Top Xbox games for offline play.
The Xbox One and Series X/S are packed with games that necessitate an internet connection for gameplay, but certain ones offer the option to go offline.
The Best Offline Xbox Games for Gamers Without an Internet Connection
Updated March 11, 2024 by Mark Sammut
While modern technology has improved video games as a medium tremendously, it also means some people occasionally get left behind. For gamers without internet access or, more commonly, poor-quality internet service, many aspects of modern games can’t be enjoyed by them. Luckily, as video games have improved as a whole, so have single-player experiences that don’t require internet access. Despite almost launching as an online-only console, the Xbox consoles are now home to a wide selection of fantastic games that don’t require an internet connection to enjoy. So, what are the best offline Xbox games?
🎮 Baldur’s Gate 3 🧙♂️
Metascore: 99
Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 took a while to launch on the Xbox Series X/S, but like on every other console, the RPG was well worth the wait. Similar to something like The Witcher 3, BG3 was genre-defining and set the bar higher for every other project on the market. While an argument could be made that Larian previously accomplished this feat with Divinity: Original Sin 2, that game did not really capture the cultural zeitgeist, despite being brilliant. The same cannot be said for the 2023 release, which was an unprecedented success, especially since modern turn-based Western RPGs are not particularly mainstream.
In terms of quality, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a tour-de-force on nearly every level. The game excels in customization, world-building, NPC interactions, and combat, all of which combine to create an experience that varies greatly from player to player. While supporting online co-op, Larian’s masterpiece can be played offline without problems. The RPG should even be receiving a physical release in 2024.
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🎮 Cuphead ☕️
Metascore: 86
Cuphead, a game that has since branched out to other consoles, was originally a crown jewel for the Xbox. The beautifully animated run-and-gun boss rush game inspires nostalgic feelings in more than just the art department. The game is challenging, often even unfair, but it rarely gets to a point where the player feels the urge to put the game down. There’s just something so addictive about running into a boss over and over again while looking for that big win.
Cuphead is a perfect offline Xbox One experience. All the content is available on download or with a physical copy. It even has couch co-op, a rarity in the gaming scene today. It’s a budget game with a perfectly proportioned experience. It’s worth playing on a rainy day.
🎮 Ori And The Will of the Wisps 🦉
Metascore: 90
Ori and the Blind Forest is a Metroidvania title that boasts a gorgeous art style, great music, and incredible level design. While other Metroidvanias have a habit of feeling bloated and overdone, Ori stayed its welcome at the perfect length and knew when to pull at the player’s heartstrings. It wasn’t a surprise to see a sequel, Will of the Wisps, get greenlit.
In terms of new Xbox titles, Will of the Wisps has everything great about the first title but with an even better art style and narrative. The game is gorgeous, plays great, and tells an emotional story without much dialogue. Although the title is also available on Nintendo Switch, it was originally home to the Xbox and plays the best on that platform. With no online features, it’s an ideal game to play without the internet.
🎮 Resident Evil 4 Remake 🧟♂️
Metascore: 91
Capcom has been on a roll since roughly the release of Resident Evil 7, and, going by the company’s 2023 projects, that is not going to change anytime soon. 2005’s Resident Evil 4 is one of the greatest and most influential survival horror games of all time, and it has been ported to most modern systems. In fact, a remaster is available on Xbox One for anyone who wants to revisit the original version; conversely, they can pick up the 2023 remake, which managed to do the impossible and (nearly) live up to its legacy.
Narratively, the remake sticks very close to its predecessor, although there are enough changes to make the overall campaign feel like a somewhat fresh experience rather than just a rethread drenched in a fresh coat of paint. Unsurprisingly, Resident Evil 4 tweaks the gameplay and controls quite a bit, stepping away from the original’s tank controls.
🎮 Sunset Overdrive 🌆
Metascore: 81
Insomniac Games’ Sunset Overdrive has been somewhat forgotten since debuting in 2014 as an early Xbox One exclusive. A PC port introduced the game to a wider audience, but it still firmly exists in the shadow of Insomniac’s other recent releases such as Marvel’s Spider-Man and Ratchet & Clank. Set in a city where grind rails are just the best way to travel, Sunset Overdrive gets movement spot on, crafting an experience where the basic action of traversal is inherently enjoyable.
Colorful visuals and a lighthearted tone enhance the sense of chaos presented by Sunset Overdrive’s gameplay, even if the comedy can be a bit hit-and-miss. Fans of the studio’s other projects should not skip this one.
🎮 Hogwarts Legacy 🏰
Metascore: 85
Putting subjective opinion aside for the moment, Hogwarts Legacy was undoubtedly one of 2023’s biggest releases. The Harry Potter game was always destined to perform reasonably well, but it has been nothing short of a massive success. Avalanche’s single-player project allows players to live out their Wizarding World fantasies as they attend Hogwarts roughly a century prior to the events of the novels and movies.
Hogwarts Legacy shines through its ability to immerse fans in a setting they are already deeply familiar with, but a pre-existing love for everything Harry Potter is not required to enjoy this open-world title. Hogwarts Legacy also has a fun combat system, a decent story, serviceable side quests, and memorable NPCs.
🎮 Scarlet Nexus 🧠
Metascore: 77
Bandai Namco had a pretty great 2021 when it comes to JRPGs. A new IP, Scarlet Nexus takes place in a reality where humans have been able to unlock special abilities, which they will need to fight off the Others. After joining the Other Suppression Force, Kasane Randall and Yuito Sumeragi soon find their lives taking a number of strange turns.
Scarlet Nexus splits its story between two protagonists, each of whom gets their own campaign that plays out quite differently in places. The hack and slash combat system is surprisingly complex, particularly once players really dive into Scarlet Nexus’ skills system.
🎮 Hi-Fi Rush 🎸
Metascore: 87
Toward the end of January 2023, Hi-Fi Rush suddenly dropped onto Xbox Game Pass without much warning. Tango’s hack and slash title differentiates itself from the competition by throwing a rhythm game into the mix; when synced to the beat, the player’s actions receive a boost in performance, be it delivering more damage in combat or allowing for multiple dodges in quick succession. Even the enemies’ attacks move to the music.
Hi-Fi Rush is the full package. The gameplay is fantastic and accessible, the graphics are gorgeous, the story is silly but enjoyable, and the characters are frequently hilarious. It might have come as a surprise, but this release is one of the best offline Xbox games on the market.
🎮 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice ⚔️
Metascore: 91
FromSoftware can be credited with games that helped define a genre and a generation of action RPGs. Souls-likes only exist because the team did incredible work in the past. However, Souls games benefit from online interactions and PVP. This is not the case with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, a single-player action-adventure game that pushes players to the limits in terms of difficulty.
Sekiro has a great atmosphere and natural storytelling, like the other Soulsborne titles. However, Sekiro is a very refined experience by comparison, with a set character and a set of skills that don’t develop too drastically over the course of the game. The player has to get good with Sekiro’s moves if they want a chance of beating the game. This title was great enough to win Game of the Year at the Game Awards in 2019 and is worth playing anytime.
🎮 Dead Space ☠️
Metascore: 89
The Dead Space remake revisits Isaac Clarke’s original story, giving the 2008 classic more than just a fresh coat of paint. At its heart, this is still the same Dead Space that defined sci-fi horror all those years ago, but Motive Studio went out of its way to tweak the experience to ensure the remake holds a few surprises for veterans of the franchise.
While an online connection could be necessary to launch the game, Dead Space is otherwise a single-player experience. The horror genre produces a couple of great releases per year, and 2023 was no exception, even if most of the best releases were remakes. People who are very familiar with the 2008 version might be tempted to skip over its reimagined version, but the latter does implement enough changes to stand out as a singular package. Meanwhile, newcomers to the series can enjoy a polished and engaging adventure that delivers scares and action.
🎮 The Outer Worlds 🪐
Metascore: 85
A 2019 release, Obsidian’s latest RPG is a fantastic spiritual successor to Fallout New Vegas. Journey to Halcyon where, after being revived from cryo-sleep, you must help determine the fate of the colony. The Outer Worlds features fantastic writing and characters and is a must-play for any fan of open-world RPGs.
The game is on the shorter end of RPGs, running between 20–30 hours for a playthrough, but every moment of that is an awesome ride. Also, one of the companions, Pavarti, is the most wholesome character to ever be in a video game, and everyone should share an adventure with her.
🎮 Tales Of Arise 🌌
Metascore: 87
Bandai Namco’s latest entry in the Tales series is a contender for the franchise’s best, a claim not made lightly. In this universe, Rena has taken over Dahna, turning its people into slaves. As Rena prepares to stage its Crown Contest to determine its next ruler, a masked Dahnan man suffering from amnesia teams up with a runaway Renan woman seeking to change this unfair society. They have a long, difficult road ahead of them.
Boasting fantastic hack and slash gameplay, lovable characters, and a mature story that holds a couple of effective surprises, Tales of Arise was arguably the best JRPG of 2021.
🎮 Marvel’s Midnight Suns 🦇🕷️
Metascore: 81
Firaxis Games is well known in the tactical RPG sphere due to XCOM, a franchise with very few peers in the genre. XCOM 2 is an easy recommendation for single-player fans, but the game can be overwhelming for newcomers to these sorts of projects. Consequently, Marvel’s Midnight Suns might be a more accessible option due to brand recognition and gameplay that de-emphasizes random chance. Just to be clear, these things do not come at the expense of depth or nuance as the 2022 release should provide a hefty challenge for anyone, including genre veterans.
After creating an original hero, players get to share the screen with some of Marvel’s most iconic heroes and villains, along with a few deeper cuts only die-hard comic readers will recognize. Marvel’s Midnight Suns’ turn-based combat utilizes a card system that starts out simple enough but gradually explodes in complexity, growing more fun with each new addition to the deck. Battles are flashy, strategic, and constantly engaging; outside of encounters, players can build their relationships with other heroes.
🎮 Pentiment 🖌️
Metascore: 86
An Obsidian release is always a reason to celebrate, and Pentiment stands alongside the studio’s greatest projects even if it does not have the same mass appeal as Fallout: New Vegas or The Outer Worlds. Utilizing a unique visual style rooted in the game’s 16th-century setting, Pentiment follows an artist who moves to a small town and becomes entangled in a murder mystery that spans more than two decades. The campaign is structured around different arcs set years apart, but the stories are all connected, and the player’s actions ripple throughout the entire narrative.
Pentiment highlights Obsidian’s mastery of storytelling. Even if the game presents itself on essentially a flat canvas, its world is three-dimensional and complex. Players could become so immersed in this town that they will likely yearn to speak to every NPC they can, but time does not stand still in Pentiment. Choices matter in this adventure game.
🎮 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt 🐺
Metascore: 91
The (almost) undisputed game of the year from 2015, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is as long as it is deep. This RPG epic is packed full of amazing stories and combat systems that any RPG lover would enjoy.
Newcomers to the series should not be deterred by the “3” in the title as this game is pretty easy to pick up without having played the other two titles, both of which are good but not nearly as good as Wild Hunt. The RPG has no online features and plenty of gameplay to keep you entertained for hours.
🎮 A Plague Tale: Requiem 🐭
Metascore: 85
Permitting it is being played on the Xbox Series X/S, PS5, or a PC, A Plague Tale: Requiem does not require an internet connection. The action-adventure game builds beautifully on its predecessor, 2019’s Innocence, to craft a harrowing story about survival, sacrifice, and corruption.
As Amicia, players need to navigate hordes of plague-infested rats all the while trying to stay ahead of the French Inquisition. Requiem is among the most visually impressive games on the Xbox Series X/S, and it also tells one of 2022’s most memorable gaming storylines.
🎮 Gears Of War 5 (CampaGameTopic) ⚙️
Metascore: 84
Following the decent but unspectacular Gears of War 4, the Xbox first-party property came back in a big way with its fifth numbered entry. Gears 5 shifts focus to Kait Diaz and also opts for a more open-level design, dropping the Gears in areas that can be freely explored. The gunplay is as smooth and impactful as ever, while the story has a strong sense of mystery and sets up the next chapter in the saga well.
Only Gears 5’s campaign can be played offline, providing roughly 10–15 hours of content. Horde and Escape cannot be accessed since they utilize cloud gaming.
🎮 Tunic 🦊
Metascore: 85
Nintendo’s Link will never feature in an Xbox game, but that does not mean there are no Zelda-like experiences on Microsoft’s consoles. Tunic is one such title, and it succeeds in taking inspiration from The Legend of Zelda’s isometric era without coming across as a blatant rip-off. This particular influence shines through Tunic’s colorful aesthetic, puzzles, free-roaming world, and item-gated exploration. While the combat revolves around weapons that will be familiar to Zelda fans, the actual gameplay is closer to something like Dark Souls.
Tunic is a throwback to classic action-adventure games that does not come across as antiquated or retro. Overflowing with charm and packing a reasonable challenge, this indie darling is simply a delight.
🎮 Psychonauts 2 👁️🗨️
Metascore: 87
After a very long wait, Double Fine finally released its Psychonauts sequel, and the 2021 game was more than worth the wait. As a platformer, Psychonauts 2’s gameplay is decent but unspectacular; it gets the job done, with Raz’s Psi-Powers being by far the most enjoyable mechanic in the game.
On the other hand, Psychonauts 2’s story and world-building are incredible, not just for the platformer genre but gaming in general. Psychonauts 2 deals with grief, regret, family, and responsibility. It is an ambitious game that combines lofty ideas with vibrant visuals and unforgettable characters.
🎮 Elden Ring ⚔️🔥
Metascore: 96
As Elden Ring fuses an online component into its single-player campaign, an offline playthrough takes something away from the overall experience. That said, FromSoftware’s ambitious RPG is still brilliant when played without an internet connection.
The Lands Between is an unforgiving place filled with terrifying monstrosities, stunning locations, and secrets. In some ways, playing Elden Ring offline enriches the game’s sense of isolation and dread.
🎮 Grand Theft Auto 5 (Story Mode) 🚗💰
Metascore: 79 (Xbox Series X/S)
Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto 5 has been a staple of the gaming charts for over half a decade; while a lot of its success can be credited to its online component, that’s not to say GTA 5’s single-player has become obsolete.
When looking for an offline Xbox One game, GTA 5’s story is a hefty, entertaining, and engrossing option. Los Santos is an absolute marvel to experience, while the campaign’s three protagonists each produce moments that will stick with players. GTA 5 might require someone to sign in before starting the game, but they should be able to play offline after that point.
🎮 Devil May Cry 5 🗡️
Metascore: 84 (Xbox Series X/S)
After the polarizing DmC: Devil May Cry, Capcom steadied the ship by returning to the original timeline. Devil May Cry 5 marked a significant return to form for the franchise and the game also took plenty of risks. Gone are the anime-style visuals in favor of more realistic graphics, while Dante is presented as a secondary character who shares the spotlight with Devil May Cry 4’s Nero and a new figure named V.
Along with offering plenty of variety, DMC 5’s combat is fast-paced, precise, and (naturally) stylish. Each character’s moveset is unique and fully developed, allowing the rather long campaign to never become boring.
🎮 Control 🌀
Metascore: 87 (Xbox Series X/S)
The Twin Peaks-inspired third-person shooter is a wild ride through sci-fi insanity that gets crazier and more interesting with every mission. The game sees Jesse Faden enter the Federal Bureau of Control, the federal agency in charge of dealing with incidents that defy the laws of reality.
The bureau has been invaded by an enemy called the Hiss, and she must deal with them to find her brother. This puzzle/shooter mystery is a bonkers adventure that is filled to the brim with lore. The game has tons to offer through its 15–20 hours of gameplay and shouldn’t be overlooked just for being weird.
🎮 It Takes Two 👫
Metascore: 89
Hazelight has set a new standard for story-driven co-op games. Debuting with the fantastic and gritty A Way Out, the developer followed it up with It Takes Two, a game about an on-the-rocks married couple who are transformed into dolls. Naturally, they must go on a perilous adventure to regain their bodies and, in the process, potentially mend their relationship. Basically, they endure the most unconventional couples counseling of all time.
It Takes Two must be played by two people; just to be clear, this is an imposed requirement and not a recommendation. Consequently, online is necessary if the players live in different areas. However, the game also supports couch co-op, which does not require an internet connection.
🎮 Hades 🔥
Metascore: 93
Supergiant Games can be relied upon to deliver excellent single-player experiences, and Hades might just be the studio’s masterpiece. The roguelike follows Hades’ son, Zagreus, as he attempts to make his way from the Underworld to Mount Olympus, a journey that will definitely entail a couple of resurrections. Unlike most other roguelikes, Hades does not reset after each failure and also features a continuously evolving storyline that takes Zagreus’ deaths into account.
Frantic but rarely overwhelming, Hades’ gameplay is accessible while still offering a lot of depth and customization for those willing to learn and unlock everything the game has to offer.
🎮 Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition 🪲
Metascore: 89
One of the best “Metroidvania” style games to come out in recent years, this gothic 2D platformer has a beautiful art style to wrap together with its challenging combat and interesting story. This game is difficult, but it never feels like the game is cheating you.
The puzzles and exploration of the game are very interesting and complex without being difficult to the point of halting progression. The game’s follow-up Hollow Knight: Silksong is currently being developed, so get your homework done now and play this fantastic title.
🎮 Stardew Valley 🌽
Metascore: 89
This Harvest Moon-inspired title is the best version of the farm simulator games that exist, and Stardew Valley is fantastic for everyone of any age. This title features every aspect from fishing to farming to mining to kindling relationships. The art style and the world are incredible, taking on a 2D style.
Stardew Valley has incredible depth and possibilities when it comes to how a player goes about earning a living and breathing life back into this small town. This game could easily absorb someone’s life and entertain them for hours upon hours while they perfect their virtual farm.
🎮 Dishonored 2 🕵️♂️
Metascore: 88
Seeing a sequel improve upon the original in every aspect is a rare treat, and Dishonored 2 fits that bill. Taking place some years after the first game, the story sees Emily usurped as the emperor and having to find a way to get back her place of power and her father.
This game combines magic powers, stealth, and puzzle-solving into an amazing blend of gameplay. Regardless of whether you have played the original or not, this game is a fantastic time for anyone who enjoys stealth games.
🎮 Rogue Legacy 2 🏰
Metascore: 90
Similar to its predecessor, Rogue Legacy 2 is an addictive roguelike with stellar combat, an eye-catching art style, and a creative structure that sets it apart from its peers. Starting out as a randomly-generated hero, players head out on quests that will take them to an array of settings, all of which come with quirks and unique boss fights. Obviously, in due time, players will feel the cold embrace of death, which will cause them to move on to the character’s descendant. At that point, they get to select from three classes as they launch into a new run.
While that covers the basics, Rogue Legacy 2 brings plenty of other twists, turns, and mechanics to the plate. Permanent abilities, traits, and class-specific traits and weapons combine to create a diverse and constantly satisfying experience that ensures most runs do not feel like a waste of time. The game’s art style also oozes charm and personality in both the environments and enemies. Rogue Legacy 2 is the type of offline Xbox game that can keep someone busy for potentially months on end, even if just as a palette cleanser.
🎮 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge 🐢
Metascore: 87
A throwback to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ beat ’em up glory days, Shredder’s Revenge wears its ’90s influence proudly, all the while still being a modern interpretation of the franchise’s classic releases. While not unheard of in this day and age, beat ’em ups are certainly niche, and the genre rarely produces new titles that make a significant mainstream splash. Shredder’s Revenge’s success could be credited to its license, although it has probably more to do with the fact that it was the first great TMNT game in roughly two decades. Fans were starved for some heroes in a half-shell goodness.
As a co-op beat ’em up, Shredder’s Revenge obviously incorporates online support since that is simply standard practice for modern releases; however, the game can be played offline without much issue. Supporting up to 6-player couch co-op, the title is designed to facilitate multiplayer, and the combat system even includes mechanics that promote cooperative play. That said, Shredder’s Revenge is still fun solo, and players can look forward to trying out different characters as they extend their time with the game.
🎮 Persona 5 Royal 👑
Metascore: 94
For the longest time, Persona coming to Xbox seemed like nothing more than a pipe dream. Nowadays, console users can boot up a plethora of Atlus’ games, including titles that launched directly on Game Pass like Persona 5 Tactica and Persona 3 Reload. Considering this series was synonymous with early PlayStation consoles, the fact that Xbox might be the best console for Persona feels strange.
A turn-based JRPG with an extensive campaign that can easily last more than 100 hours, Persona 5 Royal arguably still represents the franchise’s peak. The game tells the story of the Phantom Thieves, a ragtag group of heroes who seek to change the hearts of society’s corrupt elite. When not traversing Palaces, the game’s equivalent of dungeons, players can travel around Tokyo to go to school, meet dates, and play a bit of baseball.
🎮 Red Dead Redemption 2 (Story Mode) 🤠
Metascore: 97
Similar to GTA 5, Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2 can also be played without an internet connection, although this is mainly for physical copies and on Xbox One designated as a home console. Even more so than Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption 2 presents a powerful and satisfying story that requires roughly 50 hours to complete, and that can easily balloon to double that size.
Set in 1899, Rdr2 follows Arthur Morgan, an outlaw who has been part of the Van der Linde gang for most of his life. Morgan’s development is fantastic, as is the journey the game takes players on.
Q&A
Q: Are these games available for Xbox Series X? A: Yes, all of these games are available for Xbox Series X, and some are backwards compatible with Xbox One as well.
Q: Can all of these games be played offline? A: Yes, these games can all be played offline without an internet connection. However, some may require an online connection for initial setup or updates.
Q: Are there any co-op games on this list? A: Yes, games like It Takes Two, Hi-Fi Rush, and Shredder’s Revenge offer co-op gameplay options.
Q: Can these games be played with a physical copy or are they digital-only? A: Many of these games are available in both physical and digital formats, allowing players to choose their preferred method of ownership.
Q: Are there any open-world games on this list? A: Yes, games like Hogwarts Legacy, The Outer Worlds, and Red Dead Redemption 2 offer expansive open-world environments to explore.
These best offline Xbox games offer a variety of genres, from action RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3 to platformers like Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and everything in between. Whether you’re a fan of intense combat, immersive storytelling, or nostalgic beat ’em ups, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab your controller, disconnect from the internet, and dive into the rich worlds and captivating gameplay of these offline Xbox games.
References:
- Baldur’s Gate 3 – Metascore
- Cuphead – Metascore
- Ori And The Will of the Wisps – Metascore
- Resident Evil 4 Remake – Metascore
- Sunset Overdrive – Metascore
- Hogwarts Legacy – Metascore
- Scarlet Nexus – Metascore
- Hi-Fi Rush – Metascore
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – Metascore
- Dead Space – Metascore
- The Outer Worlds – Metascore
- Tales Of Arise – Metascore
- Marvel’s Midnight Suns – Metascore
- Pentiment – Metascore
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Metascore
- A Plague Tale: Requiem – Metascore
- Gears Of War 5 – Metascore
- Tunic – Metascore
- Psychonauts 2 – Metascore
- Elden Ring – Metascore
- Grand Theft Auto 5 – Metascore
- Devil May Cry 5 – Metascore
- Control – Metascore
- It Takes Two – Metascore
- Hades – Metascore
- Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition – Metascore
- Stardew Valley – Metascore
- Dishonored 2 – Metascore
- Rogue Legacy 2 – Metascore
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge – Metascore
- Persona 5 Royal – Metascore
- Red Dead Redemption 2 – Metascore
