Top Xbox Action Games That Travel Well
For Xbox gamers who travel, the top pick is Hades, a roguelike dungeon crawler that shines in short bursts on a handheld or laptop. Its fast combat and deep story keep you engaged, and the main limitation is that you need to build up your character over many runs, which might not suit players who prefer linear campaigns.
Traveling with an Xbox can be a challenge, but with the right games, you can turn a long flight or a hotel stay into an epic adventure. The best travel games are those you can jump into for 15 minutes or an hour, save quickly, and resume later without losing progress.
We searched Amazon for the most popular action games that are currently sold and have features that make them ideal for on-the-go play. Our selection includes games that work well offline, have quick save options, and offer satisfying gameplay loops that don’t require hours of commitment.
Our top picks
Hades
Hades is a critically acclaimed roguelike where you fight through the underworld as Zagreus. Each run takes about 30-45 minutes, and the game saves your progress between runs, making it perfect for short travel sessions. The story unfolds through character interactions, giving you a reason to keep coming back.
Pros
- Tight combat and rewarding progression
- Engaging story with memorable characters
- Easy to pick up for a single run
Cons
- Repetitive if you dislike roguelikes
- Some runs feel similar until you unlock more
Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition
Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition delivers over-the-top action with three playable characters, each with unique combat styles. The game features a mission-based structure, so you can complete a mission in 15-20 minutes and stop. It also includes the Turbo Mode and Legendary Dark Knight mode for added replayability.
Pros
- Deep combat system with high skill ceiling
- Visually stunning and runs well on Xbox Series X
- Mission-based structure fits travel breaks
Cons
- Story is confusing for newcomers
- Can be challenging for casual players
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a brutal action-adventure set in feudal Japan. The game demands precision and patience, but its tight gameplay and rewarding combat make it a favorite among hardcore gamers. While not ideal for short sessions due to its difficulty, you can save at any idol, making it possible to play in bursts if you are okay with frequent deaths.
Pros
- Intense and satisfying combat
- Beautiful world and art direction
- Manual save system allows quick stops
Cons
- Very difficult, may frustrate some
- Not ideal for casual pick-up-and-play
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a visually stunning action-platformer with a touching story. The game features a large interconnected world that you can explore at your own pace, and save points are frequent. It is perfect for travel because you can make progress in any direction and stop whenever you reach a save point.
Pros
- Gorgeous graphics and soundtrack
- Smooth and precise platforming
- Save points are plentiful
Cons
- Combat is not as deep as other action games
- Some players may find it easy
Nier: Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition
Nier: Automata combines fast-paced action with a philosophical story that unfolds through multiple playthroughs. The game features quick save anywhere, making it easy to stop and resume. Its unique narrative and combat variety keep players engaged, though the story requires patience to fully appreciate.
Pros
- Deep and emotional story
- Save anywhere feature is travel-friendly
- Varied gameplay with shooting and hacking
Cons
- Story can be confusing at first
- Some graphical issues on older consoles
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor continues Cal Kestis’s story with larger worlds and improved combat. The game offers fast travel and save points, but the open-world nature means you can get lost in exploration. For travel, it is best if you have a dedicated hour or two, but you can still make progress in shorter bursts by focusing on main missions.
Pros
- Engaging story and characters
- Large explorable areas with fast travel
- Satisfying lightsaber combat
Cons
- Performance issues on base Xbox One
- Requires time to fully enjoy
Tunic
Tunic is an isometric action-adventure that draws inspiration from classic Zelda games. It combines combat with intricate puzzles and exploration. The game has a unique manual that you collect pieces of, offering hints and secrets. For travel, it is great because you can play in short sessions and save anywhere, but some puzzles require deep thinking.
Pros
- Charming and cryptic world
- Save anywhere for flexible play
- Rewarding puzzle discovery
Cons
- Combat is simple
- Puzzles can be obscure
Before you buy
Side by side
| # | Model | Genre | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hades | Action roguelike | Quick sessions and roguelike fans | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition | Character action | Stylish action and combo lovers | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Action-adventure | Hardcore players seeking a challenge | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps | Action-platformer | Metroidvania fans and beautiful visuals | 9.0 | Check price |
| 5 | Nier: Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition | Action RPG | Story-driven action with multiple endings | 8.9 | Check price |
| 6 | Star Wars Jedi: Survivor | Action-adventure | Star Wars fans and open-world action | 8.5 | Check price |
| 7 | Tunic | Action-adventure puzzle | Puzzle and exploration lovers | 8.2 | Check price |
Questions worth asking
What is the best Xbox action game for short travel sessions?
Hades is the best for short sessions because each run takes about 30 minutes and you can stop anytime. The game saves between runs, so you can play one run and then put it down.
Can I play these games offline on Xbox?
Yes, all the games on our list can be played offline after installation. However, some games might require an initial online update or have online features that are not available offline.
Are there any action games that save anywhere?
Yes, Nier Automata and Tunic allow you to save anywhere. This is great for travel because you can stop immediately without losing progress.
What is the best action game for a long flight?
For a long flight, you might want a game with a deep story and world to explore, like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor or Ori and the Will of the Wisps. These games can keep you engaged for hours.
Do I need a controller for these games?
All Xbox games are designed to be played with a controller. If you are playing on a laptop or cloud, you can use a controller, but some games also support keyboard and mouse if you are on PC.
Are these games suitable for kids?
Most of these games have mature ratings due to violence. Hades is rated Teen, but others like Devil May Cry 5 and Sekiro are rated Mature. Check the ESRB rating before buying for a child.
How do I save progress in Hades?
Hades auto-saves after each run. You can also quit anytime, and the game will save your current room state when you return.
Can I play these games on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S?
Most of these games are available on both Xbox One and Series X/S, but performance may vary. Check the game’s compatibility on the Amazon listing.
Final word
If you want a game that fits perfectly into a travel schedule, choose Hades. It offers quick, satisfying sessions and deep progression. For those who prefer a more linear action experience, Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition is a strong alternative with its mission structure. Avoid Sekiro if you are easily frustrated; instead, pick Ori and the Will of the Wisps for a more relaxed but still action-packed adventure.
