enough content overhauls and regular updates to snag a solid fanbase. If you’re looking for an FPS filled with lore, immersive gameplay and a deep class system, Destiny 2 is an essential game to test out through Xbox Game Pass. Playable on Series X|S, Xbox One and cloud mobile, Destiny 2 might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but since it’s included with Game Pass, you might just find yourself enamoured with it once you’ve given it a go.
DOOM Eternal
2020’s DOOM Eternal wowed players upon release and whether you’re a DOOM fan or not, there’s a lot of hellish fun to be had in this single player campaign. Take on Hell’s armies as the Slayer and enjoy one of the best gaming soundtracks we’ve heard all year. Strap in for this non-stop action-packed ride, playable through Game Pass on Series X|S, Xbox One and cloud mobile.
Planet Coaster: Console Edition
A brand new addition not only to Xbox Game Pass, but also to the world, Planet Coaster: Console Edition was a day one launch title for Xbox Series X|S. We gave the game an incredible nine out of 10 when we reviewed it on PS4, and the Xbox version is no different. A brand new release for Xbox Series X|S included in the price of Game Pass? How can you not download this one?! Planet Coaster: Console Edition is available through Game Pass for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and cloud mobile.
So there you have it! 10 essential video games available through Xbox Game Pass. You can find out more about Game Pass and sign up for it right here.
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Featured Image Credit: Microsoft