Handing out a perfect 5/5 score isn’t something we do lightly. It requires a game to not only excel in its genre but to redefine it. However, 2025 was so remarkably dense with new Xbox and Game Pass talent that many titles came within a whisker of that elusive top spot.
These are the games that dominated our group chats and divided our worlds; the ones that were ‘perfect’ in our hearts, even if a few minor technical quirks or balance issues held them back from the record books. See it as a celebration of the year’s most impressive ‘nearlys’ – the 4.5/5 masterpieces that every Xbox owner needs to play. These are the games that kept us up until 3am, the ones that made us shout at the telly, and the ones that – despite just missing out on a perfect score – reminded us exactly why we love gaming.
Welcome to the 2025 Honor Roll and our pick of the best 4.5/5 scoring Xbox and Game Pass games that very nearly wowed the world.
Thank Goodness You’re Here!
Barnsworth is unlike any town you’ve ever visited, brought to life with vibrant hand-drawn animation and a script overflowing with double entendres. As a traveling salesman with time to kill before a big meeting, you’ll help the locals with increasingly odd jobs in this surreal “comedy slapformer.”
We noted that the biggest joy of Thank Goodness You’re Here! is its complete unpredictability; there are no tropes or clichés, only “weird left-turns” that lead to the game’s best moments. It’s a game that makes big swings to say something new, and while the surrealism might lead it wayward for some, we found it utterly charming.
It’s best to simply “offer up your hand and trust it” – even if the game decides to slap that hand back, the journey through this bizarre Northern English town is well worth the sting.
Developer: Coal Supper | Publisher: Panic
Xbox Store Page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/store/p/thank-goodness-youre-here/9p14ztsr0ls9
Keeper
(Day One on Game Pass)
From Lee Petty and the creative minds at Double Fine, Keeper is a wordless, otherworldly odyssey that is “about as relaxing as gaming gets.”
You explore a long-lost sea and a dormant lighthouse, joined by a spirited seabird on a heartening journey toward the island’s centre. It’s a story of metamorphosis and unlikely companionship told through a beautiful, surreal art style.
Our review praised Keeper as an “exquisitely crafted experience” that manages to intrigue and delight at every turn.
Launching Day One on Game Pass, there is absolutely no reason to miss this short but sweet adventure. If you need a break from the chaos of 2025’s bigger releases, Keeper provides a tranquil, “realm beyond understanding” that we absolutely loved.
Developer: Double Fine | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Xbox Store Page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/store/p/keeper/9ncjwhhmvhr0
DAVE THE DIVER
A hybrid of deep-sea exploration and sushi restaurant management, DAVE THE DIVER is an incredibly addictive experience.
By day, you dive into the ever-changing “Blue Hole” to harpoon exotic fish; by night, you serve them up to a cast of quirky, lovable customers. The loop is near-perfect, supplemented by lighthearted spoofs, in-jokes, and rogue-like elements that keep every dive feeling fresh.
While there are minor criticisms to be found in the complexity of the systems, our review noted that the “beautiful graphics and chill soundtrack” more than make up for them. It’s a lighthearted narrative that showcases breathtaking underwater scenery through a unique 2D/3D art style.
If you’re looking for a “hooky” gameplay loop that will keep you busy for dozens of hours, Dave is your man.
Developer/Publisher: MINTROCKET
Xbox Store Page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/store/p/dave-the-diver/9pc1zmd65l0t
BALL x PIT
Imagine a high-speed mash-up between Vampire Survivors and Breakout, and you have the chaotic brilliance of BALL x PIT.
This fantasy roguelite tasks you with plunging into a monster-filled pit to rebuild the fallen city of Ballbylon. The “Ball Fusion” system is the star here, encouraging explosive experimentation with over 60 randomised projectiles and hundreds of possible synergies.
We found the short, explosive runs incredibly addictive, noting that “you can feel the improvements” between every attempt in our review of BALL x PIT. Between dives, you’ll expand your city with over 70 buildings that unlock new characters and power-ups. It’s a simple idea executed to almost perfection, providing that “one last try” feeling that kept us up way past our bedtimes.
Developer: Kenny Sun | Publisher: Devolver Digital
Xbox Store Page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/store/p/ball-x-pit/9mwxf3srd7qn
Hollow Knight: Silksong
(Day One on Game Pass)
The long-awaited sequel to the outstanding Hollow Knight has finally arrived, and while Hollow Knight: Silksong might be “punishing in just the right way,” it is a visual and mechanical triumph.
As the lethal hunter Hornet, you adventure through a fallen kingdom of silk and song, dancing between foes in swift, beautiful combat. This is a massive experience featuring over 200 ferocious foes and an enormous arsenal of craftable tools.
Our review called it “beautiful, infuriating, and visually stunning,” noting that veterans will adore the enhancements while newcomers will find the challenge addictive enough to keep them playing until 2am.
Available Day One on Game Pass, it’s a masterclass in the Metroidvania genre that nearly snatched a 5/5 through its “lethal acrobatic action” and haunting orchestral score.
Developer/Publisher: Team Cherry
Xbox Store Page: https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/hollow-knight-silksong/9n116v0599hb
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Henry returns in an epic tale of revenge and betrayal set in 15th-century Bohemia.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II builds beautifully on the original’s foundations, offering a larger world and a much deeper narrative. While some technical quirks remain, the experience is far more polished than its predecessor, featuring “visceral first-person combat” and an authentic medieval atmosphere. Whether you’re engaging in blacksmithing, archery, or navigating the court of Kings, the immersion is total.
We enjoyed this even more than the first, praising the “stunning cinematics“ and the way your actions shape Henry’s destiny.
It is a true RPG experience that rewards those who take the time to live a “life medieval.“
Developer: Warhorse Studios | Publisher: Deep Silver
Xbox Store Page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/store/p/kingdom-come-deliverance-ii/9n4w31hsmvvd
Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders
(Day One on Game Pass)
Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders takes the precision biking of Lonely Mountains: Downhill and successfully translates it to the world of skiing.
It’s “more of the same, but brilliantly different,” offering breathtaking mountain vistas and deep snow to slice through. The big addition here is the online multiplayer, allowing 2-8 players to compete in versus races or work together in a co-op descent.
Our review of Snow Riders highlighted that “with great risk comes great reward,” as you perform daredevil tricks and hunt for shortcuts to climb the leaderboards.
Launching Day One on Game Pass, it’s the perfect winter getaway for those seeking either a chilled-out vacation or a high-speed challenge with friends.
Developer/Publisher: Megagon Industries
Xbox Store Page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/store/p/lonely-mountains-snow-riders/9pf3mc3v9q27
Avowed
(Day One on Game Pass)
Obsidian Entertainment brings us back to the world of Pillars of Eternity with the first-person fantasy RPG Avowed.
As an envoy of Aedyr, you explore the Living Lands – a mysterious island filled with secrets and a spreading plague. The combat is free-flowing, allowing you to mix and match swords, spells, and guns to find your own style.
Our review called Avowed a “gripping, utterly absorbing adventure” that strikes a pleasing balance in the genre. While some might find the RPG systems streamlined, this choice allows the narrative and “choices and consequences” to truly shine.
With over thirty hours of gameplay and a cast of species-diverse companions, it’s a Day One Game Pass journey that is incredibly hard to put down once picked up.
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment| Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Xbox Store Page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/store/p/avowed/9nhrdqvfpq34
Two Point Museum
The hot streak continues for the maestros of the sim genre, following on from the brilliance of Two Point Hospital and Two Point Campus.
Two Point Museum evolves the established formula by tasking you with designing and managing incredible exhibits across Two Point County. From prehistoric dinosaur remains to supernatural oddities, the variety is staggering. You’ll send experts on far-flung expeditions to discover rare artefacts while managing meddling kids and thieves back home.
Our review hailed Two Point Museum as “arguably the best in the series yet,” praising the way it cultivates the classic balance of management and humour. With sandbox modes and 200+ unique exhibits to uncover, it’s a deep, creative, and “consistently brilliant” sim that shows this franchise still has plenty of fresh ideas.
Developer: Two Point Studios | Publisher: SEGA
Xbox Store Page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/store/p/two-point-museum/9nfhrf1m4w3z
Blue Prince
(Day One on Game Pass)
Blue Prince is a genre-defying mystery set in the shifting halls of Mt. Holly. Every time you open a door, you draft the room that appears behind it, creating a unique path through the manor each day. However, when the sun sets, the floor plan resets.
Our review noted that while the roguelike elements can be challenging, Blue Prince “just sort of works” in a way that blows your socks off. It’s a story of political intrigue and blackmail hidden beneath layers of strategy and puzzles.
It’s a difficult game to explain, but one that continues to reveal a host more secrets the deeper you venture. As a Day One Game Pass title, it’s a mystery well worth investigating.
Developer: Dogubomb | Publisher: Raw Fury
Xbox Store Page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/store/p/blue-prince/9pfrtprq569q
South of Midnight
(Day One on Game Pass)
Set in a macabre version of the American Deep South, South of Midnight is a spellbinding action-adventure that follows Hazel on a journey to become a Weaver. You’ll explore a Southern Gothic world of memory made real, confronting mythical creatures from folklore using ancient weaving magic.
Our review praised the “beautiful atmosphere” and the joy of the fluid traversal systems, calling the narrative a “rollercoaster” that you simply need to experience.
With its launch on Game Pass, the “excuses are zero” for missing out on this hauntingly beautiful tale. It’s a modern folktale about family and legacy that captures the lush, decayed charm of the South perfectly.
Developer: Compulsion Games | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Xbox Store Page: https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/south-of-midnight/9njcvgs6t30k
PGA TOUR 2K25
For golf fans, PGA TOUR 2K25 is currently the cream of the crop.
This iteration introduces three prestigious Majors – The PGA Championship, The U.S. Open, and The Open Championship – for a franchise first. The new mechanics offer a real feel to ball flights and roll physics that make every putt and drive feel precise.
During review of PGA TOUR 2K25 we noted that it’s “amongst the very best golf games currently on the market,” praising its charm and visual improvements.
While microtransactions are present (this is 2K, remember), they never feel mandatory for enjoyment and so whether you’re designing your own course or competing in cross-platform societies, this is the bag you’ll want to pick for every round of digital golf.
Developer: HB Studios | Publisher: 2K
Xbox Store Page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/store/p/pga-tour-2k25/9mwj5dwvfvgw
Gloomy Eyes
Inspired by the art style of Tim Burton, Gloomy Eyes is a “creepy cozy horror” about a zombie boy and a human girl trying to bring the sun back to a dark world.
This “self-coop” adventure allows you to control both characters in a single-player experience, switching between them to solve environmental puzzles. Each level is a “stunning, handcrafted rotatable diorama” overflowing with visual charm.
Our review called it a “must-play” that introduces a world “dark, foreboding, but full of charm,” aided by a narrator who brings the fairy tale together perfectly. It’s a heartwarmingly bleak journey that avoids jump scares in favour of a whimsical, haunting atmosphere.
Developer: Fishing Cactus | Publisher: Untold Tales S.A.
Xbox Store Page: https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/gloomy-eyes/9nd15j624dfh
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
(Day One on Game Pass)
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a ground-breaking RPG inspired by Belle Époque France; a game that swept to victory at The Game Awards.
It features an evolution of turn-based combat where real-time actions – like dodging and parrying – are crucial to success. As the Paintress prepares to erase everyone aged 33, you lead a desperate mission to destroy her and break the cycle of death.
Our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review described the game as “stunning, emotional, and utterly captivating,” noting that the Unreal Engine 5 visuals and heartbreaking soundtrack make it an “absolute no-brainer.”
It is a hauntingly beautiful world filled with surreal adversaries, making it a standout addition to the Game Pass library and a nearly perfect RPG experience.
Developer: Sandfall Interactive | Publisher: Kepler Interactive
Xbox Store Page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/store/p/clair-obscur-expedition-33/9ppt8k6gqhrz
DOOM: The Dark Ages
(Day One on Game Pass)
The Slayer returns in a medieval prequel that manages to feel “familiar but fresh at the same time.”
DOOM: The Dark Ages tells the cinematic story of the Slayer’s legend during a dark fantasy war against Hell. You’ll shred demons with favorites like the Super Shotgun while mastering new tools like the Shield Saw and taking flight atop a Mecha Dragon.
Our review noted that the gamble of adapting the gameplay into a more grounded, medieval setting “certainly paid off” in the hands of id Software.
Powered by the latest idTech engine, it delivers “searing combat and over-the-top visuals” that prove the DOOM franchise is still the king of glorious gore.
Developer: id Software | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Xbox Store Page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/store/p/doom-the-dark-ages/9ph9x0760b0t
The beauty of a year like 2025 is that even when you look beyond the absolute top tier, you’re still met with world-class experiences.
We have already covered our ‘Elite Eleven’, our Xbox Games of the Year for 2025, but the games on this list represent the diversity and ambition of modern gaming, proving that perfection is often in the eye of the beholder.
Whether you’re a Souls-like veteran or a cozy-sim enthusiast, there is something in this list that will likely become your personal game of the year. It’s been a staggering twelve months for Xbox players, and if this is what ‘almost perfect’ looks like, we can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store.
As always, get yourself into the comments and let us know which games you’d have on this list.
