The Best Xbox One Games For Kids

Selecting the right video games for younger audiences involves balancing entertainment, educational value, and age-appropriate content. The Xbox One library offers a diverse range of titles that cater to various interests, from creative building and cooperative puzzles to high-speed racing and platforming adventures. Many of these games feature local multiplayer options, encouraging family bonding and social interaction within a digital space. These titles are recognized for their quality, accessibility, and positive reception from both critics and players.

‘Cars 3: Driven to Win’ (2017)

Developed by Avalanche Software and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, this racing game expands the narrative of the third film in the franchise. Players can choose from over 20 customizable characters, including Lightning McQueen and Cruz Ramirez, while racing across various tracks. The game features multiple modes such as Stunt Showcase and Takedown, allowing for a variety of competitive experiences. It provides local split-screen co-op, making it a suitable choice for siblings or friends to play together.

‘Kinect Sports Rivals’ (2014)

This motion-controlled sports title was developed by Rare and published by Microsoft Studios specifically for the Xbox One Kinect sensor. The game invites players to compete in six different sports including bowling, jet ski racing, climbing, soccer, target shooting, and tennis. It utilizes the peripheral’s camera to scan the player’s face and body to create a personalized champion avatar. ‘Kinect Sports Rivals’ emphasizes physical activity and provides a competitive environment for family gatherings.

‘SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated’ (2020)

Purple Lamp Studios developed this remake of the classic platformer, which was published by THQ Nordic. Players take control of SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy to thwart Plankton’s plan to conquer Bikini Bottom with an army of robots. The game features updated visuals and a restored multiplayer mode that was absent from the original release. It captures the humor and aesthetic of the long-running animated series, appealing to young fans of the show.

‘Sea of Thieves’ (2018)

Developed by Rare and published by Xbox Game Studios, this title offers an open-world pirate adventure where players navigate the high seas. Friends can form a crew to sail ships, hunt for buried treasure, and engage in naval combat against skeletons and giant sea monsters. The game emphasizes cooperative play and creative problem-solving in a vibrant, stylized ocean environment. Regular content updates have expanded the world with new quests and cosmetic rewards for young explorers.

‘Yooka-Laylee’ (2017)

Developed by Playtonic Games and published by Team17, this platformer serves as a spiritual successor to classic titles like ‘Banjo-Kazooie’. Players control a duo consisting of a green chameleon and a bat with a large nose as they explore massive 3D worlds. The objective is to collect items to unlock new areas and defeat the corporate antagonist, Capital B. The game features colorful environments, quirky character dialogue, and a variety of puzzles suited for younger audiences.

‘Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King’ (2019)

This compilation was developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Nighthawk Interactive, bringing two beloved 16-bit era titles to modern hardware. It includes several versions of ‘Aladdin’ and ‘The Lion King’, featuring enhanced graphics and modern features like the ability to rewind gameplay. The collection provides a historical look at Disney’s gaming legacy while maintaining the challenging platforming mechanics of the originals. It serves as a bridge for parents to share their childhood gaming experiences with their children.

‘A Hat in Time’ (2017)

Gears for Breakfast developed this 3D platformer, which was published by Humble Bundle. The story follows a young girl named Hat Kid who must recover her lost “Time Pieces” across several distinct planets. Players use various hats to gain special abilities, such as sprinting or brewing potions, to navigate through imaginative levels. The game is noted for its charming art style, creative boss battles, and upbeat musical score.

‘Super Lucky’s Tale’ (2017)

Developed by Playful Studios and published by Microsoft Studios, this platformer follows a heroic fox named Lucky on a quest to save the Book of Ages. Players navigate through vibrant 3D and 2D levels, solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles to defeat the villainous Jinx. The game features accessible mechanics designed specifically for younger players and fans of classic mascot platformers. Its cheerful presentation and character-driven story make it a staple for the Xbox One library.

‘Minecraft Dungeons’ (2020)

Developed by Mojang Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios, this title is an action-RPG set in the ‘Minecraft’ universe. Up to four players can team up locally or online to fight through dungeons filled with familiar mobs and powerful bosses. Unlike the main game, this entry focuses on combat and loot rather than building or crafting. It offers a simplified take on the dungeon crawler genre, making it highly accessible for children and families.

‘LEGO Marvel Super Heroes’ (2013)

Developed by TT Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, this title features an original story spanning the entire Marvel Universe. Players take control of iconic characters like Iron Man, Spider-Man, and the Hulk to stop Loki and a host of other villains. The game world includes a massive version of Manhattan that players can explore freely between missions. It utilizes the signature humor and cooperative gameplay found throughout the ‘LEGO’ video game series.

‘Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2’ (2016)

PopCap Games developed this third-person shooter, which was published by Electronic Arts. The game features a variety of modes where players choose sides in the ongoing battle between plants and zombies. It includes a massive Backyard Battleground hub world where players can explore, complete quests, and customize their characters. With its non-violent, cartoonish approach to the shooter genre, it provides a safe and engaging environment for kids.

‘Subnautica’ (2018)

Developed and published by Unknown Worlds Entertainment, this survival game tasks players with exploring a vast alien ocean. After crashing on an underwater planet, players must gather resources, build bases, and discover the secrets of the deep. The game offers a Creative Mode that removes survival requirements, allowing children to explore the beautiful aquatic world without danger. It provides an educational look at marine biology and resource management within a sci-fi setting.

‘Untitled Goose Game’ (2019)

House House developed this puzzle-stealth game, which was published by Panic. Players control a mischievous goose tasked with bothering the inhabitants of a quiet village. The gameplay involves completing a checklist of tasks that usually result in comical interactions and harmless pranks. With its simple art style and slapstick humor, ‘Untitled Goose Game’ provides an entertaining and accessible experience for all ages.

‘Spyro Reignited Trilogy’ (2018)

Developed by Toys for Bob and published by Activision, this collection features remakes of the first three ‘Spyro the Dragon’ titles. Players fly through magical realms, breathing fire and collecting gems to save fellow dragons. The game features fully overhauled graphics and a re-recorded soundtrack while maintaining the original level layouts. The charming personality of Spyro and the intuitive platforming mechanics make it a great entry point for young gamers.

‘LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga’ (2022)

TT Games developed this ambitious title, which was published by Warner Bros. Games. It covers all nine films in the ‘Star Wars’ mainline series, allowing players to experience the entire narrative in the ‘LEGO’ style. The game features hundreds of playable characters and various planets to explore in a massive open-world format. It combines lighthearted humor with cooperative gameplay, making it an excellent choice for families to play together.

‘Overcooked! 2’ (2018)

Developed by Team17 and Ghost Town Games and published by Team17, this chaotic cooking simulator focuses on cooperation. Players must work together as chefs to prepare and serve orders in a variety of unconventional kitchens. The game introduces the ability to throw ingredients and features online multiplayer for the first time in the series. It emphasizes communication and teamwork, often leading to humorous and frantic gameplay sessions.

‘Cuphead’ (2017)

Developed and published by Studio MDHR, this run-and-gun action game is famous for its hand-drawn animation style inspired by 1930s cartoons. Players control Cuphead or Mugman as they battle a series of imaginative bosses to repay a debt to the Devil. While the difficulty is notably high, the game offers a “Simple” mode for younger or less experienced players. Its unique visual aesthetic and jazz-infused soundtrack provide a distinct experience that stands out on the platform.

‘Sonic Mania’ (2017)

This title was developed by Christian Whitehead, PagodaWest Games, and Headcannon, and published by Sega. It is a celebration of the blue hedgehog’s history, featuring reimagined classic zones and entirely new levels. Players can choose between Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, each offering different abilities to navigate the fast-paced environments. The game captures the 2D side-scrolling spirit of the original ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ series with modern polish and high-fidelity pixel art.

‘Stardew Valley’ (2016)

ConcernedApe developed this farming simulation game, which was published by Chucklefish on the Xbox One. Players inherit an old farm plot and must work to restore it by planting crops, raising animals, and mining. The game also features a social aspect where players can interact with the residents of Pelican Town and participate in seasonal festivals. It promotes patience and planning through its relaxing gameplay loop and charming 16-bit visual style.

‘Ori and the Will of the Wisps’ (2020)

Developed by Moon Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios, this platformer is the sequel to ‘Ori and the Blind Forest’. Players guide the guardian spirit Ori through a vast, hand-painted world filled with environmental puzzles and challenging enemies. The game features fluid movement mechanics and a poignant story that explores themes of friendship and sacrifice. Its stunning visual presentation and orchestral score create an immersive experience for players of all ages.

‘Forza Horizon 4’ (2018)

Developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft Studios, this open-world racing game is set in a fictionalized version of Great Britain. It features a dynamic seasons system that changes the environment and driving conditions every week. Players can collect and customize over 450 cars, participating in races, stunts, and exploration. The game’s “Horizon Life” mode provides a social experience where players can interact with others in a shared, safe world.

Please share your thoughts on which of these Xbox One titles your children enjoy the most in the comments.