Best Xbox Game Pass games for console & PC (July 2023)

Xbox Game Pass is brimming with hundreds of memorable experiences, spanning as many genres as you can imagine. To help you find the very best offerings on the service, we’ve gathered a list of the best Xbox Game Pass games to download in July 2023.

Xbox Game Pass features hundreds of high-quality games at a reasonable monthly price. Such titles include the likes of AAA experiences, indie gems, and multiplayer games, so there’s something for everyone.

However, finding the best Xbox Game Pass game in 2023 can be tricky, especially when there are so many to choose from. So, here are the best Xbox Game Pass games in July 2023 for your console and PC.

Updated July 04, 2023

Contents

• Best Xbox Game Pass games for console and PC
• How to buy Xbox Game Pass

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Best Xbox Game Pass games for console and PC in July 2023

All games noted as console compatible will run on Xbox One, as well as Xbox Series S|X – and we’ve denoted which ones are optimized to take advantage of the new hardware, too.

Batman: Arkham Knight (Console)

The Batman Arkham franchise may have been mostly dormant since 2015’s Arkham Knight, but the game remains an excellent action-adventure title. Gotham City has never looked (or felt) more frightening, and while the Batmobile was a contentious addition back at launch, we still enjoy crashing through walls like they’re made of paper.

Sure, the plot twist can be seen a mile off, but Arkham Knight was a fitting end for the franchise – at least until we get to play as the Suicide Squad.

Battletech (PC)

The Battletech/MechWarrior franchise has been around for years, but Harebrained Schemes took the series’ staple of rampaging robots filled with enough ammo to wipe entire continents off of the map and put it into a template closer to the XCOM series.

Turn-based strategy ensues, as your band of mercenaries fights its way across the solar system, picking up missions to pay the cash and keep the engines in your upgradable mechs running.

Crusader Kings III (PC)

If you ever watched Game of Thrones and enjoyed the political (and sometimes literal) backstabbing, then Crusader Kings III is worth a look. Neighboring leader look at you funny? You could woo their spouse and have your bastard rule when they’re gone. Or you could simply have them killed.

Players have even reported multiple spouses being killed off by a character that ended up being revealed as their evil twin – it really is a great generator for unique stories.

Deathloop (PC, Console) (Optimized for Xbox Series S|X)

Deathloop may have been a PS5 exclusive when we reviewed it at launch, but it’s finally made the jump to Xbox and lost none of its style, swagger, or ferocity in the transition.

This time loop mystery is full of supernatural powers and cool weaponry, while also taking place in a world with a distinct seventies flavor. We awarded it a score of 9/10, and said “Deathloop expertly blends genres for a truly unique experience that delivers on its brilliant premise.”

Doom Eternal (PC, Console) (Optimized for Xbox Series S|X)

If Doom’s 2016 revival was dragging the granddaddy of FPS games into the modern era, Doom Eternal is that same, chainsaw-wielding ball of fury all grown up. iD Software’s sequel is bigger, brasher, and gorier than its predecessor. Its environments are more ambitious, its platforming is actually pretty fun, and it brings back the unique “push and pull” of combat that made the reboot so loved by newcomers and longtime fans alike.

It also looks positively stunning on Xbox Series S|X, meaning it’s worth another playthrough even if you’ve already finished it.

Football Manager 2023 (PC, Console)

If you’ve ever fancied yourself a master tactician, you can now prove it with Football Manager 2023. A fantastic management sim that layers depth upon depth, you can pick your favorite big club or start in the lower leagues of any nation.

With an endless stream of matches, you can build your footballing dynasty with the new Squad Planner feature that lets you identify players to sign or sell over the course of multiple seasons, while the updated data hub makes it easier than ever to work out what’s going wrong or play to your strengths.

For more, be sure to read our full review.

Forza Horizon 5 (PC, Console) (Optimized for Xbox Series S|X)

The Forza Horizon series has never had a bad entry, so imagine our surprise when Forza Horizon 5 scored an incredible 10/10 in our review. Mexico’s landscape, even more impressive visuals, and a huge car list make Forza Horizon 5 not just the best racing game this year, but one of the best racing games of all time.

It’s the perfect showcase for the Xbox Series S|X, and if you’ve got the PC for it then it’ll look stunning there, too.

Gears 5 (PC, Console) (Optimized for Xbox Series S|X)

Gears 5 remains a showcase for the Xbox Series S|X consoles, and for good reason – The Coalition’s third-person shooter has never looked, or played, better. Players take control of Kait Diaz in the game’s campaign, with stunning set pieces and even a more open-world-inspired section.

In multiplayer, players can enjoy Horde, Versus, and the new mode Escape, meaning there’s plenty for players to enjoy. Oh, and yes, there are still chainsaw guns.

Halo Infinite (PC, Console) (Optimized for Xbox Series S|X)

Halo Infinite might be the most anticipated Xbox title of 2021, and thanks to Game Pass, players can jump in on day one. With a full, open-world-style campaign and a free-to-play multiplayer suite, there’s plenty of fun to be had.

Looking to catch up on the series? The Halo: Master Chief Collection is also available on Xbox Game Pass – meaning there are six mainline games to play through before Infinite if you want to learn the history of Spartan-117.

Hitman Trilogy (PC, Console) (Optimized for Xbox Series S|X)

The Hitman franchise has been around for more than twenty years, but the franchise really hit its stride with the latest trio of adventures. This bundle contains every episode of the 2016 entry, as well as its two direct sequels, and it’s one of the best stealth action games in years.

Each mission is a puzzle with hundreds of moving parts, and it can be great fun to plot out devilish ways to shuffle your targets off of their mortal coil — whether that’s using a gun, strangling them, throwing them from a rooftop, poisoning them, or anything else. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.

Immortality (PC, Console)

Sam Barlow’s latest title takes is another interactive movie, but it might just be the best one yet. Immortality requires players to look into the career of a talented actress who’s movies never seem to see the light of day.

This is done by piecing together lost film footage, and the story is endlessly satisfying to uncover. Don’t believe us? We awarded it a rare 10/10 score and said “Somehow, Immortality does the impossible. From its extraordinary cast to the tremendous writing and elegant systems that enable us to interact with every frame of this stunning creation, it really couldn’t have been executed any better.”

Persona 5: Royal (PC, Console) (Optimized for Xbox Series S|X)

Persona 5 is that rare JRPG where you don’t have to be a big fan of the genre to get into it. Sure, the combat is turn-based, but it’s as flashy as they come, and the narrative is set in a modern-day Tokyo which teeters between offering the mundanity of school life and dungeons to battle demons.

The Royal version adds additional characters and story content, meaning it may be worth a replay even if you’ve conquered it already. We awarded the game top marks in our review, and we’d recommend it to everyone as one of the best Xbox Game Pass Games in 2023, and one of the best JRPGs ever made.

Psychonauts 2 (PC, Console) (Optimized for Xbox Series S|X)

The original Psychonauts may have launched in 2005, but its 2021 sequel doesn’t skip a beat. In fact, it picks up right where its predecessor left off, reintroducing Razputin “Raz” Aquato. Players will jump into the fractured psyche of multiple characters, with each world offering a unique playground Raz can experiment with using his Psi-Powers.

If you’re a fan of platformers or developer Double Fine’s unique mix of the whacky and heartfelt, Psychonauts 2 is a must-play.

Rainbow Six Siege (PC, Console) (Optimized for Xbox Series S|X)

Rainbow Six Siege launched to middling reviews in 2015, but now into its sixth year of content, the game has gone from strength to strength. Offering tense, tactical combat in maps where walls, floors, and ceilings can all be shredded to pieces, nowhere is safe.

Rainbow Six fans on Xbox get the Deluxe Edition – meaning you’ll unlock a handful of Operators to build out your roster.

Sea of Thieves (Optimized for Xbox Series S|X)

Sea of Thieves may have had a rocky launch, but Rare has continued to build on its systems since it launched. Adding more things to do and items to earn, Sea of Thieves is best experienced with friends, fighting off enemy ships and Krakens while singing shanties, drinking ale, and scooping water out of your ship’s hull.

Add to that a new series of Tall Tales featuring Pirates of the Caribbean’s Jack Sparrow, and Sea of Thieves is well worthy of being on our best Xbox Game Pass games list.

Stardew Valley (PC, Console)

Stardew Valley is an indie darling, but it continues to grow and improve over time. Taking over a relative’s farm, players are tasked with restoring it to its former glory by growing and selling crops, as well as mining and building relationships with villagers.

It’s all wrapped up in a gorgeous, colorful aesthetic, and with the inclusion of multiplayer, you can spend days just farming in peace.

Titanfall 2 (Console)

Apex Legends has been a huge success for Respawn, but we’d be lying if we said we aren’t holding out hope for a third Titanfall game. While the first game offered an incredible multiplayer mode, Titanfall 2’s single-player campaign is an all-time classic, constantly shifting expectations while maintaining rock-solid gunplay and traversal.

Then there’s the multiplayer, which is no slouch – and helped form the basis of Apex Legends’ superlative battle royale combat.

Total War Warhammer 3 (PC)

Total War: Warhammer 3 is one of Creative Assembly’s finest strategy titles yet, and that’s in a big part down to just how varied each of its races is. Each offers its own bonuses and unique mechanics, whether you’re sending Polar Bears charging into battle, or casting spells with your created Daemon prince, no two campaigns play out in the same way.

Still not convinced? We awarded the game an 8.5 out of 10 in our review, making it an easy pick for one of the best Xbox Game Pass games.

Two Point Campus (PC, Console)

If Two Point Hospital tickled your funny bone, then Two Point Campus is likely to do the same. Offering a variety of madcap educational settings (including a wizarding school, a culinary one, and one for Knights), no two levels are the same and each can keep you playing for hours.

If you need further convincing, be sure to check out our very positive review.

What Remains of Edith Finch (PC, Console) (Optimized for Xbox Series S|X)

There are few games that are as atmospheric as What Remains of Edith Finch, a tale of the last surviving member of the Finch family. Edith returns home to explore the family estate, with each of the Finch family having passed away in mysterious or tragic circumstances.

Piecing together her family’s history through playable vignettes, What Remains of Edith Finch is touching, but more than a little dour. Still, it leaves an indelible message about life and death that’s hard to forget.

Pentiment

Pentiment is something entirely unique in gaming. It takes literature, storytelling, and meaningful simplicity into its stride, creating a fantastic murder mystery that will stay with the player long after they’ve completed it. In fact, when reviewing the game we gave it a 5/5, stating it was “a great novel that we could not put down.”

Ultimately, this game is emotional, addictive, and utterly unique in its designs. A must-try for anyone with Xbox Game Pass.

How to play the best Xbox Game Pass games for July 2023

Xbox Game Pass can be purchased via Xbox’s official website for both PC and Xbox consoles.

The pass comes in two tiers:

• Standard: Includes access to hundreds of games, as well as first-party games on release.
  • PC players can also get their first month for $1 (£1.)
• Ultimate: Everything that comes with the standard edition, but also includes Xbox Live Gold, the ability to play games via the Cloud, and free in-game content.

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There are the best Xbox Game Pass games for July 2023. Make sure to check out our other best lists, covering all things gaming: