These are the 25 best games to play on Xbox Series X / S

The Xbox Series X/S has a fantastic selection of games. While the PlayStation 5 has outsold the Xbox by a significant margin and boasts a wider range of exclusive titles (especially now that Forza is also available on PlayStation), Xbox owners still have access to a truly impressive library of classic and highly-rated games.

Whether you love award-winning games like Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3, highly replayable indie favorites like Hades and Balatro, or classic Xbox titles such as Forza, there’s a game for every type of player.

Looking for must-play games on Xbox Series X or S? Here are some top titles, and many are included with Game Pass, Microsoft’s fantastic subscription service.

Okay, so if you want the absolute best experience with these games, the Xbox Series X is the way to go. But honestly, you can still have a ton of fun playing them on the Xbox Series S – it’s way more affordable and still runs them really well.

25. Destiny 2

Release date: September 6, 2017
Developer: Bungie
Genre: First-person shooter

As a Destiny 2 player, I can tell you it’s a constantly changing shooter game where you play as a Guardian protecting the galaxy. Things are a little quiet right now after the huge ‘Final Shape’ expansion, which wrapped up a ten-year story, but there’s always something to do – whether you’re tackling challenging Raids or jumping into player-versus-player combat!

Destiny 2 is incredibly engaging when it’s at its best. The six-player Raids offer some of the most thrilling teamwork challenges in gaming, and the excitement of earning new rewards remains consistently satisfying.

The game’s quality isn’t always consistent. While the Final Shape expansion was truly excellent, as a constantly evolving online game, it’s hard to promise that every experience will be amazing. It can also be difficult to learn if you don’t have a friend to help you. However, if you stick with it, you’ll find some of the most satisfying shooting action available in a live-service game.

24. Call of Duty: Warzone

Release date: March 10, 2020
Developer: Infinity Ward & Raven Software
Genre: First-person shooter / Battle Royale

This game puts you in massive Call of Duty battlegrounds where it’s a fight to be the last team standing. You can play alone or with a squad of up to four players, competing against everyone else as a shrinking safe zone forces you into closer and closer encounters. Scavenge for weapons and armor, and always be aware of enemies dropping in from above.

Warzone quickly became a hit when it launched. Although other battle royale games like Fortnite and PUBG were already popular, Warzone proved that Call of Duty could compete effectively. Its precise shooting, well-balanced gameplay, and exciting maps made it incredibly popular.

Warzone isn’t as massively popular as it used to be, but the developers still regularly add new content with each season. That means there’s always something fresh to experience, and because it’s free to play, it’s a great deal for anyone with an Xbox.

23. Balatro

Release date: February 20, 2024
Developer: LocalThunk
Genre: Roguelike deck-builder

Balatro isn’t your typical poker game. It takes the core ideas of poker and transforms them into a uniquely thrilling experience. You’ll customize and improve your deck of cards, using Jokers that have game-changing effects. The goal is to overcome increasingly difficult challenges by making strong card combinations. It’s a bit like the suspense of Texas Hold ’em combined with the strategic, replayable nature of a game like Slay the Spire.

We love this game because it’s easy to learn, but offers surprising depth. Each playthrough feels unique thanks to random cards and powerful combinations that can completely change your luck. Games are fast-paced with surprisingly engaging action, and it’s incredibly addictive – you’ll always want to play just one more round!

22. Starfield

Release date: September 6, 2023
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Genre: Action RPG

Starfield is a space exploration RPG where you play as a member of Constellation, a group searching for mysterious alien relics. You’ll journey to distant planets, explore diverse landscapes, complete quests, build and pilot your own spaceship, and navigate conflicts between different groups and criminal elements throughout the galaxy.

Despite a bumpy start and not being Bethesda’s greatest game, Starfield is a fantastic experience for RPG fans. It offers a vast galaxy to explore with complete freedom in how you play.

You could become a space pirate, raiding ships and building up a powerful fleet, or focus on establishing profitable trade routes between colonies and accumulating wealth. The game also lets you spend hours designing and customizing your own ship, or follow compelling storylines that explore the more unusual parts of the Settled Systems.

21. Blue Prince

Release date: April 10, 2025
Developer: Dogubomb
Genre: Puzzle

Okay, so I just inherited this crazy mansion, and it’s not like any house I’ve ever seen. Seriously, the layout changes every single night! I’m running around trying to figure out what’s going on, exploring each room, and basically drawing a map as I go. My main goal? To find Room 46. It feels impossible, because every day, when the clock resets, the whole place changes again! It’s a total puzzle, and I’m determined to solve it.

What makes it great: Each playthrough feels like navigating a constantly changing, breathing labyrinth. It’s smartly designed without being overly complicated, and the shifting house keeps you guessing until the very end of the main story. Plus, with tons of optional puzzles to solve, it offers plenty to keep you engaged even after you’ve finished the core game. Prepare to take notes, embrace the mystery, and enjoy the satisfaction of feeling incredibly clever as you get closer to uncovering the secrets of Room 46.

20. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Release date: September 4, 2025
Developer: Team Cherry
Genre: Metroidvania

You take on the role of Hornet, a quick and skilled fighter, as you journey through a mysterious new kingdom. This land is full of tricky traps, tough enemies, and hidden secrets. You’ll need to battle, climb, and create useful items to navigate dangerous areas and discover the story of this forgotten world.

After an eight-year wait, Silksong is finally here, and it’s fantastic! The platforming is significantly improved thanks to Hornet’s quick and nimble abilities, and the combat is more diverse than ever with plenty of tools and upgrades to discover. The game consistently offers beautiful level design and incredibly detailed graphics, making exploration truly rewarding.

It’s definitely challenging, and that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. Each failure teaches you something new, and beating the bosses always feels great, even when it’s incredibly frustrating. It might not be overly emotional, but it can still be surprisingly touching.

19. Forza Motorsport (2023)

Release date: October 10, 2023
Developer: Turn 10 Studios
Genre: Racing

Forza Motorsport (2023) is a complete reimagining of the racing series, created as the premier simulation experience for Xbox Series X and S. The game features dynamic tracks that change based on conditions like temperature, rubber on the surface, and weather, all of which impact how your car handles and your racing strategy. The new Builders Cup career mode focuses on long-term car improvement, emphasizing practice, upgrades, and learning each track.

As a Forza fan, I have to say, Turn 10 really nailed it with this one! They’ve clearly put a ton of work into making everything feel super realistic. The way each car handles is noticeably different, and you really feel it over the course of a race. Plus, the tracks actually change – things like grip levels can affect how you drive each lap, which is awesome. It’s got the serious, detailed driving you want in a racing sim, but it still feels polished and easy to pick up, just like other Forza games. If you’re looking for a more realistic racing experience on Xbox Series X/S, honestly, this is the best there is – even if some people prefer the more arcade-style fun of Horizon.

18. Tekken 8

Release date: January 26, 2024
Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
Genre: Fighting

Tekken 8 carries on the epic rivalry between the Mishima family, but it’s easy to jump in even if you’re new to the series. It’s a classic head-to-head fighting game focused on quick, aggressive action, and a new ‘Heat’ system rewards players for attacking. The game features a complete story mode, a traditional arcade mode, and a diverse cast of characters – from realistic martial artists to robots and wrestlers.

Tekken 8 is a fantastic fighting game. Matches are fast-paced and visually stunning, with fluid animations and impactful hits that are easy to follow. The diverse cast of characters each have unique personalities and fighting styles, making it easy for new players to find someone they enjoy. No matter if you’re playing the story mode, arcade mode, or battling online, Tekken 8 offers exciting, high-energy gameplay that keeps you coming back for more.

17. Alan Wake 2

Release date: October 27, 2023
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Genre: Survival horror

Alan Wake 2, the newest game in the Remedyverse, is a scary psychological thriller. Players experience the story through two characters: the author Alan Wake and FBI agent Saga Anderson. Both characters are battling personal struggles while investigating a series of nightmares that have been brought to life by a troubled writer.

Remedy Entertainment is known for creating complex, connected stories, and Alan Wake 2 is their most impressive game yet. While you can enjoy it as a brand new adventure, playing their earlier games adds extra depth. The story is full of genuinely surprising twists, and the horror is truly frightening – it’s the kind of thing that would impress Stephen King. With its blend of live-action sequences, beautiful lighting, and deliberate pacing, each chapter is unforgettable. It’s a prime example of how cinematic storytelling can be done on Xbox.

16. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Release date: February 4, 2025
Developer: Warhorse Studios
Genre: Action RPG

You play as Henry, the son of a blacksmith who becomes a knight, and experience the turbulent world of 15th-century Bohemia. The game involves combat, commerce, skill-building, and conversation as you navigate a harsh medieval setting.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a fantastic sequel that builds upon everything players loved in the first game. It truly delivers on its promises with incredibly realistic, yet engaging, combat. Every dialogue choice feels important, and the game world feels incredibly immersive and dynamic. It’s a slow-paced adventure that rewards patience and careful consideration, and its big moments are among the most impactful you’ll find in modern gaming.

15. Hitman: World of Assassination

Release date: January 20, 2021
Developer: IO Interactive
Genre: Stealth

This game brings together all the missions from the recent Hitman trilogy into a single experience. You take on the role of Agent 47, a professional assassin who travels the globe to complete contracts. The game offers open-ended levels where you can choose how to eliminate your targets – whether it’s through disguise, clever sabotage, or making it look like an accident. It’s up to you to decide the best approach for each mission.

The recent Hitman games are incredibly fun to play again and again because there are so many different ways to complete each level. But what really makes them special are the unexpected moments – like when a random person walks in at the wrong time, causing a hilarious and chaotic situation, maybe even involving a rubber duck!

It’s really enjoyable to try new things, make mistakes, and keep practicing until you succeed. Plus, with levels from three different games combined, there’s a ton of content to keep you playing for a long time.

14. Metaphor: ReFantazio

Release date: October 11, 2024
Developer: Studio Zero
Genre: RPG

This game puts you in charge of a team of heroes venturing through a war-torn medieval kingdom filled with ancient prophecies. You’ll freely explore cities and dangerous dungeons, and when you encounter enemies, the game shifts to a strategic, turn-based battle system.

We love this game because it blends the compelling characters and storytelling of the Persona series with the vastness of a large-scale fantasy RPG. It features unforgettable characters, beautiful artwork, and a dynamic combat system that makes every battle exciting.

The game offers a massive and immersive experience that’s easy to get lost in for hours. Like many classic Japanese RPGs, gaining levels can sometimes feel repetitive, but it never detracts significantly from the compelling and detailed world.

13. Hades

Release date: September 17, 2020
Developer: Supergiant Games
Genre: Roguelike

You play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, and your goal is to escape the Underworld. Every time you try to climb out, you’ll unlock new weapons and abilities, and meet gods who can either aid or challenge you along the way.

Okay, so Hades is seriously one of the best roguelikes I’ve ever played. What really grabbed me is how the story unfolds even when you’re losing. Every run, even if I didn’t beat the final boss, felt like I was actually making progress. It’s not just the main story with Hades, either – the side characters are amazing and their stories are super engaging. It just pulls you in!

As a fan, I can tell you this game is seriously addictive! The combat is just so much fun, and honestly, it has some of the best boss fights I’ve seen in years. It’s the kind of game where you tell yourself “just one more run,” and suddenly it’s morning and you’ve spent eighty hours decorating your little spot in The Crossroads. It’s amazing!

12. Street Fighter 6

Release date: June 2, 2023
Developer: Capcom
Genre: Fighting

The newest Street Fighter game offers both a complete single-player story mode and online battles with players worldwide. A standout feature is World Tour mode, where you can design your own fighter, roam Metro City, and learn special moves from iconic Street Fighter characters in a fun, RPG-like experience.

Street Fighter 6 is a standout fighting game thanks to its innovative Drive System. This system gives all characters a shared energy bar used for various moves – attacks, quick dashes, blocking, and escapes – making fights exciting and unpredictable, but still accessible for beginners. The game’s modern controls simplify special moves, letting new players jump in and have fun right away, while still offering a lot of depth for experienced players. Beyond the core fighting, the World Tour mode provides a refreshing change of pace, and the Battle Hub creates a vibrant online community. Regular updates and new characters keep the game fresh and make it one of the most enjoyable and approachable fighting games on Xbox Series X/S.

11. Silent Hill f

Release date: September 25, 2025
Developer: NeoBards Entertainment
Genre: Survival horror

This story is set in 1960s Japan and follows a young woman confronting a terrifying fungal plague that transforms everything around her into something monstrous. It builds suspense gradually, punctuated by shocking and frightening events.

We appreciate this Silent Hill installment because of its atmosphere. It’s peaceful yet unsettling, and focuses on creating a growing sense of dread rather than relying on constant, sudden frights.

This game deliberately focuses less on fighting and more on avoiding and cleverly escaping from scary creatures. This approach works perfectly for the young main character and creates a genuinely frightening and surprisingly insightful horror experience, one of the best in recent memory.

10. Split Fiction

Release date: March 6, 2025
Developer: Hazelight Studios
Genre: Adventure

This game follows two writers who become stuck inside the worlds they’ve created, while a powerful corporation attempts to steal their ideas. Players team up to journey through bizarre landscapes, repair flawed storylines, and rewrite the narrative in hopes of escaping.

As a fan, I have to say Split Fiction really takes what made It Takes Two so great and cranks it up to eleven! Each level feels totally different, not just visually, but in how you play it. The puzzles aren’t just about flipping switches – you genuinely need to work with your partner. What I loved most is that the game is constantly surprising you with fresh ideas; it never falls back on repeating itself. Everything is bigger and bolder, and the way it jumps between different game styles is seamless. And honestly, the ending? It completely blew me away – it’s something I’ve never seen in a game before, and it makes Split Fiction a must-play on Xbox.

9. GTA V

Release date: September 17, 2013
Developer: Rockstar Games
Genre: Action

Grand Theft Auto V lets you experience the criminal underworld of Los Santos through the eyes of three different characters – Michael, Franklin, and Trevor – as they pull off daring heists.

Even after ten years, Grand Theft Auto V is still one of the best open-world games available. The city of Los Santos is full of exciting activities and hidden areas, providing endless entertainment. Until the next installment arrives, it’s hard to beat the feeling of speeding through the streets, causing chaos, and trying to evade the police. The updated version for Xbox Series X/S makes the game look and play even better than before.

8. Persona 5: Royal

Release date: March 31, 2020
Developer: P-Studio / Atlus
Genre: RPG

You’re a Tokyo high school student with a hidden double life: a Phantom Thief! During the day, you go to school and make friends. But at night, you venture into the Metaverse to steal the twisted desires of corrupt adults and reveal their wrongdoings.

Persona is beloved by many fans, and this installment truly stands out. It’s packed with style, from the menus to the way characters fight, and features one of the most memorable soundtracks in recent games. The characters are interesting, the story gets better and better, and the unique blend of everyday school life and exciting dungeon exploration makes it incredibly immersive. It’s the kind of RPG you can easily spend over 100 hours playing and still feel like you want to keep going.

7. Cyberpunk 2077

Release date: December 10, 2020
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Genre: Action RPG

In this game, you play as V, a mercenary in the dangerous city of Night City. After a botched job, you find yourself linked to the consciousness of a famous rocker, Johnny Silverhand. As you complete missions, enhance your abilities with cybernetics, and make choices that matter, you’ll shape your own unique story and impact the world around you.

As a huge fan, I have to say Cyberpunk 2077 has finally become the game we all knew it could be! After a lot of work, Night City truly feels like a living, breathing place – it’s unpredictable, packed with details, and full of stories I won’t forget. And playing it on Xbox Series X? It looks amazing and runs so smoothly, especially considering how detailed the world is. It’s just awesome to be able to jump into that neon-lit city whenever I want.

6. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Release date: April 24, 2025
Developer: Sandfall Interactive
Genre: RPG

The game takes place in a world controlled by the enigmatic Paintress, who erases people once they reach a certain age in an annual event. A team called Expedition 33 embarks on a journey to end this cycle, venturing through bizarre lands and battling the Paintress’s creations using a mix of exploration and turn-based combat.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is impressive thanks to its immersive atmosphere and bold vision. The game boasts a beautiful art style, a soundtrack that builds suspense, and a unique world unlike most modern RPGs. Its turn-based combat is cleverly designed to be engaging – it requires skillful timing rather than just selecting options. All of these elements combine to create a truly memorable and captivating adventure.

5. Forza Horizon 5

Release date: November 9, 2021
Developer: Playground Games
Genre: Racing

This racing game lets you explore Mexico, participating in tons of events and unlocking a wide variety of cars. You’ll race through famous locations with stunning graphics – it’s still one of the best-looking racing games on Xbox.

Forza Horizon 5, released in 2021, remains a standout title in the series thanks to its incredibly lively and welcoming atmosphere. The game is visually stunning, offers a huge variety of things to do in its open world, and instantly makes you feel the joy of driving. Once you start exploring the Mexican landscape, you’ll easily find yourself lost in the experience for hours.

4. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Release date: March 24, 2023
Developer: Capcom
Genre: Third-person horror shooter

The game follows Leon Kennedy, who travels to Spain on a mission to save the President’s daughter. He quickly discovers a dangerous cult and a terrifying parasite, and encounters some hostile villagers armed with chainsaws along the way.

Resident Evil 4 is often considered the best game in the series, and the 2023 remake successfully brought its intense horror back to life with improved graphics and more intelligent enemies.

The game features tons of zombies, but you’re equipped with a variety of creative and often humorous weapons to fight them off. It’s genuinely scary, but always manages to be funny and over-the-top.

3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Next Gen

Release date: May 19, 2015
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Genre: Action RPG

In this game, you take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter. Your main goal is to find Ciri, his adopted daughter, while navigating a continent ravaged by war. You’ll journey through towns and countryside, complete monster hunting jobs, explore a vast world on horseback, and make decisions that impact the story’s outcome.

Even after almost ten years, The Witcher 3 is still considered one of the best games ever made, especially for its incredible story and vast world to explore. It’s easy to get completely immersed in its captivating fantasy setting. The combat is consistently fun, the RPG elements are satisfying, and the characters are exceptionally well-developed, making it an unforgettable gaming experience.

This updated version looks and runs great on new Xbox consoles thanks to better graphics and faster performance.

2. Baldur’s Gate 3

Release date: August 3, 2023
Developer: Larian Studios
Genre: RPG

The game centers around a character infected with a mind flayer parasite who’s on a quest for a cure. However, it’s not just about finding a remedy – it’s a complex RPG where you control the narrative. You decide who joins your team, who becomes an ally, where you venture, and ultimately, how the world changes based on your decisions.

Baldur’s Gate 3 stands out because your choices genuinely matter, shaping the story in a way few other role-playing games achieve. It’s incredibly versatile, offering a huge number of possibilities that all feel equally important, making it a game you can play again and again.

Depending on how you play, you might fall for the character Shadowheart, or you might not even add her to your team. Either way, the game adapts to your choices and provides a really rewarding experience.

1. Elden Ring

Release date: 25 February, 2022
Developer: FromSoftware Inc.
Genre: Action-Adventure RPG

Elden Ring plunges you into the challenging world of the Lands Between, where you create your own hero and battle colossal creatures and powerful demigods. You’re free to explore in any order you like, but discovering what lies ahead requires courage and exploration – the map reveals itself through hard-earned experience.

As a huge fan, I can honestly say FromSoftware really outdid themselves with this game! The open world is incredible – it constantly makes you want to explore, whether it’s checking out something you see in the distance or investigating a mysterious noise. I’ll never forget that first elevator ride down to Siofra River – it was such a breathtaking moment, and I instantly knew the real adventure was just beginning. It’s a game that truly sticks with you.

Elden Ring consistently offers fresh surprises – from unexpected discoveries and secret locations to challenging and unpredictable battles. The game’s combat system is flexible, letting you tackle obstacles with your preferred style. It’s a truly standout title and a must-play for Xbox Series X/S owners.

2025-11-27 14:59