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Best Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Games: Must-Play Titles

Thinking about jumping into Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? Here are some of the best games you can expect to be able to play.


The value-priced instant game download platform Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is home to over 100 Xbox titles. That includes first-party exclusives and third-party hits that can run anywhere from $20 or less to full price at $60.

The service itself is a fantastic value, as you only need to pay $14.99 per month to access this vast library of games, all for free. You can download whatever game you want from the catalogue and play it to your heart's content. You can choose Xbox Game Pass or the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which comes with access to the PC version of Xbox Game Pass for just $15 -- so for $5 more, you can play on both your Xbox console or PC. Plus, there are different games on both Xbox Game Pass Ultimate due to the PC selection available.

Grab an Arctis 9X and some free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate while you're at it.

Though there are different games rotated onto the service from time to time, there are plenty of titles available to suit just about any taste. And right now, buying another piece of your favorite SteelSeries gear means getting Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for free. All you need to do is buy an Arctis 9X headset, and you'll get a free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($14.99 value) for free. This applies to new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate customers only, but if you've been jonesing for a reason to try it out, this is your sign.

If you're planning on joining Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, here are some can't miss games to try out first.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Arthur and one of the Van der Linde Gang take part in a robbery.Source: Rockstar Games

Rockstar Games’ massive Western tale is one of the best the developer has ever released. Ride off into the sunset as you take on the role of outlaw Arthur Morgan as he runs with the Van der Linde Gang and their persnickety leader, Dutch, throughout a vision of the Old West. It’s a prequel to the original Red Dead Redemption, which debuted the previous console generation, and it expands and improves upon the first game in nearly every way. Plus, it features a completely free online portion that opens up an astounding amount of content after the story is complete. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll wonder when the third game is coming.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Geralt of Rivia exploring the lush greenery around him.Source: CD Projekt RED

Jump into what many hail as one of the greatest RPGs ever made with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. CD Projekt RED's comprehensive adventure follows Geralt of Rivia as he sets off on the third journey in a trilogy, and where this story takes you, you'll never be able to imagine. It's a sword-fighting, magic-filled fantasy with romance, intrigue, and enough lore to keep you interested for dozens of hours. Plus, there's DLC. Get hype for Cyberpunk 2077, the studio's upcoming title, by exploring everything there is to see in this breathtaking role-playing game.

Mass Effect

The character menu from Mass Effect with Shepard waiting to be customized.Source: Electronic Arts

Play the space odyssey that propelled this franchise into superstardom with the first entry on Xbox Game Pass. Become Commander Shepard as he grapples with a threat to humanity and travels across the universe recruiting team members, making friends, and even falling in love. Space combat, branching decision paths, and endearing characters will keep you playing throughout the entire trilogy, and you'll wonder where these games have been all your life. Jump into Mass Effect and you'll see why these are Commander Shepard's favorite space RPGs on the Citadel.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Two red Spartan players antagonize another character from their Warthog in Halo multiplayer.Source: Xbox Game Studios

Ever wanted to have access to most of the Halo games in one place? That's what Halo: The Master Chief Collection nets you. Play through Halo 1, 2, 3, 4, Halo: Reach, and all the multiplayer you can handle for some nostalgic throwback game time. With Halo Infinite on the way for the Xbox Series X in the near future, you can prepare for the next chapter in the Halo saga without having to spend even an extra cent. This may be the most value-packed addition to Xbox Game Pass yet.

Yakuza 0

Kazuma Kiryu is absolutely decking a street thug while looking cool doing it.Source: Sega

You've never played a game quite like Yakuza 0. This raucous entry to the series finds you taking on the role of yakuza Kazuma Kiryu, who's tough when the situation calls for it, but has a heart of gold. As you hit the streets of Kamurocho to follow a dramatic narrative, you can stop to pick fights with street thugs, hit up karaoke, play at the arcade, check out the miniature slot car races, or just marvel at the game's impeccable details. You owe it to yourself to get started with the Yakuza games.

Which Xbox Game Pass Ultimate titles are you most enamored with? You've got plenty more to discover now that Microsoft owns Bethesda. We'll be sure to update this list accordingly.


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