If you own an Xbox One S or are thinking about buying one, here are some of the best exclusives that made the console stand out.
Halo 5: Guardians
Released in 2015, Halo 5: Guardians is one of the biggest Xbox One exclusives ever made. The game continues the legendary Halo franchise with improved graphics, fast-paced multiplayer ki, and a campaign featuring Master Chief and Spartan Locke.
The multiplayer mode introduced Warzone, a large-scale battle mode that became a fan favorite and kept players engaged for years.
Forza Horizon 4
Forza Horizon 4 is considered one of the greatest racing games of all time. Set in a beautiful open-world version of Great Britain, the game features dynamic seasons that completely change the driving experience.
Players can collect hundreds of cars, compete online, or simply explore stunning landscapes. Its realistic visuals and smooth performance make it one of the best showcases for the Xbox One S.
Gears 5
The Gears of War series continued with Gears 5, delivering an emotional campaign, exciting multiplayer modes, and incredible graphics.
The game follows Kait Diaz as she uncovers the secrets behind the Locust Horde while battling dangerous enemies across massive environments.
Sunset Overdrive
One of the most creative Xbox exclusives, Sunset Overdrive combines fast movement, colorful visuals, and humorous storytelling.
Players grind across rails, bounce over rooftops, and fight mutant enemies using outrageous weapons in a vibrant open world.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
This award-winning platform adventure impressed critics with its emotional story, beautiful hand-painted environments, and unforgettable soundtrack.
The game offers challenging platforming sections alongside exciting combat and exploration, making it one of Xbox’s highest-rated titles.
Rare Replay
For longtime gamers, Rare Replay is a treasure trove of gaming history. The collection includes 30 classic games developed by Rare, including:
- Banjo-Kazooie
- Perfect Dark
- Battletoads
- Viva Piñata
- Conker’s Bad Fur Day
It’s one of the best value collections ever released on Xbox.
Killer Instinct
Fighting game fans found plenty to enjoy in Killer Instinct, which revived the classic franchise with modern visuals, smooth gameplay, and regular character updates.
Its online multiplayer remains one of the strongest fighting game experiences on Xbox.
Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thieves lets players become pirates in a shared online world where they can hunt treasure, battle skeletons, and sail the seas with friends.
Since its launch, the game has received years of free updates, making it one of Microsoft’s biggest live-service successes.
State of Decay 2
Zombie survival fans enjoyed State of Decay 2, where managing resources and building a community is just as important as fighting the undead.
Every decision matters, creating unique stories for each playthrough.
Are Xbox One S Exclusives Still Worth Playing?
Absolutely. Even though many Xbox exclusives are now also available on Windows PCs, they remain essential experiences for Xbox One S owners. Thanks to backward compatibility and Xbox Game Pass support, the console still offers access to an outstanding collection of first-party games.
Final Thoughts
The Xbox One S helped establish Microsoft as a major force in console gaming during the eighth generation. From blockbuster franchises like Halo, Forza, and Gears to unique adventures like Ori and Sea of Thieves, the console built a library that continues to attract gamers today.
Whether you’re a longtime Xbox fan or discovering the platform for the first time, these exclusive titles represent some of the best experiences the Xbox One S has to offer.
