2025 is shaping up to be a stellar year for Xbox Series X owners. From long-awaited sequels to jaw-dropping remakes and boundary-pushing RPGs, the console is delivering hits across every genre. Whether you’re looking to dive into a gritty medieval adventure, a massive co-op monster hunt, or a stylized space-faring shooter, there’s something here for you.
Here’s the definitive guide to the most essential Xbox Series X games in 2025—both released and upcoming.
Recent Must-Play Releases
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
- Released: May 2025
- Why It’s a Big Deal: Warhorse Studios returns with a sequel that elevates medieval realism to new heights. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, KCD2 expands its narrative depth, combat realism, and immersive world-building. Critics are calling it a Game of the Year contender thanks to its ambitious scale and the behind-the-scenes documentary The Final Countdown, which highlights its development journey.
- What Stands Out: Massive explorable regions, authentic period detail, revamped AI, and complex moral choices.
Doom: The Dark Ages
- Released: May 15, 2025
- Why It’s a Big Deal: id Software ditches the modern tech motif for brutal medieval hellscapes in this prequel. The slower-paced, shield-based combat and enhanced storytelling make it the boldest reinvention in the series since 2016. Over 3 million players jumped in during launch week alone.
- New Features: Mounted combat, shield parrying, and a more deliberate combat loop compared to Doom Eternal.
Monster Hunter Wilds
- Released: February 28, 2025
- Why It’s a Big Deal: Capcom’s latest is the fastest-selling title in its history, racking up 8 million sales in just 72 hours. With seamless co-op, dynamic ecosystems, and no loading screens between biomes, Wilds is a technical and gameplay leap forward.
- Crossplay: Fully supported across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
Upcoming Xbox Series X Games to Watch
Gears of War: Reloaded
- Release Date: August 26, 2025
- Why It’s a Big Deal: This fully remastered collection includes the original trilogy with upgraded 4K/60fps visuals, 120fps multiplayer, and new cinematics. It’s also historic—this marks the franchise’s debut on PlayStation.
- Game Pass: Day-one access confirmed.
Borderlands 4
- Release Date: September 12, 2025
- Why It’s a Big Deal: Gearbox is overhauling its iconic looter-shooter with larger open zones, seamless drop-in co-op, and new traversal mechanics like grappling hooks and hoverbikes. The narrative leans darker, but keeps the series’ signature humor.
- Rumored Features: Character class hybridization and destructible environments.
Ninja Gaiden 4
- Release Date: October 21, 2025
- Why It’s a Big Deal: Team Ninja teams up with PlatinumGames for the franchise’s first entry in over a decade. Ryu Hayabusa is back—this time mentoring a new lead ninja through a deeply cinematic, combat-heavy journey. Expect insane boss battles and precision-based swordplay.
- Visuals: 120fps support and ray-traced lighting confirmed.
The Outer Worlds 2
- Release Date: October 29, 2025
- Why It’s a Big Deal: Obsidian’s FPS-RPG sequel doubles down on everything fans loved: witty dialogue, nonlinear storytelling, and flexible build options. Early previews call it a potential genre-defining title and possibly the best FPS-RPG of the year.
- Game Pass: Included day-one, with full voice acting, expanded companion arcs, and massive worlds to explore.
Best Xbox Series X Games to Play Right Now
As ranked by GameSpot, TechRadar, and Windows Central:
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
- Doom: The Dark Ages
- Monster Hunter Wilds
- Alan Wake 2
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- Destiny 2: The Final Shape
- Control: Ultimate Edition
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Pentiment
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Sea of Thieves
- Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
- Tetris Effect: Connected
- No Man’s Sky (Next)
Quick Reference Table – 2025 Xbox Highlights
| Game | Status | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 | Released | GOTY contender, hyper-realistic medieval RPG |
| Doom: The Dark Ages | Released | Strategic, shield-based Doom prequel |
| Monster Hunter Wilds | Released | Open-world monster hunting with full crossplay |
| Gears of War: Reloaded | Coming Aug | Remastered trilogy with 4K/60fps, new content, PS5 debut |
| Borderlands 4 | Coming Sep | Huge open-world, co-op, dark tone, new traversal |
| Ninja Gaiden 4 | Coming Oct | Revived hack-and-slash classic with cinematic flair |
| The Outer Worlds 2 | Coming Oct | Expansive RPG with FPS combat and signature Obsidian humor |
Final Word
For Xbox Series X players, 2025 might be the strongest lineup yet. The early-year releases like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Monster Hunter Wilds have set a high bar, while the fall promises heavy-hitting sequels and genre reinventions.
Now’s the time to catch up on what’s out, and clear your backlog for what’s ahead.
The Top Xbox Series X Games
The Xbox Series X offers an impressive lineup of games that showcase the console’s powerful hardware capabilities. From immersive open-world adventures to high-octane action titles, there’s something for every type of gamer in Microsoft’s growing library. Whether you’re a new owner or looking to expand your collection, exploring these standout titles will help you get the most from your gaming experience.
Finding the best Xbox Series X games can significantly enhance your gaming enjoyment and help you appreciate the console’s next-generation features like quick loading times, improved frame rates, and stunning visuals. The latest releases take full advantage of the Series X hardware, delivering experiences that weren’t possible on previous console generations. With options spanning various genres including RPGs, shooters, racing, and simulation games, you’ll discover plenty of exciting worlds to explore.
1: Elden Ring
Elden Ring stands as one of the most impressive titles available on Xbox Series X. This fantasy action-RPG adventure was created through a collaboration between George R.R. Martin and Hidetaka Miyazaki, combining incredible worldbuilding with challenging gameplay.
When you play Elden Ring on the Xbox Series X, you’ll experience a significant performance boost compared to previous generation consoles. The game runs smoothly, though performance tests show the PS5 version is slightly ahead in some areas. Don’t worry – the differences are minimal and won’t impact your enjoyment.
You’ll find yourself lost in the vast open world of the Lands Between. The game’s design encourages exploration with breathtaking vistas and hidden secrets around every corner. Combat is precise and rewarding, requiring you to learn enemy patterns and perfect your timing.
The game has improved since its launch, with various patches addressing initial performance issues. Recent comparisons show the game running much better than at launch, especially with the Shadow of the Erdtree release.
Many consider Elden Ring to be FromSoftware’s best adventure yet. It strikes an excellent balance between accessibility for newcomers while offering the depth and challenge that veterans of Dark Souls games expect.
The visual presentation on Series X is stunning, with detailed environments and impressive lighting effects that bring the haunting world to life.
2: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands as one of the most impressive RPGs you can play on your Xbox Series X. With the next-gen update, this already stunning game reaches new heights of visual excellence.
When playing on Xbox Series X|S, you’ll notice remarkable graphics that bring the dark fantasy world to life. The quality mode especially showcases jaw-dropping vistas that will make you stop just to admire the scenery.
What makes this game truly special is its well-written, mature storytelling. You’ll meet fascinating characters throughout your journey, each with complex motivations and personalities that feel real and three-dimensional.
The Complete Edition gives you tremendous value for your money. It includes the base game plus both major expansions: Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. This means you’re getting over 150 hours of gameplay in total.
The game’s performance on Series X is excellent, with improved framerates that make combat and exploration much smoother than previous console versions.
You’ll find yourself easily lost in the massive open world, filled with monsters to hunt, contracts to complete, and moral choices that actually matter. The game respects your decisions and creates consequences that can change the story in meaningful ways.
3: Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 delivers an incredible experience on Xbox Series X with its massive 2.0 update that transformed the game. You’ll find yourself immersed in the neon-lit streets of Night City with impressive visual enhancements and gameplay improvements.
The Xbox Series X version gives you access to faster load times and improved visual features, including ray tracing and dynamic 4K support. These enhancements make the sprawling open world come alive in ways not possible on older hardware.
The Ultimate Edition includes the base game and the Phantom Liberty expansion, which many players consider even better than the main story. You’ll get to explore new areas and storylines that add depth to the cyberpunk universe.
Recent updates like version 2.2 have further refined the experience, fixing previous issues and adding new content. The game now runs smoothly on the Series X, maintaining solid performance throughout intense action sequences.
You can fully enjoy this open-world, action-adventure RPG with all the features and content that make it one of the most ambitious titles on the platform. The character customization, branching storylines, and detailed world-building create a deeply engaging experience.
The combat and driving mechanics feel responsive on the Series X, and the graphical fidelity brings the game’s unique aesthetic to life. Night City feels vibrant and lived-in, with crowds and environments that showcase the power of next-gen hardware.
4: Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite stands as one of the most impressive titles for your Xbox Series X. This latest chapter in the iconic franchise offers both a compelling campaign and free-to-play multiplayer experience that showcases what your console can do.
On Xbox Series X, you’ll enjoy enhanced features like 120 FPS and significantly reduced load times. These technical improvements create seamless gameplay that truly feels next-generation.
The game features an expansive open-world campaign that gives you more freedom than previous Halo titles. You’ll explore a vast Halo ring, taking on missions at your own pace while uncovering the mystery behind The Banished.
Halo Infinite’s multiplayer remains a highlight with its dynamic gameplay and regular updates. The balance between classic Halo feel and modern shooter mechanics makes it accessible whether you’re a veteran or newcomer.
The customization options let you personalize your Spartan with various armor pieces and color schemes. You can truly make your character unique as you battle across diverse multiplayer maps.
Recent updates have continued to improve the game since its launch. The developers have added new content and refined existing features based on player feedback.
Whether you’re interested in the single-player campaign or competitive multiplayer, Halo Infinite delivers a polished experience that takes full advantage of your Xbox Series X hardware.
5: Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a breathtaking RPG experience on Xbox Series X that will captivate your imagination. This epic adventure in the Forgotten Realms combines rich storytelling with deep character development.
The game runs extremely well on Xbox Series X with good visuals, though it’s capped at 30 FPS. There’s also a performance mode available if you prefer smoother gameplay over visual fidelity.
Don’t let the turn-based combat deter you. Many players who typically don’t enjoy turn-based systems find themselves completely engaged with Baldur’s Gate 3’s tactical depth. The combat strikes an excellent balance between accessibility and strategic complexity.
Your choices truly matter in this world. Each decision shapes the narrative and relationships with your companions in meaningful ways. The reactivity to your actions creates a personalized journey that feels uniquely yours.
The Xbox Series X version delivers an optimized experience that makes the most of the console’s capabilities. From stunning environments to detailed character models, the visual presentation immerses you in this fantasy world.
If you’re looking for co-op play, you’ll be pleased to know the feature is supported on Series X. Bring a friend along for your adventure and tackle challenges together.
With hundreds of hours of content, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers exceptional value. The game’s epic scope and gameplay depth make it one of the most impressive RPGs available on your Xbox Series X.
6: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers an incredible aviation adventure that lets you explore the entire world from your living room. This groundbreaking simulator was specifically developed for Xbox Series X|S and PC, bringing professional-level flight simulation to console gamers.
The graphics in this game are simply stunning. You’ll experience amazing visuals from the detailed aircraft to realistic landscapes and dynamic weather cycles. The attention to detail creates an immersive experience that aviation enthusiasts and casual gamers alike can appreciate.
Playing on the Xbox Series X provides a convenient gaming experience. Many players enjoy how you can simply press the X button on your controller to start flying. The game takes full advantage of the console’s powerful hardware capabilities.
You can expect varied performance depending on your settings and location. Some Xbox Series X gameplay footage shows the frame rates and resolution details to help you understand what to expect on your system.
Some players have noted differences between the 2024 version and the previous 2020 release. There have been reports of screen tearing issues in the newer version that weren’t present in the original.
The game allows you to take control of various aircraft and fly anywhere on Earth. Your adventures can include casual sightseeing flights or more challenging scenarios that test your piloting skills.
7: Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games for Xbox Series X. The latest entry in Capcom’s popular monster-hunting franchise brings stunning visuals and enhanced gameplay to Microsoft’s powerful console.
Performance on the Xbox Series X has been reported as excellent based on the open beta tests. Players experienced smooth gameplay with the game running considerably better after optimization compared to earlier versions.
You’ll find yourself immersed in the mysterious Forbidden Lands, tracking and battling massive creatures in breathtaking environments. The game takes full advantage of the RE Engine’s advanced features to deliver spectacular visuals on your Xbox.
The core gameplay loop remains addictive – hunt monsters, collect materials, and craft better gear to take on even more formidable beasts. This progression system keeps you engaged for dozens of hours.
Multiplayer remains a central feature, allowing you to team up with friends for cooperative hunts. The social aspect adds another dimension to an already content-rich experience.
Technical analysis shows the game makes excellent use of Xbox Series X hardware. You’ll appreciate the improved frame rates and resolution compared to previous Monster Hunter titles.
The Xbox Store listing highlights how you’ll “uncover the connection between the people of the Forbidden Lands and the locales they inhabit” as you progress through the story.
8: Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush burst onto the gaming scene as one of Xbox’s most pleasant surprises in recent years. This rhythm-action game combines colorful visuals with music-driven combat that many players consider one of the best Xbox exclusives in years.
The game follows Chai, a wannabe rockstar who gets a music player fused to his heart during a corporate experiment gone wrong. You’ll fight through vibrant levels where everything moves to the beat of the soundtrack.
What makes Hi-Fi Rush special is how it blends rhythm mechanics with action combat. You don’t need perfect timing to play, but attacking on beat makes your moves more powerful. This accessibility ensures you can enjoy the game even if you’re not a rhythm game expert.
The visual style stands out immediately with its cel-shaded animation that looks like a playable cartoon. Digital Foundry even called it an early 2023 Game of the Year candidate in their technical review.
Combat remains engaging throughout, with new mechanics introduced at a steady pace. You’ll unlock new abilities, combos, and partner characters that keep the gameplay fresh.
The story is surprisingly fun and moves at a refreshing pace. Chai and his friends take on evil corporate executives in a tale filled with humor and heart.
You can finish the main story in about 10-12 hours, but finding all collectibles and mastering higher difficulties adds considerable replay value to your experience.
9: Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Dragon Age: The Veilguard has established itself as one of the most impressive titles on Xbox Series X. This latest entry in BioWare’s beloved RPG series delivers a stunning combination of rich storytelling and technical excellence.
The game features impressive visuals and good performance on the Xbox Series X. You’ll notice the detailed environments and character models that bring the world of Thedas to life like never before.
Combat feels responsive and engaging, with a variety of tactical options to suit your playstyle. You can customize your character extensively, making choices that impact both your abilities and the story’s progression.
What truly sets The Veilguard apart is its narrative depth. Some reviewers consider it the best title BioWare has ever released, which is high praise considering the studio’s legendary catalog.
The companion characters are particularly well-developed, each with their own motivations and storylines. Your interactions with them create meaningful relationships that evolve based on your decisions.
The game world feels alive with consequences stemming from your choices. You’ll face difficult moral dilemmas that have no clear right answer, adding weight to your journey.
For fans of the Dragon Age universe, this game delivers everything you could want from a new entry. Even if you’re new to the series, the compelling characters and rich world-building make it accessible and engaging.
10: Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 stands out as one of the most visually stunning games on the Xbox Series X. This horror sequel arrived 13 years after the original game and delivers an immersive and terrifying experience.
The game performs excellently on Series X, taking full advantage of the console’s hardware capabilities. You’ll enjoy two distinct play modes – a quality mode targeting 30 FPS and a performance mode aiming for 60 FPS, giving you options based on your preference.
In Alan Wake 2, you’ll explore two beautifully crafted yet haunting worlds. Each environment has its own unique characters and dangers to overcome. The game takes you through the majestic landscapes of Cauldron Lake in the Pacific Northwest and the seemingly peaceful towns of Bright Falls and Watery.
What makes this game particularly impressive is how it runs on the Series X compared to other platforms. The Xbox version actually shows performance improvements over its PlayStation counterpart, making it the ideal choice for experiencing this horror masterpiece.
The narrative follows the troubled writer as he continues his nightmarish journey. You’ll find yourself immersed in a story that combines psychological horror with action elements in ways that keep you on edge throughout.
If you’re looking for a showcase title that demonstrates what your Xbox Series X can do, Alan Wake 2 deserves a spot in your must-play collection.
Understanding the Xbox Series X Capabilities
The Xbox Series X represents a significant leap in console technology with its powerful hardware and innovative features. Microsoft’s flagship console delivers impressive visuals while maintaining backward compatibility with previous Xbox generations.
Next-Gen Graphics and Performance
The Xbox Series X boasts cutting-edge technical specifications that elevate your gaming experience. At its core is AMD’s custom Zen 2 processor paired with RDNA 2 graphics architecture, delivering up to 12 teraflops of GPU power. This hardware enables games to run at up to 120FPS with stunning visual fidelity.
The console supports:
- 4K resolution (with potential for 8K)
- Ray tracing technology for realistic lighting
- Variable refresh rates
- Auto Low Latency Mode
A standout feature is the internal NVMe SSD, which dramatically reduces load times. Games that are optimized for Xbox Series X take full advantage of these capabilities, offering heightened visuals and smoother framerates.
Backward Compatibility Features
The Xbox Series X shines with its comprehensive backward compatibility. You can play thousands of games from previous Xbox generations, often with enhanced performance. Many older titles benefit from Auto HDR technology, which adds high dynamic range to games that didn’t originally support it.
Your existing Xbox One accessories work seamlessly with the Series X. This includes controllers, headsets, and storage devices, saving you money on additional peripherals.
The Smart Delivery feature ensures you always play the best version of your games. When you purchase a compatible title, you’ll automatically receive the optimized version for your console at no extra cost.
Games like Gears 5 showcase these backward compatibility enhancements particularly well, with improved framerates and visual quality over their original releases.
Game Genres and Their Unique Appeal
Xbox Series X offers incredible variety across different game genres, each delivering unique experiences that showcase the console’s impressive capabilities. The advanced hardware brings these worlds to life with stunning visuals and responsive gameplay.
Action-Adventure Games
Action-adventure titles on Xbox Series X blend exciting combat with exploration and storytelling. Games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle deliver immersive historical adventures with puzzle-solving and combat mechanics that keep you engaged for hours.
Alan Wake 2 stands out in this genre with its psychological horror elements and captivating narrative. The game’s atmospheric environments and tension-building gameplay showcase what the Series X can achieve with lighting and detail.
These games often feature open worlds that you can explore at your own pace. The Series X’s quick loading times make traversing these expansive environments seamless, eliminating the frustration of long wait times between areas.
RPG Games
Role-playing games on Xbox Series X offer deep character customization and branching storylines that adapt to your choices. The Witcher 3, considered a “must play” by many fans, delivers a massive fantasy world filled with meaningful quests and complex characters.
Elden Ring challenges you with its tough-but-fair combat system and mysterious world design. The game’s open-field exploration rewards curiosity and persistence.
Starfield takes RPG gameplay to the stars, letting you create your own space explorer and discover countless planets. The Series X handles these massive game worlds with impressive performance, maintaining smooth framerates even in graphically intense moments.
Racing Games
Racing games truly showcase the Xbox Series X’s power, with realistic physics and stunning environmental details. Forza Horizon 5 leads the pack as one of the console’s standout titles, offering a beautiful open-world Mexico to explore at high speeds.
The game’s dynamic weather systems and day/night cycles create ever-changing racing conditions. You’ll feel every bump and turn thanks to the enhanced haptic feedback in the Xbox controller.
Microsoft Flight Simulator offers a different kind of racing experience, focusing on realistic aviation across the entire planet. The game streams real-world map data to create accurate representations of Earth’s landmarks and terrain, something only possible with the Series X’s advanced processing capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xbox Series X offers a diverse library of games spanning various genres, price points, and play styles. Players are often curious about which titles stand out in different categories.
What are the top-rated games for Xbox Series X currently?
The highest-rated Xbox Series X games include Baldur’s Gate 3, which has received universal acclaim for its deep role-playing mechanics and branching narrative.
Elden Ring continues to be a fan-favorite with its challenging combat and vast open world to explore. The game’s difficulty is balanced by its rewarding gameplay loop.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains a benchmark for storytelling excellence even years after release, particularly with its next-gen update enhancing visuals and performance.
Which Xbox Series X games have the best graphics?
Cyberpunk 2077 showcases some of the most impressive visuals on Xbox Series X following its updates. Night City’s neon-lit streets and detailed character models truly shine on the powerful hardware.
Forza Horizon 5 demonstrates photorealistic environments with its stunning Mexican landscapes and meticulously modeled vehicles. The lighting effects during different times of day are particularly impressive.
Microsoft Flight Simulator pushes the console to its limits with its 1:1 recreation of Earth using satellite imagery and real-time weather conditions.
What are the most popular Xbox Series X exclusives available?
Halo Infinite stands as the flagship Xbox exclusive, offering both a compelling campaign featuring Master Chief and free-to-play multiplayer that continues to receive updates.
Forza Horizon 5 combines accessibility with depth, making it appealing to both casual and hardcore racing fans. Its Mexico setting provides diverse environments to race through.
Starfield represents Bethesda’s first new universe in 25 years, giving players a massive space exploration experience with hundreds of planets to discover.
Which shooters are considered the best on Xbox Series X?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III delivers the polished first-person shooter experience the franchise is known for with impressive visual fidelity and responsive controls on Series X.
Doom Eternal takes advantage of the console’s hardware to maintain a silky-smooth 120fps during its frenetic combat sequences, making demon-slaying more satisfying than ever.
Halo Infinite combines classic Halo gunplay with new mechanics like the grappleshot, creating a fresh yet familiar shooter experience that honors the series’ legacy.
What games included in Game Pass are must-plays for Xbox Series X owners?
Starfield is available day one on Game Pass, offering hundreds of hours of space exploration without the additional purchase price.
Sea of Thieves continues to receive substantial updates, transforming it into one of the most content-rich pirate adventures available through the subscription.
Hi-Fi Rush surprised everyone as a shadow-dropped rhythm action game that showcases creative gameplay and stunning animated visuals.
How does the Xbox Series S game library compare to the Xbox Series X lineup?
The Xbox Series S has access to the exact same game library as the Series X, including all exclusive titles and Game Pass offerings.
The primary difference lies in performance and visual fidelity. Series S games typically run at lower resolutions (usually 1080p or 1440p versus Series X’s 4K) and sometimes with reduced graphical settings.
Storage capacity is another consideration, as the Series S has significantly less usable space than the Series X, potentially limiting how many games you can have installed simultaneously.
