The 50 Best Xbox 360 Games of All Time

What are the best Xbox 360 games of all time?

Serving as the successor to the original Xbox, the Xbox 360 was released in 2005 and became the highest-selling console ever made by an American company.

While it was ultimately replaced by the Xbox One in 2013, the 360 was the go-to console for nearly 10 years and in this time hosted some of the greatest games ever developed.

The Best Xbox 360 Games of All Time

Although there were loads of great games on the Xbox 360, we’ve narrowed our list down to the absolute best games that fans still can’t get enough of, even today.

Here’s our list of the 50 best Xbox 360 games of all time:

50. Trials Evolution

Trials Evolution is a racing game centered around motorcycles.

Players have to race their bikes around different obstacle courses to reach the end as fast as possible.

Players can on over 50 single-player tracks and then compare their stats to their friends via Xbox Live to see who is number one.

49. Super Meat Boy

This platformer was a self-published successor to the 2008 flash game, Meat Boy, and critics praised its art and challenging gameplay.

In Super Meat Boy, players control Meat Boy, a cube-shaped character, with the goal of rescuing his girlfriend from Dr. Fetus.

With 300 levels to get through, you’ll have a hard time running out of things to do in this game!

48. Mark of The Ninja

This side-scrolling action game is the perfect fusion of adventure and stealth, and it came to the Xbox Live arcade in 2012.

Following the story of a nameless ninja, players must navigate through the modern-day world dealing with a conflict between ancient ninja traditions and modern technology.

All of the cut scenes were done in the style of a Saturday morning cartoon, which made this video game stunning both in gameplay and visuals.

47. Dark Souls II

Technically the third game in the Souls series, Dark Souls II was released in 2014 and fans couldn’t get enough.

Known for its difficulty, towering bosses, and brutal punishment for poor player performance, you’re going to have to get used to seeing “You Died” flashing on your screen if you want to make it through this game.

While one of the toughest video game bosses of all time, The Nameless King, didn’t appear until Dark Souls III, the sheer number of bosses in this game made it difficult enough to stay alive.

46. FIFA Soccer 12

This soccer simulation game was released in 2011 with a career mode and online modes that allow players to compete with or against others across the world.

The AI intelligence system is also improved so that playing through career mode feels much more organic and as close to playing against professionals as possible.

45. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter

Although Tom Clancy is well-known to most people for his legacy in film and books, gamers are most familiar with how his influence extended to video games in Ghost Recon and Splinter Cell.

Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter is a masterpiece of a game and it places great emphasis on coordination and using cover effectively to stay alive.

This tactical shooter even comes with multiplayer modes that include both co-op and versus, so you can play with your friends or fight against them to see who is the best Warfighter.

44. Dead Space 2

Arguably one of the best survival horror games, Dead Space 2 was released in 2011 by Electronic Arts and once again follows Isaac Clarke as he fights against an outbreak of Necromorphs.

The gameplay consists of a series of levels, numerous puzzles, and the need to find resources to stay alive.

There is even a competitive multiplayer mode where players have to fight off waves of Necromorphs.

43. Rock Band

This music game was the first game in the Rock Band series and it was released on the Xbox 360 in 2007.

Offering multi-instrument gameplay, Rockband gives up to four players the chance to simulate rock star performances using unique controllers modeled to look like real instruments.

42. Assassin’s Creed II

As one of the best Assassin’s Creed games of all time, Assassin’s Creed II expanded on the foundation of the first game to become a resounding success.

Set in a fictionalized version of several Italian cities, players follow Ezio’s journey as he hopes to put an end to the conflict between Assassins and Templars.

With amazing parkour mechanics and a huge open world to explore, you’ll have a hard time running out of things to do in this amazing Assassin’s Creed game.

41. Forza Motorsport 4

This 2011 racing game was the first in the series to support the Kinect in correlation with a traditional controller.

One new mechanic that this game introduces is Autovista, a mode where players can see specific details about their cars like engine parts and interior gauges.

While some players weren’t a fan of the Kinect features, the enhanced physics, updated visuals, and amazing sound design quickly made this one of the best Xbox 360 games for racing fanatics.

40. Limbo

This puzzle game was released in 2010 and it tasks players with guiding a young boy through dangerous environments and traps as he tries to find his missing sister.

The eerie atmosphere of this game is really unique and unsettling, and it gives Limbo a horror game feeling.

Often considered a great example of video games as an art form, this is one of the best Xbox 360 games for fans of horror themes and puzzles.

39. Mortal Kombat

As one of the best fighting games of all time, Mortal Kombat came to the Xbox 360 in 2011 and was followed by an expanded edition in 2012.

Following the story of Raiden, as he tries to change the aftermath of Armageddon by connecting with his past self just before his defeat at the hands of Shao Kahn, this game had everything fans of the series could want and more.

38. Guitar Hero II

This rhythm game was released for the Xbox 360 in 2007 after having been published on the PS2 in 2006.

However, despite coming a year after the PS2 version, the Xbox 360 game contained additional content that made it worth picking up.

Like the previous Guitar Hero game, this sequel uses a unique guitar-shaped controller and it comes with 0ver 40 popular songs spanning five decades that players can perform.

37. Dead or Alive 4

This 2005 fighting video game continued the series’ focus on the war between the DOATEC and Mugen Tenshin Ninja Clan, with many new characters being introduced via combat.

While the gameplay is relatively similar to the past games, stages can now have obstacles that can be knocked over, and move lists have been overhauled with four new characters added to the lineup.

36. Shadow Complex

This platform adventure game was released on the Xbox 360 in 2009 and it was greatly inspired by the Metroid series.

In-game, players control Jason, who must rescue his girlfriend after the pair stumble upon an underground complex while exploring caverns, leading to her disappearance.

There are a lot of enemies to defeat, loads of power-ups to find, and endless secrets to uncover in this epic platformer.

35. Mass Effect

Mass Effect as a whole has been called some of the best sci-fi ever made and this first game is what set the whole franchise up for success.

This game introduces players to Commander Shepard and a whole host of memorable characters that help make the gaming world feel incredibly rich and diverse.

As an action RPG, Mass Effect is by far one of the most epic games to have debuted on the Xbox 360, and it is worth playing if you are someone who loves games with a lot of action and a lot of unique lore.

34. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

Although the first Witcher game was good, most fans agree that it was Witcher 2 which really saw the series take off.

Released in 2007, this game gave players control of Geralt of Rivia once again, with updated combat and a more impressive arsenal of weapons and abilities.

While The Witch 3: Wild Hunt may be one of the best Xbox One games to play right now, on the 360, it was Assassins of Kings that stood out as a must-play for fans.

33. Fable II

Fable II was built upon the success of the first game and takes place 500 years later in an Albion that is experiencing the beginnings of an industrial revolution.

This game gives players the ability to play as either a male or female hero destined to stop a corrupted ruler from destroying the world by rebuilding an ancient spire.

The world is larger than the first game, there is much more customization, and overall it stays true enough to the original while still making much-needed gameplay changes that fans can appreciate.

32. Rock Band 3

The third main game in the series released in 2010, Rock Band 3, allows players to play songs using either lead or bass guitar, keyboards, drums, or vocals.

While unique instrument-shaped controllers are most common to use, this game is also MIDI-compatible, meaning electric drumkits and real guitars can even be used in Pro Mode.

31. Gears of War 3

Gears of War is one of the best third-person shooters and the third game in the series was released in 2011 to widespread acclaim from fans and critics.

Developed by Epic Games, players have to tactically make use of cover and work diligently with their squads to survive harsh combat situations.

30. BioShock Infinite

BioShock Infinite is one of the most engaging first-person shooters and it came to the Xbox 360 in 2013.

As the third installment in the BioShock series, it features similar gameplay and themes as the previous games, but instead of being set underwater in Rapture, it takes place in the floating city of Columbia.

It also introduces players to Elizabeth, a fan-favorite character who you are tasked with rescuing.

29. Street Fighter IV

Street Fighter IV was released by Capcom in 2009 as the first main series entry since Street Fighter III in 1997.

While this video game didn’t differ too much from the previous ones in the series, it did introduce new features and special moves in addition to updated graphics that brought this classic franchise into the modern gaming era.

28. Minecraft

This ultimate sandbox video game went public in 2009 before being officially released as a full version in 2011.

No one could have predicted how huge the success of this game would be, and even today, it is still going strong with the best Minecraft mods being downloaded by millions of players.

This procedurally generated world has virtually infinite space to explore, craft, and build, making it almost impossible to put down once you pick it up.

27. Rayman Legends

Rayman Legends is one of the most amazing games in the entire Rayman series, and it serves as a direct sequel to Rayman Origins.

Released for the Xbox 360 in 2013, players in this game can join up to three friends through multiple levels filled with Lums to collect and enemies to defeat.

26. Far Cry 3

The Far Cry series is filled with unforgettable games and Far Cry 3 was the best on the Xbox 360.

In this game, players can investigate the Rook Islands with gameplay focusing on combat and open-ended exploration.

Players can also use loads of weapons to help defeat enemies, both human and animal, while also gaining experience to level up skill trees.

25. Bayonetta

This action-adventure game came to the Xbox 360 in 2009 and it gives players control of Bayonetta, a shapeshifting, gun-toting, witch.

In-game, the combat system is similar to Devil May Cry, with players receiving a grade based on their performance in each level.

24. Borderlands 2

The first Borderlands was great, but Borderlands 2 knocked it out of the park.

Following a new group of vault hunters, players must team up with the Crimson Raiders, to defeat the tyrannical and insane Handsome Jack before he can gain access to a new vault.

This over-the-top shooter is crazy in all the best ways, and its procedurally generated loot system ensures that you’ll always be getting new and interesting items to use.

23. Gears of War 2

Released in 2008, this sequel lets players continue the fight against the Locust, who are attempting to sink all of the cities in the world.

While players control Sergeant Marcus Fenix throughout the main campaign, there are also many new and returning multiplayer modes that allow you to play with friends or others across the world.

22. Dishonored

Published by Bethesda Game Studios, Dishonored was released in 2012 and it thrust players into a plague-infested industrial city where the player character ends up framed for murder.

Each mission in the game can be solved in multiple ways, and there is a huge emphasis on player choice.

Exploring is encouraged, as it opens up the possibility for alternative endings to quests that would not be possible otherwise.

21. Braid

This puzzle platformer came to the Xbox 360 in 2008 and it revolves around the protagonist trying to rescue a princess from a monster.

While this seems straightforward enough, the story quickly becomes very multifaceted, giving the player gradual insights into the protagonist’s true motivations.

20. Halo 4

While Halo 4 and all of the previous Halo games were recently rolled into The Master Chief Collection, one of the best split-screen Xbox One games, when Halo 4 was first released, it was one of the best on the 360.

This installment of the franchise diverges from the ringworld setting of the others and instead pits Master Chief against a splintered faction of the Covenant and mechanical Forerunner warriors.

Despite branching off, this game is one of the most emotionally charged in the series and within the first 24 hours of launch, over one million people had already started playing it on Xbox Live.

19. Fallout New Vegas

Developed by Obsidian and published by Bethesda, Fallout New Vegas is a spin-off from the main Fallout series, but it is arguably one of the best.

Set in the post-apocalyptic world of Arizona, California, and Nevada, this game features a lot of callbacks to the first two Fallout games, as well as some of the best writing in the series.

Despite having only an 18-month development cycle, New Vegas is incredibly well-designed and a must-play for any fan of the franchise.

18. The Walking Dead: A Telltale Games Series

Consisting of five ‘episodes’ released between April and November of 2012, The Walking Dead expands upon the world created in the comic books and television series.

Centered around Lee Everett and a young girl named Clementine, this game is as brutal as it is heartwarming, and its emphasis on player choice makes it one of the best post-apocalyptic games of all time and one of the most engaging Xbox 360 games.

17. Fallout 3

Fallout 3 ranks higher on our list than New Vegas due to the fact that it was the first 3D first-person Fallout game and the one that introduced many gamers to the series.

Released in 2008, Bethesda Game Studios did an incredible job adjusting the top-down turn-based previous game formats into a real-time combat open-world adventure.

The D.C. ruins are full of amazing locations and side quests to find, and the fact that Liam Neeson is your dad just makes everything 10x more awesome.

16. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

One look at the complete Call of Duty game list and you’ll see just how huge this franchise is, but on the Xbox 360, it was Modern Warfare 2 that was all the rage.

Released in 2009, this first-person shooter was the sixth in the franchise and follows a multi-national special forces unit as they hunt down a dangerous Russian leader and a U.S. Army Rangers regiment who is defending D.C. from a Russian Invasion.

15. Dark Souls

This action RPG was released in 2001 and it was the second game in the Souls series.

Its intricate level design, incredibly difficult bosses, and in-depth combat made it hard to put down, even if some critics did feel that it was a bit too difficult and unforgiving overall.

Dark souls does boast one of the hardest video game levels of all time that forces players to fight Ornstein and Smough, two bosses that have definitely made many players rage quit.

14. Gears of War

The first installment of the Gears of War series, this game was released in 2006 and it introduced players to the subterranean Locusts, a genocidal enemy that wants to decimate the remaining humans on the planet.

The detailed visuals and intuitive gameplay made Gears of War an instant hit, one that is still worth replaying today.

13. The Orange Box

The Orange Box was a compilation of some of the greatest games ever developed by Valve.

This included Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2: Episode One and Two, Portal, and Team Fortress 2.

Fans of these games couldn’t pass up this bundle, and it remains one of the best gaming compilations for the 360.

12. Batman: Arkham City

Based on the DC Comics superhero, this game served as a sequel to Batman: Arkham Asylum.

This Batman game follows the hero as he is imprisoned inside Arkham City, a super-prison that encloses the slums of Gotham City.

Making this game even better was the superb voice acting done by many actors from the DC Animated Universe, including Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.

11. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

This first-person shooter is the fourth main installment in the Call of Duty series and it is set in the modern era, as opposed to the World War II setting of the previous games.

Released in 2007, the campaign follows a Marine Recon Force as they travel to numerous countries, including the UK, Russia, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan, to quell conflicts and take out designated targets.

10. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

While The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has one of the biggest open-world maps in video game history, Oblivion is often considered by fans to be much more in-depth.

Set in the providence of Cyrodiil, the story revolves around the player trying to stop the Mythic Dawn cult from opening gates to the realm of Oblivion where the Daedric Prince of Destruction, Mehrunes Dagon, waits to wreak havoc on the world.

While the story was wholly engaging, it was the expansive world, deep character customization, and the multitude of interesting side-quests that truly made Oblivion a fan favorite.

9. Halo Reach

Halo Reach was the fifth installment in the Halo series and it serves as a prequel to Halo: Combat Evolved.

Giving players control of a supersoldier named Noble Six as the world of Reach is falling under Covenant control, the entire game sets up a no-win scenario that keeps you on the edge of your seat and enraptured until the very end.

8. Red Dead Redemption

This 2010 action-adventure game transports players to the old west and serves as the spiritual successor to Red Dead Revolver.

Following the story of John Marston, a former outlaw, players are forced to hunt down gang members for the developing government in order to free his wife and son.

Red Dead Redemption made use of an intuitive morality system that responded to how players interacted with the world, and it has a great emphasis on the exploration of the vast open-world environment.

7. Portal 2

This puzzle platformer was released in 2011 and it builds on the original Portal mechanics but adds new features like tractor beams and light bridges.

Portal 2 requires a lot of creative problem-solving by players, but its dark humor and impeccable writing keep you engaged even though there was no cake.

6. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a phenomenon unto itself and it has been going strong for over a decade now, or as Tod Howard says, “The popularity just didn’t wane“.

Originally released in 2011, Skyrim introduced players to the Dragonborn and the northernmost province in Tamriel.

By 2016, over 30 million copies of this game had been sold, prompting Bethesda to release a Special Edition, a VR Edition, an Anniversary Edition, and even a free Alexa game.

5. Grand Theft Auto IV

One of the best GTA games of all time, Grand Theft Auto IV was released in 2008 and takes place in the fictional Liberty City.

In-game, players control Niko Bellic, an Eastern European war veteran who is trying to escape his past and his cousin’s constant requests to go bowling.

Like any other GTA game, this game is hilarious and the open-world gameplay makes screwing around easier and more fun than ever.

4. BioShock

The first in the BioShock series, this game was the first to introduce the underwater city of Rapture, complete with its unique biopunk theme.

Not only is the story one of the best of any game, but the gameplay is fun and there are many different ways to solve problems and take down enemies that give players a lot of freedom.

3. Halo 3

Halo 3 gives Master Chief a chance to finish his fight, and it serves as a conclusion to the prevailing story arch of the past two games.

This game featured a lot more weapons, vehicles, and gameplay systems that weren’t present in previous installments, giving players new experiences without sacrificing the familiarity of the established lore.

2. Mass Effect 2

Mass Effect 2, released in 2010, is arguably the highlight of the series, and it throws players into a race against time to plan a suicide mission to stop a reclusive race of aliens from abducting human colonists for the Reapers.

While a lot of familiar characters returned in this game, even more new ones were introduced, many of which have become some of the most beloved in the franchise.

The gameplay is seamless, the story incredible, and we hope that Mass Effect 4 is able to channel some of what makes this game great. 

1. Grand Theft Auto V

Taking our number one spot is Grand Theft Auto V, a game with a sprawling open world and an impressive lineup of characters.

The main story is split between three protagonists, a retired bank robber, a street gangster, and a drug-dealing gunrunner, each of which is incredibly entertaining.

There is so much to do in this game you could easily play it for hours upon hours and still not be halfway through.

Summary

We hope you enjoyed taking a look back at the best Xbox 360 games of all time as much as we did!

The Xbox 360 is an amazing console and one that hosted many games that we still love to play.

Although we definitely appreciate how far gaming technology has come, there will always be something special about the 360.

Here’s a quick recap of the 50 best Xbox 360 games of all time:

1. Grand Theft Auto V
2. Mass Effect 2
3. Halo 3
4. BioShock
5. Grand Theft Auto IV
6. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
7. Portal 2
8. Red Dead Redemption
9. Halo Reach
10. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
11. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
12. Batman: Arkham City
13. The Orange Box
14. Gears of War
15. Dark Souls
16. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
17. Fallout 3
18. The Walking Dead: A Telltale Games Series
19. Fallout New Vegas
20. Halo 4
21. Braid
22. Dishonored
23. Gears of War 2
24. Borderlands 2
25. Bayonetta
26. Far Cry 3
27. Rayman Legends
28. Minecraft
29. Street Fighter IV
30. BioShock Infinite
31. Gears of War 3
32. Rock Band 3
33. Fable II
34. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
35. Mass Effect
36. Shadow Complex
37. Dead or Alive 4
38. Guitar Hero II
39. Mortal Kombat
40. Limbo
41. Forza Motorsport 4
42. Assassin’s Creed II
43. Rock Band
44. Dead Space 2
45. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter
46. FIFA Soccer 12
47. Dark Souls II
48. Mark of The Ninja
49. Super Meat Boy
50. Trials Evolution

What’s the best Xbox 360 game, in your opinion? Leave a comment below.