5 Xbox Series X/S Games You Can Play Completely Free Without Game Pass

Published Jul 30, 2026, 5:30 PM EDT Sharmila is an engineer-turned-gaming hardware journalist and freelance contributor at ScreenRant who has been covering the gaming and tech industry since 2021. While she first built her expertise writing about video games, she has since pivoted towards gaming hardware, with a focus on PC components, peripherals, handhelds, and performance-driven tech. When she’s not testing gear or writing about the latest hardware trends, she can usually be found diving into competitive shooters or keeping up with the evolving esports scene. If you own an Xbox Series X|S (or any current-gen console) in 2026, chances are you already have a rich collection of premium games in your library. Consoles are usually associated with paid games, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a few free experiences that are completely worth your time every once in a while. Xbox doesn’t have a great exclusive library to boast about, which is, honestly, a bummer. That said, there are plenty of free games beyond the usual Apex Legends, Overwatch 2, Call of Duty, and Fortnite that you can try on the platform. Better yet, none of them require an active Game Pass subscription. Here are some of our favorite free Xbox Series X|S games you can play without a Game Pass subscription. Zenless Zone Zero Looking for a stylish action RPG to sink dozens of hours into? Zenless Zone Zero, developed by HoYoverse, is one of the best free games you can download on Xbox Series X|S now. Instead of the sprawling fantasy landscapes we know from Genshin Impact (which is also free to play on Xbox, by the way), it features the futuristic metropolis of New Eridu, where humanity fights for survival against mysterious dimensional disasters called Hollows. You’re a “Proxy,” leading a rainbow of Agents through breakneck combat missions with flashy combos, satisfying dodge counters, and cinematic ultimate abilities. Each of Zenless Zone Zero’s characters has their own unique fighting style, so you’re encouraged to try different team compositions. Outside of combat, you’ll open up busy city streets and tackle side activities while exploring the game’s surprisingly charming story. HoYoverse makes sure there are frequent content updates, new characters, and seasonal events to keep things fresh, and you can enjoy all of that without a Game Pass subscription. To top it off, it’s mostly a single-player experience, so you don’t need an Xbox Game Pass Essential subscription to unlock multiplayer. Whether you're already a HoYoverse fan or simply enjoy fast-paced hack-and-slash combat, it's well worth adding to your library. PaliaIf competitive games aren’t your cup of tea, Palia provides a relaxing alternative that you can enjoy at your own pace. This cozy life simulation MMO invites you to settle into a vibrant fantasy world where farming, fishing, cooking, crafting, and decorating your dream home are just as rewarding as exploring its beautiful landscapes. Palia is a little about combat and heavy on community, creativity, and building relationships with its adorable cast of villagers, each with their own personality, story, and quests. You can collect resources, decorate your house, and join friends to complete tasks or just chill together in a relaxed environment. With regular seasonal updates, you can expect fresh map expansions, events, cosmetics, and quality-of-life improvements to keep the experience engaging over time. Whether you’re looking to relax after a long day or spend hours designing the perfect homestead, Palia is one of the more welcoming free experiences you can try on your Xbox Series X|S console. Tell Me Why There aren’t many story-driven adventures that are as good as Tell Me Why, especially when you can play it for free. Developed by Don’t Nod, this unique game follows the story of twins Tyler and Alyson Ronan as they reunite in their childhood home to uncover the truth behind the family tragedy that haunts them. There’s a small catch, however—you can only grab Chapter 1 for free. The remaining chapters, 2 and 3, can be accessed with a Premium Xbox Game Pass subscription, or you can purchase the whole set for $19.99. The story unfolds beautifully through emotional dialogue, environmental exploration, and impactful player choices that affect how certain events play out. While playing as the twins, you can revisit and compare their conflicting memories via a unique gameplay mechanic, so you’ll be piecing together the truth from different perspectives. The performances are strong, the writing is thoughtful, the characters are believable, and, not to forget, the plot feels deeply personal and engaging. What else can you want from a free game? Too Human This one was originally released for the Xbox 360, but you can play it on your Xbox Series X|S with backward compatibility. After all, Too Human is still one of the most interesting action RPGs you can play for free today. For context, the game is set in a futuristic sci-fi world and reinterprets Norse mythology. The player takes on the role of Baldur, a cybernetically enhanced warrior tasked with defending humanity from endless machine armies. The combat is a blend of hack-and-slash and twin-stick shooter gameplay, letting you chain melee hits, ranged weapons, and powerful abilities to take out swarms of robotic enemies. As you progress, you will discover stronger armor, weapons, and loot that let you customize Baldur’s strengths. The game attracted a mixed reaction at launch but has since become something of a cult classic for its ambitious world-building and unique backdrop. Inops Sometimes the best games are the simplest, and Inops is a perfect example. This atmospheric puzzle-platformer tells a surprisingly heartfelt story without relying on dialogue, instead using clever level design, expressive visuals, and moody soundscapes to keep players engaged. You control a small group of adorable black creatures as they navigate a dangerous monochrome world filled with traps, environmental puzzles, and mysterious obstacles. Many challenges require splitting your group, sacrificing companions, or working together to progress, adding a layer of strategy to the otherwise straightforward platformer experience. The game's minimalist art style creates a memorable visual identity, while its gentle pacing makes it easy to enjoy in short sessions. Although it won’t take long to finish, Inops delivers a charming and emotionally resonant adventure that’s well worth checking out—especially considering it won’t cost you a thing on Xbox Series X|S. Brand Microsoft Original Release Date November 10, 2020 Original MSRP (USD) $299/$499