Welcome to the first official Xbox OneDualShockers Definitives list! This week has been a hard one for DualShockers staff, thanks to much arguing and nit-picking over which games in the amazing Xbox One library make the Top 10.
If you missed the original post, here is a quick TLDR on what this is all about:
The DualShockers Definitives series is a living list, updated seasonally, where we hash out which ten essential games are must-buys for each platform – the ones we would put in a time capsule today if we were making one. The list is intended to grow over time as new releases take the spotlight or older games age like fine wine.
With all of the introduction out of the way, here are the Top 10 Essential games for the Xbox One (as of Fall 2020):
10. Sea of Thieves
While Rare Studios' return to form endured some rough waters in its first year, the studio has consistently spent 2019 bettering itself, its code, and the pirate experience. Following an Anniversary Update that added standalone PvP and a Story, there is no better time to jump into this massive, open-world pirate game and live out your best swash-buckling life.
Check outthe DualShockers reviewofSea of Thieves; the game (alongsideLimbo) is available for purchaseon Amazon.
9. DOOM (2016)
DOOMholds a special place in the hearts of DualShockers staff – fast paced, high energy, and everything an FPS should be. It’s hard to argue that it shouldn’t be on a Top 10 list for any console, let alone Xbox. DespiteDOOM Eternalbeing a terrific sequel, we think the 2016 reboot is the definitive place to start for anyone new to the console.
Check outthe DualShockers reviewofDOOM; the game is available for purchaseon Amazon.
There just aren’t many games this generation likeRed Dead Redemption 2. While developer Rockstar tends to highlight their accomplishments with theGrand Theft Autoseries,RDR2managed to outpace the wildly popular (and critically acclaimed)Red Dead Redemption– all thanks to heavy lifting from great performances up and down the credits. Few games accomplish as much technically asRed Dead Redemption 2, and it is a game that must be played on Xbox One.
Check outthe DualShockers reviewofForza Horizon 4, or pick up the gamevia Amazon.
7. Forza Horizon 4
There simply is no Top 10 Xbox One games list if there is no mention of theForzaseries, and (while it was a hard divide with the staff) our favorite in the pack isForza Horizon 4. Cutting edge graphics meet arcade gameplay in a way that has been critically well-received by those entirely new to the racing genre, as well as the coreForzafanbase. If you’ve never been one to ‘get’ racing games, this is your entry point – enjoy the unadulterated thrill.
6. Gears 5
Gears 5isn’t just another fantastic installment in one of the best shooting franchises around, it feels like a proper improvement on everything that came before it. We’ve always loved theGearsseries, but it definitely needed to evolve in some way withGears 5. Fortunately, the team at The Coalition delivered just as they needed to.
5. Sunset Overdrive
WhileMarvel’s Spider-Mantakes a top honor onthe Top 10 Essential PS4 Games list, Insomniac wins another place on the Xbox One version – this time with Xbox One-exclusiveSunset Overdrive. It is filled to the brim with crazy weapons (befittingRatchet & Clank), a colorful and interesting open-world, and an irreverent attitude that is reminiscent ofBulletstormorBorderlands. Mix that in with the verticality of a skating game, and the result is a concoction as iconic as the in-game FizzCo brand.
Check outthe DualShockers reviewofSunset Overdrive, or pick up the gamevia Amazon.
4. Titanfall 2
Titanfall 2may be a third-party, multiplatform game but it just feels at home on the Xbox One. Maybe because there is an enthusiastic online community, given the series initially started as an Xbox console exclusive. However, Respawn EntertainmentsTitanfall 2was able to answer most of the concerns of its predecessor: including an engaging, heartfelt offline campaign, a return of the gunplay that made the original so addictive, and level design that wrapped the package up in a neat bow. There are plenty of excellent FPS games on Xbox One, butTitanfall 2is one of the games that tops the list.
Check outthe DualShockers reviewofTitanfall 2, or pick up the gamevia Amazon.
3. Cuphead
Cupheadmay not be for everyone, but everyone will be impressed by it. The project, which is a labor of love from StudioMDHR, is the now-iconic hand-drawn run and gun with art style pulled out of 1930’s animation. Every single boss battle, song, and character in this game is memorable in a way no other games have been able to achieve. While the notable difficulty will likely keep more than a few from actually beating the game, there is just nothing else likeCuphead. Grab it if you haven’t yet on Xbox One.
Check outthe DualShockers reviewofCuphead, or pick up the gamevia Amazon.
2. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
1. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
As it stands, that is our current DualShockers Definitives ranking of the Top 10 games for Xbox One; for an extended rankings chart,verify to check out our dedicated page.
Changes to the List
August 01, 2025:Ori and the Blind Forest(11th),INSIDE(14th), andThe Outer Worlds(15th) fall out of the Top 10 list, andonto the Extended list.Ori and the Will of the Wisps(2nd),Red Dead Redemption 2(8th), andDOOM(9th) are new additions to the list.
Gears 5has moved down the list to 5th (from 1st);Forza Horizon 4has moved down the list to 7th (from 2nd);Sea of Thieveshas moved down the list to 10th (from 7th).
Halo: The Master ChiefCollection has moved up the list to 1st (from 4th);Titanfall 2has moved up the list to 4th (from 10th).
June 24, 2025:The Outer Worlds(9th) andGears 5(1st) are newcomers to the list.Titanfall 2got bumped from 8th to 10th.INSIDEadvanced from 12th to 8th.Sea of Thievesadvanced from 16th to 7th.Sunset Overdriveadvanced from 7th to 5th.Halo: The Mast Chief Collectionadvanced from 10th to 4th.Cupheadgot bumped from 2nd to 3rd.Forza Horizon 4advanced from 12th to 2nd.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt(11th),Halo 5: Guardians(13th),Rare Replay(16th), andMetal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain(18th) all got bumped off the Top 10 list.
