- A Plague Tale: Innocence
- Dead Cells
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Gears 5
- Grounded
- Halo: MCC
- Halo Infinite
- Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
- Hollow Knight
- Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
- Minecraft Dungeons
- Ori and the Blind Forest
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Psychonauts 2
- The Outer Worlds
- Undertale
- Wasteland 3
- What Remains of Edith Finch
- Wolfenstein: The New Order
Android gamers have a whole new world open to them when playing video games on their mobile devices thanks to cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, formerly known as Project xCloud. However, if you look at the full list of every game you can play, you'll notice that you can choose from over 200, which might feel overwhelming.
Luckily, we have your back, and we've picked some of the best ones of the bunch that we think you should check out first. This is by no means an exhaustive list — Microsoft has an impressive cloud gaming library full of excellent games.
You'll see some games come and go; such is the nature of Game Pass. But we'll be sure to update this when we can so you always know which games to play on your phone.
A Plague Tale: Innocence
A bleak and grisly tale, A Plague Tale: Innocence is the gripping story of two orphans escaping the Hundred Years' War and the Black Death. It's more of a historical fantasy adventure than true historical fiction, but the way things are blended makes for an excellent game, and a perfect one to kick off this list.
You play as Amicia, a French noble-born girl whose world is turned upside down when soldiers of the Spanish Inquisition attack her home, and she must escape with her little brother Hugo. Then she discovers that the world outside her estate is plagued, quite literally, by a mysterious and demonic infestation of disease-bearing rats that can kill anything they touch.
There are plenty of horror elements here, too, so I think of this game as grisly. The bubonic plague was no walk in the park, and it's interesting to see a story set right in the middle of it. You'll need to see the two orphans to safety while avoiding the Black Death and enemy soldiers. This game is all about stealth, so be ready.
Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a game that we've praised quite often, including featuring it in our best Android games list. That's because it's a near-perfect blending of a Metroidvania and a roguelike, with some Souls-like elements thrown in for good measure. It's truly a wonderful game, but it's intensely difficult.
Dead Cells features permadeath, but don't let that deter you. You'll need to learn your enemies' patterns to best them in crazy combat. The combat itself is varied, and there are tons of different builds to suit every player. Since death is permanent in Dead Cells, you'll have to start completely over when you die. That means you lose all progress, equipment, etc., and let me tell you, it sucks to die.
Still, Dead Cells is considered by many to be one of the best indie games of the last decade, and for good reason. It presents a significant challenge with plenty of payoff and reward when you succeed. Learning from your mistakes and failures is part of the fun.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
With its arrival on Android via Xbox Game Pass, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is now officially on every platform. And it's not hard to see why it's become such a mainstay for gamers.
As the latest in the Elder Scrolls RPG series, it offers an expansive open world and many quests that will easily get you distracted from the main story. Skyrim is a mainstay of the Bethesda RPG library, and the Special Edition on Game Pass comes with all of its add-ons.
If you're looking for an RPG on Game Pass, you're in luck: Many of Bethesda's other titles have joined Game Pass alongside Skyrim. But if you're looking for a good fantasy RPG with various quests and stories, Skyrim's the go-to. It's even getting a 10th-anniversary update with Skyrim Anniversary Edition.
There isn't much we can say about Skyrim that hasn't been said in the 10 years it's been around. It's one of the most influential and memorable RPGs made in the 2010s, and it's still fun to return to even if you've played it before, meaning it's perfect for those who want to jump into it on Xbox Game Pass.
Gears 5
Gears of War is one of Microsoft's long-standing franchises, along with Halo and Forza. The Gears franchise has been popular for its third-person shooting action and grisly post-apocalyptic setting. Gears 5 came after short hiatus and reinvigorated the franchise with new life.
If you want the full breakdown, Windows Central has a comprehensive review. The gist is that Gears 5 has a decent campaign and plenty of game modes. Some of those include a lot of multiplayer content, which is incredible because Xbox Live Gold is included in the Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
Gears needed a change, in our opinion, and the fifth installment did just that. It looks incredible, it offers a ton of play options, and it's the evolution that the franchise needed. So if you're a Gears veteran or want to give it a shot, Gears 5 is for you.
Grounded
Grounded is a game from Obsidian, known widely for its fantastic RPGs, that mixes "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" with survival with some horror thrown in there for good measure. If you're an arachnophobe, beware of this game, I'll just say that. This won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it has been well-received.
This game sees you as a micro-human trying to get by in the jungle that is your backyard. You'll be pitted against spiders, poisonous mites, hungry larvae, and survival staples like hunger and thirst. It's an admittedly tough game, and can feel a bit difficult for new players. However, with a bit of practice and some resolve, you'll be well on your way.
Our friends over at Windows Central have done a great job putting out content for this game, so if you decide to hop into Grounded, be sure to check out their stuff. Also, if you're just getting started, they have a beginner's guide for you.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Halo is a juggernaut of gaming, specifically in the first-person shooter space. Bungie revolutionized what a console shooter could be, with excellent gameplay that got better with time, an interesting story and lore, as well as a thriving community. A lot of that carried over to Destiny, too.
The Master Chief Collection contains five games: Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo: Reach, and Halo 4. You'll play as the iconic Master Chief throughout most of them as you fight off alien threats and save humanity. All of the games have their strengths and weaknesses, and some have special places in our hearts.
Whether you've been playing Halo for years, or want to check out what all the commotion is about, the Master Chief Collection is the premier way to experience the universe. There's an absolute ton to do with the extensive single-player campaigns, Firefight, and PvP multiplayer.
Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite was one of the most anticipated games of the year, and when it launched earlier this month, it did not disappoint fans. The game seemed to harken back to the roots of the Halo series, with a more classic feel in its campaign and a return to excellence in the multiplayer department.
While playing Halo Infinite through xCloud may not be the best method to experience the game (lag and latency issues during multiplayer sessions have had some fans unhappy), it's still better than not playing the game at all. Whether you're diving in to see how the next chapter of Master Chief's story unfolds, or simply looking to get some more games of Team Slayer in, you're not going to want to miss out on Halo Infinite no matter how you can play.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is an incredibly interesting game that everyone should experience. Not only is it beautiful and well-done, but it shows what it's like to go through life with psychosis. It's an eye-opening game, and one that left me with my jaw dropped when I finished it.
Senua is a Celtic warrior who travels to Helheim to find the soul of her dead lover. Throughout her journey, she'll take on the horrors of the Norse underworld. It's a tense game, and it doesn't ever let up, making you question how much Senua is experiencing versus how much is the manifestation of her illness.
I can't recommend this game enough, especially if you want a good adventure that shines a light on life with psychosis. It's not very long, but it hits hard with beautiful vistas, intense combat encounters, and light puzzle elements.
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is, without a doubt, my favorite indie game of the last decade. It's a near-flawless Metroidvania set in a world brimming with character, lore, and places to explore. It's an incredible game that I've played to completion on both PC and Switch; that's how much I love it.
It captures the solitary, lonely mood of Super Metroid. The story is incredibly engaging with its Souls-like obtuseness. It forces you to piece together what's going on and what happened in the past to create current events. You play as the Hollow Knight, a lone figure armed with a sword, on a quest to uncover what happened in Hallownest — a vast underground kingdom.
There are tons of things to see and do, several abilities to unlock, and many items to find to make your journey easier or to unlock previously barred-off areas. True to the Metroidvania genre, Hollow Knight is an endless treat to play.
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is an excellent action adventure game, and is well worth your time. As it followed Marvel's Avengers, it was unfairly overlooked at the time of its release, with publisher Square Enix's previous Marvel title being poorly received. While some may dislike the more hands-off combat experience, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is a far better game than Marvel's Avengers, and if you were put off when it first launched in 2021, now is the time to play.
The game contains some excellent writing, complemented by terrific acting and more impactful character development than the Guardians' MCU counterparts. Learning about each member of the team is a joy, and the story contains enough humor and memorable moments to hook you throughout. Marvel fans will love this one, as will anyone who appreciates engaging characters and a more linear narrative.
Minecraft Dungeons
Minecraft Dungeons is an action RPG similar to Diablo and Titan Quest. It lacks the depth and nuance of those giants, but that's okay. Think of Dungeons as a way to dip your toes into the ARPG genre, with the familiarity of the Minecraft universe.
You'll be exploring, finding loot, and defeating hordes of enemies on your adventure, and there's plenty of replay value with greater difficulties (which offer better loot).
Once again, our pals over at Windows Central have extensive coverage of this game, and they've worked hard to provide everyone who plays Dungeons with solid guides. Be sure to start with the ultimate guide if you're going to try out this ARPG.
Ori and the Blind Forest
One of the cutest games on this list, Ori and the Blind Forest, came out to nearly universal praise for its platforming and Metroidvania identity. It's truly a fantastic game, with tight controls, gorgeous visuals, an incredible soundtrack that is quite emotional, and a story that keeps you gripped the whole time.
You play as Ori, a small forest sprite who must purge a dark, malignant force from the world. Unfortunately, the forest is dangerous and forbidding, and saving it means Ori must put themselves in some terrifying situations with the help of their light helper, Sein.
We're big fans of Metroidvanias here, so Ori and the Blind Forest was an immediate pick for this list when we saw it'd be available on Xbox cloud gaming. I don't want to say too much more about this game because I don't want to spoil the experience, but you should seriously try this game out.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
If you thought we gushed about Ori and the Blind Forest, wait until you hear about its sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Everything that made the first game great is even better in the follow-up, and we couldn't be happier. Our sister site Windows Central gave it a glowing review.
Following the events of the first game, Ori and their owl friend Ku travel to a new land that is also plagued by darkness, and events conspire to separate them. Now Ori must find their way back to Ku using a whole new suite of combat moves and special abilities to navigate the new, dark world around them.
Much like the first game, Will of the Wisps features utterly breath-taking visuals. To accompany that and the near-flawless gameplay is a beautiful score to draw you into the world. The whole game just brings pure joy, and we heartily recommend it.
Psychonauts 2
Psychonauts 2 is the long-awaited sequel to the original Psychonauts. Developed by Double Fine Productions and published by Xbox Game Studios, it took a long time but is finally here. Our sister site Windows Central refers to it as a "must-play" title in its Psychonauts 2 review.
Psychonauts 2 is an extremely colorful game with a lot of polish and a lot of heart. The story includes a recap of the first game's events, so newcomers and series veterans can jump in with no issues. While the game has a strong sense of humor, it also isn't afraid to tackle big topics, including the importance of mental health and respect.
The action-adventure platforming gameplay is also just as good as it was in the first game, with hero Raz having to use his multiple psychic abilities to resolve whatever problems are lurking in the brains of those around him. The environments are also exceptionally beautiful and bizarre.
The Outer Worlds
The Outer Worlds will appeal to fans of Obsidian's previous work, as well as newcomers. Many, myself included, consider The Outer Worlds a spiritual successor to Fallout: New Vegas. It features a similar writing style, similar humor, and everything else that made New Vegas the best 3D Fallout without being an actual Fallout game.
This being an RPG, you have tons of choices, companions to recruit, and weapons to master. The different worlds feel unique in their own rights, and the game looks fantastic on each platform (Switch excluded). Though it's not quite on the level as Halo or Destiny, the gunplay feels very good, and I enjoyed this game a lot.
Two DLC expansions are also available, so you'll have plenty of content to play through when you load up The Outer Worlds for the first time on Xbox cloud gaming. It's a real treat and if you like Obsidian's writing, check it out.
Undertale
Toby Fox's indie RPG plays with genre tropes in a completely unexpected way. The player doesn't have to harm anyone. If you choose to, you can resolve your problems with restraint and pacifism, or you can slaughter everyone who dares to cross your path. When was the last time an RPG gave you the option (a legitimate option) not to become a killer? Undertale's whole reputation as a buster of genre conventions is well-earned.
The game is set in the world of monsters, with the player being the first human to enter their world. Several monsters are not happy to see you there, and they will do whatever they can to make sure you don't proceed. As stated, you can try to gently convince them you're not a threat or prove to them that you absolutely are.
In case that's not enough to convince you: Undertale is also a blast to play, with its bullet-hell gameplay and off-beat humor. It's not like any other game you'll play on Xbox Game Pass — or possibly anywhere else — and it's something everyone should play at least once. You can check out our beginner's guide on iMore if you want to get started.
Wasteland 3
Wasteland is a venerable RPG franchise, and the third installment is no exception. It's an expansive and content-packed experience through the irradiated snowy wastes of Colorado — why is my home state the setting for post-apocalyptic adventures? I digress.
This game is deep and should make hardcore CRPG fans very, very happy. It wants to give you, the player, a sense of freedom, both in your character development and narrative experiences. How you spec your character will profoundly affect other parts of the game, from dialogue choices to combat.
Wasteland 3 features a grid- and turn-based combat system, similar to XCOM. There are a ton of stats to choose from, offering extreme build diversity. If you need help getting started, and absolutely no one would blame you if you did, Windows Central has an awesome beginner's guide.
What Remains of Edith Finch
Good old dyed-in-the-wool adventure games are hard to come by these days. However, what Remains of Edith Finch is a slow-paced adventure game that tells a story about family, legacy, and wonder. As the titular Edith Finch, you explore the sprawling Finch family estate and try to determine what became of each of its members with the help of many environmental puzzles.
Edith Finch is not as long as some of the other games on this list. It's great to play an RPG that'll take up a whole week, but sometimes you might just want a game that'll only take up a handful of hours and that you can actually finish. If you want a game where puzzle-solving is the main mechanic or a game you can play and finish in an afternoon, then give Edith Finch a try.
What Remains of Edith Finch is generally a very bright, pretty game, but it does have some horror elements. For example, the story of what happens to the family members can veer into the disturbing, which we feel is important to warn gamers about. Also, some of the Finches are children when they meet their ends, which might make some uncomfortable.
Wolfenstein: The New Order
The Wolfenstein series reboot takes the classic first-person shooter from World War II into an alternate history where the Nazis won, and it's up to you to tear down their now-entrenched order. New Order is a fast-paced first-person shooter where you must take on mechanized Nazi soldiers with various weapons, almost all of which you can dual-wield.
In addition to its shooter gameplay, New Order updates and humanizes the character of B.J. Blazkowicz, formerly just a face on your screen, and now a deeply traumatized war veteran who kills Nazis as a form of therapy. Having been wounded near the beginning of the war, he could not thwart the Nazi victory and now must fix the world by allying with the resistance movement.
The story of New Order and its bad future separates it from previous Wolfenstein games and its fellow FPS counterparts. It retains the Nazi-killing momentum of the original games, but adds a touching story about war, resistance, and the toll both take on people.
Lots to play
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Microsoft isn't going easy on us with how many games you can play. With more than 200 games on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to choose from, figuring out what you want to play can be a little confusing. We'll be sure to update this as noteworthy titles come and go. Each of the games on this list were vetted by us and received our hearty recommendations.
We also rounded up the best phones for Game Pass. And you'll need a controller for basically all of the games (save a few) before you can dive in, so be sure to check out our picks for the best controllers for Game Pass on Android, too.
