One of the best aspects of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is that you have access to over 390 games playable in the cloud. But, such a big selection can sometimes be a problem as well. That’s a lot of games to choose from! It can feel like sitting down at a restaurant with a 10 page menu. What are the best games to play?
If you have just got a new Game Pass Ultimate subscription for the holidays, where do you start? Let’s have a look at 10 of the more popular games on the service.
Starfield
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, you’ll embark on an epic journey to answer some of Humanity’s biggest questions. This game has an epic scope with over 1000 planets to visit and New Game+ which has subtle differences each play through. It’s a truly spectacular game if you like RPGs.
Fortnite
Of course Fortnite has to be on our list. It’s the most popular battle-royale game in the world. From straight up eliminating 99 of your opponents on a vast island to the newly released LEGO version (or even headlining a concert in Fortnite Festival), you can do it all in Fortnite. You can also create your own modes with UEFN or play thousands of other creations including Prop Hunt, a “Home Alone” mode and even a “Metal Gear Fortnite” creation.
Halo Infinite
No Xbox list is complete without Master Chief making an appearance. Master Chief is ready to confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced in Halo Infinite. Step inside the armor of humanity’s greatest hero to experience an epic adventure and explore the massive scale of the Halo ring.
If you don’t want to play the campaign, there is a thriving multiplayer community as well as Forge Mode where you can build your own game modes or levels. The team at 343 recently added enemy AI so you can add as many Grunts or Elites into a small space as you want!
Forza Motorsport
Forza Motorsport is the pinnacle of racing simulations. Drive the cars of your dreams, with more than 700 amazing vehicles to choose from including the largest collection of Ferraris, Porsches, and Lamborghinis ever. Challenge yourself across 30 famous destinations and 200 Tracks, where race conditions change every time you return to the Track.
I’d also like to mention that Forza Horizon 5 is an excellent racing game that is catered more towards the arcade-y side of the genre. Whilst not as realistic, it is still a lot of fun and looks equally beautiful.
Jusant
Sometimes, you don’t want to be racing around a track… Or running away from someone shooting at you. Sometimes, you just want to relax. Jusant is the perfect game for this. Scale an immeasurably tall tower, ascending to new heights with diverse biomes, and piece together the tower’s past alongside your watery companion. Do all this with some great, chill music in the background. Jusant takes just over 3 hours to complete and will regenerate your gaming appetite.
COCOON
Another relaxing game, COCOON, is a unique take on the puzzle adventure genre, where each world exists within an orb that you can carry on your back. Wrap your head around the core mechanic of leaping between worlds—and combine, manipulate, and rearrange them to solve intricate puzzles.
Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thieves offers the essential pirate experience. It has everything from sailing and fighting to exploring and looting – it’s all you need to live the pirate life and become a legend in your own right. With no set roles, you have complete freedom to approach the world, and other players, however you choose.
Whether you’re voyaging as a group or sailing solo, you’re bound to encounter other crews in this shared world adventure. But will they be friends or foes, and how will you respond?
Grand Theft Auto 5
For 10 years, GTA 5 has remained one of the best selling games on store shelves – continually topping charts, crossing from the Xbox 360 right through to the Series X|S. It’s now available as part of your Game Pass Ultimate subscription. And with the ongoing support for GTA Online, there is always new content: new heists, cars and outfits.
The storyline is compelling throughout the game. But if you don’t fancy a narrative, you can always go on a rampage through Los Santos city or one of the many rural towns. The game can be enjoyed by simply driving around looking at the world.
A few honorable mentions that I’ll be playing over the next few weeks.
Far Cry 6 – I played this on Stadia back in the day. I’m looking forward to continuing my liberation of Yara from the dictatorship of Anton Castillo. Like other Far Cry titles, the island is huge, beautifully crafted and there is plenty to find.
Vampire Survivors – It’s just (up to) 30 minutes of absolute hectic fun. Pixel graphics are something that I didn’t think I’d like, but absolutely do in this title. It is a perfect look for this game. Especially as the screen can get so busy as the runs continue. There are also custom screen controls which allow me to quickly play on my phone when I have a spare 10 minutes.
What games will you be playing this holiday season and into 2024? Let us know in the comments below.
