Best free Xbox Series X games to download now

Video games can be an expensive hobby to maintain, but thanks to an industry that has seen the potential for free-to-play games, you can easily start a collection that won’t cost you a cent. While most freemium games have some sort of hidden costs, whether it’s season passes or that one hip outfit you can’t resist buying for your avatar, there’s a surprising amount of value available upfront in a number of titles where there is no access rate.

We’ve rounded up some of the best free Xbox Series X|S games from multiple genres, so don’t worry about remembering your credit card security code as you sit down to try out some games that feel like they were obtained with a five finger discount.

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Apex Legends

Apex Legends from EA and Respawn Entertainment, seemingly out of nowhere in 2019, has been one of the best and most popular battle royale games on the market ever since. The great thing about Apex Legends is its simplicity and intuitive communication between squad members using a ping system, while Respawn’s knack for satisfying firefights and expert map design only adds to its appeal. Post-launch support focused on quality over quantity, further enhancing the squad-based shooter with meaningful additions that regularly shake up the formula.

Read our Apex Legends review.

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brawlhalla

Fighting games with a Smash Bros. influence seem to be all the rage these days, with Brawlhalla being a particularly excellent example of adding a new flavor to a well-known formula. A slick take on Smash Bros. Brimming with character, Brawlhalla’s real charm comes from an eclectic roster of characters from history and pop culture, allowing fans to create some dream matches in that game. Ever wanted to see Lara Croft fight a hefty Viking? Well there you are. As a free-to-play game, Brawlhalla is generous with its content and offers a significant number of characters and modes, all of which take advantage of the game’s smooth and polished action.

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Call of Duty: Warzone

One of the biggest pillars of the battle royale scene, Call of Duty: Warzone has everything you could ask for in a game to see who is the last person standing. Maps have room for up to 150 players, the rush to the center of a shrinking conflict zone results in some great moments where people run into each other, and a few other modes add some spicy variety to the mix. On top of that, there’s also the Call of Duty gunfight that has powered the franchise for over a decade, an assortment of well-designed military gear, and a learning curve that teaches you the ins and outs of Call of Duty’s approach. on the genre in no time flat. Sure, it’s a free Call of Duty game with a royal twist, but it’s a great intelligent and polished spin-off.

Read our Call of Duty: Warzone review.

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Lot 2

Even if you don’t plan on buying any of the major expansions or Season Pass content, Destiny 2 still offers a plethora of activities that could distract you for hours. The now free-to-play game’s New Light campaign is a fun foray into the basics of Bungie’s sandbox, there are a ton of weapons to collect and plenty of dastardly enemies to take on, and the PvP Crucible mode serves as a great platform for heavy firefights and space magic showdowns. Destiny 2’s base pack can serve as an appetizer to the main course of its premium content, but this is one dish that can easily fill you with its generous amount of activities.

Read our Destiny 2 review.

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Fortnite

Easily one of the greatest games of all time, Fortnite has become a mainstream success story with its frequent events, celebrity crossovers, and building a Metaverse that has drawn characters from across pop culture to its sunny shores. At its core, Fortnite is still a fantastic battle royale with a neat twist that lets you defeat your opposition while building all sorts of action-packed architecture around your avatar. Building on that foundation, Epic Games has turned Fortnite into a hub of competition, creativity and social interaction, which in turn has transformed the gaming industry around it. Not bad for a game that won’t cost you a cent to play.

Read our Fortnite review.

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Halo Infinite

Microsoft celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Xbox console in a big way in 2021 by releasing Halo Infinite multiplayer to the general public. Compared to previous Halo games led by developer 343 Industries, Halo Infinite feels like it has finally outgrown its rebellious phase and is back doing what Halo does best. Building on its rich legacy, Halo Infinite plays like an absolute beast in the multiplayer department. While there’s still room for improvement, the current lean and mean free-to-play shooter is a finely tuned showcase of excellent sound design, smooth movements, and nostalgic action.

Read our Halo Infinite review.

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killer instinct

One of the oldest names in the fighting game scene, Killer Instinct is an underrated masterpiece of well-crafted fights. The gameplay of Meat and Potatoes Killer Instinct is available as a free one-character game to use in all its modes and is easily comparable to that of the Mortal Kombats and Street Fighters in its class. Hit hard, fast and still a handsome game long after it first came out, it’s one of the best games out there for teaching you the intricacies of combo-busting punches. And if you like what you see, the full game is well worth checking out on Xbox Game Pass.

Read our Killer Instinct review.

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Rocket League

Rocket propelled cars. A huge soccer ball. A stadium that is just the right size to throw that huge orb everywhere. What more can you ask for? Psyonix’s Rocket League is still one of the best and easiest competitive games to play in, packed with great gameplay that will keep you stuck for just one more round and the exhilarating feeling of scoring a goal you can brag about for years to come come. An example of a great idea executed to perfection, Rocket League is pure European football fun that is accessible, fun and absolutely exciting.

Read our Rocket League review.

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warframe

Fast approaching its first decade on the market, Warframe is a perfect example of creating a compelling game and ensuring that each update adds meaningful content that appeals to a fan base. Warframe has done that since 2013, transforming the original space ninja saga into a grand and immersive adventure across the cosmos with an unreal number of distractions in its design. From the captivating storyline to the expansive multiplayer, you’ll rarely run out of things in Warframe. And that’s a constant joy you’ll experience long before you even consider throwing some extra cash at developer Digital Extremes.

Read our Warframe review.

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World of Tanks

A decade after it first came into the picture with its roster of armored assault vehicles, World of Tanks has proven that its wartime multiplayer is still some of the best on the market. Delivering exactly what it promises on the box, World of Tanks pits you against other players in cutting edge military hardware, with each tank showing a surprising amount of realism and fine detail in its design. In fact, World of Tanks regularly has crossovers that increase its appeal, which until now have ranged from GI Joe to WWE, Hot Wheels to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Don’t ask how it works; just smile, wave and make sure the turret is in the optimal firing position.