5 Best FPS Games on Xbox Game Pass (November 2023)

Another month has passed, and yet the FPS domain still remains at the heart of Xbox Game Pass, with the vast majority of the games in its library either being solely for gun-toting players, or those who, like most, live for the bullets and haze of open warfare. But what’s new this time around? Are there any fresh shooters knocking about, or has Microsoft rustled up a couple of classics for returning subscribers to indulge in? Well, both, as it turns out.

If you are looking for some of the best FPS IPs on Xbox Game Pass, then look no further. Here are the five essentials that you should aim to pick up over the next few weeks.

5. Payday 3

Payday 3 marks the return of the crime-centric world of virtual heists and bullet-blazing co-op shenanigans in an all-new chapter for consoles and PC. Once again, players are invited to shovel through a curated selection of high-stakes robberies either alone, or with a crew of up to four like-minded gun-toting, rifle-wielding hooligans. Like before, there’s profit in every scheme, and a ludicrous amount of money to be spent on new weapons, tools, and cosmetics.

As of November, Payday 3 has received a slew of new updates, including two new Legacy Heists, “Cook Off” and “Turbid Station.” What’s more, there’s also a roadmap that’s crammed to the brim with upcoming patches and add-ons. And so, if you’re after something with breadth, then be sure to give Starbreeze Studios’ newest revival a shot.

4. Shadow Warrior 3: Definitive Edition

Shadow Warrior is back for another shot at the title with the third installment in its high-octane FPS saga—a story-driven shooter that emulates its signature comedic style and ultra-powered combat mechanics for a comeback arc like no other. For the third time running, you will sink into the boots of former shogun Lo Wang, a witty sword-wielding warrior who, in the wake of a dragon escaping its prison, sets out to recapture it and bring peace back to the world.

If it’s fast-paced action you’re on the hunt for, then you can’t really go wrong with Shadow Warrior. It’s a little on the short side, but where it lacks in length, it most definitely makes up for in every other aspect — including its writing style, level design, and combat mechanics. So, if you happened to romp through the likes of Bulletstorm, and are suddenly hunkering for a new route to roll down, then give Flying Wild Hog some well-needed TLC.

3. High on Life

I think I speak for everyone when I say, High on Life will be the strangest FPS game you’ll play this year, and probably the strangest game you’ll ever play, in general. For those who’ve a secret obsession with Rick & Morty, there isn’t a love letter as well versed as this one, which means, if you do happen to adore adult humor and the odd fart joke, then you’re probably going to fall head over heels in love with this unruly creation.

High on Life hurls you into an alien realm in which the average firearm comes loaded (pun intended) with personality traits and questionable motives. As the newfound wielder of said weapons, you must embark on a quest to banish several prominent tyrants, all while working to find your way back to your home planet. It’s weird, to say the least, and it’ll definitely leave you questioning, well, everything.

2. theHunter: Call of the Wild

Not every first-person shooter has to be rife with bullet storms and endless warfare to be successful, as proven in theHunter: Call of the Wild. In this case, it’s all about planning, and coming to grips with what goes into the average hunt. As far as authentic hunting experiences travel, you can’t really get any closer than Call of the Wild—a semi-open world simulation game in which the goals fluctuate between fair and demanding.

As the title suggests, the primary objective in theHunter is to set out with your rifle, as well as a selection of high-powered tools, and knuckle in on various species dotted around a series of dynamic biomes. There’s plenty of bang for your buck here, and definitely enough to keep you chipping away at potential game for dozens of hours or more. So, if it’s a lifelike hunting experience you’re on the market for, then you’ve found it.

1. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide

If you’re desperate to scratch that post-DOOM itch, then you should consider picking up Fatshark’s newest addition to the Warhammer 40K series. Aptly titled Darktide, the latest first-person shooter brings with it an exciting new formula that not only produces a web of adrenaline-fueled combat scenarios, but a fully immersive and customizable experience. It’s rich in depth, and it just so happens to shovel in a generous amount of tailorable weapons, classes, and general cosmetics, too.

To put you in the picture, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide puts you in the Hive City of Tertium, an industrial planet that’s under the influence of a cult—a band of unruly villains who pay homage to the god of Chaos, Nurgle. Shackled to the Inquisition and forced to drive back the threat that looms over the planet, you will need to embark on a suicide mission that’ll see you take on the deadliest of foes and tyrants, either alone, or with up to three additional players. Easier said than done, of course — but you probably figured as much, what with it being a Warhammer game and whatnot.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up any of the above five FPS games this month? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.