When it comes to console exclusives, Xbox has the least amount of theme compared to the competition. The lack of compelling first-party Xbox-exclusive games has always been a problem, but 2024 saw Microsoft turn things around with some great titles from Xbox Game Studios.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers got to enjoy many first-party and third-party games for a low monthly cost, while hardcore PC gamers also got some games that take advantage of the platform. While PlayStation delivered some stellar triple-A blockbusters, Xbox covered all its bases with a wide variety of games, from action-adventure games to simulation titles to survival games.
Here are the best Xbox games of 2024, and we're including some PC titles published by Xbox Game Studios. All of the games below are available in Xbox Game Pass, and all got review scores of 80/100 or higher on review score aggregator Metacritic — though we picked based on personal taste, too.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Machinegames has delivered not just a great Indiana Jones game, but also one of its best games ever. The first-person action-adventure game lets players step into Indy's boots and experience the thrill of exploring ancient tombs and punching nazis directly. The amount of freedom given to the player is similar to that of an immersive sim like Dishonored, and that's commendable for a licensed game that could've taken the easy way out.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
A good Call of Duty campaign is like a shot of adrenaline sent straight into your bloodstream. Black Ops 6's campaign is one of the franchise's best, and it brings a lot of new mechanics to shake up the series. Its omnimovement system changes how you interact with the world, and its set pieces are more bombastic than ever. Black Ops 6 is the quintessential Call of Duty game of the generation.
Persona 3 Reload
Persona 3 was the first game in the franchise to focus on the social simulation systems the franchise is known for today. The modern remake updates its gameplay to be more in line with Persona 5, which is a good thing. Many fans prefer P3's story over the other games, and it's one you should not skip if you have Xbox Game Pass.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Microsoft Flight Simulator brings the entire planet to your living room. Smart tech upgrades bring down its install size while retaining the high fidelity of its world, and you can finally exit the cockpit and bask in nature for the first time in the series. There are more planes to fly around in over a digital recreation of Earth, and MFS 2024 is the best place to do it.
Palworld
Palworld is more than what it appears to be. While arming Pokémon with guns seems silly and chaotic, Palworld somehow manages to become a fun survival game. And the best part? It's available on Xbox Game Pass so you can jump in without any doubts or concerns, and it keeps getting new updates.
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl
STALKER 2 retains the hardcore survival simulation system of the franchise while giving it a fresh coat of paint. It's not your average by-the-numbers FPS, as Stalkers need to be wary of everything on their path. Just when you think you've got a handle on its mutated hordes, the Chornobyl exclusion zone's supernatural mysteries will confound you.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2
Hellblade 2 is one of the best-looking games of the generation, even though its lack of gameplay innovation and depth leave a lot to be desired. Melina Juergens gives it her all in a gut-wrenching performance, with a story that you'll love if you like Norse mythology. However, its bad parts are hard to complain about when it's available right there in Xbox Game Pass.
Dungeons of Hinterberg
Dungeons of Hinterberg is like a trip to a cozy town during summer vacation. While its action and puzzle-solving aren't mechanically deep, you'll fall in love with Hinterberg and its residents so much that you won't care about the gameplay's shortcomings.
Age of Mythology: Retold (PC)
Age of Mythology is a classic real-time strategy game that got its long-due remake this year. It's more than just a paint job, as it combines the old game's design with the quality-of-life feature we've come to expect from modern RTS games. We also have new game modes in the new version, along with seasonal events.
Ara: History Untold (PC)
We've seen dozens of 4X sims over the years, so what does ARA do differently? It focuses more on the production of resources and managing an entire empire bit by bit. You'll have to rely on specialists to lead your empire to technological enlightenment, though trying to manage your civilization's interests and the specialists will be tough.
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