Halo multiplayer, open-world racing, Game Pass staples, and epic campaigns.
Leo NakamuraGaming & Culture Editor
Winner
Halo 3
Overview
Xbox defined modern console multiplayer, online matchmaking, and open-world racing. We evaluated titles across campaign multiplayer, Game Pass integration, 120fps performance, and legacy.
Winner spotlight
№1Halo 3 is the crown jewel of Xbox history. Finishing Master Chief's original trilogy with legendary campaign co-op, Forge map customization, and the online multiplayer suite that defined Xbox Live's golden era.
At a glance
| Pick | #1 Halo 3 Xbox Series / PC | #2 Forza Horizon 5 Xbox Series / PC | #3 Gears of War 3 Xbox Series BC | #4 Fable II Xbox Series BC | #5 Sea of Thieves Xbox Series / PC | #6 Ori and the Will of the Wisps Xbox Series / PC | #7 Starfield Xbox Series / PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 9.8 | 9.7 | 9.5 | 9.4 | 9.3 | 9.6 | 9.1 |
| Story | Masterpiece | Outstanding | Excellent | Great | Great | Good | Good |
| World design | Revolutionary | Brilliant | Excellent | Great | Good | Good | Good |
| Replay value | Endless | Very high | High | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Performance | Flawless | Excellent | Great | Good | Good | Good | Fair |
The list
Ordered by overall score across every test. The “best for” note tells you exactly who each pick is for.
1The pinnacle of console sci-fi FPS campaigns and Xbox Live multiplayer.
Best overallWhy buy
Keep in mind
2Photorealistic open-world Mexico racing with hundreds of detailed cars.
Open world racingWhy buy
Keep in mind
3The ultimate third-person cover shooter with visceral active reload combat.
Cover shooterWhy buy
Keep in mind
4Charming fantasy action-RPG full of British humor, morality choices, and dogs.
Charming RPGWhy buy
Keep in mind
5Unrivaled cooperative pirate sandbox sailing on translucent ocean waves.
Co-op pirate sandboxWhy buy
Keep in mind
6Breath-taking 120fps precision platforming with orchestral soundtrack.
Metroidvania platformerWhy buy
Keep in mind
7Bethesda's space RPG featuring ship customization and planetary exploration.
Space exploration RPGWhy buy
Keep in mind
Deep dive
| Feature | Halo 3 | Forza Horizon 5 | Gears of War 3 | Fable II | Sea of Thieves | Ori and the Will of the Wisps | Starfield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open world | |||||||
| Co-op mode | |||||||
| Mod support | |||||||
| Accessibility options | |||||||
| Photo mode | |||||||
| Steam Deck verified | |||||||
| Cross-platform | |||||||
| New Game+ |
The verdict
Before you buy
Every game was completed — then replayed. We judge on craft, joy and the pull to boot it up again long after the credits roll, on both controller and keyboard.
A 10/10 for you might be a 6/10 for a friend. Use the 'Best for' notes to match games to your setup, your schedule and your tolerance for a 100-hour campaign.
The winner of our The 7 Best Xbox Games of All Time ranking is the pick that scored highest across every test — but 'best overall' isn't always 'best for you'. Use the 'Best for' note under each of the seven to match a pick to your budget, your space and your habits. Every entry on this list earned its place; the ranking simply tells you where to start.
Questions
We complete every game's main story and spend at least 20 additional hours exploring side content. Replayability is scored on a second playthrough.
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