When it comes to single-player games available on Game Pass, there is a wide variety of options to choose from. Our curated list consists of exceptional examples from various genres that offer an immersive and enjoyable solo gaming experience. Whether you prefer RPG role-playing games or indie adventure titles, Game Pass has plenty of fulfilling options for those who want to play alone.
While co-op games can be fun, there is something special about indulging in a game on your own, without any distractions from friends or other players. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the game world and experience the emotional impact of moments like heartbreaking cutscenes without anyone around. The solitude can enhance the overall experience.
With its extensive library, Xbox Game Pass offers a diverse selection of games, which can be overwhelming at times. To save you the hassle of searching, we have carefully explored Microsoft's collection to present only the best single-player games. We understand that choosing the right game can be challenging, so our list aims to make your selection process easier.
The games featured in our list come in various shapes and sizes, but they all share a common trait: engaging gameplay set in captivating worlds that leave a lasting impression. These worlds and stories span a wide range, taking you to fantastical realms where you command armies or exploring more relatable settings. Regardless of the setting, each game on our list promises a unique and memorable gaming experience that will keep you coming back for more.
1. DOOM Eternal
In 2020, DOOM Eternal was unleashed, offering players a highly satisfying and meticulously crafted first-person shooter experience. This game embraces intense violence while delivering a meticulously designed gameplay experience. The seamless blend of fast-paced movement and extravagant demon-slaying chaos makes for an exhilarating ride. The visuals and overall presentation of DOOM Eternal are exceptional, with every gunshot and guitar riff perfectly complementing the game's rhythmic gunplay.
Renowned author Terry Pratchett once mentioned that throughout history, mankind has tried various methods to combat evil, such as prayer, fasting, and good deeds, but the idea of using a double-barrel shotgun had not occurred to anyone until DOOM. Pratchett's words hold a kernel of truth. Within the extravagant narrative of DOOM Eternal, which revolves around cosmic horror and demonic invasion, lies an opportunity to experience genuine catharsis. It's hard to deny the sheer satisfaction derived from obliterating a Cacodemon into countless pieces, as few gaming moments can compare to that feeling.
2. Persona 5 Royal
Persona 5 is a JRPG that captures the essence of the coming-of-age experience like no other. The game understands the struggles of being a teenager, and its protagonist, facing a particularly difficult time, finds himself on probation and enrolled in a Tokyo high school for a crime he didn't commit. Little does he know that he possesses the power to enter the minds of others and steal their deepest desires. Persona 5 beautifully balances two aspects of gameplay: delving into the twisted psyches of corrupt adults and living a normal teenage life, forging friendships and navigating daily routines. These two dimensions are intricately linked, and mastering one will aid in mastering the other.
One word that perfectly describes Persona 5 Royal is "stylish." The game captivates players with its vibrant colors and jazzy soundscapes as they traverse Tokyo's rain-soaked streets. Even the loading screens are visually stunning, dynamically reflecting the player's location and the current weather. Persona 5 Royal's unwavering commitment to aesthetic boldness immerses players in its narrative and seamlessly integrates them into its captivating world.
3. Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 stands out as an exceptional racing game, delivering a pulse-pounding experience like no other. Offering a wide selection of cars and an array of thrilling locations to race in, it truly represents the pinnacle of racing titles. What sets Forza Horizon 5 apart is its remarkable open-world environment, set in a fictionalized rendition of Mexico, which provides players with a vast and diverse map to explore and lose themselves in.
The meticulously crafted cars in Forza Horizon 5 are not only visually stunning but also highly customizable. Players have the freedom to apply stunning paint jobs and make comprehensive body modifications to create their unique automotive masterpieces. The game offers an extensive range of activities within its open world, ensuring there is always something to do. Additionally, there are even whimsical mini-games to enjoy if one desires a break from conventional racing. For car enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers, Forza Horizon 5 is an absolute must-play title that guarantees an exhilarating experience.
4. Tunic
Tunic is a captivating adventure game that harks back to the classic style of old-school Zelda titles. As the player, you assume the role of a charming fox, embarking on thrilling escapades within a delightful isometric world. Prepare to engage in battles against foes, unravel intricate puzzles, and unveil ancient enigmas. In essence, Tunic encompasses all the elements one would expect from an adventure game.
One particularly enchanting aspect of Tunic is its innovative feature that allows you to reconstruct the game's manual as you progress through the immersive world. Every aspect of Tunic's gameplay, design, and presentation is infused with a sense of mystery and adventure. However, beneath its charming exterior lies a combat system that is surprisingly intricate and engaging. Tunic offers a truly gratifying solo experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a nostalgic, old-fashioned adventure.
5. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
The Mass Effect: Legendary Edition breathes new life into the beloved Mass Effect trilogy by enhancing its visuals and implementing quality-of-life improvements. This comprehensive collection offers the entire trilogy, allowing players to immerse themselves in the role of Commander Shepard, a skilled spaceship captain in the 2180s. From the very beginning, players are treated to a deep and rewarding RPG experience. They will encounter a captivating cast of supporting characters, each with their own unique stories to share. Navigating the vastness of the galaxy, players will engage in exhilarating battles and unravel captivating mysteries. Moreover, the game presents players with meaningful dialogue choices that significantly impact the story, adding to the immersive experience.
As a remarkable work of science fiction, Mass Effect utilizes its setting to explore profound themes, weaving them into a compelling and surprisingly dark central narrative. Throughout the core missions, players are confronted with difficult choices that have far-reaching consequences, forcing them to grapple with the outcomes of their actions. The emphasis on player choice grants each playthrough a personal and tailor-made feel, making the Mass Effect trilogy endlessly replayable. Personally, I have lost track of the number of times I have embarked on this epic journey, and each time, the experience has been uniquely my own, thanks to the game's commitment to player agency.
6. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed Odyssey invites players to embark on an epic adventure that traverses the vast expanse of Ancient Greece's islands. Taking on the role of a mercenary-turned-assassin, you will command your own ship and delve into a grand conspiracy. Throughout your journey, you will engage in stealth, combat, and ranged encounters as you undertake numerous quests to uncover the secrets hidden within the enigmatic Order of Assassins.
What sets Odyssey apart is its masterful execution of an open-world experience. The game flawlessly integrates side quests and supplementary content, enhancing and complementing the main storyline rather than overshadowing it. As you make progress, you have the freedom to customize your character's abilities and weapons, tailoring the gameplay to match your preferred style. The inclusion of meaningful dialogue options further immerses you in the world, enabling you to shape the story and engage with the ongoing narratives that unfold.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey excels at delivering an open-world gaming experience that strikes the perfect balance between the main storyline and its supporting content. With customizable gameplay and impactful dialogue choices, it offers a captivating journey through Ancient Greece, where adventure awaits at every turn.
7. Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire presents an addictive fusion of roguelike gameplay and card-based battles. Upon selecting a character, your objective is to ascend a perilous tower filled with menacing monsters and challenges, engaging in a combination of dialogue choices and strategic card-based combat. Each character possesses a unique starting deck of cards, which you utilize in turn-based battles as you progress through the tower. Conquer enemies, discover valuable treasures, and unlock new cards and passive abilities to enhance your deck. The ultimate test is to build the most powerful deck and strive to complete the daunting ascent. However, should your character meet their demise, you'll have to start from scratch once more.
Slay the Spire offers an irresistibly compelling roguelike experience where every decision you make carries weight. Inevitably, when faced with the demise of your character, you may find yourself contemplating what could have been done differently. Herein lies the brilliance of Slay the Spire. By embarking on another run, you have the opportunity to put your theories into practice, exploring alternative approaches and discovering where they lead. This organic ebb and flow in Slay the Spire's gameplay loop keeps players engaged, beckoning them to return for more strategic challenges and thrilling adventures.
8. Alien: Isolation
In the chilling depths of space, the mere thought of playing Alien: Isolation alone is enough to unsettle even the bravest souls. Assuming the role of Amanda Ripley, players embark on a harrowing journey within the decrepit confines of the Sevastopol space station. The mission: to uncover the truth behind a calamity that befell Amanda's mother's ship 15 years ago. However, Sevastopol is far from hospitable. Alongside encountering the occasional hostile human survivor, Amanda must confront the terror of a relentless xenomorph roaming freely within the station. Survival demands sharp wits, resourcefulness, and cunning as players strive to escape the clutches of impending doom.
Alien: Isolation stands as a true exemplar of atmospheric horror in the first-person genre. Every element, from the meticulously crafted sound design to the evocative visuals inspired by the gritty aesthetics of the 1980s, works in harmony to intensify the palpable tension and fear that permeate the gameplay experience. Among solo horror games, Alien: Isolation shines as one of the finest offerings available. The title goes above and beyond to immerse players in a profound sense of isolation and vulnerability. While it may not cater to everyone's taste, if you are a horror enthusiast and have access to Game Pass, Alien: Isolation is an experience that should not be overlooked.
Note: If you decide to cancel your Xbox Game Pass subscription, it's important to note that you will lose access to all the games included in the Game Pass library. However, Game Pass members have the advantage of enjoying significant discounts on many games available from Microsoft's collection, making it easier to purchase titles of interest.
After a game has been available for 90 days, Game Pass members receive a 20% discount on the title, making it more affordable to add it to their personal collection. Additionally, members enjoy a 10% discount on add-ons and consumables for the games they own. These discounts cannot be exchanged for cash and may not be combined with other offers, but they provide a valuable opportunity to purchase desired games at a reduced price.