Xbox players have enjoyed another big year for releases, and next year is set to offer even more, but there are still some significant games to play that are available right now and are the perfect Xbox Series X games to gift in the 2025 holiday season.
Below, Insider Gaming has highlighted the best Series X games to gift in 2025, including major releases from the past year to stellar games that still hold strong despite releasing earlier.
For even more holiday shopping guides, check out Insider Gaming’s Holiday 2025 hub for the best deals available.
Best Xbox Series X Games to Gift in 2025
Battlefield 6
EA has more than bounced back to reignite the Battlefield franchise with the release of Battlefield 6, which features a gripping solo campaign, hours of fun in multiplayer, and REDSEC for the Battle Royale fans, though the latter is available for free. Multiplayer is where Battlefield 6 shines most, and there’s even more on the agenda with seasonal content.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Released back in February, Monster Hunter Wilds is the latest entry in the long-running RPG franchise and provides hours of entertainment, with a variety of weapons to suit your gameplay, a wide roster of monsters to track down and defeat, and regular challenges. With future updates on the cards, and the likelihood of DLC expansions, it’s a great time to jump in.
EA FC 26
Image via EA Sports
For soccer fans, EA FC 26 remains the pinnacle of the division, despite growing competition from elsewhere, with the array of licenses held by EA Sports continuing to make it the best in class. With an array of offline modes alongside the ever-growing Ultimate Team, which continues to receive weekly updates, EA FC 26 is the ultimate title for sports fans.
Split Fiction
Credit to Hazelight Studios
Anyone seeking a co-op game to play with loved ones this holiday season needs to look no further than Split Fiction, a game specifically catered for co-operative play. Split Fiction is the most recent title from co-op masters Hazelight Studios, the team behind the likes of It Takes Two and A Way Out.
Ninja Gaiden 4
Released back in October, Ninja Gaiden 4 is one of the most critically acclaimed titles to release in 2025 and is the seventh mainline game in the series, serving as a direct sequel to Ninja Gaiden 3. The action-adventure title has plenty to enjoy in a playthrough, with completionists set for hours more entertainment.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Far and away the leading contender to clean up at The Game Awards, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 provides plenty of entertainment with a star-studded cast, including Daredevil himself, Charlie Cox, and is the debut title from French studio Sandfall Interactive. While turn-based titles may not be for everyone, you can’t miss out on this iconic game.
The Outer Worlds 2
Obsidian Entertainment’s second entry in the franchise, The Outer Worlds 2 was released at the end of October and immediately impressed players and critics alike. The first-person, sci-fi RPG is the perfect title to sink hours into this holiday season, with plenty to uncover and enjoy, alongside an impressive story.
Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 may have recently celebrated a fourth birthday, but it remains the best racing game available on Xbox Series X, a title likely to be held until the release of Horizon 6 next year. The open-world landscape of Mexico has plenty to offer, including a wide variety of race types, collectables to uncover, stunt jumps to complete, and more cars than you’ll ever need.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Those seeking a different sort of driving game should head straight to Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, a direct competitor to Nintendo’s own Mario Kart World available on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X. A stacked roster of racers includes all of the major Sonic names, alongside huge collabs with the likes of Minecraft, SpongeBob Squarepants, and more.
Borderlands 4
One of the biggest releases on Xbox Series X this year, Borderlands 4 has enough entertainment factor to keep you occupied for months, especially if you enjoy the grind of looter shooters. With a memorable campaign, a host of endgame challenges, and more puns than your weird uncle, Borderlands 4 is a must-play title.
Which Xbox Series X titles do you think are must-play in 2025? Share your thoughts with other players in the Insider Gaming Discord.
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