Best Xbox exclusives you need to own

This list brings together the best Xbox exclusives available across Xbox console generations.

Now, before we continue, it's worth noting that most, if not all, Xbox exclusives are also on PC right now. However, below we've brought together the list of titles that aren't on any other family of consoles. But this rule also means that this ranking does have a habit of changing since Microsoft has been making more and more of its releases multiplatform in the last few years, with the likes of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, and Avowed and more landing on PS5. Still, there are plenty to enjoy, and during the Xbox Games Showcase June 2026 event, Gears of War E-Day was confirmed to be one of the big new games landing this year that will be an Xbox exclusive.

Another upcoming Xbox Series X exclusive is Clockwork Revolution. So despite a rocky road and more layoffs, there is still plenty of reason to look ahead (for now). But while we wait for new arrivals, read on to find all of the best Xbox exclusives currently available.

Best Xbox exclusives

13. Rhythm Doctor

Rhythm Doctor released back in 2025, and it is one of the most challenging and narratively well-thought-out rhythm games that you can play on Xbox. The game has you playing as an intern at a hospital, doing all your work remotely through a screen. That's fine, though, since you are working on a new treatment for patients that involves using a defibrillator in time with heartbeats, which you can control with a button.

Timing is key as you work to cure your patients, and trust me, it gets tricky fast as the game isn't afraid to throw loops, have you keep track of multiple patients simultaneously, and mess with the established flow that you may have gotten used to on a dime. The song changes all make sense story-wise, though, and honestly, it's a joy to play through such a well-thought-out and well-tied-together experience…even if it did make me feel tone-deaf at certain points.

12. 33 Immortals

33 Immortals is currently out on Xbox Series X in game preview, which is the name for Early Access on the console, but it's one Xbox console exclusive that's worth trying out if you're after a co-op experience. As an action-roguelike that's made for 33 players, you take on the role of a damned soul who's trying to rebel against God's final judgement.

With massive bosses to try and defeat as a mortal who's been deemed sinful, you'll be fighting for your very soul as you progress your skills and work together with a swath of other players to emerge victorious. With MMO-like raids to boot, it'll be interesting see how the game changes over time, but early signs are promising.

11. Forza Horizon 6

While Forza Horizon 6 will soon hit the road on PS5 just like its predecessor Forza Horizon 5 did, it's currently a timed Xbox console exclusive that you can get behind the wheel of. Set in Playground Games' take on Japan, it boasts the biggest map yet, and it's absolutely stuffed full of things to see and do.

Driving is an absolute joy, too, with impressively realized vehicles that you'll want to zip around. Playing as a tourist who gets stuck into the Forza Horizon festival as a amateur driver, the campaign shifts gears a little, and the creative community and social features standout. If you're keen to learn more, check out our Forza Horizon 6 review.

10. Quantum Break

It might've overextended a bit with its experimental TV tie-in elements, but Xbox One exclusive Quantum Break from Remedy Entertainment (makers of Max Payne and Alan Wake) has moments where its mix of third-person shooting and temporal powers really soars.

As Jack Joyce, you've stumbled into time-manipulating godhood just in time for a thrilling action yarn worthy of the big screen. It's worth playing Quantum Break just for those moments when you've trapped enemies in a prism-like stasis bubble, peppered them with soon-to-be-unfrozen bullets, then warp-dashed over to another baddie for a melee takedown, all in the span of a few seconds. Talk about badass. Check out our Quantum Break review for more details.

9. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

You can't really say you've owned an Xbox unless you've played at least one Halo game. It's the series that cemented the console's gaming credentials, and for that reason, Halo: The Master Chief Collection is pretty damn near essential.

The main draw here is the chance to play through four of the Xbox's most formative games in their best possible versions - the early games are remade with improved graphics, there are frame rate boosts, re-done hi-res cutscenes, and more. Everything's brought up to a modern standard, remastering and reinvigorating the classics. If, for some reason, you're still unsure about adding one of the best shooters to your library, read our Halo: Masterchief Collection review.

8. Sunset Overdrive

You might know Insomniac as the studio that brought us Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PS5, but did you know it also made one of the wildest Xbox exclusives on this list? Sunset Overdrive is an open-world, Jet Set Radio-style metropolis bursting with color and a healthy dose of punk rock attitude, letting you pull off some spectacularly absurd feats of mass destruction.

Whether you're launching bowling bowls, fireworks, or explosive teddy bears while mowing down hordes of mutants, robots, and bizarre gang members, grinding along telephone poles with your physics-defying sneakers, Sunset Overdrive is such a blast that its attempts at edgy humor can be almost forgiven. If you want off-the-rails fun, this one's for you.

7. Forza Motorsport 7

Despite being sadly delisted from sales in 2021, Forza Motorsport 7 speaks to the first time Forza truly perfected its racing formula. Everything is as flawless as those 4K visuals with better AI, improved handling, more substantial collisions - everything you need to make the cars all feel superb.

It all combines to deliver an experience that's both realistic and fun, as long as you don't mind working for it, as some of the progression can be a little demanding as you try to collect cars and win events to get ever further. But, even though there's a hint of grind, this is still one of the best racing games not currently available (though definitely still playable if you own a copy yourself). Check out our five-star Forza Motorsport 7 review for more.

6. State of Decay 2

With State of Decay 3 coming soon, now's your chance to check out why State of Decay 2 cemented the series as one of the best Xbox exclusive franchises ever. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where zombies run rampant, it's up to you and your fellow survivors to build a new life for yourselves.

With its nail-biting blend of survival crafting and third-person action, State of Decay 2 is one of the most thrilling homegrown Xbox games for anyone looking for a layered action-adventure with plenty of bite and huge replay potential. The Xbox version comes furnished with DLC and other key updates to elevate the experience, making Undead's finest one of the best zombie games to take advantage of right now. Check out our State of Decay 2 review to see why we love it.

5. Halo Infinite

Halo Infinite might have been years in the making, with some Craig-sized bumps along the way, but by the time it finally hit consoles, fans were rightly wowed by the game's focused and compelling multiplayer alongside the vast open-world that shakes up Halo's single-player story.

Not only does this feel like the most vital Halo since 2010's Halo Reach, but the addition of the grapple hook gives Chief a pleasing maneuverability that makes firefights even more satisfyingly chaotic. After several years in the wilderness, Master Chief is finally back in top form. Read our Halo Infinite review for more details.

4. Gears 5

Following straight on from the events of Gears of War 4, Gears 5 – as it is now simply called – focuses on the story of Kait Diaz. Struggling to come to terms with the death of her mother, Kait is now focused on finding out more about her past after, in her mother's last moments, she's passed a necklace that bears the Locust Horde icon.

All the old favorites are back, too, of course, from Marcus Fenix to his son JD, and it's all in for a brilliant Gears experience. It's not just limited to single-player or brilliant co-op story moments, though, as there's an extensive multiplayer component to the game, too, ranging from PvP frays to a glorious horde mode that literally keeps on giving. For more information, you can read our Gears 5 review.

3. Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

Skyrim's jankier, equally beloved older brother Morrowind is holding down the fort as a classic Xbox exclusive that has never crossed the PlayStation pond.

Yes, it's dated. Yes, you'll probably be frustrated by that fact when you come face to face with its clunkier controls. But Morrowind's adventure through Tamriel still stands out as one of the most definitive RPG experiences of all time, and if you've already polished off Oblivion Remastered, you'll want to at least give it a go on Game Pass. It's rude not to. Check out our glowing The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind review for our thoughts on this old-school Bethesda offering back in 2006

2. The Witcher 2: Assassin of Kings

Releasing on the Xbox 360 as a console exclusive, The Witcher 2: Assassin of Kings is still very much worth playing via backwards compatibility. Spinning an engrossing follow-up to Geralt's original PC adventure, you get caught up in the Assassination of King Foltest and is falsely accused. Before long, you find yourself in pursuit of the real Kingslayer and are drawn into conflicts between factions in the dark fantasy setting.

Eventually, you'll have to decide where your loyalties lie and what faction you'll align with. The many memorable questlines, both in and out of the main storyline, still makes this entry stand out, even if the combat is much improved in The Witcher 3.

1. Fable 2 

When we talk about the best RPG games of all time, Fable 2 always comes up in conversation. Developed by Lionhead Studios, in Fable 2, you can be any type of hero you want to be... if you're prepared for the consequences.

Every action you take in this game matters, as a morality system follows your every move. So, as your character works to save the world from destruction, keep in mind all the witnesses! If you love role-playing and fantasy settings full of whimsy and humor, then this is the game for you. Check out our throwback Fable 2 review for more details on this classic.

Still rocking your last-gen console? Check out the best Xbox One games to play next.