Looking for a great solo gaming experience on your Xbox One? Many gamers enjoy diving into immersive single-player adventures where they can explore new worlds and experience compelling stories at their own pace. The best Xbox One single-player games offer rich storytelling, engaging gameplay, and memorable characters that keep players coming back for more.
The Xbox One library features many outstanding single-player titles across different genres. From action-adventures and role-playing games to shooters and puzzle games, there’s something for everyone. These games let you escape into exciting virtual worlds without needing to connect with other players online.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 stands as one of the best single player games available on Xbox One. This western adventure from Rockstar Games takes players to America in 1899, during the final days of the wild west era.
The game follows Arthur Morgan, a loyal member of the Van der Linde gang, as they try to survive in a changing world. The story is rich with complex characters and emotional moments that keep players invested throughout.
The open world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is huge and incredibly detailed. Players can explore mountains, forests, swamps, and frontier towns. Every location feels real and lived-in.
The gameplay offers amazing variety. Besides the main story missions, you can go hunting, fishing, play cards, rob trains, or just wander the wilderness. You can even grow a beard and watch it change over time!
Graphics are stunning even on the base Xbox One. The game runs smoothly on the Xbox One S with reasonable load times. The attention to detail is impressive, from mud building up on clothes to realistic animal behavior.
The game’s immersive qualities are top-notch. Arthur needs to eat, sleep, and bathe. His horse requires care and bonding. These systems add depth without becoming annoying chores.
Combat feels weighty and satisfying. The “Dead Eye” targeting system lets players slow time and mark multiple targets for quick, precise shots. Hunting requires patience and the right weapons for clean kills.
Red Dead Redemption 2 has won over 175 Game of the Year awards and received countless perfect scores from reviewers. Its blend of storytelling, gameplay, and technical achievement makes it a standout title.
The single player experience alone provides well over 60 hours of content. Many players spend much longer exploring everything the game has to offer. It’s a complete package even without touching the online mode.
For Xbox One owners seeking a deep, engaging single player experience, Red Dead Redemption 2 delivers on all fronts. Few games match its scope, quality, and emotional impact.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands as one of the most impressive single-player experiences on Xbox One. This RPG offers a vast open world filled with meaningful quests and fascinating characters that keep players engaged for hours.
The game follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter. His journey takes players through war-torn landscapes, dense forests, and bustling cities where choices actually matter.
Many players consider it one of the best single-player games ever made. The game shines in its storytelling, with side quests that feel as important and well-crafted as the main story.
On Xbox Series S, the game looks remarkable even in quality mode, showing that it still holds up visually years after its 2015 release. The environments are breathtaking and change with the game’s dynamic weather system.
Combat in The Witcher 3 has been improved from previous entries. It features a mix of swordplay, magic signs, and alchemy that gives players different ways to approach fights. While controls can occasionally feel sluggish, the overall experience is satisfying.
The world of The Witcher 3 feels alive. NPCs follow routines, monsters have territories, and the environment reacts to your choices. This attention to detail makes exploration rewarding.
The game also offers two massive expansions: Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. These add new areas, storylines, and monsters, extending an already huge game.
What makes The Witcher 3 special is how it balances its large world with quality content. Unlike other open-world games, it doesn’t rely on repetitive activities. Instead, it offers fantastic side quest stories that often have unexpected outcomes.
For Xbox One owners looking for a deep single-player experience, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt delivers countless hours of meaningful gameplay. Its combination of strong storytelling, complex characters, and beautiful world design makes it a standout title in any game collection.
3. Gears 5
Gears 5 stands out as one of the best single-player campaigns available on Xbox One. Many players describe it as the best campaign they’ve played in years, and for good reason.
The game follows Kait Diaz on her journey to uncover the truth about her family’s mysterious past. This personal story adds depth to the Gears universe while still delivering the action fans expect.
What makes Gears 5 special is its semi-open world areas. Unlike earlier games in the series, players can explore larger environments using the Skiff vehicle. This freedom feels refreshing while maintaining the tight combat the series is known for.
Visually, the game shines. It’s one of the best-looking games of this generation, with stunning environments ranging from icy landscapes to red deserts. The Xbox Series X|S optimization makes everything look even better.
Combat remains satisfying with the familiar cover-based shooting system. The game introduces new weapons and abilities that keep battles exciting. The Jack drone companion adds tactical options with upgradeable skills that change how you approach fights.
The campaign length hits a sweet spot. Some players report it offers around 30 hours of content, which is substantial for this type of game. Side missions and collectibles add value without feeling like filler.
Character development gets more attention in Gears 5. The relationships between squad members feel authentic, with natural dialogue and meaningful interactions during quiet moments between battles.
For those who enjoy multiplayer once they finish the campaign, Gears 5 offers several modes. The casual Arcade mode welcomes newcomers who might be intimidated by the competitive multiplayer scene.
Critics widely agree the campaign is breathtaking and generous with content. While the core gameplay remains familiar to fans, the story and expanded environments make it worth playing.
Players who skipped Gears 4 can still enjoy 5, though some story elements will make more sense with knowledge of previous games. The emotional weight of certain moments hits harder when you understand the characters’ histories.
4. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Halo: The Master Chief Collection offers incredible value for Xbox One players who enjoy single-player experiences. It packs six complete Halo campaigns into one package, giving players countless hours of sci-fi action.
The collection includes Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo 4, and Halo: Reach. Each game tells a piece of the epic story featuring Master Chief and other heroes in the Halo universe.
Players new to the series can experience the full story from beginning to end. The campaigns feature strong weapon selection and interesting enemies that create engaging combat scenarios throughout each mission.
The older games have been updated with improved graphics while maintaining their classic gameplay. Halo 2: Anniversary especially stands out with completely remastered cutscenes that look stunning on modern displays.
Many fans consider this collection awesome for single-player only gaming. You can tackle alien threats across diverse planets, space stations, and the mysterious Halo rings at your own pace.
Each campaign has its own unique feel. Halo: Reach offers a gritty prequel story, while Halo 3: ODST provides a more atmospheric detective-like experience. This variety keeps the collection fresh even after many hours.
The difficulty options let players choose their challenge level. Whether you want a casual shooting experience or a punishing legendary run, the options are there to suit your style.
Split-screen co-op is available for those who want to share the adventure with a friend on the same console. This feature adds another dimension to an already content-rich package.
For completionists, there are collectibles to find and achievements to unlock across all games. Finding hidden terminals reveals extra story details that connect the different games.
The definitive Halo experience on Xbox One delivers both nostalgia for series veterans and a perfect entry point for newcomers. Its campaigns represent some of the most influential console shooters ever made.
5. Celeste
Celeste is a challenging platformer that stands out as one of the Xbox One’s finest single-player experiences. Created by the team behind TowerFall, this game combines tight controls with a touching narrative.
Players guide Madeline on her journey to climb Celeste Mountain while battling her inner demons. The game’s emotional storytelling adds depth to what could have been just another difficult platformer.
The difficulty ramps up quickly, but Celeste introduces new challenges gradually. Each room teaches you something new before testing your skills, making the learning curve feel fair despite its steepness.
Some Xbox fans have been playing Celeste on and off for years, showing how its appeal endures long after release. The game keeps drawing players back to attempt just one more room.
The pixel art style gives Celeste a charming retro feel while still looking modern and expressive. The visuals pair perfectly with the fantastic soundtrack that adapts to match the intensity of your climbing adventure.
Critics have praised Celeste as one of the most compelling games of 2018. Its combination of tight gameplay and emotional storytelling creates an unforgettable experience.
What makes Celeste special is its accessibility options. Players can adjust game speed and even activate assist mode without judgment, making this challenging game approachable for everyone.
The game can be purchased digitally through the Xbox Store, often at a reasonable price. Its relatively small file size makes it a perfect game to keep installed for quick gameplay sessions.
Reviews consistently rate Celeste highly, with many calling it near-to-perfection. The way it merges its gameplay and narrative themes makes it stand out among other platformers.
For Xbox One owners seeking a single-player challenge with heart, Celeste offers both difficulty and meaning. It proves that games can be tough but fair while telling a story worth experiencing.
6. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain might be one of the best games ever made. Released as the final Hideo Kojima-directed entry in the series, it brings stealth-action to an open world setting.
The game gives players incredible freedom. You can approach missions however you want – go in guns blazing or sneak past every enemy without being seen. This flexibility makes every playthrough unique.
The controls are a standout feature. They feel so responsive that Big Boss seems to move before you touch the analog stick. This tight control scheme makes both stealth and combat feel satisfying.
MGSV shines as a single-player experience. While it includes online elements, the campaign offers dozens of hours of content. Players can develop their base, customize weapons, and recruit soldiers throughout the adventure.
The game takes place across large maps in Afghanistan and Africa. These areas offer varied terrain and weather conditions that affect gameplay. Sandstorms provide cover for sneaking, while rain makes it harder for enemies to hear footsteps.
The buddy system adds another layer of strategy. Players can choose companions like D-Dog or Quiet to help with missions. Each buddy has unique abilities that complement different play styles.
Combat feels weighty and impactful. Weapons have distinct characteristics, and enemies react realistically to getting shot or spotted. The stealth mechanics reward patience and planning.
Despite being an open world game with stealth elements rather than a pure stealth game, MGSV excels at both. The mission structure keeps things interesting with main objectives and side tasks.
Graphics still hold up years after release. Character models look detailed, animations are fluid, and environments show impressive attention to detail. The day-night cycle affects enemy patterns and visibility.
The game’s soundtrack complements the action perfectly. Players can even collect cassette tapes of 80s hits to play while exploring or during missions.
7. Forza Horizon 4
Forza Horizon 4 stands out as one of the best single player racing games on Xbox One. Set in a beautiful open-world Britain, the game lets you drive through stunning landscapes that change with the seasons.
The game works perfectly as a solo experience. You can play it forever even offline, exploring at your own pace without needing to connect with other players. This makes it ideal for gamers who prefer single-player content.
Racing through the British countryside feels smooth and fun. Each season brings new challenges and changes to the environment, keeping the gameplay fresh even after many hours of play.
While the story is pretty basic for a racing game, the free-roam experience makes up for it. You can spend hours just driving around, finding hidden items, and completing challenges without touching the main storyline.
The car collection feature adds another layer of enjoyment. With hundreds of vehicles to collect, tune, and customize, players can spend countless hours perfecting their garage. Each car handles differently and suits various racing styles.
Microsoft has recognized the quality of this Xbox One X Enhanced game by including it in their best-rated games. Its high ranking among single-player Xbox titles is well-deserved.
The photo mode lets creative players capture stunning moments. Whether it’s a sunset drive through the countryside or a high-speed drift around a corner, the visuals never disappoint.
Weekly challenges and seasonal events provide regular content updates. Even playing alone, there’s always something new to try, from stunt jumps to speed traps and special racing events.
For Xbox One owners looking for a quality single-player experience, Forza Horizon 4 delivers hours of fun without requiring multiplayer interaction. The combination of freedom, beautiful graphics, and solid driving mechanics makes it a standout racing game for solo players.
8. Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V stands as one of the best single-player games on Xbox One. The game offers a massive open world set in Los Santos, a fictional city based on Los Angeles.
What makes GTA V special is its three-protagonist approach. Players can switch between Michael, Franklin, and Trevor – three criminals with unique personalities and stories. This design gives the game more depth than previous titles in the series.
The world of Los Santos is incredibly detailed. You can explore beaches, mountains, cities, and deserts at your own pace. There’s always something new to discover around every corner.
The main storyline involves heists and missions that are both challenging and fun. Each mission can be completed in different ways, giving players freedom to choose their approach.
Graphics on Xbox One look great, though if you own an Xbox Series X/S, you might want to get the enhanced version which has improved visuals and performance.
Beyond the main story, GTA V offers tons of side activities. You can play golf, race cars, hunt for collectibles, or just cause chaos in the city. These activities provide many extra hours of gameplay.
The vehicle selection is impressive too. Cars, bikes, planes, and boats all handle differently and are fun to drive. Stealing a sports car and racing through the city remains one of the game’s simple pleasures.
Some fans consider GTA V’s story to be among the best in the series, though opinions vary. The writing is sharp, with plenty of satire and memorable characters throughout.
The Xbox One version includes first-person mode, which wasn’t in the original release. This view option adds a new dimension to gameplay and makes the experience more immersive.
9. Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!
Don’t let the cute anime art style fool you. Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! is one of the most surprising psychological horror games available on Xbox One. This enhanced version brings the viral PC hit to consoles with expanded content.
The game starts innocently enough. You join a high school literature club with four charming girls. You write poems, make friends, and possibly find romance. But beneath this sweet exterior lies something much darker.
What makes DDLC Plus special is how it plays with your expectations. The story takes shocking turns that break the fourth wall and mess with game mechanics in clever ways. Players should note the game’s warnings about disturbing content – they’re there for good reason.
This upgraded Plus version adds six new side stories about friendship and literature, giving fans more time with the characters. It also includes over 100 unlockable images and a music player with 26 songs.
The writing strikes a perfect balance between humor, drama, and horror. Characters feel real despite their anime styling. Their problems and personalities pull you in before the game reveals its true nature.
Music and visuals work together to create dramatic mood shifts. Pleasant piano melodies can suddenly turn eerie, matching the game’s tonal changes perfectly.
For Xbox players looking for something different, DDLC Plus offers a unique experience that sticks with you long after playing. Its clever storytelling makes it one of the best single-player games on the platform.
The game takes about 5-6 hours to complete, but many players immediately restart to see different choices and endings. Each playthrough reveals new layers to the story.
Even if you’ve heard spoilers, experiencing the game firsthand is still worthwhile. It’s a wolf in very kawaii sheep’s clothing, surprising players at every turn.
10. Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world, action-adventure RPG set in the sprawling metropolis of Night City. Players step into the shoes of V, a mercenary outlaw looking for a one-of-a-kind implant that holds the key to immortality.
The game offers incredible freedom in how you approach missions and build your character. You can play as a gun-blazing solo, a stealthy netrunner, or a mix of different playstyles depending on your preference.
Night City feels alive with its dense urban landscapes, neon-lit streets, and distinct districts. Each area has its own vibe and dangers waiting around every corner.
The main story features deep, engaging narratives with memorable characters including Johnny Silverhand, played by Keanu Reeves. Your choices throughout the game affect relationships and story outcomes in meaningful ways.
Combat is diverse and satisfying, letting players use traditional weapons, cybernetic implants, or hacking abilities to overcome enemies. The variety keeps gameplay fresh throughout the adventure.
Cyberpunk received major updates since its launch, fixing performance issues and adding new content. The Xbox Series X|S version runs much better than the original Xbox One release.
The game ranks among the best-rated single player experiences on Xbox, particularly after its improvements. Its blend of action, role-playing, and story creates a unique gaming experience.
Side quests in Cyberpunk often match or exceed the quality of the main story. Many feature complex characters with their own compelling stories that add depth to the world.
The customization options let players create a truly personal V through appearance options, skill builds, and cybernetic enhancements. These choices impact both gameplay and some story elements.
Visual design stands out with its gritty yet colorful aesthetic that perfectly captures the cyberpunk genre. The attention to detail in environments makes exploration rewarding.
For players looking for a deep, immersive single-player game on Xbox, Cyberpunk 2077 delivers an unforgettable journey through a dark future that’s hard to put down.
Benefits of Single Player Games
Single player games offer unique advantages that many Xbox One players appreciate. They let you enjoy games without needing to connect with others online.
Immersive Storytelling
Single player games excel at creating deep, engaging stories that pull you in completely. Unlike multiplayer games that focus on competition, single player titles can take you on emotional journeys with complex characters and rich worlds.
Games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Witcher 3 showcase how single player experiences can deliver powerful narratives that rival books and movies. These games give developers the freedom to craft meaningful stories without worrying about balancing competitive gameplay.
Many players find that story-driven games stay relevant longer. A great story remains compelling years after release, which is why single player titles often hold up better over time. This makes them valuable additions to any gaming library.
Play at Your Own Pace
One of the biggest benefits of single player games is the freedom they provide. You can pause whenever you need, take breaks, or save and come back later without affecting anyone else’s experience.
Single player games don’t require you to compromise or think about others – you set the pace. This makes them perfect for gamers with busy schedules or unpredictable free time.
You don’t need to worry about:
- Internet connection problems
- Matching skill levels with others
- Toxic players or harassment
- Server maintenance or downtime
This freedom also extends to how you approach gameplay. Want to explore every corner of the map in Fallout 4? Or speed through the main story in Control? The choice is entirely yours, creating a more relaxed and personalized gaming experience.
Enhancing Your Gaming Experience
Getting the most from single player Xbox One games means adjusting settings and difficulty levels to match your playstyle. These small tweaks can transform an average gaming session into something extraordinary.
Choosing the Right Difficulty
Most Xbox One single player games offer multiple difficulty options. Games like The Witcher 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2 include settings from “Story Mode” (easiest) to “Death March” or similar challenging modes.
Start with normal difficulty if you’re new to a game series. You can always adjust later if it feels too easy or hard.
Many games allow mid-game difficulty changes. This feature helps when you’re stuck on a tough boss or section.
Remember that higher difficulties often unlock special achievements. These can add replay value and bragging rights for games you enjoy.
Some titles like Cyberpunk 2077 offer custom difficulty settings where you can adjust enemy damage, health regeneration, and other factors separately.
Exploring Game Settings
Beyond difficulty, modern Xbox One games come with many customizable settings that improve gameplay quality.
Visual Settings:
- Frame rate mode vs. resolution mode (prioritize smoothness or graphics)
- Field of view adjustments
- Motion blur toggle (reducing can help with motion sickness)
Accessibility Features:
- Subtitle size and color options
- Button remapping for comfort
- Colorblind modes in games like Titanfall 2
Audio settings can dramatically improve immersion. Try headphones for story-driven games like those featured in Xbox Game Pass’s single player collection.
Check controller sensitivity settings. A slight adjustment can improve aiming in shooters or camera control in adventure games.
Many games include HUD customization. Reducing on-screen elements creates a more cinematic experience for screenshot-worthy games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players often have specific questions about single-player games on Xbox platforms. Many gamers want to know which titles offer the best value, strongest stories, and most engaging solo experiences.
What are the top-rated single-player games available on Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass offers several highly-rated single-player experiences. The Witcher 3 stands out with its massive open world and compelling storyline.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection gives players access to multiple campaigns from the iconic franchise. This collection lets you experience the entire Master Chief saga from beginning to end.
Other notable Game Pass titles include Gears 5, which features stunning visuals and an emotional story campaign. Indie gems like Celeste also provide challenging yet rewarding solo adventures.
Which Xbox One games have the best single-player campaigns?
Red Dead Redemption 2 features one of the most immersive and emotionally impactful stories in gaming. The character development and world-building are unmatched.
The Bioshock Collection delivers three distinct campaign experiences with thought-provoking stories and unique gameplay. Each game offers a different setting while maintaining the series’ atmosphere.
GTA V provides a massive open world with a compelling three-protagonist narrative. The interwoven storylines create a rich and varied campaign experience.
What are the most popular single-player Xbox Series X games for the year 2024?
The best single-player games in 2024 include updated versions of classics with enhanced graphics and performance. Many titles now run at 60fps or even 120fps on Series X hardware.
New installments in popular franchises have optimized their experiences for the Series X’s powerful hardware. These games feature faster load times and improved visual fidelity.
Independent studios have also released impressive single-player titles that take advantage of the console’s capabilities. These smaller games often provide unique gameplay experiences not found in bigger-budget titles.
Can you recommend any free single-player games for Xbox One?
Several free-to-play games on Xbox One offer substantial single-player content. Some battle royale games include solo modes that can be enjoyed without spending money.
Microsoft occasionally offers high-quality games through Games with Gold for Xbox Live subscribers. These monthly selections sometimes include premium single-player experiences.
The Microsoft Store features free demos of many popular single-player games. These demos often provide several hours of gameplay before purchase is required.
Are there any engaging single-player games on Xbox that also offer a multiplayer mode?
Many players appreciate games that offer both strong campaigns and multiplayer options. Gears 5 delivers an emotional single-player story alongside competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection provides six campaigns to play solo, plus extensive multiplayer options. The collection offers hundreds of hours of content for both single and multiplayer fans.
The Witcher 3 focuses primarily on single-player content but includes the standalone Gwent card game. This addition provides competitive gameplay after completing the main story.
What single-player games for Xbox Series S are highly recommended?
The Xbox Series S runs most single-player titles at 1080p or 1440p with solid performance. Games like Celeste perform flawlessly on the smaller console.
Optimized versions of previous-generation hits play well on Series S. Titles like The Witcher 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2 benefit from faster loading and more stable framerates.
Smaller indie games often perform identically on Series S compared to Series X. These titles typically don’t push the hardware limits and provide identical experiences on both consoles.
