Hogwarts Legacy (Xbox Series X|S)

Simply put, Hogwarts Legacy is the Harry Potter game that we've always wanted on Xbox. It's an open world action RPG in which you can create your character and go on an epic journey through a 20+ hour campaign, and you can also explore the vast Hogwarts Castle and the many environments around it.

There are plenty of RPG features here, including the ability to level up your character as well as your gear and weaponry, but we'd describe this as a much more casual RPG than some of the other titles on this list. Anyway, this is just a great game for you to dive into if you like the concept of it, and it's very deserving of a place here.

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Kingdom Hearts III (Xbox One)

Disney and Final Fantasy was always a strange recipe, but it managed to create a recipe for success. The Kingdom Hearts series has only gained more followers with each entry, as it adds more Disney characters and further delves into Final Fantasy lore. Kingdom Hearts III is the most beautifully realised entry to date, with an action packed story that's well worth checking out - fan or not.

The game is absolutely gorgeous, with each Disney world managing to perfectly invoke the art style and feeling of each film. It makes turning every corner continue to be a surprise and the combat is one of the most visceral we have ever seen. It's a must play for any RPG fan.

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Lies of P (Xbox Series X|S)

So, you like the look of Elden Ring and you want something similar on Xbox Game Pass? Lies of P is for you! This is a fantastic soulslike action-RPG that tells the story of Pinocchio with a "darkly elegant backdrop". It's tough as nails, so be prepared for a rough ride along the way, but it's still one of the best Xbox RPGs to come out in 2023.

Here's a bit of what we had to say about Lies of P in our Pure Xbox review:

"This dystopian tale of Pinocchio does a lot to stand on its own two feet, but when you strip all the set dressing away, it is simply a terrific love letter to Bloodborne."

  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Xbox Series X|S)

It's not very often at all that we give 10/10 scores to games here at Pure Xbox, but Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth managed to receive that "Outstanding" award in January 2024, becoming our favourite Yakuza / Like a Dragon title in the process. You should probably still start with Yakuza: Like a Dragon (or ideally a bunch of the older Yakuza games) first, but we think this one is the best of the bunch so far. That's some serious praise!

Here's what we had to say about the game in that 10/10 review:

"Massively expanded side activities, series-best combat, a fun new location and unexpected adventures around every single corner make for our favourite RGG Studio joint to date. 2024 is barely started and we've got an all-timer RPG to dig into."

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Lords Of The Fallen (Xbox Series X|S)

Not to be confused with the 2014 game of the same name, Lords Of The Fallen was one of the many major AAA releases on Xbox in 2023, stunning us with its beautiful graphics and epic world design. This dark fantasy action-RPG is five times larger than the original title from a decade ago, and a whole lot more ambitious as well.

The reviews were actually somewhat lukewarm when the game arrived in October, but the game has continued to improve with multiple updates since then, and we've certainly been impressed with what we've played so far.

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy (Xbox Series X|S)

After the fairly average effort that was Marvel's Avengers, we guess nobody was really expecting all that much from Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, although with Eidos Montreal at the helm here we certainly hadn't lost all hope.

As it turned out, we needn't have worried, as what we've ended up with is a rip-roaring adventure that's packed full of hilarious banter between its band of misfit heroes - heroes that, for us, have never been more endearing - some wonderfully colourful and quirky alien worlds, and lots of proper, actual, you're going to make us cry emotion.

Yes, the gameplay is all pretty straightforward stuff that isn't gonna set the world on fire, but it's serviceable, it's fun, and it's bolstered to no end by the writing, world-building and absolutely gorgeous graphics on offer here. This really is one of the very best adventures we've been taken on in recent years.

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

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Mass Effect Legendary Edition (Xbox One)

One of the all-time great RPG trilogies returns in a cracking remastered collection that sees Shepard and co. looking and playing better than ever before. Mass Effect Legendary Edition brings all three Mass Effect games together and gives them a facelift, 4K visuals, 60FPS gameplay, rejigged combat and massively improved loading times, resulting in a super-smooth and fully modernised adventure. If you were a fan of the series when it originally released this revisit will take you right back to your glory days, whilst newcomers can prepare to gear up and indulge in some deep Sci-fi RPG action that's never felt better to get thoroughly lost in. Welcome back, Commander Shepard.

  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes (Game Pass Ultimate)

Middle-earth: Shadow of War (Xbox One)

The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit based Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor was one of the highlights of the Xbox One's early days back in 2014, and it was followed up by the even more ambitious Middle-earth: Shadow of War in 2017. Both are fantastic, but the latter is the only one currently available on Xbox Game Pass.

We recommend giving it a try, even if you're not a big Lord of the Rings fan, as the combat is highly satisfying (it's somewhat similar to the likes of Ryse: Son of Rome), it features a jam-packed open world, and it'll keep you busy for the long run, with an estimated time to beat of around 50 to 100 hours.

  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

Monster Hunter: World (Xbox One)

Monster Hunter struggled to captivate a mainstream audience in the West. That was until Monster Hunter: World, which managed to make its complex systems accessible for newcomers to the series, inviting many more players to see what all the fuss is about.

Tackling towering beasts either solo or cooperatively always feels like a daunting feat, and whether you're five hours in or ten, it never gets old. The process of tracking it down, luring it out and exploiting its weakness is a constant learning process that is captivating. Its RPG systems and levelling up gear encourage going out to tackle more and more, creating an engaging loop that never ceases to thrill. A must play.

If you like Monster Hunter: World, don't forget to check out Monster Hunter Rise as well!

  • Xbox Game Pass? No (but Monster Hunter Rise is!)

NieR:Automata (Xbox One)

NieR:Automata is a game that continuously gains momentum. As each scenario plays out, the story dramatically unfolds, its fast paced combat becomes more demanding, and its plot beats become even stranger. It's a game that's hard to describe, but one that's an absolute rollercoaster of a ride.

It also encourages repeat playthroughs, each delivering different paths, plot points and further exploration of its world to create one of the most unique RPGs out there. With the remake of NieR Replicant also available for Xbox, now is the perfect time to dive in and experience this absolute treat.

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139... (Xbox One)

This updated version of Yoko Taro's 2010 masterpiece introduces a host of modern gameplay tweaks, a well-judged graphical overhaul, refined combat controls and more, resulting in the ultimate version of a one-of-kind gaming experience.

Fans of the original will revel in this chance to return to Nier's uniquely strange world, whilst newcomers are given the benefit of gameplay enhancements that smooth over some the craggier elements of a cult classic that you really should make an effort to try at least once. Nier Replicant is absolute magic.

  • Xbox Game Pass? No