Summary
- Some cross-platform games like Forza Horizon 5 are best played on Xbox for optimized experience.
- Sea of Thieves and Gears 5 also shine on Xbox due to original design and gameplay emphasis.
- Halo Infinite, Rocket League, and Apex Legends offer great cross-play experiences but excel on Xbox.
In the last few years, cross-platform games have allowed gamers across different platforms to play together. Many games today are available on several different consoles and PC, and with cross-platform connectivity, you can play with your friends no matter what they're playing on. However, that doesn't mean that these games offer equal experiences across all platforms.
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Posts By Ben JesseySometimes, cross-platform games are better played on Xbox. From adrenaline-pumping races in expansive open worlds to intense multiplayer battles in iconic series, these titles just work better on Xbox, despite being available elsewhere, too. Here are some games that you should skip on PC and play on your Xbox.
9 Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 Like Follow Followed Racing Open-World Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 92/100 Critics Rec: 100% Released November 9, 2021 ESRB E for Everyone // In-Game Purchases, Users Interact Developer(s) Playground Games Publisher(s) Xbox Game Studios 8 Images CloseWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONForza Horizon 5 offers an amazing racing experience set in vibrant environments. Each track is crafted to reflect different environments, like desert dunes or lush tropical forests. Dynamic weather and realistic physics provide a challenging yet immersive gameplay experience for both casual racers and simulation enthusiasts. The game supports seamless cross-play between Xbox and PC, ensuring a united community of competitors.
Forza 5 is constantly evolving, with a huge collection of customizable vehicles and regularly updated events. It's a great game to play on any device, but it shines most on the Xbox.
8 Sea Of Thieves
Sea of Thieves Like Follow Followed Adventure Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 69/100 Critics Rec: 37% Released March 20, 2018 ESRB T for Teen: Crude Humor, Use of Alcohol, Violence Developer(s) Rare Publisher(s) Microsoft Game Studios Engine Unreal Engine 4 Multiplayer Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op Cross-Platform Play PC, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|SWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONSea of Thieves lets you embrace the life of high seas adventures and treasure hunting. In this open-world pirate saga, you join a vibrant crew to navigate mysterious waters filled with dynamic encounters and hidden secrets. Its cross-play feature unites Xbox and PC players, but it is a game that was obviously designed for the Xbox.
Cooperative gameplay and large naval battles provide a blend of strategy and spontaneity. Plus, Sea of Thieves has constantly evolving content and regular season updates, so you can enjoy a constantly-changing game where there is always something new to do.
7 Gears 5
4.5/5 Gears 5 Like Follow Followed Third-Person Shooter Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 85/100 Critics Rec: 92% Released September 10, 2019 ESRB M Developer(s) The Coalition Publisher(s) Xbox Game Studios Engine Unreal Engine 4 Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Franchise Gears of WarWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONGears 5 delivers an intense third-person shooter experience with a rich narrative and robust multiplayer modes. The game is set in a world torn apart where you'll have to master strategic combat and relentless action. Its cross-play functionality between Xbox and PC ensures that friends can play together even if they're on different devices.
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Posts By Dominic AllenHowever, Gears has always been a series on Xbox, and it's still best played on the Xbox. If you want to enjoy the rough gameplay and stunning visuals, it's best to purchase it for your Xbox, not PC.
6 Halo Infinite
4.5/5 Halo Infinite Like Follow Followed First-Person Shooter Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 87/100 Critics Rec: 94% Released December 8, 2021 ESRB T for Teen: Blood, Mild Language, Violence Developer(s) 343 Industries Publisher(s) Xbox Game Studios Engine Slipspace Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Cross-Platform Play PC, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|SWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONHalo Infinite is an attempt to blend classic Halo vibes with new gameplay experiences. The introduction of the grappling hook, for example, adds an unexpected vertical dimension that transforms combat strategies. Playing as Master Chief again, you can enjoy playing with familiar weapons alongside new tools that encourage a more creative approach to battles.
The multiplayer arenas are very big and designed well, fostering quick combat experiences and tons of strategic options. Cross-play between PC and Xbox allows you to play with your friends, but Halo was originally an Xbox-only game, and you can tell!
5 Rocket League
Rocket League Like Follow Followed Sports Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 87/100 Critics Rec: 94% Released July 7, 2015 ESRB E for Everyone: Mild Lyrics Developer(s) Psyonix Publisher(s) Psyonix Engine Unreal Engine 3 Multiplayer Local Multiplayer, Local Co-Op, Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer Cross-Platform Play PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|SWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONRocket League is a great example of a game that looks simple on the outside but is much more complicated on the inside. The game's core concept is soccer played with rocket-powered cars, but this opens the game up to tons of strategic depth. The tight, responsive controls and ability to pull off dramatic aerial maneuvers make this game one that is easy to learn but hard to master.
Customization options let you tailor everything from decals to car bodies, adding a personal touch to competitive play. Cross-play allows you to play with anyone from any device. However, it is a very controller-heavy game. You should play it on your Xbox or use a controller when playing on PC.
4 Apex Legends
Apex Legends Like Follow Followed Battle Royale First-Person Shooter Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 81/100 Critics Rec: 74% Released February 4, 2019 ESRB T for Teen: Blood, Violence Developer(s) Respawn Entertainment Publisher(s) Electronic Arts Engine Source on console/PC, Unreal Engine 4 on mobile Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Cross-Platform Play PC, PS4, Switch & Xbox OneWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALApex Legends aims to bring together the best of tactical shooter elements with rapid, fluid movement that makes every match feel dynamic (and intense). We've enjoyed experimenting with the unique abilities of each legend, as they seriously alter team strategies. The game’s innovative ping system makes coordinating with teammates effortless, even without voice chat.
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Posts By Ben JesseyGunplay is crisp, and the huge arsenal rewards both precision and aggression. Plus, regular seasonal updates keep the game evolving and fresh, even after you have over one hundred hours in it.
3 Fortnite
Fortnite Like Follow Followed Survival Battle Royale Shooter Action Adventure Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 84/100 Critics Rec: 94% Released September 26, 2017 ESRB T for Teen - Diverse Content: Discretion Advised, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact Developer(s) Epic Games Publisher(s) Epic Games 7 Images CloseWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONFortnite is one of the largest cross-platform games out there. It's a surprising blend of rapid-fire combat and building mechanics that reward quick problem-solving under pressure. You can spend hours refining your quick-build strategies in close-quarters battles. The game's ever-changing maps are peppered with quirky references and seasonal twists that keep the experience fresh.
The balance between shooting accuracy and on-the-fly construction creates a unique gameplay loop that challenges your reflexes and strategic thinking. However, the game is best enjoyed with an Xbox and a larger screen, even if it is available on tons of different platforms.
2 Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) Like FPS Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 75/100 Critics Rec: 60% Released October 28, 2022 ESRB M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs Developer(s) Infinity Ward Publisher(s) Activision Engine iw 9.0 Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Franchise Call of DutyWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 offers a gritty, immersive depiction of modern combat that tries to be as authentic as possible. The campaign provides detailed, well-crafted missions that feel tactically challenging and cinematic. The game’s emphasis on realistic ballistics and nuanced gun handling adds layers of depth to every firefight that was missing from earlier installments.
The multiplayer experience is very fast-paced, demanding quick movements and smart use of cover. The audio design stands out, too. The weapons sounds are crisp, and the ambient battlefield effects add to the immersion. Cross-play capabilities ensure that you’re pitted against a wide variety of players from Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
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