Top 8 Xbox Games Now Available on PlayStation, Ranked

Although it has been almost a quarter-century since Microsoft entered the video game console market with Xbox, there appears to be a shift in its strategy from solely producing exclusive first-party software. Instead, they have expanded their reach by making their in-house games playable across multiple platforms, including Nintendo’s Switch and Sony’s PlayStation 5. This means that some of Microsoft’s most popular video games are now accessible on devices other than Xbox.

Xbox Game Studios software, previously exclusive to the Xbox platform, is beginning to appear on platforms other than Microsoft’s. This shift includes both popular franchises with innovative expansions and independent-style experimental titles, as well as indie-inspired creations, now being released on non-Microsoft systems.

8. Minecraft Dungeons

A Diablo-Esque Extension Of The Minecraft Universe

Given the remarkable achievement of the 2011 sandbox game Minecraft, which was later acquired by Microsoft in 2014 from its developer Mojang Studios, it’s no surprise that the growth of this retro-styled open world into other specialized genres has been anticipated. In line with these expectations, the Minecraft franchise has been evolving to serve as a platform for beginner games. Today, the Minecraft universe accommodates not just the original game but also real-time strategy games, point-and-click adventures, and isometric role-playing scenarios.

Back in 2020, I got hooked on Minecraft Dungeons, a game developed by Mojang Studios and Double Eleven Limited, published by Xbox Game Studios. It’s like they took the captivating loot-based gameplay from games like Diablo and Path of Exile, and made it more accessible for younger players, making it an outstanding introduction to the Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG) world.

What’s even cooler is that Minecraft Dungeons was released not just on Xbox One, but also on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation platforms. Given how versatile Minecraft already is as a cross-platform game, this move further cements Microsoft’s commitment to cross-platform gaming. The fact that spin-off titles like Minecraft Dungeons are being pushed out in this third-party push only adds to the evidence of this dedication.

7. Grounded

Obsidian’s Long-Developed Entry-Level Survival Title

When it comes to delving into the vast possibilities for discovery and disorder that the survival genre offers, there’s perhaps no more fitting introduction than the game titled “Grounded“.

Despite initially gaining recognition for its extensive role-playing games, Obsidian Entertainment, based in California, has been consistently innovative since its acquisition by Microsoft in 2018, creating a variety of distinct experiences. While 2025’s Avowed seemed to mark a return to their traditional style, the launch of Grounded in early access in 2020 (later followed by a full release in 2022 and eventual releases on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation consoles in 2024) showcases the studio’s creative flair.

6. Age Of Mythology: Retold

A Cutting-Edge Remaster Of Microsoft’s Most Recognizable RTS Spin-Off

Even though Age of Mythology, developed by Ensemble Studios, had both critical and commercial success in its original release, the remastered version for ninth generation consoles revived one of the most cherished and nostalgic real-time strategy games ever made. This update not only optimized the game for modern hardware but also made it available on a variety of new platforms.

In September 2024, the collaborative remaster of “Age of Mythology: Retold” will be released on PC and Xbox Series consoles. This highly anticipated launch follows the initial release of the game. A PlayStation 5 port is planned for six months later. Notably, “Age of Mythology” is a spin-off subseries from “Age of Empires,” which has predominantly been developed and published by Microsoft. Therefore, the 2025 re-release of “Age of Mythology: Retold” is significant not just for its game quality but also for the broader video game industry.

5. Psychonauts 2

A Mind-Bendingly Unique Sequel That Spent Years In Development Limbo

Despite the fact that Psychonauts from 2005 has maintained its status as a beloved cult classic in the realm of 3D platformers, it unfortunately didn’t achieve commercial success. However, the intention of developers Double Fine Studios to delve deep into the one-of-a-kind, mind-bending storyline of the original game was evident from the start. Following Double Fine’s acquisition by Microsoft in 2019, which boosted their aspirations for the title, the developer now under Xbox Game Studio has expressed a strong desire to distribute the game on various platforms.

In August 2021, Psychonauts 2 was launched on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series platforms. The storytelling and gameplay of this sequel, developed by Double Fine, are remarkably free from the constraints common in big-budget AAA games. This freedom allowed Psychonauts 2 to exceed expectations set by its predecessor. In many ways, despite being funded by one of the world’s largest corporations, Psychonauts 2 feels more like an independent release than a blockbuster title.

4. Forza Horizon 5

Microsoft’s Flagship Racing Property Speeds On To Non-Xbox Platforms

Known as one of the top choices for virtual rally racing, Forza Horizon 5 offers an exciting cross-country racing experience that not only stands out within the Xbox gaming community but is a game that sells systems on its own merit as a top-tier racing title. Launched to critical and commercial success in 2021 on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series consoles, Forza continues to be the premier racing experience on the Xbox platform.

Approximately five years after its debut, the Mexico-inspired installment of the Forza series is expected to arrive on PlayStation 5. Given that the Forza series not only sets industry standards for racing games but also represents a significant Microsoft asset initially intended as a rival to Sony’s Gran Turismo franchise, the anticipation and enthusiasm surrounding its release are quite exceptional.

3. Pentiment

The Critically Acclaimed Obsidian Experiment That Is Available Almost Everywhere

As a dedicated gamer, I must admit that Xbox Game Studios’ output has shown quite a range since their formal establishment. However, stepping into the 16th-century-inspired, immersive 2D role-playing world of Pentiment feels like nothing short of a breath of fresh air. Even though Obsidian, the mastermind behind this game, is already well-known for its AAA RPG prowess, the creative freedom they’ve been granted by Microsoft’s substantial resources has led to projects like Pentiment coming to life.

The distinctive gameplay and style of “Pentiment” have set it apart, making it not just an interesting addition to Game Pass, but also a significant one. With its planned 2024 re-release on Nintendo and PlayStation systems, being a part of Microsoft’s ‘Latitude’ strategy, “Pentiment” continues to stand as a prominent representative of the Xbox brand extending onto non-Microsoft hardware.

2. Sea Of Thieves

Microsoft’s Flagship Social Title Tops Charts On PlayStation Hardware

Although Sea of Thieves might not fully embody Rare’s traditional 3D platforming or first-person shooter styles, its recognition as one of the best open-world pirate games ever made and ongoing content updates are often seen as evidence of Microsoft’s ability to create compelling exclusive games. As the first Microsoft Studio title to launch on Game Pass on the same day, Sea of Thieves’ almost decade-long presence at the heart of the Xbox live-service game library has also been significant in representing Microsoft’s cross-platform goals.

First introduced in 2018 on PC and Xbox One, with plans to transition to Microsoft’s ninth-generation consoles and PlayStation 5 by 2024, Rare’s pirate-themed multiplayer game has not only become a mainstay on the Xbox platform but serves as a symbol of Microsoft’s achievements on Sony’s hardware.

1. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

A Wolfenstein-Esque Take On The Fedora-Wearing Adventurer’s Escapades

MachineGames’ expertise lies in developing first-person shooter games set during World War II, as demonstrated by their ongoing success with the iconic Wolfenstein series. Thus, it appears quite logical for them to adapt the Indiana Jones storyline, which involves thwarting Nazi plans.

As a dedicated fan, I was thrilled by Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’s shift towards stealthy melee combat, coupled with the classic elements of globe-trotting adventure, tomb raiding, and puzzle solving. This game struck gold, both critically and commercially, thanks to its faithful adaptation of the source material and its simultaneous release on Microsoft’s Netflix-like gaming service, Xbox Game Pass. Consequently, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (despite aiming for a multiplatform experience) stands out as one of Xbox Game Pass’s most successful day-one launches. Its forthcoming PlayStation 5 release seems to be capitalizing on this success, aiming to replicate it on Sony’s more widely adopted ninth-generation console hardware.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle arrives on PlayStation 5 on April 17.

2025-04-08 07:04