Stardew Valley (Xbox One)

The wonderful Stardew Valley perhaps isn't your typical Xbox RPG, but nevertheless it's one of the most enjoyable and most relaxing examples on Xbox One. The game is an open-ended country-life RPG, in which you inherit your grandfather's old farm plot in Stardew Valley, and seek to turn your plot into a lively farm.

It's more than just a farming simulator though, as you can engage with the entire community of Stardew Valley, making friends, getting married and even having kids if you want to, as well as spend time exploring caves and fighting monsters, cooking meals, donating artefacts to the museum and even just fishing! You need to try this one.

  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

Starfield (Xbox Series X|S)

How could we have a "Best Xbox RPGs" list without Starfield in it?! Bethesda's latest RPG was a decade in the making, and it ended up proving a massive hit at launch in September 2023. This is absolutely one of the biggest Xbox exclusives of all time, and perhaps the most important release of the Xbox Series X|S generation so far.

While it might not have lived up to some people's expectations, most Xbox fans seem to have had a blast with Starfield so far, and there's so much content that you could feasibly be playing it for the next 10 years or more. It's naturally part of Xbox Game Pass as well, so you don't even have to buy the game itself if you want to enjoy this one.

  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

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Starfield Digital Premium Edition [UK/EU Download Code]
Starfield Digital Premium Edition [UK/EU Download Code]
Starfield Standard Edition [UK/EU Download Code]
Starfield Standard Edition [UK/EU Download Code]

Steelrising (Xbox Series X|S)

Steelrising is perhaps a bit of a surprise inclusion in our Best Xbox RPGs list as not everyone seems to be totally enamored with it, but it ended up proving one of our favourite RPGs of 2022 here at Pure Xbox. The game is set in 1790s Paris, and sees you take the role of a "mechanical masterpiece" called Aegis who must save the French Revolution.

We gave Steelrising a "Great" 8/10 score in our review, praising it as a "super solid soulslike that incorporates a wonderfully unique setting and lots of well-designed battle and traversal mechanics into the mix".

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Tales of Arise (Xbox Series X|S)

The 17th entry in Bandai Namco's long-running Tales franchise, Tales of Arise is a fantastic action RPG that pulls together a hugely addictive battle system, incredible graphics and a properly thrilling story to deliver up one of the very best games we had the pleasure of playing in 2021.

Telling the story of the rise of the persecuted Dahnans as they finally fight back against their technologically superior enslavers, the Renans, it's a surprisingly personal and affecting game that keeps you fully engaged in its core narrative all the way through. Its battle system is fantastically flashy stuff that gives you lots of strategic options, cool abilities and total control over your party as you face off against all manner of beasties, human foes and some top-notches bosses. All of this is then backed up by a wonderfully vibrant anime aesthetic that makes the whole thing pop. If you're on the lookout for a new action RPG to jump into, this one comes highly recommended.

  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

Tails of Iron (Xbox Series X|S)

Odd Bug Studio served up a real treat in 2021 when they delivered this beautiful 2D Soulslike RPG that's absolutely dripping in surprises, secrets and top notch combat action.

While it may look like Darkest Dungeons with rats, and there's certainly an element of that here, there's so much more going on in Tails of Iron. From its exquisite 2D world that's jam-packed with oddball characters, secrets, loot and more, to some thoroughly addictive and brutally satisfying combat, this is a unique RPG experience that really blew us away and kept us coming back for more until we'd seen its campaign through. With a running time of in and around eight hours, it also doesn't outstay its welcome, providing a wonderfully crafted little package that you should definitely make the time to check out.

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Special Edition (Xbox One)

While Fallout 4 may have been the only Xbox One exclusive release from Bethesda, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim received an enhanced version for the Xbox One early in its life cycle. It's also since been enhanced for free on Xbox Series X and S, and there's even an Anniversary Edition you can buy if you want some extra content.

There's not much to say about Skyrim that many don't already know, but focusing on the Xbox One version, one of the best elements about it is its mod support. With such mods that allow to bolster the game up to 60 frames per second, or even fix quest lines that the developer itself didn't even manage, it's possible to create the most definitive edition of the game. With its addition into Xbox Game Pass, there's no excuse not to dive back in.

  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

The Outer Worlds (Xbox One)

Obsidian returned in 2019 with a brand-new action RPG called The Outer Worlds, and we instantly grew attached to it - due in part to the fact that it was included with Xbox Game Pass on day one. In the game, your choices affect not only the way the story develops; but your character build, companion stories, and end game scenarios.

The Outer Worlds is developed by the same team that worked on Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire - which also is another excellent Xbox One RPG - and has since gone on to create the excellent Grounded, now working on the highly-anticipated Skyrim style RPG, Avowed. It's no wonder The Outer Worlds is so good!

  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

The Riftbreaker (Xbox Series X|S)

Exor Studios' The Riftbreaker, which slipped casually onto Game Pass back in October 2021, may seem like an odd addition to this list, but the addition of some sweet RPG elements to its core base building/survival gameplay make it worthy of a place as far as we're concerned.

Equipping your mechsuit and dropping down to the planet Galatea 37, The Riftbreaker is all about establishing bases for R&D, weapons, fuel and so on, whilst fending off attacks from some ferocious local inhabitants. It's surprisingly intense and addictive stuff and you'll need to explore and scavenge through dangerous territory in order to survive. The unique combination of RPG, strategy and roguelike aspects on offer here result in an excellent isometric adventure that you should absolutely spend some time digging into.

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

The Witcher 3 Next-Gen (Xbox Series X|S)

We're looking at one of the best Xbox RPGs ever here in The Witcher 3. Despite criticisms with Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red really made a name for themselves with this masterpiece. Every element of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt blends perfectly into one cohesive package, with the same fantastical scale of something like Lord of the Rings.

One of its most notable elements is its quest design, which ensures even side quests have enough character and personality to distinguish themselves from the crowd. The world is an absolute delight to explore and battling monsters has never been more fun. A must for any RPG fan out there - especially now the Xbox Series X|S upgrade is out and free for existing owners!

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (Xbox Series X|S)

We can't have Borderlands 3 on this list without including Tiny Tina's Wonderlands as well! The 2022 spin-off is very much still a Borderlands-like experience, but takes place within the fictional table-top fantasy game “Bunkers & Badasses”, which means it's got even more of a 'fantasy' feel to it than the standard Borderlands series.

We gave Tiny Tina's Wonderlands a "Great" 8/10 rating in our review here at Pure Xbox, describing it as "more than worthy alongside the mainline entries," and describing it as having "fantastic and addictive gameplay, the pacing feels quite good as well, and there are enough new features, enemies, and bosses that will keep you and your friends coming back for more adventures." It's not on Game Pass (yet), but you should still give this a try!

  • Xbox Game Pass? No
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands: Next Level Edition (Xbox Series X)
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands: Next Level Edition (Xbox Series X)

Tom Clancy's The Division 2 (Xbox One)

If Destiny 2's deep space shenanigans aren't really your cup of tea, Ubisoft has got you fully covered with the entirely earth-bound looter shooter action of The Division 2. This co-op action RPG has seen tons of improvements, refinements and DLC content added since launch and is now in a properly good place.

There's hundreds of hours of top-notch, cover-based looter shooter craziness to indulge in here - whether you're going solo or playing with pals - that sees you and your Division unit gun it through the streets of an amazingly atmospheric rendition of a Washington DC in absolute chaos. With some properly hardcore endgame content to dive into once you've rinsed the lengthy campaign, this is a meaty package that offers tons of customisation, guns and gadgets for shooter fans. It's time to take the fight to the Hyenas, Outcasts and True Sons.

  • Xbox Game Pass? No