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

There are plenty of great games to play on Xbox Series X / S. Yes, the PS5 may have sold nearly double the amount of the Microsoft console, and undoubtedly has more must-play exclusives (even moreso now that Forza is playable on PS5) but if you have either Xbox model, it still has a library of all-timers.

From Game of the Year contenders like Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3 to endlessly replayable indie hits such as Hades and Balatro, and classic Xbox gems like Forza, there is something for everyone.

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But what are the best Xbox Series X / S games that everyone should play? You should definitely try every one of these classics – and many will be available on Game Pass, Microsoft’s brilliant subscription service.

The Xbox Series X console will give the best performance for these games, but the vast majority can still be enjoyed on the more affordable Xbox Series S.

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25. Destiny 2

Bungie

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

What it’s about: Destiny 2 is an ever-evolving shooter where Guardians face the biggest threats to the galaxy. While we’re in a bit of a lull following The Final Shape and the incredible conclusion of a 10-year saga, there’s always plenty to keep you busy, whether it’s Raids or PVP.

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Why we like it: At its absolute best, there’s nothing quite like Destiny 2. Six-player Raids are among the most exciting feats of coordination you’ll experience in gaming, and the thrill of acquiring new loot never gets stale.

The quality of the experience does ebb and flow, however. While Final Shape was one of the very best experiences of this console generation, being a live service game, you can’t guarantee the same highs each time you jump in. And if you don’t have a fellow Guardian to hold your hand and show you the ropes, it’s not the most accessible game. But if you can overcome the hurdles, you’re in for some of the best gunplay in a live-service title today.

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24. Call of Duty: Warzone

Activision

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

What it’s about: Dropping into some of the biggest maps in Call of Duty history, it’s survival of the fittest as only one team can make it out alive. Playing Solo or with a Squad of up to four, you compete with every other player in the lobby as gas encroaches and forces you closer together. Loot up, armor up, and look up for enemies parachuting in.

Why we like it: Warzone was a revelation upon its release. While the Battle Royale genre wasn’t new in 2020, Call of Duty showed it could more than compete with the likes of Fortnite and PUBG when it entered the mix. With the sharpest FPS mechanics, perfect pacing, and thrilling map design, it became a sensation without compare.

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Today, it’s not quite the phenomenon it once was, but Warzone is still supported with new content in every seasonal update. There’s always something new to look forward to, and given it’s free to try out, it’s one of the best value propositions for any Xbox owner.

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23. Balatro

Balatro/Playstack

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

What it’s about: Balatro takes the basic rules of poker and spins them into something far stranger and far more exciting. You build and upgrade a deck, add Jokers with special effects, and push through rising difficulty by creating powerful card combinations. Think of it as the tension of Texas Hold ’em mixed with the unpredictable, run-based strategy of Slay the Spire.

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Why we like it: It is simple enough to pick up in minutes, yet every run feels different thanks to the wild cards and effects you can chain together. One clever upgrade can swing everything in your favour, turning a doomed run into one of your best. Rounds are quick, the action (yes, there is a surprising amount of action for a card game) never drags, and it is incredibly easy to fall into the “just one more go” loop that keeps you playing far longer than planned.

22. Starfield

Bethesda

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

What it’s about: See that planet in the distance? Yeah, you can go to that planet. In this spacefaring Bethesda RPG, you play as an explorer working with Constellation, a group hunting for strange alien artifacts. You can travel across star systems, land on unique biomes, take on missions, build ships, and get caught up in rival factions and space crime.

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Why we like it: Although it’s not Bethesda’s best ever work and it certainly had a rocky launch, Starfield is still an absolute dream for RPG lovers. There’s a galaxy at your fingertips just waiting to be explored, and you can choose how to go about it.

You might carve out a life as a space pirate, picking off ships and growing your fleet, or build a steady trade route between colonies and watch your credits pile up. You can sink hours into creating a custom ship or chase down faction storylines that take you to the stranger corners of the Settled Systems. 

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21. Blue Prince

Dogubomb

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

What it’s about: You inherit a mysterious mansion that changes shape every night. You move from room to room, searching for clues, mapping hallways, and trying to reach the seemingly impossible Room 46 before the day ends and everything resets.

Why we like it: Every run feels as though you are exploring a living maze. It is clever without being confusing, and the way the house shifts keeps you guessing right up to the end, at least the end of the main path. With a wide range of extra challenges to unravel, it can keep you invested long after the credits roll. Grab a notebook, get lost in the mystery, and enjoy the small rush of feeling like a genius every time you inch closer to Room 46.

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20. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Team Cherry

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

What it’s about: You play as Hornet, a nimble warrior exploring a new kingdom packed with traps, enemies, and secrets. You fight, climb, and craft your way through a network of dangerous areas while uncovering what happened to this lost world.

Why we like it: Silksong arrived after an excruciating eight-year wait, and it is absolutely wonderful. Platforming takes a major step up over the original thanks to Hornet’s agile moveset, and combat feels more varied than ever with a wide range of tools and upgrades at your disposal. From start to finish, the game delivers delightful level design and painstakingly detailed visuals that reward every detour.

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Yes, it can be punishing at times, but that is part of the beauty. Every death is a lesson, and conquering its boss fights never gets old, even when they push your patience to the limit. And while it may not reduce Cuphead fans to tears, it might make them well up at times.

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19. Forza Motorsport (2023)

Turn 10Forza Motorsport does not have VR support

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

What it’s about: The 2023 Forza Motorsport is a ground-up rebuild of the series, designed as the flagship simulation racer for Xbox Series X and Series S. Tracks now evolve in real time, with changing temperatures, rubber build-up, and weather affecting grip and strategy. The new Builders Cup career mode is built around improving a car over time, with practice sessions, parts upgrades, and track familiarity playing a bigger role than ever.

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Why we like it: Turn 10’s focus on realism pays off. The handling model is far more detailed, cars feel noticeably different over a race, and track conditions can genuinely change how you approach a lap. It has the technical depth you expect from a sim racer while still offering the polish and accessibility that Forza is known for. While some may prefer the fun of Horizon, if you want a more realistic racer, this is the best on Xbox Series X / S.

18. Tekken 8

Bandai Namco

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

What it’s about: Tekken 8 continues the long-running Mishima feud, though you do not need to know every twist to enjoy it. This is a one-on-one fighter built around fast, forward-moving play, with the new Heat system encouraging short bursts of aggression. You get a full story mode, arcade progression, and a roster that ranges from grounded martial artists to robots, luchadors, and everything in between.

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Why we like it: Tekken at its very best. Fights move at a brisk pace, characters animate beautifully, and every match has a sense of momentum that pulls you in. The hits look spectacular without becoming unreadable, and movement is smooth enough that you always feel able to adjust on the fly. The roster helps newcomers because each fighter has a strong personality and a distinct style, so finding a favourite never feels overwhelming. Whether you are playing story, arcade, or online, Tekken 8 delivers confident, high-energy fighting that is simply fun to keep coming back to.

17. Alan Wake 2

Remedy Entertainment

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

What it’s about: The latest release in the Remedyverse, Alan Wake 2 is a psychological horror that splits its focus between the titular author and FBI agent Saga Anderson. While contending with their own demons, both must navigate nightmares brought to life by the deeply troubled writer.

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Why we like it: Remedy excels at weaving interconnected mysteries, and Alan Wake 2 is their most ambitious work so far. It functions as a standalone story, but it becomes even richer if you know the studio’s previous games. The narrative delivers some of the most shocking moments of the generation, and the horror elements are unsettling enough to make Stephen King proud. The mix of live action, striking lighting, and careful pacing makes every chapter memorable, and the overall presentation is among the strongest examples of cinematic storytelling on Xbox today.

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16. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Warhorse Studios

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

What it’s about: You return as Henry, a blacksmith’s son turned knight, caught in the chaos of 15th-century Bohemia. You fight, trade, train, and talk your way through a vicious medieval world.

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Why we like it: A great sequel that improves on everything that made the original a success. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 really does, well, deliver. Combat is brutally realistic without being boring, every conversation feels significant, and the world is more alive than ever before. It is a slow adventure, one that requires patience and thoughtfulness, but when the climactic moments hit, they land as well as anything else in gaming today.

15. Hitman: World of Assassination

IO Interactive

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

What it’s about: A collection of every mission from the modern Hitman trilogy, unified into one seamless package. You play as Agent 47, traveling the world to eliminate targets in open-ended missions. You can disguise yourself, sabotage, or plan the perfect “accident” – how you tackle each assassination is entirely your choice.

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Why we like it: The modern Hitman games are endlessly replayable as every level can be solved in dozens of ways. Though what truly makes it shine are the elements you can’t account for. An NPC walking in at an awkward time could lead to a rubber duck being thrown their way in a moment of sheer panic. 

It’s incredibly fun to experiment, mess up, and try again until your perfect scheme comes to fruition. And with every level from three games bundled together, there’s an enormous amount of content here to keep you hooked for ages.

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14. Metaphor: ReFantazio

Atlus

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

What it’s about: You lead a team of heroes across a medieval kingdom torn apart by war and prophecy. You explore towns and dungeons in real time, then switch to tactical turn-based combat when battles begin.

Why we like it: It combines the personality of Persona with the scale of a colossal fantasy RPG. The characters are memorable, the art is outstanding, and the mix of combat systems keeps every fight engaging.

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It’s an astonishingly big journey to lose yourself in for hours on end. While leveling can be a chore at times – true to its JRPG roots – it’s never enough to pull you out of the richly detailed journey.

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13. Hades

Supergiant Games

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

What it’s about: You’re Zagreus, son of Hades, trying to escape the Underworld. Each attempt at climbing out, one hellacious floor at a time, brings new weapons, evolving powers, and encounters with gods who either help or hinder your run.

Why we like it: Hades is one of the best Roguelikes ever made. With its unique approach to storytelling, every run, even when failing, feels as though you’re pushing the adventure forward. Whether it’s the overall plot with Hades himself, or subplots with brilliantly realized side characters, all of it is compelling.

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When you factor in endlessly enjoyable combat and some of the best bosses of the modern era, you’re left with the very definition of a game that demands “just one more run” before bed. Before you know it, you’re 80 hours in customizing furniture in The Crossroads.

12. Street Fighter 6

Capcom

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

What it’s about: The latest entry in Capcom’s legendary fighting series lets you take on CPUs in a full single-player story and jump into online matches against players around the world. The World Tour mode adds a welcome twist, letting you create your own character and explore Metro City in a light RPG-style adventure while learning moves from the Street Fighter cast.

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Why we like it: Street Fighter 6 stands out because of its new Drive System, which gives every fighter a shared energy gauge that powers attacks, dashes, parries, and defensive escapes. It keeps matches fast and unpredictable without overwhelming newcomers. Modern controls also make special moves far easier to pull off, helping new players enjoy the game immediately while still leaving plenty of room for mastery. World Tour is a fun change of pace, and the Battle Hub gives the game a lively social space for online play. With steady updates and new characters arriving regularly, it is one of the most welcoming and entertaining fighting games on Xbox Series X / S.

11. Silent Hill f

Konami

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

What it’s about: In 1960s Japan, a young woman faces a spreading fungal plague that twists her world into something grotesque. The story mixes slow dread with sudden moments of horror.

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Why we like it: The setting, original for Silent Hill, is quiet, disturbing, and designed for players who want tension to build instead of facing an endless stream of jump scares.

Combat is intentionally put on the back burner here, as you’re often forced to navigate away from nightmarish creatures and creatively escape your torment. It makes complete sense given the age of our protagonist, and it lends to one of the more frightening yet thought-provoking horror experiences in quite some time.

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10. Split Fiction

EA / Hazelight Studios

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

What it’s about: Two writers find themselves trapped in their own stories as a megacorp tries to siphon their creativity. You and a partner explore surreal worlds, fix broken plots, and reshape the narrative to find a way out.

Why we like it: Split Fiction takes the co op formula from It Takes Two and pushes the creativity much further. Levels change tone and mechanics more dramatically, puzzles rely more on collaboration rather than simple switch pressing, and the game is constantly throwing new ideas at you instead of repeating old ones. The set pieces are bigger, the transitions between genres are sharper, and the whole adventure feels like it is trying something new in every chapter. And without spoiling anything, the final chapter does something genuinely unexpected for a video game, and that alone makes it a standout on Xbox.

9. GTA V

Rockstar Games

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

What it’s about: In the ultimate sandbox, you jump between Michael, Franklin, and Trevor as they climb the Los Santos underworld through a series of high-stakes heists.

Why we like it: More than a decade on, GTA 5 remains a landmark open-world game. Los Santos is still packed with things to do and places to get lost in, offering hours of explosive fun. Until GTA 6 finally arrives, few games can match the thrill of tearing down the highway with the radio blaring, racking up a five-star wanted level, and seeing how long you can survive. With the current generation update, it looks and plays better than ever on Xbox Series X / S.

8. Persona 5: Royal

Atlus

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

What it’s about: You play as a Tokyo student living a secret life as a Phantom Thief. By day, you attend school and build relationships; by night, you enter the Metaverse to steal the corrupted desires of adults and expose their crimes.

Why we like it: Persona has a long list of fan favourites, but this entry earns its place in the discussion. From the menus to the combat animations, everything is stylish and full of personality, backed by one of the catchiest soundtracks in modern gaming. The characters are compelling, the story steadily builds momentum, and the mix of school life and dungeon crawling makes the hours disappear. It is the kind of RPG you can invest over 100 hours in and still want more.

7. Cyberpunk 2077

CD Projekt Red

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

What it’s about: You play as V, a mercenary navigating the chaotic streets of Night City after a job gone wrong leaves you sharing your mind with rock legend Johnny Silverhand. As you take on gigs, upgrade your cyberware, and shape your own story, every choice influences the world around you.

Why we like it: After years of updates, Cyberpunk 2077 has grown into the game it was intended to be. Night City feels alive and unpredictable, full of detail, danger, and memorable stories. On Xbox Series X it looks and runs impressively well for a world this dense, and it gives you the freedom to slip into its neon sprawl whenever you like.

6. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Sandfall Interactive

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

What it’s about: In a world ruled by a mysterious artist known as the Paintress, anyone who reaches a certain age is erased in a yearly ritual. Expedition 33 sets out to stop this cycle, travelling through surreal landscapes and confronting the Paintress’s creations in a blend of exploration and turn-based combat.

Why we like it: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out because of its atmosphere and its ambition. The visual design is striking, the music heightens the tension in key moments, and the world feels unlike anything else in modern RPGs. The combat system is a clever twist on turn based battles, keeping you active and making your timing matter instead of leaving you to simply select commands. It all comes together to create a memorable, confident adventure that is easy to sink into.

5. Forza Horizon 5

Xbox / Mattel

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

What it’s about: Cruising through Mexico, you have dozens of events to tackle, a huge range of cars to unlock, and plenty of iconic locations to race through. With some of the strongest visuals on Xbox, it remains one of the most eye-catching racing games available.

Why we like it: Even with newer Forza releases, 2021’s Horizon 5 is still the series at its most vibrant and inviting. Its presentation is dazzling, the open world is packed with activities, and it is hard not to get swept up in the sense of freedom the moment you hit the road. Once you are exploring its take on Mexico, it becomes very easy to lose track of time.

4. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Capcom

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

What it’s about: Leon Kennedy is sent to Spain to rescue the US President’s daughter, only to uncover a cult and a deadly parasite. Oh, and you might run into a few friendly locals wielding chainsaws.

Why we like it: Resident Evil 4 is arguably the pinnacle of the franchise, and the 2023 remake unleashed its over-the-top horrors all over again with better visuals and smarter AI.

Yes, there are Zombies, and plenty of them, but you have a wide range of (occasionally wacky) tools at your disposal to fend them off with. It’s frightening in all the best ways, but you’re never far from the next laugh-out-loud moment of insanity.

3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Next Gen

CD Projekt Red

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

What it’s about: You play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter tracking his adopted daughter, Ciri, across a war-torn continent. You travel between cities and villages, take contracts to hunt beasts, explore open regions on horseback, and make choices that shape how the story ends.

Why we like it: Nearly a decade on, The Witcher 3 remains a gold standard for storytelling and exploration. You can’t help but get lost in the intoxicating fantasy. With endlessly enjoyable combat, rewarding RPG systems, and some of the best characterization in gaming, it’s an adventure you won’t soon forget.

Thanks to upgraded visuals and improved performance, this enhanced version shines on the latest Xbox consoles.

2. Baldur’s Gate 3

Larian Studios

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

What it’s about: You’re afflicted with a mind flayer parasite and must find a cure. That’s the basic premise, but as an intricate RPG, it’s up to you to shape the story from there. Who will you recruit? Who will you befriend? Where will you explore? What state do you want to leave the world in? These choices and more are yours to make.

Why we like it: No other RPG reacts as well to your decisions as Baldur’s Gate 3. It’s as though a few dozen games have been crammed into one, amounting to thousands of permutations that somehow feel equally weighted. It’s flexible, smart, and endlessly replayable.

In one playthrough, you might be charmed by Shadowheart. In another, you might forget to even recruit her. Regardless, the game bends to your will and delivers in incredibly satisfying ways.

1. Elden Ring

FromSoftware

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

What it’s about: Exploring the brutally difficult world of the Lands Between, your custom Tarnished hero faces giant monsters and punishing demigods in any order you choose. What is around the next corner? Only you can illuminate the map by finding out the hard way.

Why we like it: FromSoftware’s finest work became a phenomenon for good reason. Its open world encourages curiosity at every turn, drawing you toward distant shapes on the horizon or strange sounds echoing from a cave. We will never forget that elevator ride down to Siofra River and the sudden realisation the adventure was barely getting started.

Elden Ring keeps surprising you with new ideas, hidden areas, and unpredictable encounters, and its combat gives you enough freedom to approach challenges in your own way. It is a modern classic and an essential experience for anyone with an Xbox Series X / S.

That’s all there is to our list of the very best Xbox Series X / S games. For more feature content, check out our list of the best games on PS5, along with the 100 best games of all time.