Best Action-Adventure Games on Xbox Game Pass in 2025

"Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" is a first-person, single-player adventure that immerses players in the iconic role of Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones Jr. Set in 1937, the game follows Indy as he races against sinister forces to uncover the secrets of the Great Circle—ancient sites of immense power scattered across the globe. Players will explore diverse locales, from the bustling streets of Cairo to the mysterious depths of the Vatican, solving intricate puzzles, engaging in dynamic combat, and experiencing a narrative that captures the essence of the classic films.

"Control" is a third-person action-adventure game developed by Remedy Entertainment. Players assume the role of Jesse Faden, who becomes the new Director of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC), a secretive government agency investigating paranormal phenomena. Set within the ever-shifting confines of the FBC's headquarters, known as the Oldest House, Jesse embarks on a quest to uncover the mysteries of her past while confronting a hostile force called the Hiss. The game seamlessly blends intense combat, environmental exploration, and a rich narrative to deliver a captivating supernatural experience.

"A Plague Tale: Requiem" is the sequel to the critically acclaimed "A Plague Tale: Innocence," continuing the harrowing journey of siblings Amicia and Hugo de Rune. Set in 14th-century France, the game delves deeper into their struggle against both human adversaries and supernatural forces, as they seek a cure for Hugo's mysterious blood disease amidst the devastation of the Black Plague. The narrative is rich and emotionally charged, exploring themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between siblings.

"Yakuza 0" is an action-adventure game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega. Serving as a prequel to the original Yakuza series, the game is set in late 1988 during Japan's economic bubble era. Players follow the intertwined stories of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima as they navigate the criminal underworlds of Tokyo and Osaka. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of power, all while capturing the vibrant atmosphere of 1980s Japan.

"Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition" is a comprehensive remaster of the 2013 reboot, offering enhanced graphics and all previously released downloadable content. Players follow a young Lara Croft on her first expedition, which transforms into a harrowing journey of survival. Stranded on a mysterious island, Lara must navigate treacherous environments, solve intricate puzzles, and combat hostile inhabitants to uncover the island's dark secrets and forge her path as the iconic adventurer.

"Ninja Gaiden 2 Black" is an Unreal Engine 5 remaster of Ninja Gaiden II, developed by Team Ninja and directed by Shuhei Sato. Announced alongside Ninja Gaiden 4 on January 23, 2025, the remaster was created in response to fan feedback, aiming to replicate the essence of the original Xbox 360 game while modernizing it. Built on the Sigma 2 codebase, it restores the upgrade system, blood and dismemberment effects, and increases enemy counts, while retaining changes like additional playable characters, Tag Missions, and the Black Dragon boss. However, some features from the original and Sigma 2—such as the Great Buddha boss, “Ninja Race” mode, and New Game Plus—remain absent. The remaster delivers an updated experience while staying true to the series’ challenging gameplay.

"Batman: Arkham Knight" is the epic conclusion to Rocksteady Studios' critically acclaimed *Arkham* series. Set in an expansive open-world Gotham City, the game follows Batman as he faces his greatest challenge yet—Scarecrow’s plan to destroy him, uniting Gotham’s deadliest villains, including The Penguin, Two-Face, and Harley Quinn. Adding to the mystery is the arrival of the Arkham Knight, a powerful new foe with a personal vendetta against Batman. Featuring the first fully playable Batmobile, a refined Freeflow combat system, and cinematic storytelling, *Arkham Knight* delivers the ultimate Batman experience.

"Resident Evil 2" is a masterful reimagining of the 1998 survival horror classic, developed and published by Capcom. Set in the infested Raccoon City, players experience the harrowing journey of rookie police officer Leon S. Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield as they strive to survive a zombie apocalypse. The game has been rebuilt from the ground up using the RE Engine, offering stunning visuals, immersive audio, and modernized gameplay mechanics while preserving the intense atmosphere and intricate puzzles that defined the original.

"Dishonored 2" is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Set in the coastal city of Karnaca, players can choose between two protagonists: Empress Emily Kaldwin or her father and royal protector, Corvo Attano. Each character offers a unique set of supernatural abilities, allowing for diverse playstyles, whether you prefer stealth or direct combat. The game is renowned for its intricate level design, particularly the "Clockwork Mansion" and "A Crack in the Slab" missions, which provide innovative gameplay mechanics and storytelling. With multiple endings influenced by player choices, "Dishonored 2" offers high replayability and a richly detailed world that responds dynamically to your actions.

"Star Wars Jedi: Survivor" is an action-adventure game developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts. Set five years after the events of "Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order," players once again take on the role of Cal Kestis, a young Jedi Knight navigating the perils of a galaxy under Imperial rule. The game expands upon its predecessor with refined combat mechanics, deeper character customization, and more expansive environments. Players can explore new planets, engage in challenging lightsaber combat, and utilize Force abilities to overcome obstacles and adversaries. The narrative delves into Cal's struggle to stay ahead of the Empire's pursuit while confronting his own inner demons and the responsibilities of being one of the last surviving Jedi.

"Hi-Fi Rush" is a rhythm-based action game developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks. Players assume the role of Chai, an aspiring rockstar who, after a botched cybernetic procedure, finds his music player fused to his heart. This fusion allows Chai to perceive the world in sync with musical rhythms, enabling him to combat enemies and navigate environments to the beat. The game uniquely blends beat 'em up mechanics with rhythm elements, rewarding players for timing their attacks and movements in harmony with the soundtrack. The vibrant, cel-shaded art style and dynamic soundtrack, featuring tracks from bands like The Black Keys and Nine Inch Nails, create an immersive and energetic experience.

"Sunset Overdrive" is an action-adventure shooter developed by Insomniac Games and published by Microsoft Studios. Set in the year 2027 in the vibrant yet chaotic Sunset City, players take on the role of a former FizzCo employee navigating an apocalypse caused by a contaminated energy drink that has transformed consumers into mutants known as "OD" (Overcharge Drinkers). The game emphasizes high-velocity traversal, allowing players to grind on rails, wall-run, and zip-line across the urban landscape while utilizing an arsenal of unconventional weapons. Its distinctive punk-rock aesthetic, combined with a humorous and irreverent tone, offers a fresh take on the open-world genre.