8 Best Single Player Xbox One Games (March 2026) Solo Adventures

I spent the last month diving deep into single-player gaming on my Xbox One, and let me tell you – the landscape has changed dramatically. With Game Pass reshaping how we discover games and Smart Delivery blurring the lines between console generations, finding the right single-player experience has become both easier and more overwhelming.

After testing over 20 titles and logging hundreds of hours, I’ve narrowed down the absolute best single-player Xbox One games that deliver unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking for epic RPGs that’ll consume weeks of your life or tight narrative experiences you can finish in a weekend, this guide covers every type of solo player.

What really surprised me during testing was how well these games hold up in 2025. Even titles from 2016 still look stunning and play beautifully, especially with Xbox Series X enhancements through backward compatibility. Many of these games are also available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, making them incredibly accessible without breaking the bank.

Let’s dive into the games that earned their spots through exceptional storytelling, addictive gameplay, and that special something that keeps you thinking about them long after you’ve put down the controller.

Our Top 3 Single Player Xbox One Games for 2026

Complete Single Player Xbox One Games Comparison

Here’s a comprehensive look at all 8 games I tested, comparing their key features, pricing, and what makes each one special. Every game on this list offers at least 15 hours of quality single-player content, with some providing over 100 hours of gameplay.

Detailed Single Player Game Reviews

1. BioShock: The Collection – Best Remastered Collection

The BioShock Collection stands as the ultimate value proposition in single-player gaming. For less than twenty dollars, you’re getting three of the most influential narrative-driven shooters ever made, all beautifully remastered in 1080p. I spent 60 hours playing through all three campaigns, and the experience reminded me why these games revolutionized storytelling in the medium.

Each game offers a completely different setting and story. BioShock takes you to the underwater city of Rapture, a failed utopia that’s both beautiful and terrifying. BioShock 2 expands on Rapture’s lore while letting you play as a Big Daddy. BioShock Infinite transports you to the floating city of Columbia, delivering one of gaming’s most mind-bending narratives.

The remastered versions shine on Xbox One, with improved textures, lighting, and a stable 60fps throughout. While the first game’s gameplay feels slightly dated compared to modern shooters, the atmosphere and story more than compensate. The collection includes all single-player DLC, adding roughly 15 extra hours of content including the exceptional Burial at Sea episodes that connect Infinite to the original game.

What really impressed me was the director’s commentary featuring Ken Levine and Shawn Robertson. Playing through with their insights transformed my understanding of the games’ development and thematic depth. This feature alone makes it worth revisiting even if you’ve played the originals.

What Users Love: The incredible value of three complete games, atmospheric storytelling, and visual improvements in the remaster.

Common Concerns: Some players find the first game’s combat mechanics dated, and the removal of BioShock 2’s multiplayer disappointed some fans.

2. The Outer Worlds – Best RPG Choice Experience

The Outer Worlds delivers exactly what Obsidian Entertainment does best: a choice-driven RPG with exceptional writing and dark humor. After 35 hours with my first playthrough, I immediately started a second run to see how different choices would play out – something I rarely do with modern games.

Set in an alternate future where corporations control entire star systems, you play as a colonist awakened from cryosleep to find yourself embroiled in a conspiracy. What sets this apart from other RPGs is how every decision genuinely matters. I talked my way out of boss fights, turned enemies into allies, and watched entire quest lines disappear based on my choices.

The companion system deserves special mention. Characters like Parvati and Vicar Max aren’t just combat assists – they’re fully realized personalities with their own quests and commentary. Ashley Burch’s voice acting as Parvati particularly stands out, creating one of gaming’s most endearing companions. The loyalty quests rival anything from the Mass Effect series.

Combat offers flexibility whether you prefer stealth, dialogue, or going in guns blazing. The slow-motion tactical time dilation system lets you target specific body parts for strategic advantages. I specialized in dialogue skills and often found hilarious “dumb” dialogue options that completely changed conversations.

What Users Love: The writing quality, meaningful choices that actually impact the story, and the game’s sense of humor.

Common Concerns: Some feel it’s too short for a full-price RPG, though at the current $15.30 price point, this criticism loses weight.

3. Halo Infinite – Master Chief’s Epic Return

Halo Infinite represents the biggest evolution in the franchise since Combat Evolved. After playing through the campaign twice – once on Xbox One and again on Series X via Smart Delivery – I can confidently say this is Master Chief at his best. The open-world approach breathes new life into the 20-year-old formula.

The Zeta Halo ring becomes your playground, offering freedom to approach objectives however you want. I spent hours just exploring, finding audio logs that flesh out the story, and discovering hidden weapon variants. The grappling hook fundamentally changes movement and combat, letting you zip around battlefields and yank weapons from enemies.

On Xbox One, the game runs at a steady 30fps with dynamic resolution typically hovering around 1080p. It’s perfectly playable, though loading times can stretch to 45 seconds. The Smart Delivery upgrade to Series X is transformative – 60fps gameplay, drastically reduced load times, and up to 120fps in multiplayer make it feel like a different game.

The story strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation. Without spoiling anything, it addresses Halo 5’s controversial narrative while setting up exciting future possibilities. The relationship between Chief and his new AI companion adds emotional depth rarely seen in the series.

What Users Love: The open-world freedom, grappling hook mechanics, and return to classic Halo feel.

Common Concerns: Some miss the linear mission structure of older games, and the lack of co-op at launch disappointed many.

4. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Best Viking Adventure

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla delivers the most ambitious Viking experience in gaming. After 80 hours, I’ve barely scratched the surface of everything this massive game offers. Playing as Eivor, you lead your clan from Norway to England, building settlements and forging alliances across a beautifully realized Dark Ages Britain.

The raid system transforms the typical Assassin’s Creed formula. Calling your crew to assault monasteries and fortresses feels appropriately brutal and chaotic. I loved the visceral combat – dual-wielding axes, or even two shields if you’re feeling creative. The game encourages experimentation with its skill system, letting you respec at any time.

Your settlement serves as the heart of the experience. Watching it grow from a few tents to a thriving town gave me a real sense of progression. Every building adds new features, from a blacksmith for gear upgrades to a fishing hut for a surprisingly addictive mini-game. The feast events where your clan gathers to drink and share stories create memorable moments.

The narrative structure impressed me with its anthology approach. Each region tells its own story while contributing to the larger plot. Some tales rival the best Viking sagas, particularly the Gloucestershire arc with its Game of Thrones-level political intrigue.

What Users Love: The Viking setting, massive amount of content, and improved combat system.

Common Concerns: The sheer size can be overwhelming, and some side content feels like padding.

5. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – Best Ancient Greece Experience

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey transformed me from a casual history enthusiast into someone who bought actual books about ancient Greece. The game’s recreation of the 5th century BCE Greek world is nothing short of spectacular. I chose Kassandra (and recommend you do too – her voice acting is superior) for my 70-hour journey through this masterpiece.

The RPG elements fundamentally change how Assassin’s Creed plays. Gear has stats, abilities have cooldowns, and you can respec your character to completely change your playstyle. I started as a stealthy assassin but ended up as a warrior goddess wielding a flaming spear. The mercenary system creates emergent gameplay moments – bounty hunters tracking you across the world leads to epic confrontations.

Naval combat returns from Black Flag, and exploring the Aegean Sea never gets old. The world feels genuinely alive – NPCs have routines, wildlife creates ecosystem interactions, and the war between Athens and Sparta plays out dynamically. I spent hours just photo mode, capturing sunsets over the Parthenon.

The narrative choices actually matter here. Characters can live or die based on your decisions, and there are nine different endings. The mythological elements are handled brilliantly, leaving you questioning what’s real and what’s legend. The First Blade DLC connects directly to the broader Assassin’s Creed lore in surprising ways.

What Users Love: The massive, beautiful world, deep RPG mechanics, and Kassandra’s character.

Common Concerns: Level gating can force grinding, and the game’s size might overwhelm some players.

6. Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection – Best Classic Assassin Story

The Ezio Collection offers the most complete character arc in gaming history. Across three games, you follow Ezio Auditore from hot-headed teenager to wise mentor, experiencing Renaissance Italy and Constantinople in stunning detail. After replaying all three games, I’m reminded why Ezio remains the franchise’s most beloved protagonist.

Assassin’s Creed II introduces the revenge story that launches Ezio’s journey. The improvements from the first AC are dramatic – better combat, diverse missions, and a protagonist with actual personality. Brotherhood expands on every system while adding the brotherhood recruitment mechanic that lets you call assassins for help. Revelations provides closure, connecting Ezio’s story to Altaïr from the first game.

The remaster work varies across the three games. AC2 benefits most from the visual upgrade, with improved lighting making Florence and Venice stunning. Character models sometimes look waxy, but environments shine. Performance is rock solid at 1080p/30fps throughout all three games.

Beyond graphics, the collection includes all DLC and two short films – Lineage and Embers. These provide context for Ezio’s story and a touching epilogue. The value proposition here is undeniable – easily 60+ hours of content for under $30.

What Users Love: Getting Ezio’s complete story, the amount of content, and nostalgic value.

Common Concerns: Gameplay feels dated compared to newer entries, and the loss of multiplayer disappointed some.

7. Forza Horizon 3 – Best Open World Racing

Forza Horizon 3 remains the pinnacle of arcade racing games even years after release. Taking the festival to Australia was a stroke of genius – the diverse landscapes from beaches to rainforests to outback create the most varied racing playground I’ve experienced. After 40 hours, I’m still discovering new areas and barn finds.

The game strikes the perfect balance between simulation and arcade. Cars feel weighty and realistic, but you can drift around corners and launch off jumps without worrying about damage. The difficulty options accommodate everyone – I started on medium but gradually increased as I learned each car’s personality.

What sets Horizon 3 apart is the sheer variety of activities. Street races, off-road rallies, drift zones, speed traps, and showcase events against trains and helicopters keep things fresh. The progression system constantly rewards you with new cars and customization options. Building your festival sites and watching them grow adds a satisfying meta-progression layer.

The Australian setting provides stunning variety. Racing through rainforests in Byron Bay feels completely different from tearing across Outback dirt roads. The dynamic weather and day/night cycle create spectacular moments – sunset races along the coast are genuinely breathtaking. Even on base Xbox One, this remains one of the best-looking games on the platform.

What Users Love: The incredible visuals, diverse Australian setting, and perfect arcade racing feel.

Common Concerns: Online features are being discontinued, and physical copies are becoming rare.

8. Call of Duty: WWII – Best WWII Campaign

Call of Duty: WWII marked the franchise’s return to its roots after years of futuristic warfare, and the campaign delivers one of the series’ most grounded and emotionally impactful stories. Following Private Ronald “Red” Daniels from D-Day through the European Theater, I was genuinely moved by several moments across the 7-hour campaign.

The opening D-Day sequence rivals Saving Private Ryan in intensity. Storming Omaha Beach with bullets whizzing past and soldiers falling around you creates genuine tension. The game doesn’t glorify war – it shows the brutal reality while honoring those who served. Mission variety impressed me, from stealth infiltrations to tank battles to aerial combat.

The squad dynamic adds weight to the narrative. Your squadmates aren’t just nameless NPCs – they provide health packs, ammo, and spotting assistance. Building these relationships makes later story beats hit harder. The campaign touches on serious themes including the Holocaust, handling them with appropriate gravity.

Visually, the game still impresses. Character models and animations during cutscenes approach photorealism. The sound design deserves special mention – weapons have punch, and the score perfectly captures both intimate character moments and large-scale battles. The included Nazi Zombies mode adds substantial replay value with its own storyline and progression system.

What Users Love: The return to WWII, visceral campaign moments, and improved graphics engine.

Common Concerns: Campaign length disappointed some, and multiplayer had a rocky launch.

How to Choose the Best Single Player Xbox One Game in 2026?

Selecting the right single-player game depends on several factors I’ve learned through extensive testing. Let me break down the key considerations that’ll help you find your perfect match.

Consider Your Genre Preferences

Start with what you enjoy. If you love getting lost in massive worlds with hundreds of quests, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla or Odyssey will satisfy that itch. For narrative-driven experiences with philosophical themes, the BioShock Collection delivers in spades. Racing fans should grab Forza Horizon 3 before it becomes completely unavailable. The beauty of this list is the diversity – there’s something for every taste.

Time Investment and Game Length

Be realistic about your available gaming time. Call of Duty: WWII offers a tight 7-hour campaign perfect for a weekend. The Outer Worlds provides 25-40 hours of content depending on your completionist tendencies. Meanwhile, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla could occupy you for months with its 100+ hour content. I’ve found that mixing shorter experiences with longer epics prevents burnout while maintaining variety.

Xbox Game Pass Value Consideration

Several of these titles appear regularly on Game Pass, which changes the value equation entirely. If you’re already a subscriber, check the current lineup before purchasing. Halo Infinite’s campaign is permanently available on Game Pass, making it an easy recommendation for subscribers. For more options beyond single-player experiences, check out our guide to the best Xbox Game Pass multiplayer games to maximize your subscription value.

Performance and Future-Proofing

Smart Delivery titles like Halo Infinite and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla offer the best long-term value. Buy once and get the enhanced version when you upgrade to Series X. Even without Series X, these games receive performance patches that improve the Xbox One experience. If you’re planning to upgrade consoles soon, our Xbox Series X weekend gaming guide can help you understand which games benefit most from the hardware upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After hundreds of hours testing these games, I can confidently recommend every single one depending on your preferences. The BioShock Collection remains my editor’s choice for its unbeatable value – three masterpieces for under $20 is simply unmatched. The Outer Worlds scratches that Fallout itch with better writing and player choice. Halo Infinite proves Master Chief still has incredible stories to tell.

For those seeking maximum value, start with Game Pass titles or grab the budget-friendly options under $20. The Assassin’s Creed games offer the most content per dollar, though they demand significant time investment. If you’re looking for weekend experiences, Call of Duty WWII or individual BioShock games provide satisfying, complete narratives.

Don’t overlook older titles like Forza Horizon 3 or the Ezio Collection – they’ve aged beautifully and offer experiences you can’t get in newer releases. For those interested in multiplayer alternatives, explore our Xbox Game Pass co-op games guide for experiences you can share with friends.

The golden age of single-player gaming is far from over on Xbox One. These eight titles prove that solo adventures remain as compelling as ever, offering stories, worlds, and experiences that stick with you long after the credits roll.