The best party games on Xbox Game Pass
Who even has parties that don’t revolve around video games these days? Not us, that’s for sure. Playing a party game with friends is a great way to get everyone’s spirits up, get people laughing, and generally just have a good time. And thankfully, if you happen to have an Xbox console and a Game Pass subscription, you don’t even have to fork out any extra money to pick up some great party games for everyone to play. There’s a great selection of party games available to download as part of your subscription.
Our picks of the best party games on Xbox Game Pass are all available to play with a Game Pass Premium subscription, so you don’t need the top-tier Ultimate to enjoy these games.
Whether you want to work together with your friends or have a bit of healthy competition, there’s a party game for you. Read on to see our picks of the best party games available on Xbox Game Pass Premium. Happy partying!
1. Overcooked! 2
Imagine the chaos of a busy commercial kitchen – then put a volcano in the middle of it. That’s essentially the elevator pitch for Overcooked! 2, one of the best party games available on Xbox Game Pass. Heck, one of the best party games full stop.
In Overcooked! 2, you and your friends must work together in order to prepare food for customers as quickly as possible. Sounds easy enough, right? Not when you consider your cooking environments. Maybe an earthquake will rip right through your kitchen. Or maybe you’re working on the back of two lorries, speeding down the motorway. It’s a game that sets out to make your life as difficult as possible – but the results are often hilarious. This is one for party groups who want to work together, and don’t mind being put under pressure.
Read our review of Overcooked! 2
2. Moving Out 2
Moving Out 2 is clearly inspired by Overcooked, but instead of cooking, you’re offering a furniture removal service. Your job? Clear out a house of all its furniture, loading it into your van. Speed is the aim of the game, so that means chucking sofas through windows and basically anything that helps you get the job done faster.
As you progress through Moving Out 2, you’ll come up against more obstacles, making your job all the more tricky. It’s a game designed to be played co-operatively: you’ll need to work as a team to lift heavy objects, and you’ll need to co-ordinate if you want to do the best job you possibly can. Chaos will ensue, though, and what’s what makes Moving Out 2 so much fun.
Read our review of Moving Out 2
3. Goat Simulator
Frolicking around while you take control of a goat? Sounds brilliant, doesn’t it? And with Coffee Stain Studios’ irreverent Goat Simulator series, you can do exactly that. These aren’t ‘serious’ simulator games, though; the joy of the Goat Simulator games is that your only real task is to create as much carnage as possible.
OK, so Goat Simulator isn’t exactly a party game, but it can be played in co-op, and we can’t think of anything better than fannying around as a goat with your friends in tow. On Game Pass you can choose between the original Goat Simulator, Goat Simulator Remastered or Goat Simulator 3, too, so there’s basically endless caprine capers to be had here.
Read our review of Goat Simulator
4. Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 is basically Super Smash Bros., but Mario has been replaced by SpongeBob SquarePants. OK, it might not be quite as good as Super Smash Bros., but since that isn’t available on Xbox Game Pass, this is as good as you’re going to get. And facing off against a range of familiar characters is, admittedly, great fun. We’ve really enjoyed kicking Garfield’s butt while in charge of Reptar.
It’s a great game to play with multiple people, as you all simply share the same screen. The game’s over when you’ve depleted everyone else’s health, or they’ve been yeeted off the screen, never to be seen again. Every character has their own abilities, but even if you don’t want to master the game, button bashing and hoping for the best still results in a great deal of fun.
Read our review of Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2
5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Instead of trying to beat each other at your next gathering with family or friends, how about teaming up? Side-scrolling beat ’em up Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge has support for up to six local players, allowing a large group to work together to take down Shredder and his troublesome cronies.
Obviously, the more players you have, the more chaotic the action gets, but it results in fun rather than frustration. There are multiple ways to play, too, with both a story and an arcade mode available. Perhaps the best way to play with others, however is Survival mode, though that requires the purchase of DLC. In any case, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is well worth a download if you have an Xbox Game Pass Premium subscription. Aside from being a fun party game, it’s also great to play solo.
Read our review of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
6. Gang Beasts
Ever wanted to slap one of your friends? You probably have, but you don’t want to admit it. Well, Gang Beasts lets you do just that – with none of the guilt. This silly multiplayer party brawler is all about fighting with your friends in a range of dangerous environments, with the goal of coming out on top. You’ll take control of a blobby, gelatinous character and engage in hilarious slapstick battles with your friends.
If you like to get a little competitive but still have plenty of fun, Gang Beasts makes for one of the best party games available on Xbox Game Pass. It’s bright, it’s colourful, it isn’t to be taken seriously at all. But slapping and jumping on your friends, or throwing them into a vat of goo, has never been so much fun.
7. Golf With Your Friends
Golf With Your Friends is one of the most descriptive videogame names we’ve ever come across. Because, well, golf with your friends is exactly what this game is. But it’s not quite as dull as it sounds. This isn’t regular 18-hole golfing; it’s crazy golf, taking place in a multitude of fun courses. And even better, there are some zany extra games thrown in, like hockey golf (where the ball becomes a puck) and some modes involving bombs. All in all, a fun way to play golf, then.
You can play against friends locally, all going against each other to get the best score. With simple controls and fun gameplay, it’s the sort of thing that anyone can join in with, even if they’re not well versed in gaming. Take it in turns to putt, and laugh at those who fail to make even the simplest shot. If you’re looking for one of the best party games on Xbox Game Pass that anyone can join in with, this is it.
