Video games are a great entertainment source for many Americans. The Pew Research Center reports that 4 out of 10 Americans own a video game console. Microsoft's Xbox One gaming console is among the top popular consoles of 2021, offering thousands of action-packed games for your family to bond over during this festive season.
With all the games on Xbox One consoles, selecting the best one can be a challenge. Luckily, we have made the selection simpler for you. Whether you're looking to purchase a game for yourself or gift a loved one, these 6 top Xbox One games of 2021 will provide a good start.
Here are our top picks for the best Xbox One games of 2021 that every gamer should own.
1. Gears 5 on Xbox One
Gears 5 is the biggest and most impressive entry yet into Microsoft's third-person shooter franchise. As a sequel to Gears of War 4, Gears 5 continues the story of the Coalition of Ordered Government's (COG) battle against Swarm (the enemy). The players step into Kait Diaz's shoes as she battles to emerge victoriously.
We can admit that this is the best aesthetically pleasing Gears game yet, with a colorful environment well captured similarly in both Xbox One S and Xbox One X.
Why You Should Buy
- Many multiplayer modes (e.g., pick-up-and-play Arcade mode)
- Visually appealing
- The storyline and characters are captivating
Drawbacks
- The open-world elements feel awkward
Buy now on Amazon and Microsoft.
2. Apex Legends
Welcome the new king fighting for the battle royal crown. Apex Legends is a group-based battle royal shooter where three fighters compete against 57 other players. The game's Ping System is its great selling factor as it allows the players to communicate easily with their teammates without even uttering a word. This, together with smooth movements and tight shooting, surely makes Apex Legends a must-have for every die-hard gamer.
Why You Should Buy
- Inventive Ping System
- It's fun-filled
- Multiple personalities to choose from
Drawbacks
- None that we could find
Buy now on Amazon.
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is somewhat a reset for the best-selling FPS franchise, replacing frills like zombies and double jacks with what military engagement embodies today.
The 2007's Modern Warfare was the landmark introduction of the CoD series. By creating the 2019 version, Activision is trying to revive what once made the series remarkable and many gamers' favorite.
The 2019 CoD Modern Warfare entails the realities of today's war, with the “modern” term representing the weapons, gears, and gadgets used today in Asia and the Middle East, and not the regular fictional gaming.
Why You Should Buy
- Offers several multiplayer modes
- Great display and appearance
- Memorable and versatile single-player campaign
- Changes tone and format
Drawbacks
- Has issues with glare
- Storyline is sometimes controversial
Buy now on Amazon.
4. Battlefield 1
Not the biggest fan of CoD? Then Battlefield 1 provides an excellent alternative. This first-person shooter game has a World War I setting that takes you back to the previous century and offers complete rejuvenation.
The game's historical setting separates it from the current games with modern military shooters, making it unique in its own way. Battlefield 1's great single-player campaign has raised the bar higher for incoming first-person shooters. The campaign boasts six sections, each with a different character and front line location, making the campaign lively and spontaneous.
Why You Should Buy
- Graphically Impressive
- Entertaining and spontaneous
- Historical setting differentiates it from other modern games
- A fantastic single-player experience
Drawbacks
- Lack some stealth elements
Buy now on Amazon.
5. Fortnite
Looking for a FREE game to play with the entire family this season? Fortnite Battle Royal takes the lead. The free-to-play battle game has unsurprisingly been on the rise since 2017, thanks to its fun-filled first-person shooter experience, cartoon graphics, and building mechanism that sets it ahead of its competitors.
Everyone seems to be playing Fortnite, the young and the old alike. The game only has one major requirement that anyone can easily grasp: “just be the last person standing'. This, together with constant updates, has seemed to make Fortnite many's favorite and kept its head high in the game.
Why You Should Buy
- It's a vibrant world
- Fun-filled
- Great cartoon graphics.
- Easy to play
Buy now on Amazon.
6. Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 is hands down one of the best driving games not just on Xbox One but also on other gaming machines. If you're a long-term Forza Horizon Series fan, you will for sure appreciate the Mexican setting in this episode, the multiple added features, and packed-up modes.
For newcomers, the game's multiple and creative riches will blow your mind. What we're saying is that Forza Horizon remains to be one of the best racing game series, with the latest Forza Horizon 5 series proving why this is the case.
Why You Should Buy
- Gorgeous Mexican setting/landscape
- Well-structured campaign
- A lot of content for you
- Wide variety in races and driving terrain
- Exploration is rewarded
- Over the top adventurous missions
Drawbacks
- The setting is way similar to previous Forza Horizon games
- Huge download size: Over 100GB
Buy now on Amazon.
7. Grand Theft Auto V
We couldn't complete this list without mentioning the classic Grand Theft Auto series. Set in the fictitious state of San Andreas and in the city of Los Santos, GTA V involves gangsters committing a crime and other gangster behaviors while in search of their American dream.
Like the previous GTA series, GTA 5 allows you to hijack cars, flee the cops, start fights, and generally cause trouble. You can also play games like golf and tennis for leisure. The GTA 5 is simply one of the greatest blessings for your Xbox One console.
Why You Should Buy
- Great new animations and visuals
- Fantastic first-person mode
- Has more audio tracks
Drawbacks
- The field view could be a bit wider.
So, What Is the Best 2021 Game on Xbox One?
The best Xbox One game will depend on the kind of games you enjoy playing. In this article, we have tried as much as possible to provide games of different categories, from racing to action, which we believe will cater to every gamer's needs. For example, if you love racing games, we would highly recommend you try out Forza Horizon 5 while if you're searching for some FPS action, you will love the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.
Torn between the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X? Check this out to know the difference.
