Best space games on Xbox Game Pass

Space is the final frontier, but you can bring it into your living room with ease thanks to Game Pass and its many offerings. Microsoft's subscription-based gaming service – for Xbox consoles and PC – is chock-full of video games worth checking out, so we've put together a list of the very best space games on Game Pass you shouldn't miss.

There are tons of varied space-set games available across many genres: simulation, strategy, RPG, horror, etc. For both triple-A and indie developers, outer space has progressively become an incredibly attractive setting regardless of the type of story they want to tell or the systems they want to develop. You might know some of the bigger titles on the list, but we're certain you'll discover a couple of new favorites at least.

If you're looking for more specific picks depending on genre and not tied to Game Pass, you might want to check out our lists of the best space exploration games, the best space settlement games, or maybe the all-spooky best space horror games.

On top of all this, we also have some suggestions about space games that should be movies or TV shows as well as all the best upcoming space games to keep an eye on.

1. DOOM (series)

• Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
• Developer: id Software

Kicking off our list with the most famous FPS series ever was a no-brainer. While many levels in the DOOM games (old and recent) take place in Hell or on Earth, Mars and its moons play a key role throughout the entire series.

Every DOOM game is currently available on Game Pass and isn't going anywhere due to Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda and all its properties back in 2020, so you've got plenty of time to slay hordes of demons in gory fashion. If the original saga is too old for your modern tastes, feel free to pick up the super shotgun with DOOM (2016) and its delightful sequel, DOOM Eternal. We promise you won't regret embarking on that blood-soaked adventure. Plus, the music is exceptional.

2. Halo (series)

• Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
• Developer: Bungie, 343 Industries, and more

It's impossible to put together a list with Game Pass' finest without Halo. Microsoft's flagship gaming IP has grown a lot over the years, and now you can play through six mainline games, two fantastic spinoffs, and a handful of secondary titles that explore genres other than FPS.

Take the fight to the Covenant with a vast arsenal of weapons and Halo vehicles, unearth universe-shaking secrets, and relive – or experience for the first time – one of modern gaming's most enduring stories. On top of that, Halo's legendary multiplayer lives on beyond Infinite, as the Master Chief Collection gave a new coat of paint and fresh new content to all mainline entries prior to Halo 5.

3. The Outer Worlds

• Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
• Developer: Obsidian Entertainment

The Outer Worlds takes place in a highly satirical, hyper-corporate, class-centric setting. As you explore the furthest reaches of space, you'll run into plenty of interesting factions, all fighting to take control. Your choices matter, from your character build to who you chose as your companions, ultimately affecting the outcome of the game.

Its first-person gameplay and RPG core make it extremely similar on the surface to Bethesda's Fallout series, which makes sense when we consider that Obsidian once developed Fallout: New Vegas in collaboration with them. If you're into story-driven, flexible RPGs that are both engrossing and funny, don't skip this one before its sequel arrives.

4. Gears of War (series)

• Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
• Developer: Epic Games, The Coalition, and more

Born inside Epic Games way before the Fortnite craze, Gears of War had a spectacular and acclaimed first trilogy (and one spinoff) on the Xbox 360 before being transferred to Microsoft and hatching a new batch of games developed by The Coalition. Moreover, Splash Damage's Gears Tactics successfully did turn-based strategy with the fruitful IP.

Even though Gears' popularity has gone down quite a bit since its glory days, it's still one of Microsoft's biggest franchises and a sci-fi series worth your time if you're into gory action and grim settings, with just the right amount of macho humor thrown in. And it's getting a live-action movie in the near future.

5. Stellaris

• Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
• Developer: Paradox Development Studio

Stellaris is a 4X (Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate) grand strategy video game developed by Paradox, who are pretty good at this kind of game. Taking control of an interstellar civilization, players are tasked with exploring and colonizing their region of the galaxy as they meet other civilizations. Diplomacy, trade, and warfare are the options on the table, but choose carefully.

Endless Space and several other titles have done the "Civilization but in space" type of game, but Stellaris has been the most enduring one so far, with several expansions and pieces of DLC available as well as a solid console release. Both the original PC version and the console port can be found on Game Pass at the time of writing.

6. Starfield

• Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC
• Developer: Bethesda Game Studios

Starfield is Bethesda Game Studios' hugely anticipated open-world sci-fi RPG that finally launched last year. We really enjoyed it, but it's fair to say it needs to grow a bit and polish some of its edges before reaching its true, full potential, starting with the Shattered Space DLC coming later this year and the user-made mods that are already flourishing.

That said, Starfield feels unlike any other gigantic space game currently available on any platform (save maybe No Man's Sky), and if you're really into creating your own ships (and crews), role-playing all sorts of colorful characters, and unveiling mysteries in faraway worlds while constantly facing new dangers, you'll likely overlook its flaws and embrace its uniqueness and relentless ambition.

7. Dyson Sphere Program

• Platforms: PC
• Developer: Youthcat Studio

Dyson Sphere Program is a sci-fi simulation game (currently in early access) that goes deep and complex with its key systems. Players must build a galactic industrial empire in the far future, when science and technology have allowed the human race to thrive thanks to virtual reality and supercomputers. At this point, engineers are tasked with constructing Dyson spheres to harness the power of stars that can sustain mankind's growth and energy requirements.

Dyson spheres have actually been hypothesized by sci-fi authors and physicists for decades, so this PC-only sim game is an easy recommend for anyone who's really interested in hard science fiction and far-fetched tech advancements rooted in our current knowledge. 

8. No Man's Sky

• Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
• Developer: Hello Games

After a tumultuous launch, No Man's Sky has grown into such a beautiful and mind-bogglingly expansive game. While the first couple of hours might be rough, your free time might be in danger if Hello Games' behemoth sinks its claws into your brain.

The game now supports cross-play and full co-op play, so that's an added bonus. While it originally stuck to space exploration and packed very basic combat and crafting mechanics, the current experience is terrifyingly deep but still welcoming. Whether you're a new explorer or someone who was initially disappointed by the 1.0 release, we highly recommend you give the new No Man's Sky a try, especially after its recent universe refresh.

9. Deep Rock Galactic

• Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
• Developer: Ghost Ship Games

ROCK AND STONE! Another recent indie sensation is Deep Rock Galactic, which is basically Minecraft meets Left 4 Dead, but in space. Also, you're a dwarf. It offers straightforward PvE shooting and mining fun with procedural elements, and it's as good as it sounds.

With four playable classes to choose from (Engineer, Gunner, Driller, Scout), Deep Rock Galactic also has an extra layer of progression that makes it more appealing for the modern FPS crowd. Furthermore, its low-poly art style feels both gorgeous in its own way and easily readable amidst all the guaranteed chaos.

10. Astroneer

• Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
• Developer: System Era Softworks

Astroneer is an indie darling with big ideas that has been evolving for years now. System Era Softworks' sandbox exploration and survival game takes players to the 25th century, when the 'Intergalactic Age of Discovery' has led to astroneers exploring the known frontiers of outer space in the name of science and, of course, ambition.

While you might think Astroneer shares many of Starfield and No Man's Sky's traits, it's also a far more laid-back experience which encourages creativity first and foremost. Another big difference is that Astroneer includes seven distinct planets over countless procedurally-generated ones. The worlds themselves use procedural generation, but the theme and environments of each one are far more defined. As a direct result, Astroneer comes across as a leaner, far more focused experience, but you can still put hundreds of hours into it alone or in co-op.