10 Best Xbox Games Of 2025

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2025 was a fantastic year for Xbox players, thanks to major Game Pass releases on day one, including the Game of the Year winner, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Avowed from Obsidian. It’s likely that some of the year’s most popular games wouldn’t have reached as many people without Xbox and Game Pass.

Here’s a list of some of the best Xbox games releasing in 2025, ranked based on reviews from Ebaster, Metacritic, and general user feedback. Despite recent challenges like criticism of price increases and lower sales, the quality of Xbox games this year remains strong.

10. Avowed

Avowed is a standout title from Xbox Game Studios and Obsidian, especially considering how many games the studio released that year. Although the unexpected launch of Oblivion Remastered initially overshadowed it, Avowed quickly gained a large and devoted fanbase, largely because it was available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers at no extra cost on launch day.

Despite some criticism from players about limited romance and simple RPG mechanics, reviewer Kyle Gratton at Ebaster felt that the game’s strengths far outweighed its weaknesses, giving Avowed a strong 9/10 score. I personally invested over 200 hours in the game and really enjoyed creating different character builds and trying out various ways to play.

9. The Outer Worlds 2

As I mentioned before, Obsidian has been very busy this year. Many players haven’t yet had a chance to experience their recently released sci-fi RPG sequel, The Outer Worlds 2, which launched at the end of October. Chris Carter, in his review for SR, notes that TOW2 is significantly larger and better than the first game, improving on the original formula in almost every way.

The Outer Worlds 2 builds on the original game with a larger world to explore, more ways to customize your character, and increased replay value. As a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass and published by Xbox Game Studios, it’s a strong RPG contender for 2025, even if it hasn’t reached the same level of initial popularity as some other releases this year.

8. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

Xbox has seen an incredible number of excellent sequels and standout indie games this year, and Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a prime example of both. As a follow-up to the popular “dice-driven sci-fi RPG,” it’s easily one of the best indie games created by a single developer this year – and that’s high praise considering other great releases like Megabonk and Hollow Knight: Silksong.

Both Starward Vector and the first game in the series launched directly on Xbox Game Pass, and are still playable at no extra cost for subscribers. Citizen Sleeper is a must-play tabletop-inspired RPG with a fresh take on turn-based combat and a captivating gameplay cycle.

7. Keeper

Fans of story-rich games with beautiful visuals shouldn’t miss Keeper, a recent indie release that’s been getting a lot of positive attention for its creative world and striking art style. In his review, Screen Rant’s Chris Carter calls it a great choice for players wanting a relaxing and immersive experience, and particularly praises the game’s exceptional art, though he notes it might not appeal to all gamers.

Keeper is a relaxing game with simple puzzles and adventures that aren’t very difficult. Despite its gentle nature, it’s surprisingly impressive – as long as you know what you’re getting into beforehand.

6. DOOM: The Dark Ages

DOOM: The Dark Ages is the latest fast-paced installment in the DOOM series, connecting the older and newer games—and not just in terms of story. It takes what made the original DOOM fun and combines it with popular features from DOOM: Eternal, creating a polished and improved gameplay experience.

Ebaster reviewer Sean Migalla loved the new additions to DOOM: The Dark Ages, especially the updated shield and close-combat fighting, and awarded it a perfect score of 10/10.

5. Blue Prince

It’s difficult to describe how good Blue Prince is unless you play it yourself, and it’s currently available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers at no extra cost. This puzzle game is the result of eight years of dedicated work by solo developer Dogubomb, and it stands out because it makes players feel like they’re unraveling a bigger story with each playthrough.

Blue Prince relies heavily on chance, but you can gradually increase your success rate with each playthrough, ultimately revealing a touching and well-crafted story. It’s a truly exceptional and unique game that encourages thoughtful engagement, making it a strong recommendation for players seeking something different.

4. BALL x PIT

BALL x PIT is a popular new indie game that launched on Xbox and quickly became incredibly addictive. It’s easy to pick up and play, but the fun gameplay keeps players coming back again and again.

BALL x PIT is a game where you discover powerful combinations as you upgrade your balls, creating unique and effective builds. It quickly became popular with both critics and players, earning an 8.3 user score on Metacritic and a 4.6 out of 5 star rating on Xbox.

3. Split Fiction

Split Fiction is shaping up to be a standout Xbox game of 2025, thanks to its creative story and fantastic co-op gameplay. The developers at Hazelight are known for their split-screen experiences, and this game takes that to the next level, with each chapter feeling completely new. You play as two different characters, seeing the same events from their unique viewpoints, which leads to puzzles that require real teamwork to solve.

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Beyond its smart gameplay, Split Fiction boasts a truly compelling story, demonstrating that strong characters and ambitious ideas are key to creating a memorable experience for players. SR reviewer Kaitlyn Peterson particularly loved the game’s flawless level design and narrative, describing Split Fiction as a tribute to the art of gaming.

2. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong was a huge and unexpected hit when it launched in September 2025, captivating players as a wonderful continuation of the original, beloved indie game. The developers, Team Cherry, are known for their excellent game design, and they’ve recently announced a new expansion for Silksong that will be released next year.

Chris Carter describes Silksong‘s gameplay as constantly challenging, but in a positive way, and praises its combat as some of the best he’s experienced in a 2D platformer. He believes it’s a game everyone should try, and you don’t need to have played the first game to appreciate it. Luckily, both games are currently available on Xbox Game Pass.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

This year’s biggest game release is undoubtedly Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. However, its quick popularity is largely thanks to being available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. Before its launch, almost no one knew about Clair Obscur, which is surprising given that it recently won Game of the Year – but the award is certainly deserved.

I’m a huge fan of Clair Obscur. I’ve spent over 350 hours exploring its world, ‘The Continent,’ and it still feels fresh and mysterious every time I play. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 really makes you feel like you’re part of a personal and unfolding story. It’s a truly exceptional game and, in my opinion, one of the greatest RPGs ever made.

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2025-12-21 19:33