The Xbox Series X and Series S have been building a solid collection of games. Despite the somewhat lack of major new exclusives on Microsoft’s platform, these two consoles have a lot of games for you to try.
Here are our picks for some of the best Xbox Series X/S games to play, whether you want to go on a brand-new adventure or play through an old favorite.
30. Street Fighter 6 (2023)
Fighting/Action/Adventure | Metacritic Score: 92
Street Fighter 6 is fun, robust, and stylish. A unique fighting system has primarily characterized itself since Street Fighter 2, reflected in each game. The core fighting mechanics stay sharp in the latest installment, bringing in some fantastic new features.
Whether you are a first-time or seasoned fan of the series, Street Fighter 6 will keep you occupied for several hours. A fresh campaign, alternative control methods, and other helpful tools have all been included by Capcom to attract new gamers to the brand. The World Tour’s storyline was ultimately the sole disappointment.
29. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
Action/RPG/Adventure | Metacritic Score: 80
Guardians of the Galaxy is a well-loved Marvel entity, and the game does justice to every aspect of this bunch of lovable nitwits. Humorous, action-packed adventure and some genuinely moving story moments take the spotlight in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Depending on the decisions you make, these moments in the game may take some unexpected turns. The connections and banter between its characters keep things interesting as they develop.
28. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023)
Action/Adventure/Open Zone | Metacritic Score: 84
Jedi: Survivor is a promising sequel to one of the best Star Wars games of this generation. If there’s a third in the series, it will easily be an excellent Star Wars trilogy.
Survivor explores a matured, well-balanced Cal who is now in charge of his ways-of-the-lightsaber and destiny. You’ll re-connect with the gang, explore an array of planets, and experience a story that builds on many levels. There are also new ‘stances’ for you to completely wield the potential of your lightsaber, along with novel possibilities to use your Force.
27. Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020)
Action/Adventure/Platformer | Metacritic Score: 90
Ori and the Will of the Wisps brings Ori’s world to a new light while keeping its charm intact. The stunning, tragic fairy tale setting and a nerve-wracking platforming challenge created by Moon Studios made a lasting impression. The new sequel expertly expands on familiar gameplay without simply rehashing it. There is greater depth, variety, choice, and breadth than ever, and it’s all done with captivating color, light, and fantastic, motivating music.
26. Outer Wilds (2019)
Action/Adventure/Open World | Metacritic Score: 85
Ever wanted to explore the universe but wanted to be relaxed about it? Outer Wilds lets you do that. It lets you brave a miniature solar system with a compass in hand. Out of the many joys of this amazing title, the excitement of discovery itself takes the cake. As you progressively unravel the factors revolving around each not-so-distant globe, there’s a sense of satisfaction that follows. There’s so much to uncover – secrets, mysterious sci-fi, fantastic music, and endearing indie-style aesthetics.
25. Hades II (2024)
Roguelike/Action-RPG | Metacritic Score: 93
Hades II builds on the wit and charm of the original title while bringing an entirely new story complete with twists and turns to a roguelike that is as addictive as it is enjoyable. Melinoe is a protagonist who brings a world-weary charm to her adventures through the Underworld and above, meeting several important figures in Greek mythology on her adventures while showcasing deadly skill and speed in the game’s well-designed combat system. Hades II is a fun romp through a world filled with secrets and mysteries that are just begging to be found.
24. Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023)
Horror/Action/Adventure | Metacritic Score: 93
Many would not require an introduction to Capcom’s iconic survival-horror game since it has been a milestone entry in the series, and the remake brings its legacy to modern consoles.
Resident Evil 4 will completely engross you, whether you were a fan of the first game or are a beginner with a need for some action-heavy horror of the finest kind. Thanks to its fierce cast of creatures, its combat is frictionless but no less stressful; its plot swiftly moves through a series of action scenes. These plot points are varied in structure but consistently unwavering in intensity, and the world is rich in detail and full of amusing and frequently snarling surprises.
23. Control Ultimate Edition (2019)
Action/Adventure/Open Zone | Metacritic Score: 87
Control has you exploring The Oldest House, a top-secret government structure. It’s riddled with a dubious past and an even more enigmatic blueprint. As Jesse Faden, recently and grudgingly appointed Director of the Federal Bureau of Control, you are in charge of uncovering the mysteries across this structure. Control exposes you to bizarre supernatural abilities and a narrative that’s not short of eccentric angles.
Performance Mode and Graphics Mode are the two ways you can play Control on Xbox Series S/X. While the latter displays things at 30 frames per second in 1440p upscaled to 4K with ray tracing, the former offers gamers 60 frames per second in 1440p upscaled to 4K.
22. Hitman 3 (2021)
Action/Adventure/Open Zone | Metacritic Score: 87
Hitman 3 is possibly the best addition to the franchise. It’s full of rich, exotic locations to explore and outlandish targets to assassinate. The new Hitman games focus on replayability rather than campaign length.
Your objective as you sneak through each level is to find information that will enable you to approach and kill your targets. Simple methods of carrying out those killings include shooting or strangling them, while more difficult techniques include poisoning, breaking an AI (we won’t spoil this for you), and even dropping an antler chandelier on your target.
21. Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020)
Simulation | Metacritic Score: 90
The Xbox version of Microsoft Flight Simulator allows gamers to fly a range of planes around a gorgeously detailed replica of our world. An upcoming update (Flight Simulator 24) will expand on these concepts, offering new challenges and aircraft to fly. Several shorter missions have been added to the tutorials to help players get up to speed, and the different commands have been clearly and easily assigned to the Xbox controller.
Flight Simulator operates at 4K resolution and strives for 30 frames per second on the Series X. On the Series S, the draw distance is less impressive, running at 1080p. Still, the game plays and looks brilliant on the little beast.
20. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (2017)
Action-adventure/Hack N’ Slash | Metacritic Score: 81
Ninja Theory presents an incredibly immersive exploration of trauma and mental illness through the eyes of Senua, who witnesses the death of her clan and loved one before setting off on a quest for revenge – and redemption. This harrowing tale tackles complex themes such as emotional and physical abuse through the eyes of its heroine, framed with a combat system that makes good use of its narrative framework. Senua comes to rely on the voices in her head as they often call out which direction attacks are coming from while she flits between enemies with fluidity and grace. This is a title for those who love cinematic presentation in their games although they may want to brace themselves for its hard-hitting story.
19. Starfield (2023)
Action RPG | Metacritic Score: 83
Bethesda brings the best of its past titles to an experience that Xbox players simply cannot miss. With a complex narrative in which your choices have a lasting impact and a world that features multitudes of biomes and interesting narrative beats to discover, Starfield moves the RPG genre forward in ways that go beyond its main campaign. It also comes with a ton of replay value considering the interesting twist that Bethesda has put on what is a staple in many modern games, allowing you to explore the game’s many possibilities in a way that takes its RPG trappings to new heights.
18. Mass Effect Legendary Edition (2021)
Action/Adventure/RPG | Metacritic Score: 87
The Mass Effect series stands strong as one of the best games set in outer space. The epic space opera takes different genres like non-linear narratives, RPGs, and action to a more significant level of gameplay.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition manages to appeal to both devoted fans of the franchise and those who have never spent a single minute playing it. Mass Effect 1 has been updated to be playable in the current gaming landscape, and all three games have received eye-pleasing graphic improvements and blazing-fast load times to reduce waiting times.
17. Psychonauts 2 (2021)
Action/Platformer | Metacritic Score: 87
Psychonauts 2 is a successor to the most captivating psychic platformer on Xbox. As a protagonist who harnesses psychic powers, you’ll be platforming and fighting within the psychological worlds of many of the most problematic people you encounter.
The strange and superbly crafted plot of Psychonauts 2 is full of fascinating and complex characters. Even while its alluring new gameplay mechanics may occasionally be too scanty, most of its original innovations significantly advance the Psychonauts formula into the twenty-first century.
16. Diablo IV (2023)
Action/Hack and Slash/RPG | Metacritic Score: 88
Diablo IV has been a pleasant welcome to fans and newcomers alike. The adjustments, upgrades, and borrowed concepts that this installment introduces have made this most recent version of the game the greatest Diablo we’ve ever had. Diablo IV only offers a little to revolutionize ARPGs or push the boundaries of a genre its franchise helped pioneer.
While Diablo IV’s narrative doesn’t pace out too well, other elements may cover these flaws. The unique combat system, loot pool, and stunning visuals and sounds of this world keep the Diablo charm alive. Instead of offering the franchise a more significant update, Diablo IV adopts the tactic of improving what the series previously did so well.
15. Senua’s Sage: Hellblade II
Action Adventure | Metacritic Score: 81
Ninja Theory’s follow-up to the original Hellblade brings dynamic weather and a new combat system to its visually spectacular sequel, further exploring the themes and narrative beats it set up in the original game through the eyes of Senua. Her continued adventures are a visual treat while the new combat system is an excellent upgrade despite its tendency to focus on flashy combos and massive set-pieces. For those of you who loved the original, this title is a no-brainer considering its poignant story and the conclusion it brings to Senua’s harrowing journey through its Norse-themed world and her own psyche.
14. It Takes Two (2021)
Multiplayer/Adventure/Puzzle | Metacritic Score: 89
It Takes Two is a metaphorical journey of salvaging important connections. It’s an amazing co-op adventure that employs a trail of fantastic gameplay ideas with an important message. It is gorgeous, lightning-fast, and brimming with imagination. Every time you mess about or try something new, you are rewarded.
It Takes Two is a wonderfully pleasant journey you absolutely need to take together if you have any type of co-op partner in your life. It can be your spouse, friend, sibling, or another relative (even a youngster, though some topics might be too advanced for them).
13. Gears 5 (2019)
Action/Adventure/Open-Zone | Metacritic Score: 84
Gears 5 runs like a charm on the Xbox Series X. There has never been a better moment to play or repeat the Xbox One shooter, primarily because it supports crossplay with PC and earlier consoles, ensuring that your buddies won’t feel left out if they don’t update. While it’s only taking a half-step in the correct direction, the semi-open regions substantially expand upon the gameplay.
However, the game still revolves around hiding in cover and shooting Locust sponges from beginning to end. The multiplayer and Horde modes are still among the most enjoyable in both cooperative and competitive settings, and they now support up to 120 frames per second.
12. Forza Horizon 5 (2021)
Open World/Racing/Simulation | Metacritic Score: 92
Forza Horizon 5 thrives in a beautifully rendered world. After three years in Horizon 4’s lovely but somewhat more homogenous Britain, Playground’s diversified geography of Mexico is an exceedingly unique and exciting assortment of locations to get lost in. Horizon 5’s patchwork of vibrant areas and backgrounds mimics Horizon 3 more closely, yet it seems substantially bigger than even Playground’s outstanding 2016 riff on Australia.
It’s an open-ended, MMO-inspired racer with more races, events, and events. It comfortably builds on challenges, but it never seems overwhelming.
11. Hogwarts Legacy (2023)
Action/Adventure/RPG/Open World | Metacritic Score: 87
Hogwarts Legacy finally opened the long-awaited doors into the enchanting world of Hogwarts. It’s the Harry Potter role-playing game we’ve always wanted to play. With its endearing new characters, demanding and complex combat, and a superbly realized Hogwarts student fantasy, this open-world adventure captures all the excitement and magic of the Wizarding World.
With the Xbox Series X, the visuals are breathtaking. Take a stance at the tower on a nearby property, and notice the detailed landscape’s expansive and rich design. While Series S runs the game at 1080p, 60 frames per second, Series X runs it at 1440p.
10. Hi-Fi Rush (2023)
Action/Platformer/Adventure | Metacritic Score: 87
Hi-Fi Rush arrived as a surprise, especially to Game Pass owners. The cartoonish and arcade-like gameplay makes Hi-Fi Rush one of the best rhythm-based games to come out in recent times. Best-in-class animation, lovable protagonists to cheer for, and villains you want to despise are all wrapped up in lighthearted humor in this charming game. But on top of that timeless allure, it makes the dynamic rock soundtrack its most powerful weapon by synchronizing the beat to every facet of the world.
9. Halo: The Master Chief Collection (2014)
Action/Adventure | Metacritic Score: 85
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a must-have for everyone who appreciates first-person shooters on consoles, regardless of whether you’ve played previous Halo games or not.
The four core Halo games have never looked better than they do right now. Every game has a smooth 60 FPS framerate, and three of the four games achieve the desirable 1080p resolution. Even Halo 3 and 4 gain from enhanced lighting effects and resolution boosts (albeit Halo 3 ends up appearing the most basic of the four), while Halo CE and Halo 2 both provide their stunning Anniversary Editions. Additionally, Halo 2 Anniversary has brand-new music and effects that sound really wonderful.
8. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)
Action/Adventure | Metacritic Score: 91
The new Xbox Series X is the best way to play Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, even though it was released for older consoles in early 2019. This is because of the in-built upgrades.
Get ready to face a world of hurt that challenges your reflexes and offers mystical story pieces. For an experience that calls for split-second counters, dodges, and parries while constructing a fluid playground for you to grapple and zip through, Sekiro on Xbox Series X runs at a locked 60 frames per second. This is a much-welcome update for a superb game like Sekiro.
7. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (2024)
Action Adventure | Metacritic Score: 86
Taking Indiana Jones back to 1937, and featuring real-world locations in its gorgeously rendered map, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an excellent adventure that takes its titular hero across the globe as he works to prevent nefarious forces from using the power of the titular Great Circle. His signature whip, intuitive combat and stealth mechanics, and some incredible voice acting from Troy Baker in tow, this title is a must-have for fans of the original films and those who love action-adventure titles that move at a breakneck pace alike.
6. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
Action/Adventure/RPG/Open World: 93
Geralt’s adventures look much fresher (and grimmer) with new-gen updates. With new upgrades, the seven-year-old game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has ray tracing, 60 frames per second, and several other improvements. It is one of the greatest role-playing games of the last generation, and it feels much more natural in Series X and S.
Thanks to these new ray-tracing technologies, it appears substantially better than the previous edition in both indoor and outdoor scenarios. Shadows in the game are no longer blocky, pixelated, or just partially shaded; instead, they now appropriately represent their sources. If you’re new to the game, you’re in for a world of brilliant writing, monster-hunting expeditions, magic, and more.
5. Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)
Action RPG/ Open-World | Metacritic Score: 86
Cyberpunk 2077 recovered from a fairly lackluster launch to quickly become one of the greatest RPGs of the current generation with CD Projekt Red’s excellent world-building abilities working well with its story about a dystopian world run by greedy corporations. Keanu Revees as the anarchist Johnny Silverhand is a joy to behold while the game’s RPG elements make your character feel truly customizable in ways that other games are trying to emulate even today.
Its DLC expansion Phantom Liberty is not to be scoffed at either, bringing a whole new bunch of narrative and gameplay twists that could have you spending several hours on your Xbox trying to chase them all down.
4. Black Myth: Wukong (2024)
Action-RPG/Soulslike | Metacritic Score: 81
Game Science’s take on the Soulslike formula blends accessible combat with a lot of nuance to elevate its take on the legend of the Monkey King above the competition. Playing as the Destined One and exploring numerous Chinese legends from Journey to the West is an experience like no other, underscored by a combat system that has you weaving through enemy attacks while unleashing devastating ones of your own in fiercely contested battles that need skill and strategy to win.
It is among 2024’s best releases and is sure to withstand the test of time even as it inspires other Chinese studios to follow in its footsteps.
3. Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023)
RPG | Metacritic Score: 96
Baldur’s Gate 3 is nothing short of a masterpiece from Larian Studios, making the most of Dungeons and Dragons lore to present an experience that begs to be replayed multiple times in order to find everything it has to offer. With a memorable ensemble cast bringing its characters to life while Amelia Taylor takes on the role of your Dungeon Master, prepare for a story that takes you to places you never thought you might visit both emotionally and narratively. With official mod support now available on consoles, Baldur’s Gate 3 could soon become the only game you play for months to come.
We highly recommend recruiting Matthew Mercer’s Minsc for his excellent personality and chaotic lines!
2. Elden Ring (2022)
Open World/Action/Adventure/RPG | Metacritic Score: 96
To date, Elden Ring is FromSoftware’s Magnum Opus. The game combines everything FromSoftware has executed brilliantly in older games. You have exploration from Souls games, combat from Sekiro/Bloodborne, and mysteries of uncharted lore straight out of Demon Souls.
Like previous FromSoft games, the epic narrative is difficult to completely understand on the first playthrough, mainly because there isn’t an in-game notebook to remind you of the occasions, people, or uncommon terminology you come across over many hours. However, in choosing which boss to fight first and what areas to brave, you will likely understand Elden Ring’s world better the more you dive into it. It’s everything Soulslike, enchanted by a gripping open world.
1. Split Fiction (2025)
Action Adventure | Metacritic Score: 91
This runaway hit from Hazelight Studios builds on the strengths of It Takes Two while bringing a highly entertaining story about two writers trying to save their work from an evil corporation to the table. Like its inspirations, Split Fiction is meant to be played with a friend, allowing you and your buddy to experience a story that is insightful and fun in equal measure.
Filled with Easter eggs and references to modern gaming’s greatest titles, Split Fiction is sure to have something for everyone while overcoming its bosses and bizarre level designs presents a challenge that could have you in front of your screen for hours on end.
