The Xbox One library is bursting with first-person shooters and combat-rich role-playing games, but sometimes it's fun to put down the firearms and swords and have a good time without killing people. After all, non-violent games can be just as enjoyable as their bloody, mature counterparts. Here's our list of the best of them.
Great for kids
Shred It! is an incredibly fun and simple snowboarding game with a unique paper-like art direction and procedurally-generated slopes, which ensure no two snowboarding runs are the same. The mechanics are easy to grasp, making it a great choice for kids and adults.
Open-world exploration
In RiME, you play as a young boy that becomes stranded on a desolate, yet gorgeous island after a devastating storm. The open world is rich with pretty visuals and wildlife to peacefully interact with, and there are also puzzles to solve.
Mature themes
Firewatch is a mature and adult walking simulator where you play as Henry, a man watching over Wyoming's forests. Your only contact with other people is with a woman on your radio, and the things you say to her have a huge impact on your relationship.
The need for speed
If you love racing games and great graphics, Forza Horizon 4 is a must-have. In it, you can race other players at breakneck speeds through beautiful natural landscapes and other types of open areas.
Cooperative mayhem
In Overcooked! 2, you and up to three other players can work together in order to prepare and cook various food dishes for customers. The game can be surprisingly difficult at times, so you and your group will need to prioritize working together as a team to succeed.
City-building
Cities: Skylines is a city-builder that's easy to pick up but difficult to master, making it an excellent choice for casual and hardcore players alike. There's even a free mode that gives you infinite resources, so you can make a dream city without needing to worry about the tedious management work.
Farming fun
Stardew Valley is an addicting and engaging farming simulator where you start out with the bare minimum and have to use it in order to create a sprawling, thriving farm. It's not too difficult to understand, and it's a great way to kill time if you have some to spare.
Space survival
Surviving Mars is an intense and challenging survival game in which you have to build and maintain a colony on the infamous red planet. There are tons of things to manage, maintain, and upgrade, but you'll be rewarded with a thriving and visually-appealing colony for your efforts if you manage to succeed.
Soccer, but with cars
One of the most unique games out there is Rocket League, a title in which two teams of three use cars in order to try and ram soccer balls into a net. There's a surprising amount of depth to Rocket League, and it's accessible for players of all skill levels.
Every game mentioned on this list is excellent, but my personal favorite is Abzu because of how relaxing and beautiful it is. Players who like working together with others will love Overcooked! 2, and if you want something on the challenging side, Surviving Mars is a must-play.
