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 gamers, 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 April 5, 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.

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 Slay The Spire Combines Roguelikes And Deck-Building

The roguelike genre continues to find new and inventive ways to hook players in a continuous cycle of building and improving. Slay the Spire combines roguelikes with another genre known for compelling players to improve builds: the deck-building genre.

How Long to Beat Slay the Spire?

As players take on Slay the Spire, they steadily grow a collection of cards, which they'll need to build a deck from. This deck is how players combat enemies through Slay the Spire's procedural areas. Slay the Spire is a game that's perfect for players who enjoy the deck-building nature of collectible card games, but aren't keen on spending the real-life money required to maintain those decks.

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.

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.

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.

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 the 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 with a beautiful art style and wonderful music. Indivisible is a complete package that all RPG enthusiasts should try.

22 Tell Me Why Is Another Impactful Game From Don't Nod That's Full Of Tough Choices

Don't Nod has left its mark on the gaming world in the past decade. 2013's Remember Me is an underrated, but forgotten, gem, and the Life is Strange series has captivated players with their emotional stories and tough choices. Tell Me Why is yet another feather in Don't Nod's cap.

How Long to Beat Tell Me Why?

Like Life is Strange, Tell Me Why is an episodic adventure game. Tell Me Why stars twins Tyler and Alyson who reunite after a decade apart to investigate the death of their mother with the help of their ability to communicate telepathically. To learn the full truth of their mother's death, they must also confront their memories of childhood traumas and how those shaped each twin individually. Tell Me Why received immense praise for its narrative, voice acting, and how well it respects LGBT-related topics.

21 Every Choice Matters In Citizen Sleeper's Dystopic World

Xbox Game Pass offers plenty of AAA titles, but the service's true strength lies in its extensive library of quality indie games. Citizen Sleeper, a single-player RPG released in 2022 by Jump Over the Age development studio, is a prime example of an indie game that exceeds expectations.

How Long to Beat Citizen Sleeper?

Citizen Sleeper follows the story of a rebellious Sleeper — a human whose mind has been transplanted into a robot body and placed under the control of the nefarious Essen-Arp corporation. After escaping the main character's indentured servitude, the player must make decisions and forge alliances that can change their narrative, letting them decide their own fates in this dystopic world. Citizen Sleeper's upcoming sequel, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, will be a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass, although no release date has been confirmed.

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.

19 Stealth Takes An Open-Ended Approach In Dishonored: Definitive Edition

Many games have been designed to give the player freedom to make their own choices, but none have been able to replicate Arkane Studios' accomplishment with 2012's Dishonored. The idea of "playing your own way" is woven into Dishonored's DNA, so much so that it appears as a tip early in the game.

How Long to Beat Dishonored: Definitive Edition?

In this first-person stealth RPG, the developers want players to get creative with how they approach each level. Players can choose to sneak into a ventilation system to get the drop on an assassination target or blast through the front door guns-a-blazing and kill every enemy in the level. There's no wrong way to play Dishonored, and that's what makes it so appealing.

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."

17 Fight Through Helheim In Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Any Xbox player who laments God of War's absence on Xbox should give Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice a chance. Developed by Ninja Theory, whose repertoire includes Heavenly Sword and Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, Hellblade is an intense action-adventure game set in a Norse mythology-inspired fantasy world.

How Long to Beat Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice?

In Hellblade, a woman named Senua travels to Helheim to bring back her deceased lover. Along the way, Senua faces horrors, puzzles, and tough enemies. Hellblade received critical acclaim after its release, in part for its phenomenal narrative and gorgeous artwork. A sequel, Hellblade II: Senua's Saga is set to release in May 2024 and will be exclusive to Xbox and Windows thanks to Microsoft's purchase of Ninja Theory.

16 Just Cause 4 Is A Playable Open World Action Movie Full Of Explosions

While there is much more to a game than its technical design, players should recognize the sheer excellence driving Just Cause 4's mechanics. Created in Avalanche's Apex game engine, Just Cause 4 features a diverse, dynamic weather system only rivaled by the game's fantastic physics.

How Long to Beat Just Cause 4?

Series protagonist Rico Rodriguez and his battle against the Black Hand mercenary group provide the foundation for this open-world action-adventure title. Although the narrative beats of Just Cause 4 aren't always anything to write home about, the high-octane fun it offers more than justifies its place on Xbox Game Pass.

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.

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.

12 It's Good To Be The King In Fable III

Released by Lionhead Studios in 2010, Fable III was a revolutionary RPG when it debuted. Armed with a stellar voice-acting cast and two previous installments' worth of lore, this legendary title offered players the then-unique chance to see their actions' ramifications play out in a complex fantasy world.

How Long to Beat Fable III?

Most RPGs emphasize player agency while downplaying the negative fallout from player actions. Fable III subverted these tropes, plunging players into a world where every decision impacts the game's outcome. With a new Fable game on the way, it's a great time to go back and revisit everything that made this franchise so special.

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.