After an uneven console cycle with the Xbox One, Microsoft’s latest consoles are aimed at getting the ship back on course. The Xbox Series X is a next-generation powerhouse that rivals gaming PCs, while the Xbox Series S is an affordable stopgap for those who are curious about trying new games.
- Shooters
- RPGs
- Platformers
- Sim, puzzle, and more
There’s no shortage of games to play on either console thanks to Xbox Game Pass, which gives players immediate access to a library of titles old and new. That built-in catalog is an extra value on top of all the new games available on the system that take advantage of its impressive technical specs. When it comes to first-party exclusives, the Series X is still growing. Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 gave a good boost to the console’s library following a somewhat sparse first year. More games are also on the way. Microsoft’s Bethesda acquisition will bring exclusives like Starfield and Redfall, and the potential addition of all Activision Blizzard games would further bolster that list, but the console’s real strength lies in third-party support.
We’ve combed through the current batch of new Xbox games to put together an updated running list of titles that new console owners shouldn’t miss.
Shooters
Resident Evil 4
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Puzzle, Adventure
Developer
Capcom Development Division 1
Publisher
Capcom
Release
March 24, 2023
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Infinity Ward
Publisher
Activision Blizzard
Release
October 28, 2022
Overwatch 2
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher
Blizzard Entertainment
Release
October 04, 2022
Halo Infinite
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
343 Industries
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
November 15, 2021
Marvel’s Midnight Suns
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Tactical
Developer
Firaxis Games
Publisher
2K
Release
December 02, 2022
HITMAN 3
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter, Tactical, Adventure
Developer
IO Interactive
Publisher
IO Interactive
Release
January 20, 2021
Destiny 2
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Tactical, Adventure
Developer
Bungie
Publisher
Activision
Release
September 06, 2017
Control: Ultimate Edition
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
Remedy Entertainment
Publisher
505 Games
Release
August 27, 2020
Resident Evil Village
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
Capcom
Publisher
Capcom
Release
May 07, 2021
High on Life
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Squanch Games
Publisher
Squanch Games
Release
December 13, 2022
From the creators of the hit animated sci-fi show Rick and Morty, High On Life is a surprising shooter that delivers a fun, space-y adventure with that classic hit-or-miss Justin Roiland humor. The story finds a nameless protagonist and their sister flung in the middle of an alien conflict while their parents are on vacation. We won’t spoil the story here but it’s a lovely little adventure full of hijinx, shootouts, and in-jokes.
RPGs
Elden Ring
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG)
Developer
FromSoftware
Publisher
Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release
February 25, 2022
Sea of Thieves
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator, Adventure
Developer
Rare
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
March 20, 2018
Scarlet Nexus
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher
Bandai Namco Studios
Release
June 24, 2021
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher
Ubisoft Entertainment
Release
November 10, 2020
Like a Dragon: Ishin!
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Adventure
Developer
Ryū Ga Gotoku Studios
Publisher
Sega
Release
February 21, 2023
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Adventure
Developer
Ryū Ga Gotoku Studios
Publisher
Sega
Release
January 16, 2020
Immortals Fenyx Rising
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Puzzle, Adventure
Developer
Ubisoft Québec
Publisher
Ubisoft
Release
December 02, 2020
Tunic
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Adventure, Indie
Developer
Andrew Shouldice
Publisher
Finji
Release
March 16, 2022
If there’s one franchise just about everyone wants but can only get on one console, it’s Nintendo’s Zelda titles. While we can’t actually get the official adventures of the tunic-wearing hero of Hyrule, we can get games heavily inspired by them, with one of the best being Tunic. This game has you take control of a little fox in a green, well, tunic, wielding a sword and shield. If you imagine Link, only with fox features, that’s the main character. And the inspiration doesn’t just stop at the visual design, but the gameplay, too. You explore a big, confusing world full of puzzles and monsters to fight while learning the distinct language of the land. The twist of collecting the game’s manual in the game itself is a simple but fantastic way to really engross you in the experience.
Pentiment
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
November 15, 2022
In a year that lacked many compelling Xbox Series X exclusives, Pentiment stands out as a narrative-focused adventure RPG set in 16th Century Europe. Sporting a unique art style and engaging story for murder, mystery, and impactful choices, Pentiment is one of the best games published by Xbox Game Studios in some time. Its a bit subtler on the RPG front with its persuasion system and character backgrounds, but it should appeal to fans of that genre just as much as it would to adventure game fans.
Platformers
Psychonauts 2
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Double Fine Productions
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
August 25, 2021
It Takes Two
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Hazelight Studios
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release
March 25, 2021
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Moon Studios
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios, iam8bit
Release
March 10, 2020
Sim, puzzle, and more
Forza Horizon 5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Racing, Sport
Developer
Playground Games
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
November 09, 2021
Crusader Kings III
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy
Developer
Paradox Development Studio
Publisher
Paradox Interactive
Release
September 01, 2020
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator
Developer
Asobo Studio
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
August 17, 2020
Tetris Effect: Connected
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Meta Quest, Meta Quest 2
Genre
Music, Puzzle, Indie, Arcade
Developer
Monstars, Resonair
Publisher
Enhance
Release
May 14, 2020
Gears Tactics
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Strategy, Tactical
Developer
Splash Damage
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
April 28, 2020
Editors’ Recommendations
-
Everything we know about Alan Wake 2
-
The best PS5 games for 2023
-
Skull and Bones: release date speculation, trailers, gameplay, and more
-
Here’s how to get Redfall Bite Back Edition for free from Nvidia
-
You can still get a Thunder Shotgun in Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 2. Here’s how