Perhaps more than any other genre, role-playing games offer players a chance to fully immerse themselves in both a world and a story. By taking control of both a character and the quest they must embark on, fans of RPGs can experience the rewarding upward climb of progression.e
RELATED: The Best Games On Xbox Game Pass
Most RPGs tend to be hefty time sinks, but that only goes to show how immersive these titles can be. Luckily for those who own Xbox Game Pass, phenomenal RPG games are available at a moment's notice. Whether someone prefers JRPGs, Western epics, or indie darlings; Microsoft's subscription service has them covered. What are the best RPGs on Game Pass?
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Approximate Game Length
Genre
JRPG, Social Sim
Developer
P-Studio
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
Microsoft Store Page
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox
For the longest time, Persona seemed destined to remain away from Xbox consoles; however, the times are changing. Game Pass subscribers currently have access to three of the greatest turn-based JRPGs of all time, ones that combine for more than 200 hours worth of content. Persona is primarily known for its blend of dungeon crawling and social simulation, a strange mix that works incredibly well in execution.
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Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal are stand-alone titles, meaning players can simply start with any entries that suit their fancy. Naturally, P5R is the most visually impressive game, and its dungeons have far more interesting designs than the more repetitive ones found in its predecessors. That said, story-wise, an argument could be made that both P3P and P4G are superior to their successor, although they all set a high bar. Each Persona is one of the best RPG games on Xbox Game Pass.
Approximate Game Length
20-160 Hours
Genre
Action RPG
Developer
Capcom
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
34.98 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Monster Hunter Rise
Ever since players started hunting monsters, people have questioned whether Capcom's franchise qualifies as an RPG. Monster Hunter Rise might lean heavily into the "action" side of things, but the game has enough role-playing elements to justify a recommendation. Like previous entries in the series, MHR has a simple gameplay loop: kill monsters to collect resources needed to craft better gear required to slay even bigger monsters.
The game has a story, but it is not particularly important and largely serves as a way to chauffer players from one zone to the next. MHR is also intended to be played long after the narrative stops, and the endgame could readily keep someone engaged for hundreds of hours. With 14 weapon types that each control very differently and an extensive roster of hunts, Capcom's title has quite a bit of replay value.
Approximate Game Length
60-80 Hours
Genre
Tactical RPG
Developer
Harebrained Schemes
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
Microsoft Store Page
Shadowrun Trilogy
Three titles for the price of an Xbox Game Pass subscription, this compilation contains Shadowrun Returns, Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut, and Shadowrun: Hong Kong - Extended Edition. These cyberpunk tactical RPGs guide players through mission-based levels that feature solid combat, great stories, and an immersive world.
While the CRPG subgenre can be intimidating for the uninitiated, Shadowrun is one of the more approachable representatives since the games do not have an overabundance of mechanics that need to be memorized. Consequently, this trilogy serves as a good entry point into this style of game.
Approximate Game Length
20-70 Hours
Genre
Turn-Based RPG
Developer
Omocat LLC
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
2.71GB
Microsoft Store Page
Omori
So many RPGmaker games have been released over the years that they tend to blend together; however, once in a while, a project comes out that demands attention. Omori is one such game. This indie RPG follows a group of young friends as they spend their summer vacation in the dream world of the titular boy.
Despite boasting cute and creative visuals, Omori borders on psychological horror at times, and the game touches upon themes of depression and loneliness. A distinctive RPG unlike almost anything else on Xbox Game Pass, this game should not be skipped, and Omori even has multiple endings.
Approximate Game Length
25-45 Hours
Genre
Action RPG
Developer
Team Ninja
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
74.23 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox Series X/S
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty continues Team Ninja's fascination with Souls-likes, and while taking a few ideas from Nioh, the 2023 game is very much its own beast. Set during the Han dynasty in China, Wo Long blends historical figures with supernatural and mythical elements, guiding players through a fairly lengthy campaign that tells an over-the-top but serviceable storyline. Ultimately, these sorts of projects live and die by the strength of their gameplay, something Team Ninja has generally excelled at. In some ways, Wo Long's combat seems like a more streamlined version of Nioh's offering, one that emphasizes deflecting attacks above everything else.
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The latter mechanic serves as the heart of the game's battle system, to the point that the first boss fight is designed to ensure players gain some experience executing deflections. Many Souls-likes include this option, but Wo Long thrives on it; consequently, deflections are relatively forgiving, although they still require skill and mastery. Xbox Game Pass does not have too many full-blown Souls-likes on its roster, and Wo Long is one of the subgenre's more blatant additions. It is fast-paced and generally challenging, while still extending a few aids for people who might need them.
Approximate Game Length
30-80 Hours
Genre
Action RPG
Developer
Ubisoft Montreal
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
49.67 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Assassin's Creed Origins
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox One
Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed has been around since 2007, but 2017's Origins marked a significant turning point in the franchise's run. While previous entries incorporated some elements, Assassin's Creed Origins was the first entry to truly embrace the RPG genre.
Set in Ancient Egypt, this open-world game follows Bayek as he goes on a personal quest for vengeance while also setting up the conflict between the Templars and Assassins. With revamped combat, a respectable progression system, and a gorgeous world, Origins is one of the best RPGs on Game Pass.
Approximate Game Length
N/A
Genre
Sim
Developer
Gameloft SE
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
10.91 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Even though it is in Early Access, Disney Dreamlight Valley already feels like a fully fleshed-out experience that fans of Mickey Mouse will almost certainly adore. This life sim tasks players with building a town and recruiting familiar faces from Disney's beloved animated films, including Pixar characters.
To separate itself from the likes of Animal Crossing, Disney Dreamlight Valley introduces quite a few RPG mechanics to the mix, be it in the form of quests or experience points. They enhance the experience by constantly rewarding players for their actions, providing a sense of progression. Relaxing and lovely, this game is not just for die-hard Disney lovers.
Approximate Game Length
50-100 Hours
Genre
Roguelike Turn-Based RPG
Developer
Red Hook Studios
X|S Enhanced
No
File Size
2.85 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Darkest Dungeon
Darkest Dungeon is a cutthroat game that takes no prisoners. Players inherit a mansion sitting on top of a strange dungeon, so they hire heroes to explore the creepy labyrinth within. Like most RPGs, these characters come in a variety of classes and can be leveled up; unlike most RPGs, death is permanent in Darkest Dungeon. There is nothing quite as infuriating as watching a powerful hero meet their maker, never to be seen again.
Red Hook's game uses a turn-based combat system that centers around parties of four characters. While exploring the dungeon, players have to monitor the heroes' stress levels along with a myriad of other mechanics. It is quite a challenge.
Approximate Game Length
20-30 Hours
Genre
Adventure RPG
Developer
Pixpil
X|S Enhanced
No
File Size
1.22 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Eastward
Eastward takes inspiration from classics like The Legend of Zelda, and it does justice to them. Pixpil's game follows the non-vocal John and the talkative Sam as they are banished from their underground home and forced to go to the surface. Once there, they start a journey to find a place they can call home, which is easier said than done due to Miasma. Along the way, the lovable leads visit a myriad of places and help out a bunch of people, while completing the odd puzzle here and there.
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Eastward lives and dies on the strength of its core relationship. Polar opposites in many ways, Sam and John complement each other beautifully, and this goes beyond just the narratives. Players control both characters, who each come with their own abilities and uses. This adventure is only possible because John and Sam are together.
Approximate Game Length
20-40 Hours
Genre
Turn-Based JRPG
Developer
Matthias Linda
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
1.09 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Chained Echoes
Chained Echoes is a throwback to classic 16-bit JRPGs that dominated the scene during the '90s. Nowadays, these sorts of projects are relatively common, but few titles manage to reach the heights seen by this 2022 release. Chained Echoes is set in Valandis, a continent divided by three warring kingdoms. Following the use of a powerful superweapon, the nations sign a peace treaty, but not everyone plans to honor this agreement. Players take control of a group of characters who seek to keep war at bay, a journey that will reveal some rather dark secrets.
Chained Echoes' art style is stunning, and it is a good fit for the story being told. While taking inspiration from old-school JRPGs, the game is not afraid to shake things up. Chained Echoes opts against using traditional experience points, instead building progression on upgradable skills and crafting. This decision means that grinding is not much of a factor, so players can prioritize the story. The turn-based combat system also throws in a unique concept in the form of an Overdrive bar that impacts the player's performance depending on its state.
Approximate Game Length
30-45 Hours
Genre
Turn-Based JRPG
Developer
Atlus
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
19.27 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Soul Hackers 2
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox Series X/S
Soul Hackers 2 is the closest thing to a mainline Shin Megami Tensei on Game Pass, and the JRPG contains many of the standard elements associated with Atlus' franchise. Unlike Persona, Soul Hackers 2 focuses almost exclusively on dungeons, although the campaign is fairly character-driven when compared to Shin Megami Tensei 5. Like those properties and games, Soul Hackers 2 utilizes a turn-based battle system revolving around targeting an enemy's weak points; more importantly, the protagonist can recruit demons to fight for their side.
Even if it does not reach the heights of Game Pass' Persona titles, Soul Hackers 2 is still a confident and enjoyable game created by a company that has been perfecting turn-based JRPGs for decades. People who just want an experience that prioritizes battles are likely to enjoy this title.
Approximate Game Length
15-30 Hours
Genre
Story-Driven Isometric RPG
Developer
inXile Entertainment
X|S Enhanced
No
File Size
7.03 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Torment: Tides of Numenera
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox One
Inspired by Planescape: Torment, one of the all-time great RPGs, Torment: Tides of Numenera is a unique beast since it emphasizes dialogue above everything else. This is a story-focused game that casts players as a lowly being who is simply striving to survive, an ambition that sees them form relationships with an array of companions.
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Most of the campaign revolves around reading text and exploring some widely creative locations, with battles occasionally sprinkled in for good measure. As the writing is top-notch throughout, Tides of Numenera manages to weave a fascinating and gripping tale.
Approximate Game Length
N/A
Genre
MMORPG
Developer
Pearl Abyss
X|S Enhanced
No
File Size
70.96 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Black Desert
Debuting on PC in 2014, Black Desert Online is steadily approaching its 10-year anniversary, although the Xbox One version only came out in 2019. MMORPGs are the definition of a time-sink, and once they plunge their claws into a player, they tend to keep them there. Black Desert is not an exception, and the action-oriented game is simply overflowing with content. Frankly, if someone decides to dive into this title, it will be the only RPG on Game Pass they play for months.
Black Desert highlights a few of the MMORPG genre's more frustrating elements like over-reliance on grinding and microtransactions, but it also represents the category at its best. The combat system is fast-paced and highly enjoyable, and it is backed by a deep class system that provides a lot of wiggle room for builds. Despite its age, the game is also gorgeous.
Approximate Game Length
50-175 Hours
Genre
Simulation
Developer
ConcernedApe
X|S Enhanced
No
File Size
1.38 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Stardew Valley
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox One
Launching in 2016 and added in December 2021 to Xbox Game Pass, Stardew Valley has blossomed into one of gaming's most enduring farming sims. The indie game comes packed with so much content and freedom that two people could wind up having completely different experiences. Whether planning out a year's worth of farming or sparking a romance with one of the NPCs, Stardew Valley is incredibly immersive.
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Offering endearing visuals, expansive customization options, and a lot to discover, this game will keep somebody playing for months on end. For those looking for a title that doesn't prioritize combat but is still quite challenging in places, Stardew Valley is a stellar pick.
Approximate Game Length
40-100 Hours
Genre
Action RPG
Developer
TaleWorlds Entertainment
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
45.85 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox Series X/S
Bannerlord is ambitious. TaleWorlds' project blends action RPG elements with strategy mechanics, crafting an experience that is quite unlike anything else on the market. Players start from nothing as they steadily build their mercenary group, eventually seeking to take over land and spread their influence.
Mount & Blade 2 can be overwhelming, particularly for people who did not play the previous games. However, it might be able to scratch an itch that no other title on Game Pass can reach.
Approximate Game Length
8-15 Hours
Genre
Action RPG
Developer
Acid Nerve
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
3 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Death's Door
January 2022 has been a fantastic month for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, particularly those who love indie RPGs. Death's Door is a must-play for Legend of Zelda fans, delivering an adventure packed with discovery, excitement, epic boss battles, and unique dungeons. Boasting a rewarding but difficult combat system, Death's Door maintains a steady, gripping pace throughout its campaign, which also does not overstay its welcome. Do not ignore this one.
Approximate Game Length
5-8 Hours
Genre
Turn-based RPG
Developer
Double Fine Productions
X|S Enhanced
No
File Size
1.03 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Costume Quest
A charming Halloween-themed RPG, Costume Quest is imaginative and endearing, which is to be expected from Double Fine. While two siblings are out trick or treating, one of them is abducted by a monster; naturally, the remaining child must go on a quest to rescue their stolen family member. Along the way, they unlock new costumes that will inspire their combat style during battles.
Costume Quest has charming visuals that perfectly suit the Halloween setting, and the game's battle system presents a fun twist on classes and jobs. As this RPG is short and relatively easy, it is a great pick for young players taking their first steps into the genre.
Costume Quest 2 is also on Xbox Game Pass.
Approximate Game Length
40-80 Hours
Genre
Turn-Based RPG
Developer
inXile Entertainment
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
13.59 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Wasteland 3
All three Wasteland games are available on Xbox Game Pass, and each one improves on the last. Wasteland 3 is a challenging strategy turn-based RPG reminiscent of classic Fallout titles, and it comes with a dark sense of humor and a desire to constantly challenge players with difficult decisions.
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A deep and flexible combat system should keep the game feeling fresh throughout its considerable length, while Wasteland 3's story and world-building are second to none. Co-op is also possible for those who want to travel through Colorado with a friend.
Approximate Game Length
12-25 Hours
Genre
Action RPG
Developer
Lionhead Studios
X|S Enhanced
No
File Size
8.38 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Fable 2
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox 360
Released in 2008, Fable 2 returns players to the wonderful world of Albion. All three games in the series have their positives and negatives, but Fable 2 is the most complete and satisfying experience in the trilogy. Players roam an enchanting realm as they set out to carve their own paths and highlight their unique quirks. Albion reacts to the player's actions, developing to match the choices made throughout the adventure.
Fable 2 takes place in a living, breathing world that empowers users but also doesn't forget the deeds (or misdeeds) they perform. Although not amazing, the real-time combat system is serviceable and offers enough variety to remain engaging throughout the campaign.
Fable and Fable 3 are also on Xbox Game Pass.
Approximate Game Length
60-150 Hours
Genre
Turn-Based RPG
Developer
Obsidian Entertainment
X|S Enhanced
No
File Size
22.72 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire - Ultimate Edition
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox One
Obsidian Entertainment is firmly established as a leading developer in the RPG sphere, and Pillars of Eternity might be the company's crowning achievement. Both entries in the series rank among the best role-playing games on Xbox Game Pass, but Deadfire gets the nod since it saw the franchise grow out of its Baldur's Gate roots into something more singular.
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A pirate-themed adventure, this isometric RPG gives players a ship and a crew to sail the ocean, allowing them to visit a multitude of islands and take part in naval battles throughout their journey. The story is solid, but Deadfire shines the brightest in its combat, customization, and sense of discovery.
Pillars of Eternity: Complete Edition is also on Xbox Game Pass.
Approximate Game Length
40-100 Hours
Genre
Action JRPG
Developer
Level-5
X|S Enhanced
Released on X|S
File Size
44.43 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered
Originally released as a PS3 exclusive, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch has steadily made its way to other ecosystems, including an Xbox debut in September 2022. Level-5's action JRPG tells the story of Oliver, a young child who loses his mother and winds up traveling to a fantasy realm filled with heartbroken people. To fix things, Oliver goes on a journey that involves making a few companions, collecting monsters known as Familiars, and traveling to gorgeous and unique cities.
Featuring cutscenes by Studio Ghibli, Wrath of the White Witch matches stunning visuals with strong and emotive writing. The combat system can be a bit frustrating, but the game's positives far outweigh its negatives.
Approximate Game Length
40-100 Hours
Genre
Action JRPG
Developer
Level-5
X|S Enhanced
No
File Size
30.94 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Ni no Kuni 2: The Revenant Kingdom
Added to Xbox Game Pass in 2023, Ni no Kuni 2: The Revenant Kingdom is not simply a retread of its predecessor. Level-5's JRPG features reasonably different combat and also completely removes the Pokemon-like monster-taming system; consequently, people who did not like Wrath of the White Witch might still enjoy its sequel, particularly if they appreciate hack and slash action similar to something like the Tales franchise. Even though it struggles to match the whimsy and heart of its more decorated older sibling, The Revenant Kingdom still succeeds in telling a gripping story filled with memorable characters. Visually, the game looks gorgeous, and Level-5 did an impressive job of replicating Studio Ghibli's aesthetic for the cutscenes.
As The Revenant Kingdom has very few direct ties to its predecessor, newcomers can jump straight into the sequel without feeling like they are missing out. It is arguably more satisfying to play than Wrath of the White Witch, although both rank among the best JRPGs on Xbox Game Pass.
Approximate Game Length
20-60 Hours
Genre
Action RPG
Developer
Monolith Productions
X|S Enhanced
No
File Size
98.92 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Middle-earth: Shadow Of War
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox One
Middle-earth: Shadow of War did not enjoy the most glowing of debuts, courtesy of a grind-heavy final act that pushed players to spend cash. Those microtransactions were eventually removed, and the game is in a much better place these days. Building upon Shadow of Mordor's foundations, Shadow of War is an action-heavy romp through The Lord of the Rings universe.
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A massive map and a fun combat system that progresses nicely as new abilities unlock are both great selling points, but Shadow of War's crowning achievement is its nemesis system, which allows Talion to build rivalries with Orcs. This system makes each playthrough feel adaptive and unique, and few things in gaming are as satisfying as a player finally besting an Orc who had their number up to that point.
Approximate Game Length
60-80 Hours
Genre
Real-Time RPG
Developer
BioWare
X|S Enhanced
No
File Size
7.08 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Dragon Age: Origins
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox 360
The addition of EA Play to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate brought with it plenty of great RPGs, including some of the best trilogies in gaming. Dragon Age: Origins is the definition of an epic; a grandiose adventure filled with political intrigue, narrative depth, complex combat, and unforgettable characters.
The game is at its best on PC, but the Xbox 360 version is perfectly playable. The sequels are also worth checking out, but Dragon Age arguably peaked with its first entry, setting a standard that few fantasy RPGs have come close to replicating.
Dragon Age 2 and Dragon Age: Inquisition are also on Xbox Game Pass.
Approximate Game Length
45-70 Hours
Genre
Turn-Based JRPG
Developer
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
47.78 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox
There are more than a few well-established JRPG franchises, but the genre received a surprising addition when Yakuza: Like a Dragon was released. Replacing its traditional beat-'em-up combat with a turn-based battle system, Like a Dragon pushes the Yakuza license in an exciting new direction while paying tribute to classic properties like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.
With a new protagonist and setting, this entry is a great starting point for newcomers to the series, and it is a must-play for anyone who liked the stories but hated the gameplay of previous Yakuza games.
Approximate Game Length
100+ Hours
Genre
Third-Person Shooter RPG
Developer
BioWare
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
93.83 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox One
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate owners have access to the full Mass Effect franchise. If they prefer, they can jump into the original Xbox 360 versions. These hold up reasonably well, particularly the sequels; however, Mass Effect Legendary Edition is the best way to experience Commander Shepard's story in this day and age. The package contains remastered versions of BioWare's classic trilogy, and the compilation also includes most of the DLC.
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Beyond a facelift, the Legendary Edition revamps the original Mass Effect game quite extensively, bringing it more in line with the content and gameplay of its sequels. These changes make the trilogy a more consistent overall experience. Each entry is fantastic in its own right, and when combined, Mass Effect makes one of the best video game trilogies of all time.
Mass Effect: Andromeda is also on Xbox Game Pass. While not as good as the trilogy, it is still decent.
Approximate Game Length
25-100 Hours
Genre
RPG
Developer
Obsidian Entertainment
X|S Enhanced
No
File Size
5.51 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Fallout: New Vegas
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox 360
All the main 3D Fallout games are on Xbox Game Pass, and they each offer something that sets them apart from their siblings. Fallout 76's multiplayer-focused design provides longevity, while Fallout 4 fine-tunes the gunplay to deliver a streamlined but enjoyable campaign.
If someone is specifically seeking an RPG, Fallout: New Vegas is almost unquestionably the pick of the bunch, and Obsidian's game has aged well in the areas that matter the most (writing and world-building). Its gameplay has always been quite clunky, but it does not take anything away from the title's impeccable storytelling and quests. Newcomers to the franchise should consider starting with this entry.
Approximate Game Length
15-35 Hours
Genre
Top-Down RPG
Developer
Interplay Entertainment
File Size
2.18 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Fallout
Xbox Game Pass has the 3D Fallout games, but anyone yearning to get the full package will need to pick up a PC Game Pass subscription. Along with the modern releases, PC Game Pass has Fallout, Fallout 2, and Fallout Tactics, all of which are highly regarded games in their own right. While Bethesda's era has produced the most popular entries in the series, some fans might argue that Fallout and its immediate sequel are the franchise's strongest RPGs.
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The original Fallout was groundbreaking in 1997, delivering complex writing and systems that encouraged player choice and experimentation. The Wasteland is a harrowing and devastatingly punishing world that chews out all but the most adaptable survivors. Fallout 2 is just as great as its predecessor, but newcomers should start with the first game before jumping into its sequel.
Approximate Game Length
20-60 Hours
Genre
Shooter RPG
Developer
People Can Fly
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
106.85 GB
Microsoft Store Page
Outriders
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox Series X/S
Receiving a mixed reception upon release, Outriders has enough rough edges to put off at least a few new players; however, People Can Fly's shooter can be fun in the right circumstances. Single-player runs are supported and fine, but this game is intended to be played in co-op. Outriders has four classes, each of which comes with unique skills that differentiate them from their peers. While the individual classes have some flexibility to them, players are tied to a role once they select it; consequently, co-op opens up a world of possibilities as it allows parties to sync their builds.
Outriders is a third-person shooter with a focus on loot. Although these projects tend to be defined by their endgames, the 2021 release does have a reasonably lengthy campaign that, while far from brilliant, is fairly decent. The gameplay is somewhat similar to the later Mass Effect projects, albeit with a bit more jank. Although far from the best RPG on Game Pass, Outriders should be able to keep someone entertained for a few weeks.
Approximate Game Length
15-30 Hours
Genre
Shooter RPG
Developer
Obsidian Entertainment
X|S Enhanced
No
File Size
53.75 GB
Microsoft Store Page
The Outer Worlds
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox One
The balancing act that is The Outer Worlds carries all the calling cards that developer Obsidian is known for, walking the tightrope between meaty mechanical depth and expert storytelling in fine fashion. After being plucked from an ill-fated colony ship by liberty-loving fugitive Phineas Welles, players have an impressive amount of agency in deciding their narrative impact on the colonies and how they make it - whether by big guns, big words, or big brains.
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The atmosphere of Halcyon is beautifully sardonic and darkly humorous, making even the heavy-handed social commentary of Fallout: New Vegas blush when compared to its hilarious corporate caricatures. Try the Saltuna while you're passing through.
Approximate Game Length
30-100 Hours
Genre
Open-World RPG
Developer
Bethesda Game Studios
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
29.77 GB
Microsoft Store Page
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Special Edition
Amazon Listing Page
Xbox One
Skyrim has essentially ruled the open-world RPG roost since its unsubtle and highly-anticipated release in 2011 - that alone should be enough to showcase its necessity for any RPG enthusiast's repertoire. While it can be safely accused of shedding the deeper mechanical complexities of its predecessors, the cold fact of the matter is that Bethesda did more than a few things right.
Skyrim preserves the franchise's legacy of beautifully designed open worlds filled with enough content to keep even the most dedicated gamers busy for years while expanding the scope of its audience exponentially. It's practically gaming's equivalent to required reading at this point, and it's not hard to see why.
Morrowind and Elder Scrolls Online are also on Xbox Game Pass.
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