Anyone who subscribes to Xbox Game Pass for PC and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is gifted with access to EA Play. An EA Play membership treats subscribers to a library of some of EA Games’ most beloved titles. From a deluge of Madden to gems like A Way Out, EA Play’s catalog is undeniably a boon worth having.

However, if doubts regarding the quality of these titles persist, here is a look at the best EA Play games. The variety is astounding, and the library of good times waiting for players there makes EA’s subscription a welcome addition to the Xbox Game Pass collection.

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Plants Vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2

Metascore: 80

The Plants vs. Zombies series has been immensely popular over the years, so much so that it has inspired a variety of unique spinoffs that transcend the "tower defense" genre that it started in. Nowadays, Plants vs. Zombies fans can hop into a card game, or even a third-person shooter inspired by the franchise. The latter has developed a cult following thanks to its unique characters and fun PvP gameplay elements.

Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare amped up the action for fans of the series by giving them a battleground to duke it out with an array of projectiles. It was a well-received release but Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 perfected the formula. With tons of characters to unlock, abilities to find, and even a small story mode to conquer, this is one of the better multiplayer shooters available on Game Pass.

SSX (2012)

Metascore: 82

There are a lot of unique sports releases out there that let players hop into the shoes of athletes both fictional and non-fictional. Titles like Tony Hawk Pro Skater, Rocket League, and Knockout City let players hone their skills across different sports that are outside the norm of Football, Baseball, and Basketball. These titles are imaginative and action-packed, focusing on high-octane arcade-like action for skating, "car soccer," and dodgeball.

Another great (and over-the-top) addition to this type of sub-genre is SSX. This snowboarding release sees players racing down mountainsides against A.I. opponents or other players while simultaneously pulling off a myriad of mind-bending tricks.

Burnout Paradise Remastered

Metascore: 79

Sadly, Burnout has been essentially dormant for more than a decade, with the only release being a remaster of 2008's Burnout Paradise. Criterion Games' racing series is all-around fantastic, producing nearly nothing but greatness from its inception. Criterion fell under EA's umbrella in 2004, leading to a couple of pretty good sequels in subsequent years.

This effort culminated in Burnout Paradise, the franchise's most ambitious project, even if personal preference might not rank it as the best in the series. Switching to an open-world design, Criterion managed to translate Burnout's trademark action and chaos into a vastly different structure, creating an experience that was simultaneously authentic but also fresh. The remaster preserves the original game's brilliance and holds up well considering its bones are nearly two decades old by this point.

It Takes Two

Metascore: 89

One of the best co-op experiences of recent years, It Takes Two cannot be played solo as its multiplayer component is directly connected to the narrative. A married couple on the brink of divorce find themselves turned into dolls and wind up on a perilous adventure as they try to make their way back home.

Split into levels, It Takes Two constantly shakes up its gameplay and setting to ensure that the journey never grows stale. Along with just being a lot of fun to play, Hazelight's title tells an emotionally moving story about partnership and family.

Skate 3

Metascore: 80

Although players recently saw the "revival" of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater with the remakes of the first two titles, there are still those out there who prefer a more "grounded" skating sim. Skate 3 offers up some of the best physics in the genre, underlined by addictive gameplay that takes practice and dedication to master.

A vibrant world to skate through, customization options, and some downright hilarious ragdoll effects combine to create one of the best skating simulators on the market. Many players have been calling for a continuation of the series and are hopeful a new entry is poised to be released in the near future. For now, players can jump into Skate 3.

Star Wars Squadrons

Metascore: 78

Squadrons packs in a trifecta of appeals to prospective players — it’s an in-depth space flight sim, it’s a highly competitive multiplayer title with a high skill ceiling, and, of course, it’s a Star Wars game. Needless to say, there’s a lot to love here.

The single-player campaign unfolds a narrative largely set after the Rebel victory at Endor and the destruction of the second Death Star. It shifts the player between two polar perspectives throughout the missions: that of Vanguard Squadron, a cadre of veteran Rebel Starfighters, and Titan Squadron, a feared and elite cohort of Imperial pilots.

Need For Speed Unbound

Metascore: 77

Although still undoubtedly one of the most beloved racing franchises on the market, Need for Speed has grown polarizing in recent years. Since roughly 2015, the license has failed to produce an entry that garners universal praise, with most of its modern releases engaging exclusively in love-or-hate affairs. Need for Speed Unbound not only keeps this trend going strong but also takes it to the next level, establishing itself as perhaps the most divisive chapter in the license's storied history. Out of the box, the first thing players are likely to notice is Unbound’s anime-inspired visual style, which is generally impressive. Just to be clear, Criterion’s release does not fully adopt an anime presentation nor does it embrace the over-the-top madness that such an aesthetic suggests, instead opting to implement stylistic flashes that complement the gameplay. It works well.

Like most modern Need for Speed projects, Unbound is set in a large city that players can freely explore. Lakeshore serves as a decent enough open-world, although it feels rather empty when compared to any of the Forza Horizon masterpieces. Also, similar to most modern Need for Speed releases, Unbound features a rather underwhelming main story that does a terrible job of making any of its characters likable. The series, in general, has struggled to find its storytelling voice in recent years, and Unbound is among its weakest efforts. Thankfully, the core gameplay is largely very good, offering a fun mix of arcade and sim ingredients. Players unlock new cars and customization options at a semi-consistent pace, and the races and events are enjoyable regardless of whether they are fueled by a forgettable story beat or not.

If Unbound does not hit the mark with someone, they can always try one of the other Need for Speed games on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Heat is a solid open-world racer, while Hot Pursuit Remastered and Rivals are pretty great. All the service’s Need for Speed games are decent in their own right.

Unravel Two

Metascore: 81

Both Unravel games are on Xbox Game Pass, and they are equally fantastic while catering to different circumstances. Solo players should go with the original title, while people craving a co-op experience should pick the second one. Unravel Two is specifically designed to be played locally between two people, with the gameplay revolving entirely around teamwork as two Yarns are linked together throughout the campaign.

Charming, visually impressive, and reasonably accessible, Coldwood's sequel is a triumph in most areas. The puzzle-platformer is a great pick for friends or parents looking for something wholesome to play with their children.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Metascore: 81

Continuing the Star Wars takeover is Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. This one was released to critical acclaim, with many comparing it to other difficult third-person releases like Dark Souls and Nioh. It's definitely one of the best story-driven Star Wars games to release in recent years, challenging players to unlock its lore by navigating its difficult levels.

Those who love the feeling of third-person action games will want to put this one at the top of their list. Even players who aren't well-versed in Star Wars lore or that "into the universe" should still find a lot to love about the release.

DiRT Rally 2.0

Metascore: 82

The standard Xbox Game Pass subscription provides access to some fantastic racing games such as Forza Horizon 5, but fans of the genre should consider subscribing to the Ultimate version as EA Play is stacked with racers. Along with Need for Speed entries, the subscription provides access to a plethora of Codemasters' projects, ranging from arcade racers such as DiRT 5 to sims like F1 2020 and DiRT Rally 2.0.

All of these games are great in their own right, but DiRT Rally 2.0 just about edges out the competition since it is arguably the definitive rally racer. Newcomers to racing sims will likely feel overwhelmed during their first few hours with Codemasters' game, as DiRT Rally 2.0 comes with a steep learning curve. The effort is worth it, though.

Mirror's Edge

Metascore: 79

First-person platformers are hardly a dime-a-dozen, and they are certainly nowhere near as popular as third-person projects. Mirror's Edge is among the more famous examples of this subgenre, and the game has aged pretty well considering it debuted in 2008. Set in a utopia that is really a dystopia, DICE's short but sweet adventure follows Faith, a Runner on a mission to save her sister who has been framed for murder. While not all-timers, the story and setting are both effective, and Faith has become something of a minor icon in her own right.

Ultimately, Mirror's Edge lives and dies on the strength of its free-flowing gameplay. Whether traversing multi-leveled skyscrapers, jumping across rooftops, or scaling scaffolds, Faith moves smoothly and quickly. Once a player finds their rhythm, they will start running through missions in a deeply satisfying way. Mirror's Edge shines during speedruns, but the game is also a great deal of fun when a newcomer is still learning the ropes. Although the sequel is way more polarizing than its predecessor due to its larger levels, Mirror's Edge Catalyst has its moments nonetheless.

Titanfall 2

Metascore: 87

Titanfall 2 has big robots, cool guns, and wall-running parkour maneuvers. That should probably be enough to appeal to any FPS/mecha enthusiast, but even that relatively short-yet-sweet bombastic description sells it a bit short. Respawn knows what it’s doing when it comes to designing a tight FPS title, as all of Titanfall 2’s mechanics just feel polished in a way that seems rare in today’s gaming industry.

The campaign’s also incredibly well-written and engaging, following pilot-in-training Jack Cooper as he’s prematurely thrust into the pilot’s seat of a Titan named BT-7274, which features a show-stealing personality and wit all its own. Titanfall 2 is often referred to as a criminally underrated gem in the FPS genre, and it deserves a playthrough.

A Way Out

Metascore: 79

One of the best EA Play co-op games, A Way Out is a must-play for a couple of friends looking to experience a narrative game together. A Way Out follows two convicts as they break out of prison and make their escape from the authorities. Gameplay mainly consists of walking around and interacting with objects in the world. However, many moments in the game introduce new elements that keep playing through the story fresh.

From quick-time event button-mashing to FPS-inspired shoot-outs to action-packed brawler segments, A Way Out borrows from multiple genres, making it an unforgettable and hilarious game from start to finish. Though certain story beats feel forced and dialogue can sound awkward, this endears the game to players instead of alienating them.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Metascore: 88

The Bad Company games are fantastic first-person shooters, ranking among the strongest entries in a franchise that is hardly lacking in quality. Both games feature single-player campaigns revolving around Preston Marlowe and the titular company, along with multiplayer options that are (naturally) not that active nowadays.

Bad Company 2 marks a small but notable improvement over its predecessor, fine-tuning the gunplay and controls to make for a more streamlined experience. In 2010, this game had one of the best online scenes in the FPS genre, and while the world has moved on, there is still a lot to appreciate about this package. The single-player campaign is also great and justifies a download on its own.

Dragon Age: Origins

Metascore: 86

The entire Dragon Age series is available on EA Play, and each entry has value. As good as the sequels are, Dragon Age: Origins is still the place to start for anyone looking to dive into BioWare's fantasy RPG franchise. An ambitious, sprawling adventure with multiple starting points and companions to unlock, Origins drops players into a world rich with detail, history, and intrigue.

Although the battle system is superior on PC, the more streamlined version found on consoles is perfectly fine and provides a strategic element to combat scenarios. Origins delivers the goods in the gameplay department, but the game's crowning achievements are undoubtedly its story and characters.

Dungeon Keeper 2 (Only On PC)

Metascore: N/A

It is a travesty that the last two decades have produced only a single Dungeon Keeper game, and the less said about 2014's mobile title, the better. Bullfrog's classic PC franchise has a brilliant premise: what if the player is the boss that controls a dungeon? To stop the heroes from destroying a dungeon's heart, players must fill a stage's rooms with traps and disposable minions. In the meantime, players will also be trying to kill the level's guardian to acquire their Portal Gem.

Dungeon Keeper 2 is a real-time strategy classic with a wicked sense of humor, grizzly but charming visuals, and addictive gameplay. Compared to some other old-school entries in the genre, this release is reasonably accessible. EA Play also has the original Dungeon Keeper, but the sequel improves upon its predecessor in nearly every way.

Populous Games (Only On PC)

Metascore: N/A

The original god simulator, Populous and its sequel cast players as all-mighty deities lording over an army of followers. In each stage, players lend their people a guiding hand as they seek to defeat the non-believers, a process that could require the occasional divine intervention.

Both Populous games on EA Play are excellent, although the sequel expands significantly on its predecessor's ideas. Consequently, if someone wants to only try one of these titles, Trials of the Olympian Gods is the way to go.

Dead Space (2008)

Metascore: 89

In space, no one can hear you scream. But they can sure as heck hear you scream aboard the USG Ishimura. Cast as Isaac Clarke, players are dispatched as part of a repair team tasked with fixing the aforementioned mining vessel after its communications go mysteriously silent — only to discover that horrible, mutated flesh monsters known as Necromorphs have overtaken the ship and murdered the greater majority of the crew.

Dead Space leans into an action-heavy end of the horror spectrum, as Isaac has access to a wide variety of interesting weapon options when it comes to dealing with the Necromorph threat. However, the vicious combat and omnipresent tension are nothing short of masterfully executed.

Dead Space (Remake)

Metascore: 89

After the decent but misguided third entry, Dead Space was put on the backburner, and for the longest time, the franchise seemed all but retired. However, EA opted to revisit the series with a remake of the original game, one that is a proper, fully fleshed-out retelling rather than just a remaster with modern visuals. Paying respect to the 2008 classic while also having the confidence to shake quite a few things up, 2023's Dead Space not only retains its ancestor's visceral, intense violence but also expands the dismemberment system to create an arguably superior experience.

The changes don't end there either. The Ishimura is now explorable, allowing players to investigate the massive map if they would like to. That said, the campaign still follows a linear path, so it does not sacrifice forward momentum. If someone only recently played through the original game and is not particularly dying to go through the same story beats again, they should probably postpone trying to remake, all the while knowing they have a relatively fresh adventure waiting for them. For those who have yet to try either version, they can pick whichever one they want and know they will be playing one of the best EA Play games.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Metascore: 90

Mass Effect Legendary Edition is on EA Play and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and it is the definitive way to experience this genre-defining sci-fi trilogy. The Legendary Edition fine-tunes the games to create a more consistent experience, with 2007's Mass Effect receiving the most significant updates. Although the sequels' original versions hold up well, the franchise's first entry has aged quite a bit, so the Legendary Edition's quality of life improvements make a significant difference.

Compared to most other remasters, Mass Effect Legendary Edition goes the extra mile in its attempt to modernize these projects. Newcomers to the series should start with this package; conversely, long-time fans who prefer the originals can still play those via EA Play and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Wild Hearts

Metascore: 76

There is only one Monster Hunter, but that does not mean the gaming industry lacks interesting projects inspired by Capcom's juggernauts. Even if the likes of God Eater or Dauntless cannot escape the legendary franchise's shadow, they can help scratch that itch when Monster Hunter is not around or a player wants a slight change of pace. Wild Hearts can also fill that role.

Set in a world that mimics feudal Japan, players cycle through a few relatively large maps as they hunt down kemono, beasts inspired by Japanese folklore. Although the roster could be wider, the available monsters are visually impressive and generally fun to fight, at least the first handful of times. Wild Hearts’ standout mechanic is karakuri, items that players can craft in the middle of a hunt. While occasionally frustrating, this system adds a lot of depth and movement to combat.

Wild Hearts has quite a few rough edges that, unfortunately, seem unlikely to be ironed out in a sequel. Still, the game is worth a download.

Black

Metascore: 77

Due to there being so many modern FPS games on the service, Black can only be described as one of the best games on EA Play when someone takes into consideration that it was released in 2006. The genre has come far since then, and while this game is dated in quite a few ways, Criterion's shooter still holds up well enough to recommend.

Black is also perfect for a subscription platform like Xbox Game Pass since it is a single-player title that can be completed within a few brief hours. Along with rock-solid gunplay, this FPS delivers blockbuster-style action, great sound design, and gorgeous visuals that rank among the best on the original Xbox.

Peggle

Metascore: 89

Peggle’s name should be whispered in the halls of best/underrated puzzle games of all time. This delightful title from PopCap Games is as masterful as it is unobtrusive. Players simply shoot balls at pegs and make specific-colored pegs disappear using only a set number of balls. However, the iterations of this gameplay loop are what makes Peggle so fantastic.

Different “characters” possess different abilities which makes eliminating the pegs in the most optimal way possible an engaging challenge. Some shoot off multiple balls at once instead of just one. Others turn your ball into a fiery inferno that eliminates large swaths of pegs in a single pass. Though Peggle can be a short experience, it is a fun one. EA Play’s library is made all the sweeter by its inclusion.

Spore (Only On PC)

Metascore: 84

Spore has a strange legacy. On the one hand, the god-like life sim somewhat struggled to live up to its potential; on the other hand, the game is ambitious and pretty great when viewed in a vacuum. Spore enables players to follow a species throughout its existence, which involves five stages. This process starts with simple-celled organisms and ends with space travel. It is quite a journey.

Now, Spore does somewhat rush through its first four phases, which primarily serve to set up the final stage that unlocks all the mechanics. As such, repeat playthroughs can be frustrating since they are bogged down by a shallow start. However, once the sandbox becomes available, Spore is a fun time. If nothing else, this EA Play game merits one playthrough.