From Halo to Forza: The Must-Play Xbox Game Franchises

23 May 2025

If you're an Xbox gamer or even remotely familiar with Microsoft's gaming ecosystem, you already know how stacked the console is with legendary titles. Whether your gaming passion lies in heart-pounding first-person shooters or adrenaline-fueled racing simulators, Xbox has you covered. Over the years, certain franchises have risen to legendary status, creating fandoms that won't quit and leaving indelible marks on gaming history.

So, let’s dive deep into some of the must-play Xbox game franchises that have defined the console. From the first time we wielded a Spartan laser to the moments of precision braking around Forza’s iconic tracks, these games deliver the kind of thrill you just don’t forget.

Halo: The King of First-Person Shooters

Let’s kick things off with Halo. Honestly, could we even talk about Xbox without mentioning Halo? This franchise doesn’t just belong on this list—it is the foundation of Xbox as we know it. When Halo: Combat Evolved dropped as a launch title alongside the original Xbox in 2001, it revolutionized console shooters. Think about it: sprawling alien landscapes, tight gunplay, and an unforgettable story about a super-soldier named Master Chief and his AI companion, Cortana.

Why Is Halo So Iconic?

Halo nailed the formula for first-person shooters, introducing tight mechanics and a multiplayer experience that defined LAN parties and online gaming for an entire generation. It wasn’t just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon. Remember all-night Slayer matches on Blood Gulch or trying to stick your friends with plasma grenades? Pure chaos—and pure joy.

With each new game in the series (we're up to Halo Infinite now), the franchise has continued pushing boundaries. Halo Infinite's expansive open world brought a new dimension to Master Chief’s adventures, proving that even legends can evolve.

Forza: Burn Rubber and Leave the Competition in the Dust

Next up, we have the Forza franchise. Whether you’re the type of gamer who meticulously tunes an engine or just loves joyriding in Lamborghinis, Forza has something tailor-made for you. If Halo is the king of first-person shooters on Xbox, then Forza rules the racing scene with an iron (or should I say, carbon fiber) grip.

The Forza Family: Motorsport vs. Horizon

Forza splits into two distinct series: Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon. Motorsport is all about precision, realism, and hardcore racing sim vibes. It’s the franchise you turn to when you want to live out your Formula 1 or Le Mans dreams. Meanwhile, Horizon takes a much more relaxed (and wildly fun) approach, throwing you into open-world settings like sunny Mexico or scenic Australia. Ever wanted to race a jet while driving a convertible? Yeah, Horizon makes that happen.

The attention to detail in these games is jaw-dropping. From the way light glints off your car's hood to the way each tire handles differently depending on the road surface, Forza is a dream for car enthusiasts and casual racers alike. And the best part? You don't need to be a gearhead to appreciate it. It's like diving into a Fast and Furious movie, but you’re the star.

Gears of War: Chainsaws and Heartache

Brace yourself—things are about to get gritty. Gears of War isn't just another third-person shooter; it’s a game that redefined the genre. When it debuted in 2006, Gears hit like a chainsaw-equipped Lancer. It was gory, intense, and full of emotional storytelling that paired perfectly with the brutality of its gameplay.

What Makes Gears Stand Out?

First off, no other game nailed cover-based combat like Gears. You don’t just run around willy-nilly, spraying bullets everywhere. Instead, you dive behind cover, strategically flank your enemies, and then unload with satisfying precision. And let’s not forget THE weapon: the aforementioned Lancer. A machine gun with a built-in chainsaw? It doesn’t get more metal than that.

But it’s not all guts and gore. The story hits surprisingly hard, too. Whether it’s Dom’s search for his wife or the brotherhood-like bond between Marcus and his squad, the game tugs at your heartstrings while throwing you into high-octane firefights.

Fable: Your Choices, Your Story

Sometimes we don't just want to shoot things or race supercars; we want to lose ourselves in fantastical worlds. Fable is here for that. This role-playing series lets you play as a hero—or a downright villain—in a richly detailed fantasy realm.

Why Fable Is a Must-Play

At its core, Fable is a game about choices. You can spend your time helping villagers or, you know, robbing them blind. Every decision impacts how the world sees you, which is a level of agency that was groundbreaking when the original game launched in 2004. Add in British humor, quirky characters, and an enchanting aesthetic, and you’ve got a masterpiece.

Fable’s charm lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t try to bog you down with complex mechanics. Instead, it invites you into Albion (its fantastical world) and lets you play how you want. With a reboot in the works, now’s a great time to dive into the originals if you missed out.

Sea of Thieves: Yo-Ho-Ho and a Barrel of Fun

Looking for something to spice up your multiplayer sessions? Enter Sea of Thieves, a pirate-themed sandbox game where the only limit is your imagination—and maybe how fast you can patch up your sinking ship.

Adventure on the High Seas

Sea of Thieves is all about cooperation, chaos, and creativity. You and your friends take on the roles of swashbuckling pirates, and the game drops you into a massive open world to find treasure, battle skeleton crews, and, sometimes, just annoy the heck out of other players.

What sets Sea of Thieves apart is its unpredictability. You never know what’s going to happen. Sure, you might start the day hunting for lost gold, but by nightfall, you could be locked in an intense naval battle with a kraken on the loose. It’s the kind of game that creates laugh-out-loud, “Did that just happen?” moments every time you play.

Honorable Mentions

While the games we’ve covered are major pillars of the Xbox library, a few honorable mentions deserve a shout-out:

- State of Decay: Zombie survival with a focus on community-building.
- Ori and the Blind Forest: A visually stunning platformer that’s basically a work of art.
- The Elder Scrolls Series: Okay, not technically an Xbox exclusive, but Skyrim has become synonymous with Xbox for many.

Why These Franchises Matter

What ties all these games together? They aren’t just great games—they’re experiences. They push boundaries in their respective genres while offering something unique to players. Whether it’s the sweeping orchestral battles of Halo, the pulse-pounding races in Forza, or the hilarious chaos of Sea of Thieves, these games reach beyond the screen and create memories that last.

Sure, gaming is about mechanics, graphics, and gameplay—but above all, it’s about the connections we make with these virtual worlds and the stories we create. And Xbox? It consistently delivers some of the best.

Final Thoughts

The Xbox gaming library is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for gamers. Whether you’re into sci-fi epics, white-knuckle driving challenges, or heartfelt RPGs, there’s something here for everyone. From Halo’s unforgettable campaigns to Forza’s high-speed thrills, these franchises are the reason Xbox has secured its spot as one of the biggest gaming platforms in the world.

So, if you haven’t played these must-try franchises yet, what are you waiting for? Grab a controller, load up your Game Pass, and get ready for an adventure you won’t forget.