Both “action” and “adventure” are exciting words on their own, but if you put them together, you get one of the best genres in gaming. Many iconic action-adventure games have been released over the years. So, it’s no surprise that plenty of them have landed on Xbox Game Pass. After all, Game Pass is filled with fantastic games from plenty of genres.
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Best Action-Adventure Games, Ranked
These action-adventure games are must plays for anyone who wants to explore some unique worlds with engaging stories.
Its collection of action-adventure titles is quite varied. There are third-person ones, first-person ones, open-world ones, linear ones, ones with shooting, ones with melee combat, and combinations of these things. However, the following titles are the best action-adventure games the service has to offer.
8
Indiana Jones And The Great Circle
- Released
-
December 9, 2024
- Developer(s)
-
MachineGames
- Engine
-
id Tech 7
- ESRB
-
N/A
The Indiana Jones movies are filled with both action and adventure, so it’s only right that this Indiana Jones video game is an action-adventure title. It tells an original Indiana Jones tale that features many of the classic things you expect to see in the movies, such as tombs, artifacts, and Nazis. Those Nazis and the other Axis powers are the antagonists of the game.
So, you spend ample time punching them in the face, as this game includes first-person melee combat as well as a bit of shooting. You can also sneak around if you prefer to be more subtle. When you aren’t fighting, you’re typically climbing things or solving puzzles. The whole experience feels like you’re really playing through an Indiana Jones movie.
7
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition
The Tomb Raider series was one of the pioneers of the action-adventure genre. Now, you can play one of the series’ best games through Game Pass. This is the Definitive Edition of the 2013 reboot title. It serves as Lara Croft’s first real foray into being an adventurer. It doesn’t start great, as her ship crashes and all her crew is separated and stranded on a mysterious island. Lara must attempt to find them and survive in the process.
The protagonist is at her most compelling in this one, as she’s strong but inexperienced, so she shows more vulnerability than in any other entry in the series. Watching her overcome her fears and doubts is a captivating experience. Also, both sneaking around and shooting in this game feel very satisfying. Plus, exploration is fun, too.
6
Dishonored 2
- Released
-
November 11, 2016
- Engine
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Void
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes
In Dishonored 2, you get to choose between playing as Empress Emily or her Royal Protector Corvo. Either way, the other one is captured, and a Witch takes over the Kingdom. Your goal is to get it back.
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The game is part first-person action-adventure and part immersive sim, as each mission gives you plenty of freedom to explore and go about the objective how you see fit. The openness of the gameplay is the best thing the title has going for it. You have so many options, even those you may not notice straight away. This is helped by the game’s impressive level design, which includes all these extra paths to take but makes some obscure enough to make it rewarding to find them.
5
Sunset Overdrive
Third-Person Shooter
Open-World
- Released
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October 28, 2014
- Publisher(s)
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Microsoft Game Studios
- Engine
-
Insomniac Engine v. 4.0
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
There aren’t many games like Sunset Overdrive, as it’s a unique action-adventure experience. The title is set in a post-apocalyptic open world, but this world isn’t dark or dreary. In fact, it’s very bright and colorful. This is because the place wasn’t hit with bombs or anything like that. It’s a post-apocalyptic world because its populace was turned into mutants after they drank a dodgy energy drink.
Not only is the premise and world of this game unique, but so is its gameplay. Combat is very fast-paced, as you’re encouraged to be in perpetual motion as you battle your mutated foes. Yet, you don’t just run around. You also grind on rails, run across walls, and generally showcase some wild parkour talents. Staying still is the quickest way to die.
4
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
- Released
-
November 15, 2019
- Engine
-
Unreal Engine 4
- ESRB
-
T for Teen: Mild Language, Violence
The game’s sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is also on Game Pass.
Since many of them exist, it takes a lot to be considered one of the best Star Wars games ever, but Fallen Order manages it. This game tells an original tale that’s set between the prequels and the original movies. It revolves around a Jedi who’s hiding from the Empire, as the tyrants are still attempting to eliminate any they’ve missed.
You control the Jedi known as Cal Kestis, meaning you have all sorts of force powers to use on your enemies, along with your customizable lightsaber. The combat is excellent, whether you’re slashing through monsters or pushing Stormtroopers off ledges. The main cast’s performances are equally good, and they help tell a moving tale that feels like a true Star Wars story.
3
Batman: Arkham Knight
- Released
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June 23, 2015
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 3
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
Things aren’t going great for Batman in Arkham Knight, as a new villain in Gotham knows all of the hero’s tricks. On top of that, the entire city has to be evacuated because Scarecrow is threatening to release a dangerous toxin. Also, the recently deceased Joker is still somehow messing with Batman as the Dark Knight struggles with his own sanity. So, you have a lot to deal with in this game.
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Thankfully, though, you’re Batman, so you make use of your incredible hand-to-hand combat talents, stealth skills, and the Batmobile to hold your own. All of those mechanics are fun to engage with, and the open world is also enjoyable to explore. Yet, the best thing the game has going for it is its amazing cast of characters and brilliant writing.
2
Control
Action
Third-Person Shooter
Supernatural
- Released
-
August 27, 2019
- Engine
-
Northlight Engine
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ // Mature: Blood, Strong Language, Violence
Control is one of the weirdest and most wonderful games you will ever play. It’s set in the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Control, which is a Government agency that deals with strange paranormal activity. As the new director of the place, you need to deal with an invading force known as the Hiss that have found their way into the strange headquarters.
You do so using a slew of impressive powers, as your character, Jesse, has superhuman abilities that she acquires during the game. You can levitate, use telekinesis, hit people with kinetic explosions, and do many more eye-catching things. Also, you’re armed with a fancy gun that can morph and change. The whole game is very unusual but still enjoyable.
1
Yakuza 0
Action
Adventure
Beat ‘Em Up
- Released
-
January 24, 2017
- Developer(s)
-
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Engine
-
Dragon Engine
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
There isn’t really such a thing as a ‘bad’ Yakuza or Like A Dragon game, but Yakuza 0 ranks among the best in the series. It’s set before most of the other entries, as it takes place in the late ’80s. You play as two protagonists named Kiryu and Majima. The two characters are operating in different cities, but they’re both part of the same overall narrative, which revolves around a war over an important piece of real estate.
It’s an incredibly well-told tale filled with surprising and exciting moments. When you’re not watching compelling cutscenes, you’re roaming about town, completing often humorous sub-stories, or getting into fights with people. These battles are fast-paced, over-the-top, and a lot of fun.
