Best Backwards Compatible Games On Xbox Series X | S:
- 1-5 Must-Play Xbox Original Games
- 5-10 Must-Play Xbox Original Games
- 1-5 Must-Play Xbox 360 Games
- 5-10 Must-Play Xbox 360 Games
- 1-5 Must-Play Xbox One Games
- 5-10 Must-Play Xbox One Games
Must-Play Backwards Compatible Games | Xbox One
Halo: Master Chief Collection [FPS | AVAILABLE On The Game Pass]
This is the no-brainer. If you wondered why I didn’t put Halo on this list yet — this is the real why. While the MCC isn’t perfect, it does include practically every title in the series. My personal favorite Halo: Reach benefits from the enhancement, but the remastered Halo 1 and Halo 2 are absolutely beautiful. If you’ve never played these games, grab them on the Game Pass. This is a legendary sci-fi FPS series for a reason.
Forza Horizon 4 [Arcade Racing | AVAILABLE On The Game Pass]
The Forza series is normally all about hardcore driving, but if you’re looking for a more casual experience, there’s Forza Horizon 4. The greatest of the open-world driving games, this fun and friendly racer drops you into shared recreation of Britain where you can enter impromptu races or just tackle activities at your leisure. It’s one of the premier first-party games, so it features some stunning landscapes. A perfect chill-out game.
Sunset Overdrive [Open World Action | AVAILABLE On The Game Pass]
One of the wildest open-world games available today, Sunset Overdrive gives you an arsenal of weird weapons and unmatched traversal powers. No vehicles here — you don’t need them, as you’ll be grinding on rails and bouncing effortlessly on car hoods. The game has an irreverent atmosphere, filled with silly (crude) humor and armies of mutants to blast.
Ori & The Blind Forest / Ori & The Will of the Wisp [2D Platformer | AVAILABLE On The Game Pass]
The best platformers on the Xbox One were formerly exclusive to the system. They’re available on other devices now, but they’re still highly recommended — you’ll explore huge Metroidvania-inspired levels, collecting power-ups and gaining abilities to overcome insurmountable odds. The music and art are achievements alone, and both games are available on the Game Pass.
Rare Replay [Variety | AVAILABLE On The Game Pass]
If you’re looking for a grab-bag of random games, you can’t go wrong with the Rare Replay. There are short bite-sized arcade games, brawling NES games, and full-featured adventures. There are 30 games from the last 30 years of history from developer Rare. My personal favorites on the compilation are Banjo-Kazooie, Perfect Dark, Blast Corps, and Viva Pinata: Trouble In Paradise.
Continue to the next page for recommendations from the Xbox One era.
