With so much negative news surrounding Microsoft and the future of Xbox-exclusive games, let’s take this opportunity to celebrate the craftsmanship of passionate development teams instead and rank the seven best Xbox games to play in 2025.
In an era of declining console exclusivity, compiling a list of the best Xbox games proved to be a challenging task. Forza Horizon 5 would have been here, but it became the first game of the series to get added to PlayStation in April. Sea of Thieves, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, and Psychonauts 2 would also have been shoe-ins to be included on this list, but they are now also available on PlayStation, after initially being exclusive to Xbox.
And Microsoft has no plans of slowing down, as Gears of War: Reloaded is set to become the first game of the series available on PlayStation in August. All of that being said, there are still plenty of exclusive games worth re-visiting or diving into for the first time.
Top 7 Xbox Games to Play in 2025
7. Quantum Break
Remedy Entertainment has a rich history of creating memorable single-player experiences, and Quantum Break is a perfect example of the talented team’s work. Quantum Break is a third-person shooter action-adventure game that follows the story of Jack Joyce, who gains time manipulation powers after a time machine experiment goes wrong.
Even though the game launched in 2016, its impressive graphics and gameplay stood the test of time, as does the compelling story. If you are a fan of any of Remedy’s other titles, Quantum Break is worth your time.
6. Halo Infinite
Xbox Game Studios openly admitted that Halo Infinite’s post-launch content failed to deliver. The long-awaited game reached a peak of around 20 million players. However, due to a delay in the next season, the game’s first season lasted six months, and interest subsequently plummeted.
The disappointing fall-off led to massive layoffs for 343 Industries in 2023. Despite those shortcomings, Halo Infinite still deserves praise for delivering an excellent campaign and a generally fun multiplayer experience. The development team hasn’t given up either, as Halo Infinite continues to receive updates, and public reception has started to turn around.
5. Forza Motorsport 7
Forza Motorsport 7 is the pinnacle of racing, striking a perfect balance between a casual and hardcore racing simulation title. Despite launching in 2017, the game runs at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, and the overall presentation is stunning.
There are over 700 cars to choose from and more than 200 different track configurations across 32 locations. Forza Motorsport arrived later in 2023, but the new RPG-styled progression system, fewer cars and tracks hold it back from surpassing Forza Motorsport 7.
4. South of Midnight
South of Midnight is a third-person action-adventure game set in a fantasized version of the American Deep South. Players step into the shoes of Hazel as she uses a mix of weapons and magic to take on mythical creatures based on Southern American legends.
Just like Compulsion Games’ last game, We Happy Few, the combat is nothing to write home about, but what makes South of Midnight so special is the beautiful soundtrack, captivating story, and excellent voice acting performances. Additionally, the scenery is gorgeous, and you will be hooked from start to finish in the short but sweet story that takes around 10 to 12 hours to complete.
3. Sunset Overdrive
Insomniac Games rose to fame by creating iconic PlayStation franchises, including Spyro and Ratchet & Clank. Not only that, but these are the minds behind the beloved Marvel’s Spider-Man games and the upcoming highly anticipated Wolverine game. Yet, in a strange one-off, Microsoft helped fund Sunset Overdrive, resulting in Xbox fans getting their own Insomniac classic.
Sunset Overdrive ultimately flopped financially, generating only $567 in profit, after the game cost over $42 million to develop. That being said, the disappointing sales don’t detract from the brilliance of this underrated gem, and it deserves more love.
Sunset Overdrive is a post-apocalyptic game set in the fictional city of Sunset City. However, instead of the usual dark and dreary post-apocalyptic settings found in other games of this genre, it is bright, vibrant, and features fast-paced combat and movement. Between air-dashing, zip-lining, and parkour, traversing the city is quick and satisfying. Without giving too much away about the story, you should give this game a chance if you haven’t already.
2. Fable 2
Don’t let the 2008 release date deter you. Even though Fable 2 is 17 years old, the iconic RPG game has aged like a fine wine and still stands toe-to-toe with modern RPGs.
Fable 2 takes place 500 years after the first game, and is much shorter than your typical RPG adventure game. Instead of taking hundreds of hours, it should only take around 13 hours to complete, which actually helps prevent the game from falling into the usual RPG trappings. There is no repetition or dragging story. All of the quest lines in Fable 2 are engaging, and the story and voice acting are phenomenal.
And it’s the perfect time to play Fable 2, as Playground Games revived the franchise and is releasing the first new installment since 2012 in 2026.
1. Halo: Master Chief Collection
Rumors suggest that Halo: Master Chief Collection will eventually release on PlayStation, but until that day comes, it is the best Xbox-exclusive. The collection features the first four games in the Halo series, along with graphical and performance enhancements for each.
All four campaigns can be completed via local split-screen co-op or online. And, if that wasn’t already enough, each game supports online multiplayer with a custom game browser and matchmaking, making it easy for players to find the specific experience they want.
What is your favorite Xbox game to play in 2025? Let us know on the Insider Gaming Forums.
In other Xbox news, Helldivers 2 is finally coming to Xbox in August, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is coming to Game Pass.
