Best Games of 2025 Dominate Xbox Game Pass
The year 2025 has seen the release of several critically acclaimed games, and remarkably, the three highest-rated titles have all been available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. This underscores the value proposition of the Xbox Game Pass subscription service, which, despite occasional debates, continues to offer significant benefits to its subscribers.
Xbox Game Pass: A Day One Advantage
While the majority of the Xbox Game Pass library consists of games that are not day-one releases, the inclusion of highly anticipated titles upon their launch is increasingly becoming a defining feature. This sets it apart from competitors like PlayStation Plus, offering subscribers immediate access to some of the year's biggest hits.
It's important to note that the availability of these games on Xbox Game Pass is subject to change. While they have been accessible since launch, they aren't necessarily permanent additions, unless they are Xbox first-party games. Subscribers can, however, purchase these titles with a 20% discount while they are available on the service.
Top 3 Games of 2025 (So Far)
Here's a look at the three highest-rated games of 2025, all available on Xbox Game Pass:
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hollow Knight: Silksong from developer Team Cherry currently holds a Metacritic score of 93, making it the highest-rated new release of 2025. This highly anticipated sequel to 2017’s Hollow Knight is a Metroidvania title that has already been enjoyed by over a million Xbox Game Pass subscribers. The critical acclaim and positive reception will not surprise those who played the original and followed the feverish anticipation of the sequel.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Before the release of Hollow Knight: Silksong, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was the darling of 2025, also achieving a Metacritic score of 93. This impressive debut release from developer Sandfall Interactive is a third-person turn-based RPG. While it shares the same Metacritic score as Silksong, it ranks slightly lower due to being closer to 93 than 94.
Blue Prince
Blue Prince, the third highest-rated game of 2025, has received less attention than the two games above it. Released in April, this puzzle adventure game from developer Dogubomb marked an impressive debut, initially becoming the highest-rated game of the year with a Metacritic score of 92. However, the subsequent release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 overshadowed its success.
Looking Ahead
While these three games currently dominate the top spots, there are still potential contenders on the horizon. Titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Death Stranding 2 have already been released without displacing these games. However, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, slated for release in December, could potentially surpass them all, based on the series’ strong review history.
Beyond 2025, there are already several noteworthy Xbox Game Pass day-one games planned for 2026, suggesting that this trend will continue into the future. As always, feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the ComicBook Forum.
