Best Free Xbox Games

With Xbox Game Pass offering access to premium titles at an affordable monthly price, players might not feel there is much reason to look into the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One’s free-to-play games. These titles have a mixed reputation; while it is true that some games suffer from pay-to-win systems, there are also plenty of free releases that offer great gameplay and enough content to keep people coming back for months, if not years.

The



best free Xbox games

can be enjoyed regardless of whether someone invests anything besides their time. Even if that criterion is met, some games are still better than others in terms of quality and fun factor. That being said, here are the

greatest free-to-play games on Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One

.

The Sims 4

Metascore: 66

After eight years on the scene, EA officially turned

The Sims 4

free-to-play in

2022

. The base game is currently available on all platforms at no cost, although players interested in the DLC packs will need to buy those separately.

The Sims

has been around for decades, and the fourth entry is one of the more polarizing entries in the franchise.

Issues aside,

The Sims 4

can still provide dozens of hours of entertainment and silliness. Although nothing amazing, the vanilla version presents an accurate representation of the overall package, allowing newcomers to the series to decide whether they want to invest in this universe.

Naraka: Bladepoint

Metascore: 71 (PC)

Launching on PC in August 2021 before making its way to the Xbox Series X/S a year later,

Naraka: Bladepoint

was originally a premium product, but the game went free-to-play in July 2023. This transition breathed new life into the battle royale title, hopefully ensuring it will last for quite a few years longer. While this genre is oversaturated and dominated by a few key names,

Naraka: Bladepoint

offers a reasonably fresh take on the battle royale blueprint, primarily thanks to its focus on melee action rather than shooter gameplay.

24 Entertainment took inspiration from a few different genres and concepts when crafting this release, resulting in an experience that is surprisingly refreshing.

Naraka: Bladepoint

features an assortment of heroes who each come with unique abilities, and they take a bit of practice to master. Solo runs are an option, but players can also form teams if they wish to add cooperative play. The combat takes hints from hack and slash juggernauts like

Devil May Cry

, making the game a great pick for people who prefer that type of system.

Destiny 2

Metascore: 87

Although it’s seen its fair share of controversy over the years, Bungie’s

Destiny 2

is still running strong today, with a recent expansion and multiple updates to add even more content to its steadily growing world. Players who are just now jumping in for the first time can boost themselves to a higher Light Level by proving they can tackle a Legendary story mission, giving them faster access to some of the end-game content packed within Witch Queen.

There’s a ton to see, unlock, and conquer for fans who are just starting their journey into

Destiny 2

and there’s quite a bit that can be enjoyed without spending a dime. Players that to enjoy what they play can then opt to purchase a

pack

of DLC content to unlock even more story and multiplayer content.

Omega Strikers

Metascore: 79 (PC)

Following a decently successful stint in beta on PC,

Omega Strikers

eventually made its way to most platforms, including the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. Odyssey Interactive’s game takes elements from MOBAs, sports, and brawlers, blending them together to create an addictive gameplay loop designed around short play sessions. Focusing on 3v3 matches,

Omega Strikers

launched with only a handful of basic modes like quick play and ranked, so the game is fairly light in content; however, the core mechanics are more than fun enough to justify a download.

Although the gameplay is accessible, depth can be found in the roster of Strikers as they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Similar to something like

Rocket League

,

Omega Strikers

could be one of those games that people periodically return to whenever they have 20 minutes to kill and would rather not commit to a single-player title or a battle royale.

Smite

Metascore: 80

League of Legends

is one of the biggest and most engaging MOBAs available on the market, alongside

DOTA 2

. These two top-down-style PvP releases can be a ton of fun but players won’t be able to enjoy them on Xbox. Instead, players seeking a MOBA experience can download

Smite

for free on their Xbox console, giving them access to MOBA-inspired access that plays much better on a console than

LoL

or

DOTA 2

would. The third-person over-the-shoulder perspective works insanely well for consoles, giving players the ability to aim their skill shots and abilities better, while also allowing them to move easily across the battlefield via thumbstick controls.

There are TONS of Gods for characters to try and master, with many available in the free-to-play rotation. Those that fall in love with the mythology and gameplay of

Smite

can purchase an Ultimate God Pack that will unlock access to all the available characters (and any future characters) forever.

Halo Infinite (Multiplayer)

Metascore: 87 (Full Release)

In November 2021, Microsoft shocked the world by releasing

Halo Infinite

‘s multiplayer. While the stellar single-player campaign requires Xbox Game Pass or a $60 investment, the multiplayer is completely free, which is a massive deal for the series.

Although not without its issues,

Halo Infinite

is generally regarded as something of a return to form for Microsoft’s iconic franchise, at least compared to

Guardians

​​​​​​. The multiplayer does not reinvent the wheel in any significant way, opting to offer more of what players have come to expect. Unsurprisingly,

Halo Infinite

is one of the

best free-to-play games on Xbox

.

Fall Guys

Metascore: 81 (PS4)

Initially launching with a price tag,

Fall Guys

went free-to-play when it expanded to more platforms, a move that has largely worked in its favor. A party game,

Fall Guys

supports an array of match types. The main mode is a 60-person battle royale divided into rounds, with each one consisting of mini-games.

In a local multiplayer setting, players can create smaller contests built upon a points system. Utilizing loose but amusing physics,

Fall Guys

is good for a laugh, and matches do not typically outstay their welcome either.

Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis

Metascore: N/A

Phantasy Star Online 2

debuted in 2012, but it did not make its way to Western nations until 2020. Released a year later,

New Genesis

significantly updates the original experience by enhancing the visuals, fine-tuning the class system, and introducing an open-world.

New Genesis

has a few shortcomings typical of an MMO, mainly lackluster quests and a heavy focus on grinding; however, it delivers in the gameplay department. The combat system is deep and engaging, while the simple act of exploring the world is a treat.

Killer Instinct

Metascore: 73

While not quite as inescapable as

Mortal Kombat

or

Street Fighter

,

Killer Instinct

is still a big name in the fighting genre. The 2013 reboot was one of the few reasons to pick up an Xbox One during its early days, and Iron Galaxy supported the free-to-play fighter for a number of years. Outside a 10th-anniversary update that added 4K support,

Killer Instinct

has been inactive for a while, although the core gameplay is so good that fans can still jump on and have a few fun matches.

Now,

Killer Instinct

‘s free version only includes one fighter, although all the modes are available. If someone really wants to experience the game, they will either need to buy the definitive edition or play it through Game Pass. Still, the free iteration serves as a good introduction to

Killer Instinct

‘s offerings and combo-driven mechanics, all the while including enough content for newcomers to properly judge whether they want to try the full package.

World Of Tanks

Metascore: 76

Even if its popularity never fades, the longer an MMO is around, the harder it gets for new people to jump on board.

World of Tanks

is no exception as the game has developed an intense fanbase over the last decade, one that can be difficult to break into for free players who are just starting out. For the uninitiated, the vehicular combat game focuses on, well, tank warfare, with players generally being divided into two groups for large-scale battles.

Wargaming Minsk’s title has an impressive range of tanks, which are split into types and tiers, and quite a few modes to help keep things interesting. While free-to-play,

World of Tanks

has quite a lot of monetization options, and players will need to invest if they want the premium higher-tier tanks. That said, hours of fun can be had by sticking solely to the entry-level tanks, provided beginners do not go in expecting to win many matches.

PUBG: Battlegrounds

Metascore: 85

Debuting in 2017,

PUBG: Battlegrounds

was a landmark release for battle royales, to the point that the game can be credited for sparking the genre’s explosion in popularity. After spending years as a premium product alongside plenty of free-to-play competitors,

PUBG

finally transitioned to the latter business model in 2022, a decision that came with an unsurprising resurgence in popularity. In many ways, this title is the quintessential battle royale, in the sense that it provides the exact basic experience associated with these sorts of releases. A hundred players compete on an ever-shrinking battlefield to see who will be the last person standing; in the meantime, they must scour the land to collect loot.

PUBG

can feel clunky at times, and its gunplay is certainly not the best in the free market. That said, the game can be addictive since contests offer an element of unpredictability that allows them to be constantly engaging. The playerbase is quite large as well, so it is almost never difficult to find a match.

Rogue Company

Metascore: 75 (PC)

Developed by First Watch Games and published by Hi-Rez Studios,

Rogue Company

is a third-person hero shooter that tends to be overshadowed by other

free Xbox games

. This might be due to the game feeling like a hodgepodge of other successful online shooters, and it can be difficult to stand out while sharing a marketplace with

Overwatch 2

and

Valorant

. Even though it sticks close to well-established conventions,

Rogue Company

is a polished and confident project that gets most things right.

Focusing on 4v4 matches, First Watch’s title has a decent selection of modes (King of the Hill, Demolition, Strikeout, Ranked, Wingman) and 20 maps spread across them. The latter selection is not lacking in variety either, as there is everything from a castle to a ship.

Rogue Company

might not be a game-changer, but it is a fun title to throw on as an alternative to more popular shooters.

Crackdown

Metascore: 83

Microsoft has made a couple of Xbox exclusives free for everyone to download. One example is

Too Human

, an ambitious but messy game that should be added to a player’s library; however, the freebie that is the most “must-own” is

Crackdown

. In 2007, Realtime Worlds unleashed this sandbox game on the world, delivering a simple but highly satisfying experience.

Crackdown

does not pretend to be deep or complex, but the project delivers arcade-style fun that makes it easy to revisit. Set in Pacific City, players take charge of an Agency member who is tasked with clearing out the gangs that control the town. As enemies are defeated, players earn experience orbs that improve their stats, and progress is skill-based and continuous. Within a few hours, the agent will transform into an overpowered superhero who can benchpress cars and leap over buildings.

Crackdown 2

is also free to download. While not as highly regarded as its predecessor, the sequel is still entertaining in its own right.

Phantom Dust

Metascore: 73

A minor Xbox cult classic,

Phantom Dust

earned a remaster for the Xbox One. While it has some rough edges, the game’s fascinating mechanics and engaging battle system make it worthy of recognition even all these years after its debut.

Phantom Dust

is set in an alternate reality where Earth’s surface is covered by toxic dust that erases memories, forcing humanity underground; however, two guys learn they can harvest this substance as a power, and they head out in the hopes of remembering their pasts. This premise serves as a fun setup for a post-apocalyptic romp, and it is matched by an atmospheric presentation.

Phantom Dust

‘s combat takes a while to fully comprehend, but it is complex, unique, and clever. Although played in real-time, the action is built upon a card system that offers a lot of options for deck builds, and new elements are introduced fairly regularly throughout the single-player campaign. Learning the intricacies of the cards is half the battle, and once everything clicks,

Phantom Dust

really begins to shine. Although the campaign is enjoyable, this game’s main selling point is its multiplayer, which is not that active in this day and age.

My Hero Ultra Rumble

Metascore: N/A

Nowadays, a new battle royale game is hardly an exciting prospect; however, the genre has continued to chug along with relative success, even if it is no longer in its boom period. While far from perfect,

My Hero Ultra Rumble

has enough of a unique personality to justify its existence, and it is an easy recommendation for fans of the popular superhero manga and anime.

Picking from heroes and villains,

My Hero Ultra Rumble

players are divided into eight teams of three, a set-up designed to emphasize the importance of cooperation. This structure fits the source material, and it allows for a fairly wide variety of team builds thanks to the game’s class system.

My Hero Ultra Rumble

‘s matches can be quite chaotic, but they are generally fun too.

Disney Speedstorm

Metascore: 72

After a brief stint in (paid) early access,

Disney Speedstorm

made its full release in September 2023. AAA kart racers are very rare in this day and age, to the point that

Mario Kart

has basically solo carried the racing subgenre for the best part of two decades.

Disney Speedstorm

exists to fill a niche that has been largely left unsatisfied outside the Nintendo ecosystem, especially in the free-to-play market; however, is it worth a download?

Focusing solely on its core gameplay, Gameloft’s title has a lot of positives. The driving and drifting both feel great, ensuring the minute-to-minute loop is enjoyable. The character roster is solid and evolving, while the tracks are a visual delight and decently designed, even if they are not outright amazing. That said,

Disney Speedstorm

pushes its monetization quite heavily, and it does detract from the overall experience. Still, if someone is just looking for a fun kart racer to play every once in a while, they can do worse than this

free Xbox game

.

Warframe

Metascore: 85 (PS5)

With its 10-year anniversary approaching,

Warframe

is well-established as one of the free-to-play market’s heavyweights. Digital Extremes’ third-person shooter was initially relatively small-scale, featuring largely corridor-style stages that players would grind endlessly. However, the project has ballooned considerably in scope over the years. Nowadays,

Warframe

offers deep lore, variety, overwhelming customization options, and rock-solid combat.

Compared to some other free universes,

Warframe

is accessible to newcomers, although the campaign’s opening hours can be a bit slow and repetitive. Nevertheless, for anyone looking for a

free Xbox game

that can keep them entertained for months without requiring a monetary investment,

Warframe

is about as good as the options get.

Call Of Duty: Warzone 2.0

Metascore: 79 (PS5 –

Warzone

)

Soon after the debut of

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

, Activision dropped the next era of

Warzone

, the publisher’s free-to-play battle royale game. Creatively entitled

Warzone 2.0

, the sequel is not a massive departure from its predecessor, although it is more than just a reskin. This version launched with a fresh map, a revamped Gulag, and a new mode called DMZ. Ultimately, players who enjoyed the original

Warzone

will likely feel at home with

2.0

.

As far as battle royales are concerned,

Warzone 2.0

is among the most satisfying on the market. Visually, the game looks good, and it runs well on current-gen hardware. The gunplay is also fantastic, which should hardly come as a surprise considering

Call of Duty

‘s pedigree. Despite debuting separately,

Warzone 2.0

can be regarded as

Modern Warfare 2

‘s companion app, and together they provide a robust experience.

Dauntless

Metascore: 82

Dauntless

does not hide its

Monster Hunter

inspiration. The game shares many similarities with Capcom’s franchise, although its stages are closer in design to pre-

Monster Hunter World

releases. In 2023,

Monster Hunter World

and

Monster Hunter Rise

are both available on Xbox consoles, and the latter will be added to Xbox Game Pass on January 20; consequently,

Dauntless

can be difficult to recommend since the action RPG must exist alongside its more famous brethren.

That said,

Dauntless

is not a clone of

Monster Hunter

. The game’s combo-heavy combat system stands on its own two feet, offering a lighter and quicker experience than most weapon types in Capcom’s franchise. The free-to-play title feels like an MMO as well, which sets it apart from

Monster Hunter

. While it could use a larger roster,

Dauntless

‘ Behemoths are a lot of fun to fight.

Super Animal Royale

Metascore: 73 (Switch)

There are so many free battle royale games that they can start to blur together, but

Super Animal Royale

is an exception. Even if it is not the genre’s greatest representative, Pixile Studios’ release has a unique visual style and premise that sets it apart from the crowd. More importantly, the gameplay is rock-solid. 64 players compete in a top-down slaughter to the end, and they fight using special animals. Progression comes in the form of experience points gained after a match, which then open up new Super Animals that can be used in future battles to the death.

Over the years, quite a few games have tapped into the ironic juxtaposition of adorable avatars engaging in ultra-violence, and

Super Animal Royale

is among the more successful examples of this strange marriage. This game probably won’t reinvigorate interest in the genre for people exhausted with battle royales, but it is good enough to warrant a look from fans of these sorts of projects.

Apex Legends

Metascore: 88

Respawn’s

Apex Legends

is a contender for the best battle royale title on the market, a proclamation driven by its polished gunplay, frequent updates, and squad-based gameplay. The latter introduces an element of strategy and coordination that is absent from most other releases in the genre, and it is combined with stellar first-person shooter gameplay reminiscent of Respawn’s

Titanfall

series.

As there are so many

free-to-play battle royale games on Xbox

, newcomers to the genre might not know where to start. If someone is only willing to try one game, they should pick either

Apex Legends

or

Fortnite

.

Fortnite

Metascore: 85

Fortnite

shot its way up the charts like a SpaceX rocket, turning it into one of Xbox’s must-haves. The game introduced construction elements to a battle royale mode that encourages players to build fortifications and strongholds. The players were quick to pick up on this, and have seamlessly integrated building platforms with combat; making one of the most complex yet rewarding combat systems ever in a game.

Fortnite

also features wacky dance emotes that have cemented themselves as the game’s main hooks.

Fortnite

is an iconic game that can be played solo or with a squad.

War Thunder

Metascore: 80

If

Battlefield

is a bit too pricey,

War Thunder

is the perfect zero-cost alternative. The game features a whole WW2/Cold War battlefield to engage in, filled with open fields, urban jungle, and vast airspace. The massively multiplayer game engages 32 competing players in full-scale PvP matches with over 1700 available military

vehicles

to choose from.

There are also PvE and solo missions based on battles throughout history. The vast battlefield along with the gargantuan selection of vehicles leaves no limits to player strategies and tactics. Though it isn’t as popular as

Warzone

or

Fornite,


War Thunder

‘s realistic gameplay is something that can be appreciated by a wider market.

Path Of Exile

Metascore: 86 (PC)

For the most part, the free-to-play scene is dominated by multiplayer projects. However, there are a couple of RPG-themed exceptions, and

Path of Exile

is among the best on the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. Grinding Gear Games crafted an old-school action RPG that harbors back to the likes of

Diablo 2

, and there is a lot of game here despite its “free” price tag.

The campaign should keep players entertained for a few dozen hours, and that is only a drop in the bucket of the entire

Path of Exile

experience. Forget free games,

Path of Exile

is simply one of the greatest modern RPGs.

Rocket League

Metascore: 87

Rocket League

‘s popularity speaks for itself. Debuting in 2015, the game blends soccer with cars, producing an experience that is simultaneously accessible but also skill-based.

Rocket League

was a huge hit before it went free-to-play, but the latter ensured the game would remain active for years to come.

Unlike some other

free-to-play games

,

Rocket League

is designed for short play sessions. Have 20 minutes to kill? Play a quick match in

Rocket League

. It will be time well spent.

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