As we officially cross the halfway mark of 2025, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the incredible journey Xbox gamers have experienced so far this year, with the best Xbox and Game Pass games of 2025 so far.
The first six months have been nothing short of spectacular, with a constant stream of high-quality titles gracing both the Xbox console family and the ever-expanding Game Pass library.
From brand-new IPs pushing creative boundaries to eagerly awaited sequels and meticulously crafted remasters, 2025 has already delivered a diverse and compelling collection of gaming experiences.
If you thought 2024 was good, with titles like those highlighted in our 6 Months In – The Best Xbox and Game Pass Games of 2024 (So Far!) article, then prepare to be even more impressed by what the first half of this year has brought.
Let’s dive into some of the standout Xbox and Game Pass games that have made 2025 truly memorable so far. There have been a few.
Monster Hunter Wilds: Embrace the Unbridled Force of Nature
Monster Hunter Wilds Review – 5/5 – https://www.thexboxhub.com/monster-hunter-wilds-review/
“Veterans will feel right at home here, and newcomers will find a new home. And as any returning player will tell you, once Monster Hunter Wilds has its teeth into you, you won’t want it to let go..”
Monster Hunter Wilds from Capcom plunges players into a dynamic, transforming world where nature runs wild.
You’ll embody a seasoned Hunter, tasked with tracking and defeating powerful monsters. From their remains, you’ll craft potent weapons and armor, slowly uncovering the mysterious connection between the Forbidden Lands and their shifting locales.
This ultimate hunting experience is supported by a compelling story, diverse characters, and a deep arsenal of gear.
Split Fiction: A Mind-Bending Co-Op Adventure Across Genres
Split Fiction Review – 5/5 – https://www.thexboxhub.com/split-fiction-review/
“The team at Hazelight have done it again, creating an experience in Split Fiction that is relentlessly diverse, innovative and, above all, an absolute riot.”
From the acclaimed Hazelight studio, they behind It Takes Two, Split Fiction offers a boundary-pushing co-op action-adventure.
Play as Mio and Zoe, two writers – one sci-fi, one fantasy – trapped within their own creations. To escape, they must rely on each other, mastering new abilities and overcoming diverse challenges as they seamlessly jump between their fantastical and futuristic worlds.
This unique split-screen experience demands coordinated actions and teamwork. Expect unparalleled variety, with new mechanics in every level – from taming dragons to fighting cyber ninjas or dodging hover cars.
This wild ride delivers a blend of platforming, stealth, puzzles, and unexpected gameplay, all wrapped in a story about an unlikely friendship.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Embrace the Way of Shinobi and Samurai in Feudal Japan
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Review – 5/5 – https://www.thexboxhub.com/assassins-creed-shadows-review/
“If you’re a fan of Assassin’s Creed, hooked from the very first game, you’ll find a lot of love for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. It feels very familiar, but still manages to do a great job of adding extra relish in terms of combat, visuals, and storytelling.“
Step into an epic action-adventure set against the breathtaking backdrop of feudal Japan in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Explore a stunning open world teeming with life, from bustling castle towns to serene shrines. You’ll seamlessly switch between two unlikely allies: Naoe, a lethal shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a powerful, legendary samurai, as you uncover their intertwined destinies. Master their complementary playstyles – Naoe excels in stealth and agility, while Yasuke delivers powerful, precise strikes.
The world itself is dynamic, with unpredictable weather and changing seasons influencing your approach. Build a network of spies, recruit allies with unique abilities, and create a fully customisable hideout for your growing shinobi league, training your crew and crafting new gear.
Ubisoft really nailed it with this one.
The First Berserker: Khazan: A Brutal Tale of Vengeance
The First Berserker: Khazan – 5/5 – https://www.thexboxhub.com/the-first-berserker-khazan-review/
“The First Berserker: Khazan is a stupendous game. The combat is fast, flowing and very smooth, and while it is undeniably hard, it never feels unfair. Even the camera, which is traditionally a weak point with these affairs, is rock solid and helpful. “
Dive into the brutal action of The First Berserker: Khazan, a hardcore Action RPG set 800 years before the Dungeon Fighter Online Universe.
This adventure unfolds across the continent of Arad, revealing the untold story of General Khazan. Master deep and immersive combat mechanics, engaging in strategic battles against a diverse array of foes and legendary bosses. Falsely accused and tortured, Khazan escapes death and forms an unlikely alliance with the ghostly Blade Phantom, gaining otherworldly powers.
Dive in and you’ll get to witness his path to becoming the First Berserker as he embarks on a relentless quest for revenge.
despelote: A Soccer Game About People and a City’s Dream
despelote Review – 5/5 – https://www.thexboxhub.com/despelote-review/
“despelote is a game about coming together, a love of your community, of family, and of being human. That can’t be a bad thing, can it?”
Despelote offers a unique take on the soccer genre, immersing you in the vibrant streets and parks of Quito, Ecuador, through the eyes and ears of eight-year-old Julián.
This isn’t just about scoring goals; it’s about the human experience surrounding the beautiful game. Dribble, pass, and shoot your way freely around town, observing the unexpected reactions as you go.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: A Race Against Time and a Painted Doom
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review – 4.5/5 – https://www.thexboxhub.com/clair-obscur-expedition-33-review/
“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a stunning game. It is emotional, beautiful and utterly captivating. And that all means it is an absolute no-brainer as to whether you should be playing.”
“Year by year, She erases us.” This chilling premise sets the stage for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a groundbreaking turn-based RPG.
Each passing year, more of humanity vanishes, victims of the mysterious Paintress and her cursed number. As that number ticks down, the fate of all rests on Expedition 33. Join Gustave, Maelle, and their fellow Expeditioners on a desperate mission to destroy the Paintress before she paints “33” and erases them all.
This evolution of JRPGs introduces unique real-time mechanics that enhances the turn-based combat.
Revenge of the Savage Planet: A Hoarder’s Galactic Quest for Vengeance
Revenge of the Savage Planet Review – 4.5/5 – https://www.thexboxhub.com/revenge-of-the-savage-planet-review/
“Revenge of the Savage Planet is a worthy successor to the previous game, especially if you have a buddy to take along for the ride.”
Welcome to the Pioneer Program, where corporate greed has left you stranded on the far edge of space.
In Revenge of the Savage Planet (the follow-up to Journey to the Savage Planet), your mission is clear: explore every corner of mysterious alien worlds, collect countless upgrades, and uncover every secret to enact revenge on your former employer and return to Earth.
Across multiple vibrant planets, you’ll scan unique plants, capture bizarre creatures, and traverse diverse landscapes through swimming, spelunking, and climbing.
This is an adventure that supports dynamic co-op, with online crossplay and split-screen options, perfect for sharing the nostalgic joy of exploration with a friend.
Elden Ring Nightreign: Co-Op Heroics in a Shifting Land
Elden Ring Nightreign Review – 4.5/5 – https://www.thexboxhub.com/elden-ring-nightreign-review/
“If you have a reliable squad to run Elden Ring Nightreign with, then this is as easy a sell as the original Elden Ring”
Elden Ring Nightreign offers a standalone adventure within the critically acclaimed Elden Ring universe, reimagining its core design for a fresh gaming experience.
Featuring 3-player co-op, you join forces to confront the creeping night and its inherent dangers. You’ll become a hero, commanding uniquely skilled characters, each with distinct abilities and flair.
While individually formidable, their skills are designed to create powerful synergies when united as a team, crucial for overcoming the trials ahead. Your ultimate goal is to tackle the night itself – a relentless environmental threat that dynamically transforms the land between each game session.
But remember, each successful endeavour culminates in a magnificent boss battle against the night’s formidable champion…
What Were Your Top Xbox Games of 2025 So Far?
As we close out the first half of 2025, it’s clear that Xbox has delivered a truly impressive array of titles, cementing this year as a strong contender for one of the best in recent memory.
From epic monster hunts and genre-bending co-op adventures to unique indie gems and thrilling remasters, there has been something to capture the imagination of every player. And you can find downloads of each from the Xbox Store.
What were your standout games from the first six months? Did any of these games make it onto your personal list, or did something else entirely capture your heart? Share your thoughts and tell us what you’ve been playing in the comments below.
Here’s to an even more exciting second half of 2025! It’s looking like one jam packed with even more great new games.
