Best Xbox Game Pass Kids Games

Merge & Blade

There have been quite a few “merge” games released on mobile and console lately, and Merge & Blade is definitely one of the most entertaining for players that enjoy puzzles and resource management. The game is pretty straightforward and only features mild fantasy violence, so it’s great for kids of all ages. The gameplay revolves around dropping characters onto a grid in a Tetris-style layout, with a certain number of characters merging together to create stronger units and heroes. There are multiple recipes for players to unlock and many heroes to choose from. Once players merge and set all of their given units, they will then automatically battle against a horde of enemies.

The process is rinsed and repeated until players make it through the level. The gameplay can be easy to start but gets pretty challenging and is a great option for kids that love puzzles.

Forager

Those looking for a fun, open-ended single-player adventure should check out Forager. This adorable 2D pixelated top-down title has players interacting with an expansive world as they see fit. There are many dungeons to explore, enemies to defeat, items to unlock, puzzles to solve, and things to build. Players can move at their own pace and decide what is most important to them. With so much to see and do, it can keep kids engaged for hours upon hours.

They can even build their own base, decorating and designing it as they see fit. It will allow them to upgrade their items, construct even better things, and progress further through this engaging release.

Hot Wheels Unleashed

Arcade racers are generally a fantastic pick for younger players, provided they are interested in these sorts of projects. Hot Wheels Unleashed takes things a step further by literally revolving around toys. While licensed games have a less-than-stellar reputation, Milestone’s release raises above that infamy by offering beautiful visuals, fun controls, an expansive roster of cars, and impressive customization.

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Milestone’s background in simulation racers shines through Hot Wheels Unleashed‘s gameplay and physics, both of which are fairly precise for an arcade-style release. That said, the game is still accessible and a good entry point into the genre for new players.

Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan

Those looking for a fun and engaging RPG adventure that is accessible to the whole family need to look no further than Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan. This colorful release features a large world filled with locations to explore and collectible creatures to discover. In a variation of turn-based combat, players will find themselves attempting to communicate with their enemies to de-escalate conflicts. It also features platforming and puzzle-solving mechanics.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Those that enjoy the LEGO Star Wars games will have an absolute blast with LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. This blockular, cartoony take on the modern trilogy features a wide cast of LEGO-fied characters in a fun and funny adventure across the galaxy. The combat is fun and the cooperative play means that kids and adults can play together through each mission.

There are tons of things to unlock and the humorous storyline is perfect for the whole family. The game is rated E10+ for its cartoon mischief and violence, but this Game Pass kids game is a rather wholesome adventure, especially for those that love the Star Wars series.

Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator

Potion Craft can be a great puzzle and management game for kids and adults thanks to its E10+ rating and colorful yet subdued gameplay. The premise has players opening up an Alchemy shop and brewing all sorts of useful potions to sell to customers. They will need to explore areas to collect certain ingredients and can even try their hand at experimenting and creating their own potions.

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On top of it all, they’ll need to take custom orders and will even need to haggle with customers to get the best price for their goods. It features a few references to violence and alcohol but is done so in a very thematic medieval-style way.

Disney Dreamlight Valley

This one snuck up on many players and has quickly become one of the most enjoyable experiences of 2022. It’s the perfect game for kids and families alike, thanks to its cavalcade of Disney characters and its colorful, charming visuals. Rated E for Everyone, Disney Dreamlight Valley can be described as a mixture between Animal Crossing, Harvest Moon, and The Sims. Players will be able to build their own Disney-esque areas, filling them with decorations, furniture, and more.

This is the perfect title to play together, and even grown-ups should get a kick out of the release, which features a wide array of classic and iconic Disney names.

Viva Pinata

Those that enjoy Disney Dreamlight Valley should also check out Viva Pinata. This release is quite aged at this point, having dropped in 2006, but it was part of the Rare Replay bundle back in 2015. Although Disney Dreamlight Valley boasts upgraded graphics and mechanics that are in line with other AAA titles in the modern era, Viva Pinata exudes some serious charm that helps differentiate it from the rest of the pack.

It may be a little rough around the edges compared to other “farming simulators” but it’s a fantastic family game that will have kids laughing as they care for a large stable of curious and colorful Pinata creatures.

Soccer Story

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers have access to EA Play, which includes FIFA 22. If they stick to the Career Mode, this is an OK pick for kids; however, the online stuff is a different matter entirely. If a younger player is specifically seeking out a football (aka soccer) game, they might fall in love with Soccer Story.

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Unlike traditional sports games, this title is an RPG that follows a child as they try to bring soccer back to the masses after it had been outlawed. Along with arcade-style matches, Soccer Story has side quests, mini-games, and even a progression system. Not everything hits the mark, but the game’s relentless charm helps paper over the cracks.

Forza Horizon 5

Xbox Game Pass has Forza Horizon 4 and 5, both of which are fantastic driving games for young players. Unlike the mainline Motorsport series, Forza Horizon is a pure arcade racer that blends realistic open-worlds with over-the-top stunts that could make Fast and Furious blush. The fourth entry is set in and around Scotland’s Edinburgh, which is a great setting by any metric; however, its successor’s Mexico playground offers more visual variety due to its diverse biomes.

While still offering a reasonable challenge for experienced players, Forza Horizon 5 is accessible to all ages. Kids can have a blast just exploring the large map, as they complete absurd jumps and unlock new shiny cars to play around with. The game does not have much of a story, and it generally opts for a cheesy tone.

Gang Beasts

Gang Beasts embraces silliness with every fiber of its gelatinous body. After picking a skin for their characters, players are dropped in small stages where the goal is to be the last one standing, which generally involves pushing, punching, and throwing everyone else off the side of a building or into a meat grinder.

Even though sessions can get competitive, the characters’ absurd movements and the party game’s general wackiness reduce any frustration inspired by a loss. Ultimately, it is difficult to stay angry when a defeat plays out like a slapstick comedy sketch.

Dragon Quest Builders 2

At the moment, Xbox Game Pass only has one Dragon Quest game, and it is a spin-off. A significant departure from the JRPG’s turn-based combat main entries, Dragon Quest Builders 2 takes a few pages from Minecraft‘s playbook, all the while throwing in some action hack and slash combat. While the latter is stripped down and simplistic, the game’s building mechanics are reasonably deep and serve as the gameplay loop’s core.

Narratively, Builders 2 sticks close to the main series’ “good vs evil” formula, although the story largely takes a backseat. The game supports 4-player co-op, which enhances what is already fundamentally an enjoyable experience.

Costume Quest

Halloween is a big night for kids, but there are not all that many spooky games that target younger players. While far removed from horror, Costume Quest otherwise fully embraces the aesthetic and magic of the holiday. Set on Halloween night, children will go on an adventure to rescue their kidnaped sibling, a journey that involves collecting costumes to use in turn-based battles.

Costume Quest comes from the same developer behind Psychonauts, and that peculiar Double Fine charm is present throughout the short campaign. Parents looking for a game to play with their children that they might also enjoy should check out this RPG.

Tinykin

Those that enjoyed the Pikmin series would definitely enjoy Tinykin, an Indie title that feels similar to the iconic Nintendo-bound puzzle game. Players will take control of Milo, an explorer that finds himself stranded on a foreign planet and shrunk down to a ridiculously small size.

Here, he befriends an array of tiny creatures that he can then command to help him solve puzzles and escape the environment. This is a great game for families to play together, as grown-ups and kids will both enjoy the beautiful and happy-go-lucky visual style, as well as the brain-teasing puzzles.

Minecraft

Minecraft straddles a fine line between child-friendliness and complexity that makes it a practical must when it comes to kids’ game libraries. Its Creative Mode might seem like the obvious draw as it allows players to explore the breadth of their imagination and build without limitation.

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However, Survival Mode shouldn’t be overlooked either — beyond the obvious thrill, it encourages creative problem-solving and the difficulty level can be customized to whatever degree of challenge is right and comfortable for the player.

Minecraft Dungeons

Sticking with Mojang’s juggernaut franchise for a bit longer, Minecraft Dungeons is a spin-off that foregoes the mainline entry’s focus on building and sandbox exploration in favor of traditional dungeon crawling. The game takes inspiration from classics like Diablo, although the 2020 release is very much designed to be accessible to all ages. One way the RPG accomplishes this is through the elimination of classes, allowing players to just pick their favorite equipment without having to worry about build types.

Minecraft Dungeons‘ stripped-down nature will likely not keep the attention of dungeon crawler veterans, especially ones who prefer their games to offer a significant challenge. However, the title is perfect for kids who are taking their first steps into this often time-consuming genre. Minecraft Dungeons also supports 4-player local and online co-op, so the entire family can play together.

Plants Vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2

Plants vs. Zombies had a fairly active 2010s, but the franchise has yet to make an appearance in the current decade. While waiting for Plants vs. Zombies 3 to become a reality, players (and children) can jump into the previous titles, most of which are on Xbox Game Pass. While Battle for Neighborville is the most recent project, Garden Warfare 2 is generally regarded as the license’s high point. Unlike the strategy-driven main titles, the Garden Warfare games are third-person shooters; that said, they still center around defending locations.

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Released in 2016, Garden Warfare 2 was a visual treat at the time thanks to its animated character designs and colorful backdrops. Even all these years later, the game is still pleasing to the eyes. While not overly deep or complicated, the combat system is also pretty good and satisfying. Garden Warfare 2 is built upon classes, with both Plants and Zombies having a small but versatile selection at their disposal. While prioritizing multiplayer, the title does allow most modes to be played solo, replacing other players with AI. There is even something resembling a story mode, although it is not especially great.

Garden Story

Inspired by old The Legend of Zelda games, Garden Story is impressive considering the RPG was developed by a single person. In this world, players take on the role of Concord, a grape that has been tending the Kindergarden for too long since production of new Greenlings has slowed down due to the Rot. Charged with solving this issue, Concord goes on an adventure that sees him aid four towns.

Garden Story oozes charm, particularly in its visuals and characters. The latter are the stars of the show, each one adding nuance and personality to the campaign. While utilizing quite a few different systems, this indie RPG primarily revolves around combat, which is fine. This is one of the best Xbox Game Pass kids games​​​​​​.

Floppy Knights

Debuting on Xbox Game Pass towards the end of May 2022, Floppy Knights takes children on a fun adventure to protect Phoebe’s neighborhood from invading monsters. Armed with a deck of cards to summon the eponymous floppy knights, players are dropped onto grid-based battlefields filled with things to slay and objectives to complete.

With each passing level, Floppy Knights gradually increases its difficulty while expanding the type of goals Phoebe needs to accomplish. At times, the game can get pretty challenging, so younger children might need some help during the campaign’s final few hours.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is a throwback to classic beat ‘em up arcade games from the ’90s, and it does an impeccable job of modernizing this genre. Offering seven playable characters, each of which are uniquely defined, Shredder’s Revenge guides players through hard-hitting levels filled with references to old TMNT stories and games.

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While certainly one of the better Game Pass games for kids, this title is quite difficult, and some of the campaign’s later stages might be too much for younger players. That said, children are likely to have a blast controlling the Turtles as they take on the Foot Clan and other iconic villains from the franchise.

Spacelines From The Far Out

Added to Xbox Game Pass on June 7, 2022, Spacelines from the Far Out is a strange game to describe. A co-op experience about running an alien airline, this vibrant indie title has procedurally generated levels, a tongue-in-cheek tone, and a retro aesthetic that is simply delightful.

As a management game, Spacelines from the Far Out might require too much from very young children, but older kids are likely to have a blast playing through this peculiar project. If nothing else, they should get a good laugh out of their time with this co-op title. Xbox Game Pass is made for these types of games that would otherwise fly by unnoticed.

My Time At Portia

My Time at Portia is not perfect, but the game gets enough right to warrant a mention. Pathea’s project shows that a post-apocalypse setting can be bright and cheery, as the story takes place after the fall of civilization as humanity tries to start fresh. The player’s goal is to build a town, which generally involves collecting plenty of resources and fostering friendships with the NPCs.

My Time at Portia is slow-moving, to the point of potential frustration. However, its world is a fun one to get lost within. The graphics are charming, and the gameplay is simple but satisfying.

New Super Lucky’s Tale

Super Lucky’s Tale is a middling platformer that garnered extra scrutiny since it launched alongside the Xbox One X. New Super Lucky’s Tale takes 2017’s release and greatly enhances it, crafting an experience that is superior in nearly every way. Along with packaging the levels from the DLC into the campaign, New Super Lucky’s Tale adds camera control, fixing one of the biggest issues in the original version.

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The Xbox is not associated with platformers, and while there are a couple of genre classics on Game Pass, New Super Lucky’s Tale is a fresh option that should not be overlooked. It is an accessible game that will likely impress both young children and older players who are fans of platformers.

Super Mega Baseball 3

MLB The Show is a bit too complicated for young players, so they might need to look elsewhere to get their fill of baseball. Super Mega Baseball 3 is a stellar option for any fan of the sport. Do not be fooled by the exaggerated designs of the character – Super Mega Baseball 3 tries and succeeds in authentically translating the sport into video game form.

This title is surprisingly realistic, all the while offering intuitive controls so that newcomers to baseball (or baseball games) will not feel overwhelmed. Super Mega Baseball 3 is simply a fantastic sports game that could help prepare children for more in-depth projects like MLB The Show 22.

My Friend Peppa Pig

My Friend Peppa Pig is for very young children who happen to watch the show. If someone does not meet those two criteria, they are unlikely to find anything here that will keep them mildly entertained. That said, for what it is, this brief adventure game is pretty good. Kids get to create their own character who goes on to befriend Peppa Pig, essentially allowing them to step into the show’s world.

Visually, My Friend Peppa Pig does a fantastic job of replicating the aesthetic of the source material. Even though the art style is relatively simple, it still looks good. The gameplay consists of exploring famous locations from the series and interacting with the license’s characters, perhaps completing a few puzzles along the way. On paper, this is nothing special, but the execution is quite great.

Pac-Man Museum+

Pac-Man is timeless, and this compilation contains 14 games from across the series. Now, this package is not batting a hundred, and there are certainly a couple of inclusions that are not worth anyone’s time. That said, the strongest entries – Pac-Man, Championship Edition, and Battle Royale – are undeniably fantastic, ranking among the best kids’ games on Xbox Game Pass.

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Pac-Man‘s simplicity is its greatest asset; someone only needs a quick glance at the screen to fully comprehend what they need to do. The 1980 original release is the perfect gateway title for parents looking to introduce their youngsters to the magic of gaming.

Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure

Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure provides children with a more active gaming experience. The game takes kids on an adventure alongside familiar Disney-Pixar characters, inviting them to explore worlds seen in the company’s iconic films.

The platforming is not too intense, and it is clear from the get-go that this is a title designed with kids in mind. Parents can’t go wrong with getting their children to play alongside beloved Disney characters on a fun-filled adventure.

Blinx: The Time Sweeper

Microsoft is not known for its mascot platformers, but the company did try to create its own equivalent of Sonic or Mario during the Xbox’s formative years. Blinx: The Time Sweeper came out to a mixed reception, garnering praise for its visuals and some of its ideas along with criticism for its repetitive nature and convoluted mechanics.

Flawed as the game is, Blinx is by no means terrible, and its time manipulation central gimmick is genuinely interesting, even if it does not come together that well. Children looking to get into 3D platformer should start with Rare’s titles that are available on Xbox Game Pass, however, Blinx is worth a try later down the line.

PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay

With a successful series and movie behind it, Paw Patrol has established itself as a modern staple of kids’ entertainment. The franchise has proven popular enough to spawn a few games, with PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay being available on Xbox Game Pass.

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As the heroic pups, children can take part in some simple platforming and a collection of mini-games all the while giggling along with the game’s humor. Although it probably won’t hold too much value for older players, PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay is a charming, accessible, and colorful entry-level game that will almost certainly please young children who also watch the show.

PAW Patrol The Movie: Adventure City Calls is also on Xbox Game Pass.

PAW Patrol: Grand Prix

Sticking with the heroic puppies for another round, PAW Patrol: Grand Prix fills a void on Xbox Game Pass: kart racers. The subgenre does not have much representation on Microsoft’s subscription service, so that automatically elevates Grand Prix. However, a lack of competition is not the only reason behind this recommendation as this racer is a fun title in its own right. Reminiscent of games like Mario Kart, Grand Prix provides colorful locations, amusing abilities, and decent controls.

Kids familiar with PAW Patrol are destined to have a blast playing this racer, while parents might find themselves enjoying their time with this game more than they anticipated. A charming way to spend a few hours, Grand Prix is the best PAW Patrol game on Xbox Game Pass.

Disneyland Adventures

Sticking with Mickey Mouse, Disneyland Adventures teleports players to the Happiest Place on Earth, and this time, there are no lines. The Xbox 360 original was a Kinect title, but the Xbox One remaster can be enjoyed with a standard controller.

This is an open-world game filled with minigames, so children can experience a relaxing trip through Disneyland’s areas, jump on a few attractions, and interact with some of the company’s most beloved characters. The game is also packed with content and Disney-themed Easter eggs.

Banjo-Kazooie

Banjo-Kazooie’s timeless platforming adventure may look a bit dated by today’s graphical standards, but the iconic bear-and-bird duo are as lovable today as they were two decades ago. The straightforward 3D platforming and collectathon gameplay elements are accessible for children of all ages, and it’s a welcome dose of nostalgia for parents who grew up with the game — they might even remember how to navigate some trickier segments!

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The sequel, Banjo-Tooie, is also a must-play as it expands on its predecessor nicely while retaining its charm. Honestly, Rare Replay is filled with great games for kids, along with a few titles for older players like Perfect Dark.

Ben 10: Power Trip

Ben 10: Power Trip is ambitious for a children’s game as it is an open-world, one that allows players to freely explore a reasonably sized map with unique regions filled with side-quests and story missions. As the popular hero, kids will travel through the world searching for Ben’s aliens to unlock new transformations, all of which play differently and, more importantly, are generally fun to control.

While it probably won’t hold much value to older players, even people who grew up with the show, Ben 10: Power Trip is an enjoyable introductory open-world game for young fans of Cartoon Network’s franchise.

Human Fall Flat

Human Fall Flat is a delightful puzzle-platforming romp through a variety of imaginatively designed dreamscapes. In order to navigate the various stages, players must tackle a mixture of logic and physics-based puzzles utilizing the game’s purposefully hilarious physics engine.

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It’s an absolute delight when played cooperatively, allowing parents to journey through the game’s thoughtfully designed levels and puzzle out solutions to obstacles alongside their children.

Astroneer

Astroneer drops players on an alien planet and asks them to survive, a challenge the game presents without much pressure. Despite having all the elements of a traditional survival game, particularly the focus on resource gathering, Astroneer is far more concerned with what happens after all the materials are collected.

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Players will craft and build a wide range of items and structures as they turn nondescript planets into worlds they can call their own. This sci-fi game seeks to spark the imagination of its players, and it is not punishing whatsoever. Astroneer is the perfect game for children that takes from genres that are typically designed with older players in mind.

Totally Reliable Delivery Service

Oftentimes, just giving kids an open space to explore and mess around is the best form of entertainment. Totally Reliable Delivery Service captures this sentiment perfectly. Players take the role of delivery people who must carry packages from point A to point B. The process of transporting these boxes is where the fun truly lies.

A generous array of vehicles are available for the job, but the hilarious physics of the game make it a comedic and enjoyable trip that kids (and adults) of all ages will love.

Golf With Your Friends

A quiet game of golf might not seem like exciting entertainment for children, but the zaniness of the courses in Golf With Your Friends speaks for itself. Instead of putting golf balls into holes in mundane areas, Golf With Your Friends provides jaw-dropping ramps, whirls, and obstacles for players to navigate, making the experience more hilarious and engaging for a younger audience. Up to four players can try their hand at getting below par.

Unravel

For a calmer, more thoughtful gaming experience, parents would do well to introduce their kids to the quiet adventure game, Unravel. Players take control of a small yarn creature as they must navigate through a gargantuan world.

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Light puzzle-solving is sprinkled throughout Unravel, but it is nothing too challenging. The beauty of Unravel’s easily digestible game length makes it an unforgettable title that won’t represent a significant time expenditure.

Peggle

Nothing hearkens back to childhood games like Peggle does. This engrossing puzzle game tasks players with playing pinball-esque stages, shooting small balls in order to clear out a series of pegs on the screen.

Various characters that can be unlocked allow for different methods of playing the core game, be it shooting multiple balls at once or burning through a wide swath of pegs with a special move. This arcade-style title may not provide an engrossing story, but its replayability is matched only by its approachable nature.

Slime Rancher 2

Available in Game Preview, Slime Rancher 2 is basically in early access, but there is already a lot to enjoy here. Viewed from a first-person perspective, players traverse a fantastical world in search of slimes to capture and add to their collection. The game has quite a bit of depth courtesy of building and farming mechanics, along with a sense of mystery surrounding the setting, Rainbow Island.

As the original Slime Rancher is no longer available on Xbox Game Pass, people interested in exploring this world will need to try the sequel. Thankfully, the game largely expands and improves on its predecessor.

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