There are hundreds of titles available on theXbox Game Passcatalog, and it can be a bit tough to choose the proper game to play. Every month, the subscription service undergoes some changes, as new titles are added and others leave.There have been a lot of new additionstoXbox Game Pass in August, with titles likeCitizen Sleeper 2andAssassin’s Creed Mirage.
10Oblivion Remastered Is A Must-Play For Action RPG Fans
The Prequel To Skyrim Looks Better Than Ever
One of the best action RPGs on Xbox Game Pass isThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. The enhanced version of the title, released in 2006, adds a series of notable optimizations.This includes graphics and FPS tweaks, which make it more up-to-date with current standards.
The predecessor toSkyrimis a great game to play without any extra costs on Xbox Game Pass, especially if you miss the gameplay structure of Bethesda’s most popular RPG.The setting is similar in the sense that it is based in Tamriel, and you’ll see several familiar elements.
A recent entry in the catalog,this Bethesda game adds more value to the subscription service. You may notcompleteOblivion Remasteredon Xbox Game Pass, but at least testing it is worth it.
9Forza Horizon 5 Is One Of The Best Racing Games Ever
The Title Is Great For Everyone Who Enjoys Cars
Originally an Xbox console exclusive,Forza Horizon 5is one of the best racing games ever made, and it’s available without extra costs for Xbox Game Pass members. The title developed by Playground Games was released in 2021.
With a variety of racing modes and a large list of vehicles to drive, you’re able to spend hours inForza Horizon 5and never feel done with it. Aside from regular activities you engage with,it’s a pleasure to free roam the game’s open-world recreation of Mexico.
As an arcade racing game, you’re not confined by too many specificities that are applied to racing sims, likeForza Motorsport. If you enjoy cars, you’ll be able to engage meaningfully.Even if you’re not a gearhead, you’ll still be able to have a lot of funwithForza Horizon 5on Game Pass.
8Inscryption Is A Creative Indie Gem
The Game Merges Several Genres
Mixing elements of horror, roguelike, deck-building, puzzles, escape rooms, and much more,Inscryptionis a game that just works. The indie title, developed by Daniel Mullins Games and published by Devolver Digital, was released in 2021.
Inscryptionis easily one of the most creative games on the Xbox Game Pass catalog.If you’re a fan of innovative gameplay mechanics and genre mergers, this is the game for you. This isn’t a very long game, but you will likely be hooked from start to end.
One of the best aspects ofInscryptionis that the player is an active contributor to building the story rather than a witness. By solving it,you’ll have to build up the narrative being told in this enigmatic tale.
7Octopath Traveler 2 Is One Of Square Enix’s Best RPGs
Its Prequel Is Also On Xbox Game Pass
Although there’s a notable lack ofFinal Fantasygames in the catalog, one ofSquare Enix’s best RPGs is on Game Pass.Octopath Traveler 2is a stunning turn-based RPG with a memorable story– or stories, if you consider each playable character’s narrative arc.
Impressive from the start with its HD-2D graphics,this is one of my favorite RPGs of all time and a great alternative to the lack ofFinal Fantasyin the subscription service. The title tells the story of eight different adventurers, each with their own stories and gameplay mechanics, who unite.
Octopath Traveler 2is easily one of the best games in the Xbox Game Pass catalog. The best thing about it is that its predecessor,the firstOctopath Traveler, can also be played on Game Pass. Because both games tell independent stories, you’re able to play either one in whichever order you prefer.
6Inside Is One Of Hideo Kojima’s Favorite Games
The Indie Game Offers A Twist On Horror
One of Hideo Kojima’s favorite games,Inside,is free on Xbox Game Pass. The indie title is developed by Playdead, the creators ofLimbo.This is a short puzzle-platform horror game that offers a great twist on the genre, tackling its narrative in an unusual way.
While it won’t offer you dozens of hours of gameplay,Insidewill feel like a masterpiece from start to end. With a constant feeling of uneasy pressure, you’ll be advancing through different stages and trying to survive.
Insideis an award-winning game, having received the accolade of Best Independent Game at TGA 2016, in addition to several other nominations. If you’re looking for a short yet high-quality title on Xbox Game Pass, this is the one for you.
5Balatro Will Keep You Hooked On Game Pass For Hours
The Card Game Has A Great Gameplay Loop
Based on the rules of poker,Balatrohas you choose a deck to attempt to defeat blinds by using special effects and cards.You’ll have to manage your card buys and other items, a lot of which are presented randomly.
Balatrohas a compelling gameplay loop that will have you hooked for hours. If you’re using your Xbox Game Pass subscription to play it, you’re definitely making good use of your investment in the service, as you’ll likely be returning daily for a while.
4Control: Ultimate Edition Includes The Game’s Two DLCs
Control Is The Highest-Rated Game Of 2021
You control Jesse, who instantly sees herself wrapped up in a large conspiracy theory and wielding powers that defy the natural laws of physics on Earth.Controlis a fun and beautiful game to play, and one that should keep you interested until the end.
The best part about its presence on Game Pass is that theUltimate Edition also includes the game’s two DLCs. As such, you get access to even more hours of gameplay and brand-new story arcs to explore.
3Doom: The Dark Ages Offers A New Spin On The Series
This Great FPS Is Free On Xbox Game Pass
If you’re looking for a fast-paced FPS,you’ll be delighted to know thatDoom: The Dark Agesis available on the Xbox Game Pass catalog. Released earlier this year, the latest installment in the decades-long franchise offers a brand-new spin to the series’ gameplay, including a parrying mechanic.
To many,The Dark Agestitle isn’t as good as its two predecessors,Doom (2016)andDoom Eternal, both of which are on Game Pass. However, it does follow the same modern-principles as those titles and isa great shooter with mechanics that make it feel fresh.
If your goal is to relentlessly stomp your way through hordes of demons in a fast-paced and grim environment,Doom: The Dark Agesis one of the best games in the catalog. This may have been a day-one addition you noticed, but it may be time to play it on Xbox Game Pass.
2It Takes Two Is A Marvelous Co-Op Experience
The Indie Game Has A Friend’s Pass System
If you’re looking for a fantastic co-op experience on Xbox Game Pass,It Takes Twois the best option available.The 2021 GOTY requires you to play with one friend, either online or in local co-op.
Telling a story that revolves around the two player’s characters, the game is worthy of its accoladesand will provide unforgettable hours of co-op fun.It Takes Twois entertaining, emotional, and, moreover, has creative gameplay mechanics.
1Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Is 2025’s Best Game
This Year’s GOTY Contender Was A Day-One Release On Xbox Game Pass
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33is on Game Pass, and is held as the best game of 2025.This GOTY contender was a day-one releaseon the subscription service, which only helped promote it and its quality.
The AA-game provides a fresh new look at the very concept of turn-based RPGswith some real-time elements, such as dodging and parrying. This exciting new take on gameplay is combined with a dense and well-written story that will leave a mark on you.
If you really want to feel like you’re taking advantage of your subscription, you should playClair Obscur: Expedition 33. I even urge players who aren’t naturally fond of turn-based RPGs to give this game a try, especially for free onXbox Game Pass.
