Microsoft’s Game Pass service is easily worth the price of admission. Many might balk at the concept of having their video game library locked behind a subscription service, but the fact is subscribers get access to an incredible selection of titles spanning from indie darlings to triple-A blockbusters for a surprisingly affordable monthly fee.

Related
Xbox Game Pass: How To Subscribe And What Games Are Available

Xbox Game Pass packs a lot of value into its subscription model — here are all the details you need to know, from price to recently added games.

With such a dizzying array of fantastic titles on display, it can be a daunting task deciding which ones are worth a player’s time. Given that the cost of entry is taken care of with the subscription fee, the most pressing matter is determining the best use of your hard drive space. Thankfully, the diamonds of this collection are readily apparent. Here’s a look at the greatest games that Xbox Game Pass has to offer.

The selections listed here will include games available on EA Play, which is included with a subscription to Game Pass Ultimate.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

The Rookie from ODST, Master Chief in Halo CE, Noble Six in Reach
Halo: The Master Chief Collection Tag Page Cover Art

Released
November 11, 2014
ESRB
M for Mature: Violence, Blood and Gore, Language

The adventures of the Master Chief have never been as accessible as they are in the Master Chief Collection. This gathering of Halo games is the definitive collection of 343 Industries’ endeavors to immortalize the series. Not only is every mainline Halo game (not counting Halo 5: Guardians) included, but the fantastic Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach were added as well.

From beloved campaign co-op to thrilling Firefight matches to iconic multiplayer modes, the Master Chief Collection has it all. Anyone who thinks of themselves as a Halo fan should consider it a must-play from Xbox Game Pass. And for those who have never completed the Master Chief’s saga, there is no better way to finish the fight.

Kingdom Two Crowns

Kingdom Two Crowns War Horse guarding the town
Kingdom Two Crowns Tag Page Cover Art

Released
December 11, 2018
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence

There is an understated, elegant simplicity to playing Kingdom Two Crowns. You (and one other player if you so choose) gallop across a pixelated 2D screen, surveying your kingdom, building your fortifications, and defending your citizens from the monsters that come at night. And when you’ve built up enough defense and shored up your realm’s power, you can expand your kingdom, galloping to new but equally gorgeous pixelated 2D environments.

As you play, it’s surprising how such simple mechanics can draw you in.

It’s almost like the first time you played Tetris.

That’s all there is to it. And it’s perfect as is. Kingdom Two Crowns doesn’t over-stuff itself with mechanics you have to learn that don’t really feel relevant. Taking your steed across the land, slaying beasts, and collecting resources is utterly straightforward. It’s beautiful, and it’s a joy to play with a friend.

Starbound

Starbound spaceship flying above a planet
Starbound Tag Page Cover Art
Starbound

Released
July 22, 2016
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Alcohol Reference, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood

Every so often, as we comb through Xbox Game Pass’ library looking for the best games to recommend, we come across some truly hidden gems. I had never heard of Starbound before I gave it a try this past week (at the time of writing this update). All I had to go on were some shared screenshots, the game’s description, and a brief trailer. Imagine my delight and surprise at finding a game that not only rivals Terraria in the freedom and exploration of this genre, but, in my opinion, surpasses it.

The short sell of Starbound is to describe it as “Terraria in space.” But even with all that implies, it feels like we’re underselling it. The sheer variety of planets you can visit, self-made careers you can undertake, and ship-crafting options make this a notch above your above-average game. While there were a few hiccups while playing (the game’s UI was very clearly made with PC players in mind), nothing can blemish that shine of the genuine hidden gem that Starbound is. If you at all feel positively inclined toward Terraria, we beg you to give Starbound a try as well.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

citizen-sleeper-2-keyart
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector Tag Page Cover Art