10. Overwatch
Overwatch defines the hero shooter subgenre, no doubt about it. Clones have come and gone, but none have done it with the quality, character and style that we’ve come to expect from Blizzard. Overwatch’s rich world is teased out through voice lines and easter eggs; this choose-your-own-investment style of storytelling means it’s enjoyable for everyone - whether you’ve got half an hour to spare or a whole weekend.
9. Rainbow Six: Siege
Rewarding slow, thoughtful and methodical gameplay, Rainbow Six: Siege is a game that relies on solid teamwork. Putting heavy emphasis on the environmental destruction – creating a small hole in the wall to monitor your enemy in the next room, for example – this is a not your usual run-and-gun malarkey. Just cross your fingers that you’re put into a team that understands that because as with any online game, there are some rather incompetent players out there…
8. Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War
Set during the early 1980s during the Cold War, this Black Ops title offers one of the best campaigns in the history of the series that uniquely spends just as much time with your guns holstered as it does with you in firefights, while also boasting the biggest and most exciting selection of game modes yet, in the explosive online multiplayer mode. The result is one of the finest games in the Call of Duty series, which will delight fans of the series and newcomers alike.
7. Tom Clancy’s: The Division 2
In the wake of a virus, Washington D.C. has become a city destroyed by storms, flooding and chaos. With up to 3 friends in online co-op, explore the stunningly designed and dynamic living world which evolves depending on your actions. With tactical AI and addictive gameplay, the game is surprisingly addictive and remarkably rewarding to experience with friends at your side. A huge improvement on the first game, The Division 2 is an accomplished looter-shooter that is at its best online.
6. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
“Bravo six, going dark”. After a rather mixed few years in the Call of Duty universe, Modern Warfare reboots the iconic 2007 entry with great aplomb. Boasting the most intense, fast-paced and graphically proficient campaign in the series thus far, Modern Warfare is a must-own shooter worth picking up for the story alone. The fact that the game also delivers phenomenal multiplayer is just a wonderful bonus!
5. Grand Theft Auto V
Frequently updated, Grand Theft Auto V’s online mode is in many ways superior to the story mode. Allowing up to 30 payers to explore the open world at a time and engage in cooperative or competitive play, where the dangerous world of Los Santos really comes to life. Assemble a crew and embark on big heists, or go it alone and rob other players – the choice is yours. The result is one of the finest multiplayer experiences on the Xbox One.
4. Far Cry 6
With an expansive open world to liberate and one of the series’ most chilling and authentic villains to date (impeccably brought to life by Breaking Bad’s Giancarlo Esposito), this visually stunning action epic offers the most memorable Far Cry experience to date with possibly gaming’s most adorable dog ever. If little Chorizo doesn’t melt your heart, you probably don’t have one.
3. Outriders
This action-packed sci-fi RPG sees players creating their own outrider - choosing from four unique classes each with their own skill trees - before embarking on a journey and tackling the otherworldly horrors of the hostile planet of Enoch. Whether single-player or with up to two friends in drop-in/drop-out co-op, this addictive looter/shooter offers infinite adventure and sci-fi thrills.
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered
Without a doubt, the finest online shooter of all time, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered adds a new coat of paint and improved performance to remind players just why this title is so beloved. Packed with varied game types, thrilling maps, customisable weapons and gameplay to die for, Modern Warfare is a masterpiece of the FPS genre and pinnacle of Xbox online gaming.
1. Halo Infinite
It's been a while since we've seen Master Chief on top form, but Halo Infinite is here to rectify that, and then some! This is a near-perfect homage to everything we loved from the Bungie series with a modern twist. You are set loose to traverse a vast and open world with heaps more autonomy and a wide arsenal of iconic vehicles, guns and foes. The single-player campaign shines best in the heat of battle when you really remind yourself why this game deserves to be in the run for best new shooter.
