Xbox Game Pass has been a game-changer in the gaming industry, offering a vast library of games at an unbeatable price. But what sets it apart from other subscription services? In this article, we’ll explore the best Day-One Xbox Game Pass games of all time, highlighting the hidden gems and major releases that make Xbox Game Pass a must-have for any gamer.

The Benefits of Day-One Xbox Game Pass Games

One of the biggest selling points of Xbox Game Pass is the ability to play select games “Day One,” the same day they are released. This has already been a great benefit this year, as the early frontrunner for 2025 Game of the Year was a Day One release for Game Pass.

But what makes Day-One games so special? For one, it allows players to experience new games on day one, without having to wait for reviews or updates. This means that players can dive into the game as soon as it’s released, and get a feel for the game’s mechanics, story, and overall gameplay.

The Best Day-One Xbox Game Pass Games of All Time

10. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a role-playing game that has received widespread critical acclaim. It’s a masterclass in game design, with a unique blend of traditional turn-based combat and Souls-like elements.

The game’s story is incredible, with an emotional opening prologue and a rollercoaster ride of a narrative that keeps players on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. The gameplay is engaging, with a deep combat system that rewards strategy and skill.

Overall, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a must-play for any RPG fan, and a great example of what Day-One Xbox Game Pass games can offer.

9. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a remastered version of the classic open-world RPG. It’s a great example of how to improve upon a classic game, with a revamped leveling system and quality-of-life updates.

Despite its age, Oblivion is still a great game, with a charming and immersive world to explore. The remastered version is a great way to experience the game, with a smooth framerate and improved graphics.

8. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an action-adventure game that’s a faithful adaptation of the beloved Indiana Jones franchise. It’s a great example of how to balance action, storytelling, and puzzle-solving in a modern game.

The game’s presentation is top-notch, with a great voice cast and impressive graphics. The gameplay is engaging, with a mix of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving that keeps players entertained.

7. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is an action-adventure game that’s a great example of how to balance speed, strategy, and skill in a fast-paced game. It’s a great remaster of the classic Ninja Gaiden 2, with improved graphics and a smooth framerate.

The game’s camera system is still a bit wonky, but it’s not a deal-breaker. The gameplay is engaging, with a mix of combat, exploration, and platforming that keeps players entertained.

6. DOOM Eternal

DOOM Eternal is a first-person shooter that’s a great example of how to balance speed, strategy, and skill in a fast-paced game. It’s a great sequel to the 2016 DOOM game, with improved graphics and a smooth framerate.

The game’s design is excellent, with a focus on fast-paced action and intense combat. The gameplay is engaging, with a mix of shooting, platforming, and puzzle-solving that keeps players entertained.

5. GoldenEye 007

GoldenEye 007 is a classic first-person shooter that’s a great example of how to balance action, storytelling, and multiplayer in a modern game. It’s a great remaster of the classic GoldenEye 007, with improved graphics and a smooth framerate.

The game’s campaign is engaging, with a mix of action, stealth, and puzzle-solving that keeps players entertained. The multiplayer is also great, with a variety of modes and a large player base.

4. Tunic

Tunic is a role-playing game that’s a great example of how to balance exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving in a modern game. It’s a great indie title that’s received widespread critical acclaim, with a unique art style and engaging gameplay.

The game’s world is full of wonder and discovery, with a sense of danger lurking around every corner. The gameplay is engaging, with a mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving that keeps players entertained.

3. Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5 is an open-world racing game that’s a great example of how to balance exploration, racing, and customization in a modern game. It’s a great sequel to the Forza Horizon franchise, with a large open world and a variety of gameplay modes.

The game’s graphics are top-notch, with a beautiful and immersive world to explore. The gameplay is engaging, with a mix of racing, exploration, and customization that keeps players entertained.

2. Undertale

Undertale is a role-playing game that’s a great example of how to balance storytelling, exploration, and combat in a modern game. It’s a great indie title that’s received widespread critical acclaim, with a unique art style and engaging gameplay.

The game’s story is incredible, with a mix of wackiness, wit, and emotional depth that keeps players entertained. The gameplay is engaging, with a mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving that keeps players entertained.

1. Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire is a roguelike deck-builder that’s a great example of how to balance strategy, skill, and luck in a modern game. It’s a great indie title that’s received widespread critical acclaim, with a unique gameplay mechanic and engaging gameplay.

The game’s design is excellent, with a focus on strategy and skill. The gameplay is engaging, with a mix of deck-building, exploration, and combat that keeps players entertained.

Conclusion

Xbox Game Pass has been a game-changer in the gaming industry, offering a vast library of games at an unbeatable price. The Day-One Xbox Game Pass games listed above are just a few examples of the many great games available on the service. Whether you’re a fan of role-playing games, first-person shooters, or open-world racing games, there’s something for everyone on Xbox Game Pass.

So why not give Xbox Game Pass a try?