2020 is nearly at a close and with it will begin the sunsetting of the Xbox One that will open up the spotlight for Microsoft’s next-gen console. Whether you’re one of the lucky few with a secured pre-order for a Series X or you’re not looking to adopt early, there are some solid titles to experience before moving on.
In this article, we’re outlining the top 10 Xbox One games you can play in 2020 to close off this console generation.
Gears 5
- Experience the continuation of the Gears of War stories and follow Kait Diaz as she journeys to learn more about her Locust origins.
- Play through an ambitious campaign that introduces vehicles, open-world exploration to the series as well as enhancements to its dynamic cover-based combat.
- Test your skills in the game’s myriad of multiplayer modes, including a revamped Horde Mode and an intense co-op experience called Escape.
Gears 5 is the latest in the critically acclaimed third-person Gears of War series. In this action-packed title, the highly praised intense cover-based combat returns with new mechanics, a continuation of the familiar GoW story, and, of course, the satisfying and adrenaline-filled multiplayer its predecessors were known for. Gears 5 boasts some of the best graphical fidelity you can find on the Xbox One. It also mixes the brutally bloody gun combat with vehicles and open-world exploration.
Doom Eternal
- Take on hordes of gruesome demonic enemies with godlike abilities and satisfying weapons.
- Rip and tear through inferno-wrapped levels from ruined Earth cities to ancient Martian landscapes.
- Use your Doom Slayer abilities or take control of a massive demon in a brand-new asymmetric multiplayer experience.
The Doom Slayer returns for another high-octane round of ripping and tearing through demons of all shapes and sizes. Doom Eternal takes the non-stop combat of its 2016 predecessor and dials it up to 11 with new weapons, a revamped skill system and intense challenges that will make you feel like the ultimate badass. The latest iteration of the legendary series is a worthy successor to the Doom legacy boasting some of the most brutal and fast-paced first-person combat money can buy.
Forza Horizon 4
- Experience an open shared world racing world where you’ll be facing off against real players.
- Get behind the wheel of some of the greatest, state-of-the-art real-world cars and experience intense arcade-style racing.
- Test your driving skills in a variety of racing modes and perform crazy stunts against your friends and pick-up groups.
Arcade racing redefined. Playground Games’ Forza series takes high-speed motorsports to the next level with Horizon 4. In this stunning racer, you’ll drive some of the greatest, flashiest cars through a stunningly designed reimagining of Great Britain as you take on a host of different challenges to test your driver’s mettle. Forza Horizon 4, one of the best Xbox One games, is a multiplayer shared world arcade racing experience where you’ll constantly be going head-to-head against real players from around the world.
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Experience an open-world wild west world filled with missions and activities to live your cowboy dreams.
- Play through an intense and complex narrative where every decision you make matters.
- Live the world of Red Dead Redemption in through its online shared world mode and engage with other players either cooperatively or competitively.
The pinnacle of open-world action games and one of the best Xbox One games on the market, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game you shouldn’t pass up. The game’s story is a prequel to its critically acclaimed predecessors. You step in the shoes of the compelling Arthur Morgan and throughout his journey, you’ll be regularly faced with a choice between doing what’s right or demonstrating your fielty to your gang. RDR 2 will immerse you in a stunningly built Wild West world where you’ll ride horses, take on missions and engage in gunfights and duels that will make the best of westerns blush.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Experience a heart-wrenching story through a uniquely crafted narratively driven platformer.
- Explore a mysterious and stunning world filled with secrets.
- Enjoy a superbly composed tone-setting soundtrack you’ll want to listen to on repeat.
The sequel to one of 2015’s best indie games, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a beautifully crafted adventure you won’t want to miss. Touted as one of the best Metroidvania-style platformers of the last decade, the Ori series boasts both gorgeous 2D artwork and challenging gameplay which you can tailor to your liking.
The Outer Worlds
- Play the “Fallout” game you’ve been craving with an engaging world and narrative you’ll want to fully explore.
- Choose from tons of options to build your character as well as craft a variety of weapons and equipment to fit your desired playstyle.
- Experience a brand-new sci-fi world from one of the most critically acclaimed action RPG developers.
Fallout 4 hasn’t quite scratched the open-world action RPG itch? The Outer Worlds has you covered. From Obsidian Entertainment, makers of the hit Fallout title, New Vegas, comes a brand new IP that takes all of what you loved about the older Fallouts and enhances makes it better. Explore a vast alien world and engage with its denizens with real decisions and tons of items to craft.
Borderlands 3
- Play through a lighthearted first-person shooter that doesn’t take itself too seriously in both gameplay and narrative.
- Discover an endless shower of insanely whacky and fun guns, and enjoy swapping your loadout frequently.
- Experience one of the best co-op multiplayer games with up to 3 three friends online.
Do you like guns? How about tons upon tons of guns? Borderlands 3 has so many guns your head will spin. The Vault Hunters and Handsome Jack go up against each other for another loot-filled romp of epic proportions. With a brand-new set of unique characters to play and tons of weapons to try out, you’ll find yourself addicted in no time.
Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order
- Play through the single-player narrative that EA claimed wasn’t what you wanted in a unique story set in the galaxy far far away.
- Challenge your Jedi skills against powerful foes in stamina-based combat inspired by From Software’s titles.
- Use the Force to both fight enemies and solve puzzles as you unravel the secret to rebuilding the Jedi order.
The latest Star Wars single-player title is also one of the must-have Xbox One games. Jedi Fall Order, developed by Respawn of Titanfall fame, draws heavy inspiration from Dark Souls combat to deliver power fantasy levels of combat on top of the developer’s trademark parkour-base gameplay.
Devil May Cry 5
- Take control of Nero, Dante and newcomer V, each with his own unique demon-slaying playstyle.
- Experience a fast-paced action story that rivals even the most classic of Hollywood action flicks.
- Slay demons with the tried-and-tested signature DMC combo-based gameplay and show off how badass you are.
2019’s sequel to the legendary high-flying demon hunter action series takes everything great about the titles that came before it to new heights. Nero and Dante are joined by newcomer V in another intense demon-slaying adventure filled with fast-paced combo-based combat and hard rock tunes.
Sea of Thieves
- Explore a vast sea on your very own pirate ship in search of adventure.
- Take on a variety of pirate-themed adventures where looting and plundering is the name of the game.
- Sail the dangerous seas with your friends and make your own fun in this vastly open-ended pirate experience.
Yo ho ho, is the pirate’s life for you? It better be, because Sea of Thieves is one of the most unique Xbox One games to date. In this open-world high seas multiplayer romp, you and your buddies can sail the seas while you plunder, loot and hunt for treasure. This game has come a long way since its initial launch in 2018 with tons of content and activities to keep you busy.