11 Must-Play Games on Xbox Game Pass (2024)

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Reece Rogers

Gear

From Lies of P to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Microsoft’s subscription service includes a bounty of fun games for both console and PC.

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Xbox Game Pass is a solid deal for anyone who likes to try new games and bounce around between titles. A subscription to Game Pass Ultimate costs $17 a month for access to online multiplayer and a regularly refreshed library of over 100 games.

Just on console and not interested in online multiplayers games? Microsoft offers a cheaper tier that costs $11 a month. Ditched your console? There’s a PC-only plan for $10. (PlayStation and Switch gamers should check out our guide to the top subscription services for those platforms.)

The newest tier is called Game Pass Core, and it costs $10 a month. Game Pass Core is a rebranding of Xbox Live Gold that introduces a smaller version of the Game Pass Ultimate library.

I sifted through the Game Pass catalog and curated a few outstanding titles to help you decide which ones to download first. (It’s a bit overwhelming!) From odd indies to blockbuster experiences, these genre-spanning picks likely have something that’s perfect for your style of play.

Searching for even more great game recommendations? Discover worthwhile games with our picks for the best Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S titles.

  • 11 Must-Play Games on Xbox Game Pass (7)

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Reece Rogers is WIRED's service writer, focused on explaining crucial topics and helping readers get the most out of their technology. Prior to WIRED, he covered streaming atInsider.

Service Writer

    Topicsvideo gamesxboxPC Gamesbuying guidesShoppinggaming tips

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    11 Must-Play Games on Xbox Game Pass (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the best Xbox game right now? ›

    The Best Xbox Games You Can Play Right Now
    • Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Xbox Game Studios. ...
    • Halo Infinite. Xbox Game Studios. ...
    • Gears 5. The Coalition. ...
    • Hi-Fi Rush. Tango Gameworks. ...
    • Forza Horizon 5. Xbox Game Studios. ...
    • Sea of Thieves. Rare. ...
    • Microsoft Flight Simulator. Xbox Game Studios. ...
    • Starfield. Bethesda/Xbox Game Studios.
    May 29, 2024

    Can you play old games on Xbox Game Pass? ›

    For a low monthly price, you can enjoy access to more than a hundred great Xbox games—including some games made for Xbox 360 and the original Xbox. Game Pass subscriptions are available for use on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and your mobile device.

    Do you need Windows 11 for Xbox Game Pass? ›

    With the PC Game Pass subscription, you get access to the Xbox Game Pass catalog on your Windows 10/11 device. Join Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to enjoy Xbox Game Pass on both your Windows device and Xbox console.

    Is Fallout 76 on Game Pass? ›

    You may have seen that Fallout 76 is included with Game Pass, making it free for subscribers. But if you don't have a Game Pass membership, that doesn't mean you're stuck paying full price.

    What are the top 5 most played games right now? ›

    Discover even more data with Newzoo
    Game titlePublisher
    1.ROBLOXRoblox Corporation
    2.MinecraftMojang Studios
    3.FortniteEpic Games
    4.Counter-Strike 2 & GOValve
    16 more rows

    What is currently the most played Xbox game? ›

    Discover even more data with Newzoo
    Game TitleChange
    1.Fortnite-
    2.Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II/III/Warzone 2.0-
    3.Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Siege-
    4.Minecraft-
    16 more rows

    Is Xbox Gold still a thing? ›

    Starting September 14, 2023, Xbox Live Gold transitioned to Xbox Game Pass Core. Players will still have access to online console multiplayer, plus they got access to a new collection of over 25 great games to play on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles.

    Why do I have a Game Pass for free? ›

    The key is Microsoft Rewards, a loyalty program that rewards people who use Microsoft products such as Bing and Xbox. It only takes about 10 minutes a day to rack up enough points to get a free month of Xbox Game Pass, as well as other rewards for using Microsoft's services.

    How many OG Xbox games are on Xbox One? ›

    On November 15, 2021, a "final addition" of 76 titles was published as part of the 20th anniversary of the launch of the original Xbox console. This is the following list of all backward compatible games on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S under this functionality.

    How to keep Game Pass games forever? ›

    The games are only playable as long as you have the subscription. Once the subscription ends, then so does the access to the games. If you want to own them, you have to purchase them.

    Is GTA 5 on Game Pass? ›

    Xbox Games Pass includes GTA V's Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S versions.

    Can I still play Xbox without Game Pass? ›

    An Xbox Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate subscription is required to play online multiplayer games, except for Free to Play titles, which don't require a subscription.

    Did Fallout 76 go free? ›

    As a way to celebrate the launch of Amazon Prime's live-action Fallout series, Fallout 76 is now free for those who wish to dive deeper into the franchise's world.

    How to claim vault 33 backpack Game Pass? ›

    How to get Lucy's backpack in Fallout 76 on Xbox and PC with Game Pass
    1. Turn on your Xbox console.
    2. Select the Game Pass section at the top of the dashboard.
    3. Select Perks.
    4. Redeem the Fallout 76 (console) Vault 33 Survival Kit and follow the prompts to apply the code to your account.
    Apr 15, 2024

    Is Fallout 76 free with Prime? ›

    For Amazon Prime members only, “Fallout 76” is available for free for Xbox Series X/S (or Xbox One) and PC via Prime Gaming.

    Which Xbox is the best right now? ›

    The Xbox Series X has the most power of any current-gen console and has almost twice the storage as the Series S. Get the Series X if you'll use it with a 4K TV (now or eventually), want the absolute best in graphics and performance, or want a disc drive for games and movies.

    Which game should I play on Xbox? ›

    Forza Horizon 5

    Forza Horizon 5 isn't just the best game of 2021 (as IGN's 2021 Game of the Year winner), it's also the best car game, period, of at least the last decade. The difference between Horizon 5 and other racing games (not named Forza Horizon) is that it is, in fact, a driving game.

    What Xbox is better for gaming? ›

    The bigger Xbox Series X is worth considering if you are a more serious Xbox enthusiast and are looking for the most advanced gaming experience available.

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