As a huge film – I mean, game – enthusiast, I get overwhelmed sometimes by all the choices! With Xbox Game Pass, you’ve got access to so many titles, it can be tough figuring out where to start. Since you’re already paying for the service, the big question is: what’s worth downloading? Luckily, some games really stand out as must-plays. I’ve put together a list of the absolute best games currently available on Xbox Game Pass.
Launched in early March, Pokemon Pokopia has quickly become a huge success, selling millions of copies and ranking among the top-selling games for the Switch 2. Many players compare it to Animal Crossing, as it blends the fun of collecting Pokemon with the relaxing gameplay of building and managing resources. Players can also express their creativity by designing and decorating their islands and homes, all while providing the best possible care and homes for their Pokemon.
We’ve broken down everything you see on the screen – from the yellow bar to the green leaf circle – to make sure you understand what each part does and how it can help you. You’ll find explanations for every element below.
The mixed reactions to Crimson Desert even led to a nearly 30% drop in Pearl Abyss’ stock price. Beyond critics, players are also split on the game, with concerns ranging from the controls and story to the world design. Crimson Desert doesn’t shy away from its unique approach to core gameplay elements, making it a niche title. If you’re thinking of exploring the world of Pywel, it’s worth considering these points before purchasing.
Sanji is the chef of the Straw Hat Pirates and one of Luffy’s most trusted fighters. He’s a remarkably strong pirate, considered among the best in the world. During the Elbaf arc of One Piece, Sanji effortlessly defeated St. Killingham, a member of the Holy Knights, shocking many fans. Sanji even dismissed Killingham as being too weak, suggesting he’s capable of defeating even more powerful members of the Holy Knights if he encounters them.
Originally conceived as a backstory to the online game Black Desert Online, Crimson Desert evolved over six to seven years into its own unique single-player action-adventure game. It’s set in a large, medieval fantasy world and quickly became popular, selling two million copies on its first day. Despite some feedback regarding the controls and how well it runs, it currently has a 75% positive rating on Steam and a score of 90 from players on OpenCritic.
The LEGO Star Wars theme, which first appeared in the late 1990s, is the longest-running LEGO line based on a licensed franchise still in production. LEGO recently announced a large number of new Star Wars sets for Q1 2026, including detailed brick-built busts of Yoda and Darth Vader.
Rockstar Games unexpectedly fired 31 developers working on Grand Theft Auto 6 on October 30, 2025, leading to protests and widespread criticism. The company stated the firings were due to serious misconduct, but the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) challenged the decision in court, with some fired workers alleging it was an attempt to discourage union activity. Employees protested outside Rockstar North’s offices, but a court initially ruled in Rockstar’s favor in January 2026. Even as that legal case continues, Rockstar Games is now facing further public criticism for being named on a list of UK companies that haven’t paid workers correctly.
From the very beginning, the upbeat and cheerful music of The Sims has been a hit with players. Music is central to the game’s enjoyable atmosphere, from the start-up screen to the Simlish versions of popular songs you hear in-game. With The Sims 4, the developers aimed to make gameplay even more inspiring and fun through music. The series has also partnered with artists like Katy Perry and Anitta, creating Simlish covers of their well-known hits.
Following the Wano Country arc, the Straw Hat Pirates achieved Yonko status, but they didn’t have much chance to demonstrate their strength on Egghead Island. Egghead revolved mostly around escaping, not large-scale battles. The situation was different in the Land of Giants, where the Straw Hats faced the powerful Holy Knights of the World Government, who intended to conquer and enslave the country. Escape wasn’t possible there; the crew had to fight alongside the Giants. This is why Oda chose to give them significant power boosts.