Xbox: The 10 Best Action Games to Try On Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass includes a huge array of titles, with the roster of games updating every month. Plenty of gamers have signed up for this archive of material, but amongst the hits are some of the most well-received and fun action games fans could get their hands on.

These games might have been massive during their era of release or perhaps an underrated gem that was overlooked at the time, but the action genre is certainly strong within the realms of Xbox Game Pass. There’s no telling what could be released in the future, but these games are a great example of why so many gamers are turning to the Microsoft subscription service.

10 Sea Of Thieves (2018)

Since its debut, Sea Of Thieves has continued to expand its fan base thanks to incredibly fun online gameplay and an extensive pirate-themed world full of possibilities. With secrets to explore and great combat gameplay (especially out at sea), and even the delight of customization, there’s so much to get involved with in the title.

Recent DLC updates including a Pirates Of The Caribbean crossover have only drawn more attention to the game which was developed by Rare. Xbox Game Pass is a great place to trial Sea Of Thieves because that online component is just so important and the service gives full and easy access to the swashbuckling experience.

9 Doom 64 (1997)

The Doom franchise is absolutely a fan favorite with plenty of community WADS being applied to the Doom titles that improve the experience. For those who want a classic and nostalgic iteration of the series though, Xbox Game Pass offers up Doom 64!

The game runs really well on the newer generation consoles and although it of course looks dated in parts, the subscription service is the perfect place to dip into the action-packed gameplay of one of the best titles from id Software, Nightdive Studios, Midway Games, and THQ San Diego. The first-person shooter has never felt better, although it’s still no replacement for playing it on the original Nintendo 64.

8 For Honor (2016)

Xbox Game Pass offers up players the For Honor: Standard Edition to try as part of their service and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Developed by Ubisoft, there’s a lot of unique features on offer here including a base combat system that is perhaps as underrated as the title it’s used within.

The third-person-style action allows the audience to be fully immersed in the chaos of the Medieval battlefield they’ve been launched into, as incredible period armies wage war through a compelling single-player campaign. However, it’s the multiplayer mode that really shines here, with factions leaping into the fray on servers that are luckily still supported.

7 Desperados III (2020)

Desperados has always been one of the most compelling action games within the Western genre, but its third installment catapults players to a prequel era where they are really introduced to the core characters for the first time. There’s absolutely nothing quite like the stealth-inspired gameplay of Desperados III. 

The challenges within the adventure force the player to keep thinking on their feet, as the tactical requirements of the game really shine. It’s a unique entry into the Xbox Game Pass archive, but the real-time project from Mimimi Games and THQ Nordic really takes full advantage of the Unity engine powering its gorgeous visuals.

6 Grounded (2020)

Xbox Game Pass currently offers up Grounded from Obsidian Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios as a Game Preview for some, although that is likely to change in the coming year. Clearly inspired by Honey I Shrunk The Kids, this title is a survival game through and through.

With the protagonist smaller than some insects, the gorgeous world created here is as environmentally rich as it is terrifying. It may be slower-paced than some other action games, but it’s both a tense and magical experience exploring the great outdoors from a perspective that only the video game medium can pull off in such detail.

5 Wreckfest (2014)

For the high-octane thrill-seekers, Wreckfest is far from the traditional driving title. In fact, it combines the quality mechanics of its traditional genre with the hard-hitting gameplay of an action racer. The result is a chaotic derby of destruction that’s as fun to spectate as it is to play.

Bugbear Entertainment put together a title that’s simple in its premise, yet actually quite nuanced in its execution. Plenty of games have attempted to achieve a similar dynamic but Wreckfest somehow managed to control this runaway vehicle from getting too explosive; it holds back where it should and unleashes madness when it must. The Multiplayer Mode is definitely one to watch out for on Xbox Game Pass.

4 Sunset Overdrive (2014)

Insomniac Games might have become Marvel money-makers and there are lessons Insomniac can take from Spider-Man. Alongside Xbox Game Studios and Blind Squirrel Games, they forged Sunset Overdrive, one of their most inventive products to date.

The free-running and travel mechanics, combined with the vibrant cinematography and wacky combat style allowed this action hit to stand out amongst the crowd. It’s still overlooked by some in the community, but Xbox Game Pass offers the opportunity to jump back into this city of shooters.

3 Power Rangers: Battle For The Grid (2019)

Power Rangers: Battle For The Grid from nWay Inc. and Animoca Brands didn’t launch to great success but through consistent updates, it has proven to be a title with a lot of longevity and a game fans are excited about. It’s not the only action game pulling from the fighting genre available on Xbox Game Pass.

It is however one of the most fun. Drawing from characters across the Power Rangers franchise, although the campaign is swift and perfect for fans of the series, it’s the co-op and online multiplayer options that sell the title on the whole. Inspired combinations and impressive final moves boost a simple and easy-to-pick-up gameplay system.

2 Neon Abyss (2020)

With Veewo Games as a developer and  Team17 and Yooreka Studio as publishers, Neon Abyss was on to a winning combination. The concept is intriguing, with the player forming part of the Hades Squad, tracking down and fighting against a new pantheon of deities.

It’s the boss battles that shine because of this premise, although the side-scrolling action is a demonstration that the classic video game formula can still function incredibly well on next-gen consoles. It’s a graphically designed tapestry of bright sequences; one which offers up new puzzles and obstacles for those familiar with the genre.

1 Guacamelee! 2 (2018)

The sequel to the well-received Guacamelee!, the second installment adds to the rich world-building that’s already taken place, allowing for a narrative to draw out new lore within the mythos, combined with exciting new powers and skills to utilize in battle.

Another side-scroller, this time hugely inspired by both the moves and visual designs of Lucha Libre, Guacamelee! 2 feels like a party title in every sense. Drinkbox Studios might have focused on a campaign, but the co-op option on the platformer allows Xbox Game Pass to boast a story that everyone can get involved in.

About The Author