The best Xbox Series X games showcase the biggest highlights on Microsoft's current flagship console. Since it first launched back in 2020, the Xbox Series X has seen a wealth of fantastic games arrive on its ever-growing library, and it's only going to expand all the more thanks to a lineup of exciting upcoming Xbox Series X games.
So, whether you're looking for something new to try or you just got your hands on the console and you're after some recommendations, this list is a great place to start. With lots of options across all kinds of genres, from some of the best FPS games to the best RPGs, we've brought together a variety of top picks, from recent releases, third-party gems, and standout Xbox exclusives, so you're sure to find something here that speaks to you.
Happily, many of the games in this roundup are also available on Xbox Game Pass, so you can get stuck in if you have the subscription service - and it's also worth checking out our selection of best games on Xbox Game Pass if you're looking for more to play. With some excellent adventures arriving this year, and with more new games for 2025 yet to come, it's always worth checking back to see what has made our ranking. Read on below to discover our selection of the best Xbox Series X games you can play right now!
The best Xbox Series X games to play in 2025 are....
Released: 2016 | Developer: In-house | Publisher: Hello Games
No Man's Sky has completed its redemption arc. It now continues to reach for new heights, which is kind of wild when you think about it, given that Hello Games first set out to procedurally generate an entire explorable universe. Whether you are venturing out into the stars alone or working alongside your friends to establish homesteads on planets, No Man's Sky is one of the best sci-fi games out there right now – a dazzling experience that works best when you let your imagination and intuition guide you forward.
"No Man's Sky is impressive, unusual and staggeringly vast. Despite some moments of tedium, its gravitational pull will keep many players perpetually engaged," says Matt Elliott, author of our No Man's Sky review.
Thanks to years of revisions and additions, there is something for everybody in No Man's Sky: a compelling narrative for the story fiends, deep crafting and building systems for the enterprising player, and plenty of customization options to keep you coming back for more. Sea of Thieves may own the oceans, but No Man's Sky owns the stars above them.
Released: 2023 | Developer: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda
Bethesda Game Studios has dropped its first new IP in 15 years to bring us Starfield, a vast space RPG that really is more than just a cosmic Skyrim. Join Constellation and discover the mysteries hidden across the galaxy, make your very own spaceship, find friends and foes, and maybe even take up pirating.
"For me, Starfield is the best thing Bethesda has done since The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, and has that same density and life to it – where walking in just about any direction will find you something to do." Author Leon Hurley writes in our Starfield review
There's plenty to do in Starfield, and with the likes of the Starfield Shattered Space expansion, it's only getting bigger. It's also a great pick to play while we wait for The Elder Scrolls 6, so take a break from fantasy and get ready to dive into a new sci-fi adventure!
Released: 2025 | Developer: Sandfall Interctive | Publisher: Kepler Interactive
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the best games of 2025 and the RPG from Sandfall Interactive finds a happy home the Xbox Series X. Following the story of Expedition 33, a group who band together to go up against Paintress (a figure who decides the age at which death comes), Clair Osbur delivers an engaging blend of action in a striking, rich world that leaves a lasting impression.
"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an outstanding visionary debut from Sandfall Interactive, which isn't merely a love letter to JRPGs but builds on its traditions with a distinctly French identity, making for one of the most exciting and rewarding action and turn-based hybrid battle systems ever devised," writes Alan Wen in our Clair Obsur: Expedition 33 review.
Its mix of turn-based and real-time combat is not only refreshing but also heaps of fun, and soon you'll be caught up in dueling foes as much as you'll be captivated by the game's grand story. If you're a fan of the RPG genre, don't sleep on this one.
Released: 2021 | Developer: Hazelight Studios | Publisher: EA
It Takes Two is one of the most innovative puzzle games on Xbox Series X. In fact, it's also one of the best co-op games, with developer Hazelight specifically engineering this exploration of fracturing relationships to be played by two players sitting on the same couch.
"It Takes Two is a Pixar-worthy adventure that consistently innovates, offering players an excellent co-op experience unlike any other," writes Sam Loveridge in our It Takes Two review.
Whether you decide to play it online or locally, It Takes Two is a powerful adventure which takes great pleasure in bending genre expectations – constantly switching up its control schemes and gameplay mechanics to ensure that this is one experience which will always keep you guessing. We also love Hazelight's new game, Split Fiction, but It Takes Two manages to make our list since its story still stands tall.
Released: 2025 | Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft
As the latest entry in Ubisoft's long-running stealthy series, Assassin's Creed Shadows draws you into a gorgeous open-world, complete a dynamic system and changing seasons that make the Feudal Japan setting really come alive.
"Assassin's Creed Shadows thrives on boldness. Its dual protagonists improve on the series' stealth-driven roots and modern RPG leanings, though they're let down by a vague story that fails to make full use of either character", Andrew Brown writes in our Assassin's Creed Shadows review.
Finding a happy home on the Xbox Series X, it's well worth getting stuck into the action as dual protagonists Yasuke and Naoe, who each have their own unique weapons and abilities to offer up different approaches to the questlines and scenarios. With so much to see and do in the world, it's a great RPG to get lost in. It's also one of the best Assassin's Creed games to come out in recent years, so it's well worth your time!
Released: 2019 | Developer: The Coalition | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Available as a standalone purchase and through Xbox Game Pass, Gears 5 is the game you'll want to stick on once it's safe to have friends over to your house. Gears 5 launched in 2019, and The Coalition has spent much of the last year optimizing its action game for Xbox Series X, working to deliver stunning native 4K graphics and 60 frames per second performance for the game's campaign.
"Gears 5 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it changes enough to keep its signature style of cover-based shooting from feeling monotonous," writes Mike Epstein in our Gears 5 review.
If you've never played a Gears of War game, Gears 5 is a great place to start and undoubtedly one of the best entries into the series yet. Should your 4K TV support it, there are also 120hz performance modes for multiplayer for a faster, more responsive experience. Don't sleep on Gears 5.
Released: 2025 | Developer: Obsidian Entertainment | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
If you're looking for an engrossing fantasy RPG, Avowed from Fallout: New Vegas developer Obsidian is for you. Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, the adventure sees you take on the role of the Envoy of Aedyr who sets out on a journey across the Living Lands to investigate a plague on behalf of the emperor.
"Overlooking its forgettable party combat system and some minor quality-of-life misses, Avowed deserves to be remembered as one of this year's best games," writes Anna Koselke in our Avowed review.
But as a godlike - someone who has been blessed by a deity - the plot thickens and your quest also sees you try to better understand your divine heritage. With a cast of memorable companions, choices with consequences, and a satisfying flexible combat system, this is one Xbox exclusive that's well worth checking.
Released: 2023 | Developer: Tango Gameworks | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Hi-Fi Rush launched as a complete surprise at an Xbox live-stream event, and has immediately leapt into the list of best Xbox Series X games. It was a surprise in so many ways, particularly as this colorful, cel-shaded, rhythm action title is coming from the same game studio that brought us The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Toyko. Horror this is not.
"With its awesome battles, vivid visual design, and unwavering commitment to comedy, Hi-Fi Rush is an undeniably wild ride that shouldn't be ignored," writes Josh West in our Hi-Fi Rush review.
Instead, it's a toe-tapping action game where you let loose attacks and build up combos by moving to the beat. It's mad fun, with an epic soundtrack, creative boss fights, and amusing music-inspired finishing moves. It's a genuine triumph from Tango Softworks.
Released: 2023 | Developer: Tango Gameworks | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle puts you in the role of the iconic fedora-wearing archaeologist in an action-packed adventure from Machine Games. With hand-to-hand combat where you can throw some fisticuffs against foes, to being stealthy, and solving a variety of puzzles, the Great Circle is set between Raiders of the Lost Ark and the Temple of Doom.
"Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the best adventure this character has embarked on in over 30 years. Developer MachineGames has leveraged its expertise in the FPS space to deliver an immersive, authentic first-person adventure that is quite unlike anything you've played before," writes Josh West in our Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review.
It's about as close to being in an Indiana Jones movie yourself, and it's well worth jumping into if you're looking for a memorable experience. We are also expecting DLC soon for the game, so be sure to check it out ahead of the expansion.
Released: 2023 | Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is the Star Wars game you've always dreamed of playing. Part of the reason this sprawling sequel to Jedi: Fallen Order works as well as it does is because developer Respawn Entertainment doesn't fall into the trap of trying to reign the player in. The action picks up five years after Fallen Order, with Cal Kestis established as a powerful and capable Jedi Knight on the run from the Empire.
"Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is an excellent sequel that sometimes struggles to rein in its ambition, but takes everything great about Fallen Order and builds on it," writes Ali Jones in our Star Wars Jedi Survivor review.
To support this, Jedi: Survivor amps up every element of the adventure – exploration unfurls over wider planets, set-pieces are wild in scope, the combat is more challenging, and puzzles more deeply involved. What's stunning is that Respawn didn't lose sight of the story it is trying to tell, delivering a heartfelt and human adventure that feels like a meaningful addition to the wider canon. Jedi: Survivor is the best Star Wars game you can play right now.
Released: 2022 | Developer: Obsidian Entertainment | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Grounded has really established itself as one of the best Xbox Series X games over the course of its couple of years in Early Access. In September 2022, the title launched in full, rounding out its story and adding even more content. This isn't the end for the Obsidian title, as we recently saw the release of its sequel, Grounded 2, hit Early Access as well.
"Grounded may look small at first glance, then, but don't be fooled; this latest iteration cements its status as a mighty addition to the Game Pass Catalogue," writes Alex Avard in our Grounded review.
But, even without the new successor in the conversation, the original Grounded is still a brilliant survival game, where you play as kids trying to exist in the wilderness that is the back garden, Honey I Shrunk The Kids-style. So think blades of grass as huge forests, sandpits for deserts, and really, really big bugs.
Released: 2025 | Developer: 11 bit studios | Publisher: 11 bit studios
The Alters is an engrossing and unique sci-fi survival game with an undercurrent of mystery that will keep compelling you forward. As protagonist Jan, you find yourself alone after your ship crashes. With your crewmates not out of the picture and the threat of the sun hot on your heels, you have to gather resources and get your new home base moving.
"It's a fantastic base builder and survival sim, but what makes The Alters truly brilliant is how these systems are underlined with vulnerable, emotional moments – like holes being punctured in your space suit," writes Rachel Watts in our The Alters review.
But things only get more complicated and entertaining when you discover you can bring to life clones of yourself with particular specialties that reflect the choices and lifepath they took. With so many diverging paths, possibilities, and personalities at play, you'll have to resolve dilemmas and juggle everything to make it through another day.
Released: 2023 | Developer: In-house | Publisher: Capcom
Capcom had success with its remakes of Resident Evil 2 and 3, but how could the publisher possibly reimagine the fourth installment of the mainline series – one of the best Resident Evil games, if not the most influential action game of the last 20 years. With apparent ease, is the answer.
"Capcom has delivered a great remake of a classic game, one which captures everything that made it so special to begin with," writes Leon Hurley in our Resident Evil 4 review.
Resident Evil 4 Remake takes everything that made the original so special – its imaginative design, claustrophobic combat, and absurd characters – before infusing it all with modern production values. Resident Evil 4 Remake is one of the best looking games on Xbox Series X, it plays wonderfully, and is just a thrilling adventure from start-to-finish.
Released: 2022 | Developer: Obsidian Entertainment | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Pentiment is unlike any of the other games on our best Xbox Series X games list and all the better for it. It's essentially a triple murder investigation, but one that takes place over the course of 25 years in the 16th Century. You'll immerse yourself in town, which looks like an ancient comic book, and learn all about its inhabitants as you try to solve the mystery of what's happened.
"The pace may feel slow at times, but for all the focus on dialogue choices, Pentiment is anything but all talk," writes Jon Bailes in our Pentiment review.
It's all about the dialogue, both in what they say and how it's presented, with different fonts used amazingly well to demarcate dialect, education, and other elements. There's a lot to dive into, and love the course of its three acts you'll discover Pentiment is one of the best mystery games around right now. Whodunnit? Well, that's all down to you to find out.
Released: 2021 | Developer: 343 Industries | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Halo Infinite is the best shape the series has been in for quite some time, with a confident campaign that celebrates the series' legacy. In it you'll be exploring a new ringed world, accompanied by a new AI with a familiar face and voice, with Master Chief trying to save the world again.
"Halo Infinite celebrates a 20-year legacy with style and smartly outlines the foundations for future expansion – and it's the best Halo has been in quite some time," writes Josh West in our Halo Infinite review.
Of course, the campaign is just one part of it though, with the multiplayer launching as a free-to-play entity. There's a Battle Pass to purchase, as you'd expect from a FTP game, but it's got plenty to enjoy in one great package.
Released: 2020 | Developer: CD Projekt Red | Publisher: CD Projekt Red
CD Projekt Red's neon-soaked RPG has come on quite the journey in the last three years, and now Cyberpunk 2077 is at a place where it thoroughly deserves a spot in the top 10 best Xbox Series X games.
"What Cyberpunk 2077 lacks in core campaign length, it makes up for with depth and soul, offering a world of intrigue and violence unlike any other," writes Sam Loveridge in our Cyberpunk 2077 review.
Through multiple patches and then the major Update 2.0 overhaul along with the Phantom Liberty DLC, the game is an absolute stunner that runs just as beautifully. There's never been a better time to head down to Night City.
Released: 2024 | Developer: Ninja Theory | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
You won't find a better looking video game on Xbox Series X than Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2. Developer Ninja Theory has delivered a system showcase unlike any other, a powerhouse Unreal Engine 5 adventure that delivers best-in-class visual and auditory design.
"Haunting, confrontational, and deeply cathartic all at once, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is a stunning feat of video game art," writes Jasmine Gould-Wilson in our Hellblade 2 review.
But impressive fidelity isn't the only reason Hellblade 2 is worth your time; tracking Senua on a journey into the wilds of Iceland, she's forced to confront marauding slavers through slick, dynamic combat encounters, and grapple with her inner demons every step of the way – her psychosis has a very physical presence in the world, and the result is an astounding, intimate exploration of mental wellbeing. Hellblade 2 is a heavy experience that won't be for everybody, but those who are willing to take the dive will find something quite singular and special waiting for them.
Released: 2023 | Developer: Remedy Games | Publisher: Epic Games Publishing
Alan Wake 2 is a spiraling descent into darkness. An ambitious, overwhelming mystery that slowly unfurls across two interweaving realities. Saga Anderson is our guide through the light, a gifted FBI profiler who is sent into Bright Falls to investigate a slew of ritualistic murders. And in the dark we find Alan Wake, the troubled author attempting to write his way out of a nightmare of his own design.
"You won't find anything else quite like Alan Wake 2 this generation," writes Josh West in our Alan Wake 2 review.
I guarantee that you haven't played anything quite like Alan Wake 2, a daring mixture of survival horror ethos, inventive implementation of filmed footage, and stunning visual fidelity. In many ways, Alan Wake 2 is the perfect distillation of a Remedy Games experience – it's weird, singular, cinematic, and frequently awe inspiring. This sequel is undoubtedly one of the best Xbox Series X games so far, and one of the best horror games of the generation.
Released: 2023 | Developer: Blizzard | Publisher: Activision
Blizzard's definitely still got it, because Diablo 4 is a triumph that will absorb all your free time if you let it. Its open world is huge and diverse, its soundtrack excellent, and its UX hyper-refined. It's also got slick 60fps performance and improvements to combat that make everything just feel so much more satisfying.
"Sharp refinements to combat, gear, and loot systems make this one of the best action-RPGs in years, and the expressive open world shows there's still room for Blizzard to expand on the core Diablo concept," writes Josh West in our Diablo 4 review.
Personally, we find that this is also one of the best multiplayer games still on the system, and enjoy exploring Sanctuary with a gang by our side. It helps that building characters is a blast as well, and we'd recommend that everyone plays as a necromancer at least once.
Released: 2022 | Developer: Arkane Studios | Publisher: Bethesda
Deathloop may have started life as a timed PS5 exclusive, but Arkane Studios' time-loop shooter is undoubtedly one of the best Xbox Series X games available today. Steered through development by the team behind the critically acclaimed Dishonored and Dishonored 2, Deathloop sees you gearing up to assassinate eight Visionaries in a single day – complete this tricky task and you'll break the loop; fail and the entire cycle resets.
"Deathloop is a killer new-generation showcase that will keep you guessing until the very end," writes Josh West in our Deathloop review.
Deathloop is a slick shooter with a distinct style and personality, making it one of the most unique games available on the platform. Better still, you can also find it in the Xbox Game Pass library.
Released: 2018 | Developer: Rare | Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Sea of Thieves has quietly become one of the leading console exclusives for Xbox. Rare's pirate simulator is the ultimate expression of Xbox Live, letting you and your buddies (or randoms, should you have the patience for all manner of shenanigans) explore some truly gorgeous oceans and locales in search of fame and fortune.
" The studio has created a stunning map with the best water I’ve ever seen in games (seriously, just watch the way the waves break over the hull of your ship and tell me you’re not mesmerised) that’s totally filled with potential for storytelling," writes Sam Loveridge in our Sea of Thieves review.
Sea of Thieves has been optimized for Xbox Series X, now running at 4K and 60 frames per second, and it remains a real delight. Despite releasing in 2017, the game continues to be updated and iterated upon, making it a flagship title of sorts for Xbox Series X – available, of course, as both a standalone purchase or through Xbox Game Pass.
Released: 2021 | Developer: Double Fine | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Psychonauts 2 is the long-awaited sequel to the 2005 cult-hit, and it is easily one of the best Xbox Series X games to date. Available on Game Pass, and also on PC, this Double Fine original is an absolute delight of a platformer, full of inventive ideas and wonderfully weird ideas.
"Psychonauts 2 captures the spirit of '90s cartoons and channels it into an imaginative, inventive adventure that never fails to find heart and humor in every one of its consciousness-expanding encounters," writes Josh West in our Psychonauts 2 review.
Don't worry if you've not played the original either, as it offers up a handy recap before the game begins that'll get you up to speed. Trust me, if you love quirky stories and platforming games with inventive worlds, you're going to love this one.
Released: 2021 | Developer: Playground Games | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Forza Horizon 5 is a true showcase of the power of the Xbox Series X, and an absolute must for console owners. Playground Games delivers stunning graphics that show off the diverse landscapes of Mexico and the vast library of cars in impressively realistic detail.
"Forza Horizon 5 is a stunning and beautifully crafted entry in the series that's full of memorable races, creativity, and fantastic additions," writes Heather Wald in our Forza Horizon 5 review.
With biggest open-world yet, the latest entry in the Forza series gives you so many reasons to get behind the driver's seat time and again, with a wealth of different races, challenges, new social features, and updated modes. With impeccable audio design, smooth, responsive controls, and a beautiful world to speed your way through, Forza Horizon 5 sets a new benchmark for racing games of this generation.
Released: 2022 | Developer: FromSoftware | Publisher: Bandai Namco
FromSoftware has done it again. The studio responsible for titans like Dark Souls and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has delivered perhaps its finest game to date in Elden Ring, the open world fantasy adventure which challenges players to conquer The Lands Between.
"Elden Ring is both a refinement and evolution of the Dark Souls formula, presenting an expansive world that's as hostile as it is inviting. Despite the occasional excess, suffering has never been as much fun as this," writes Joel Franey in our Elden Ring review.
One of the reasons Elden Ring works as well as it does is because it offers you choice – if you get stuck on a boss battle, there's a whole world out there for you to explore, and plenty of customization options for your character to help refine your build. With its beautiful visual design and seemingly-endless replayability, there's no question that Elden Ring is one of the best Xbox Series X games that you can play right now - especially with the release of Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree.
Released: 2023 | Developer: Larian Studios | Publisher: Larian Studios
Baldur's Gate 3 is now on Xbox Series X and soars straight into our top 5 best Xbox Series X games of all time. Larian's RPG is a masterpiece of storytelling, worldbuilding, and game design, delivering the closest thing to an IRL D&D session thank we'll likely ever get.
"Its complexity and size might be daunting for novices, but the breadth and depth of Baldur's Gate 3's world make this a once-in-a-generation achievement," writes Ali Jones in our Baldur's Gate 3 review.
With so much freedom to shape your own adventure - from the character you create to the decisions you make, and how you approach each combat scenario, the experience is only made all the better thanks to its cast of memorable companions that join you in your quest through the Sword Coast. Simply put, it's a triumph from start to finish.
Which of the best Xbox Series X games are also on Game Pass?
If you're an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, the majority of the games on our best Xbox Series X games rankings are available as part of the Xbox Game Pass list to play for free as part of your subscription.
These are:
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Gears 5, Grounded, Pentiment, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, The Alters, Sea of Thieves, Starfield, Deathloop, Psychonauts 2, Forza Horizon 5, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and Avowed.
The only games currently unavailable on Game Pass from this list are:
Alan Wake 2, Assassin's Creed Shadows, It Takes Two, Diablo 4, Cyberpunk 2077, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Baldur's Gate 3, and Elden Ring.
