Now that we're well into 2025, we're looking ahead for the next wave of Xbox Series X games. First up is Gears of War Reloaded, which launches in August. It's a new version of the original game, serving as the perfect starter course before Gears of War E-Day arrives. From there, we have Fable releasing next year, though that doesn't have a firm release date as of yet.
The best Xbox Series X games combine incredibly fun content, immersive storytelling, and unforgettable gaming experiences on the strongest hardware of any current-gen gaming console, but it's not always easy to identify which games on the platform are worth sinking your time into given just how many there are to sift through.
To make your experience a lot easier, we've pulled together what we would consider to be the best Xbox Series X games so you'll know where to look.
Whether it's their looks, performance, or the fact that some of these games are exclusive to the Microsoft console and PC, if you own an Xbox Series X or think about snapping up one of the best Xbox Series X deals, make sure you give these games a go when you find yourself at a loose end.
We've tried to include titles that span a variety of genres in our list below in an attempt to appeal to all preferences you might have, but it's worth trying something new with the Xbox Series X - especially if you're an active Xbox Game Pass subscriber and don't have to fork out for a new title.
Best Xbox Series X games 2025
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"Channeling true JRPG excellence while putting its own western twist on the genre and turn-based combat, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an absolutely belting game. It has exquisite writing and story craft, wonderfully stylish and multifaceted combat, and is a blisteringly beautiful assault on all the senses from top-notch voice acting and audio to some of the most beautiful environments I’ve seen in years. It has the scope and execution of a game built by hundreds of developers, not a few dozen, and is easily an early game of the year contender." - Rob Dwiar, TechRadar Gaming Managing Editor.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 takes its main inspirations from classic JRPG series like Final Fantasy, though things are massively modernized here. The combat, in particular, feels like a fresh new take on turn-based systems, featuring parries that help add extra energy to battles. The art direction is completely unique too, and very French, something we don't see all that much of in the RPG space.
There's an all star cast in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Daredevil's Charlie Cox, Baldur's Gate 3's Jennifer English, and Final Fantasy 16's Ben Starr each give it their all, bolstering a story that's surprisingly emotional and politically-charged. On Xbox Series X, you can play Clair Obscur as part of Game Pass, and if you do you'll be greeted with beautiful 4K visuals and silky smooth performance.
"Despite the lack of crossplay and some frustrating multiplayer issues, Elden Ring Nightreign is a fantastic example of how to reuse and reshape an existing framework into a captivating and addictive experience. By removing a lot of barriers and focusing on combat flexibility, player discussion, and map knowledge, FromSoftware has created an impressive co-op experience at launch. It is also an experience with room to expand over the years as new bosses, characters, and world events are added." - Rhys Wood, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Elden Ring: Nightreign is a multiplayer spin-off that retools the base game's mechanics for an exciting and innovative new world. You choose from a handful of distinct Nighfarers, and drop into a dynamic map that must be survived, explored, and raced through before facing bosses. There's a closing circle to outrun, Ultimate abilities to use, and limited-time map events that balance risk and reward in smart ways.
Despite re-using bosses, locations and weapons from Elden Ring, there's a freshness to Nightreign that helps it stand out. Traversal has been completely overhauled, adding wall jumping, faster sprinting, and gliders in the form of Spectral Hawks. Getting around is a joy, as is the lack of fall damage allowing for a wider set of options when making your way between encampments. Sqaudding up with friends is the best way to play, though solo runs have been updated post-launch and now feel viable.
"The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered has single-handedly restored my faith in remakes and remasters, allowing me to experience a true classic for the first time that I’d simply have never played otherwise. Tweaking the original game slightly but leaving many of the quirks fans have grown to love strikes a near-perfect balance between old and new." - Jake Green, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Oblivion Remastered is much more than its name might suggest. Sure, there's a hefty graphical update, and modern tweaks to combat, but when you weigh up everything as one package, this is closer to a remake. All of the old charm is still there, including some of the more beloved bugs and glitches, but there's an extra layer of polish bringing Oblivion more in line with Skyrim. This opens it up to an audience that may have missed it first time around, finally giving it the praise and attention it deserves.
If you're unfamiliar with Oblivion, it's a brighter, more colorful, and sillier game than Skyrim. Magic / spell casting is deeper, as are systems like alchemy and The Dark Brotherhood, but largely it's all in line with other Bethesda RPGs. What makes Oblivion stand out is top-tier quest writing, excellent voice performances from Sean Bean and Patrick Stewart, as well as a more varied and visually interesting open world map. Give it a go, as it very much holds up in 2025, especially now it features amazing lighting, atmospheric fog, and a redesigned leveling system.
"Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a massive success and a winning combination of stealth and steel. It’s a fantastic entry in the open-world RPG line of games in the stealth series and the most refined version of that style yet, with satisfying and rewarding exploration, brilliant combat, and a dual protagonist system that really works. Even a few minor quibbles can’t hold it back" - Rob Dwiar, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
It's been a long time coming, but Assassin's Creed Shadows finally takes the series to Japan. Predictably, this is a match made in heaven, with towering castles perfect for sneaky, grappling-hook assisted parkour, and an absolutely gorgeous open world to explore. Exploration is the real standout here, with a varied and dynamic world that changes with the seasons being the star of the show. Snow enveloped mountains rise in the Winter, and blossoms bloom come Spring. It really is a joy to behold.
Over on the combat side, we have two protagonists this time around. Naoe is your classic assassin, using stealth, tools and the environment to take out enemies silently. Yasuke, on the other hand, is a heavily armored samurai, able to take on groups of enemies head on while storming encampments. Each has their own story, and side missions to enjoy. Take down targets, ride across the beautiful countryside on horseback, or kick back at your Hideout. There's so much to do and see in Assassin's Creed Shadows, it'll keep you busy for a hundred hours at least.
"Monster Hunter Wilds is a bold and bustling continuation of its predecessor’s approach to streamlining the once-niche series. By stripping away some of the more frustrating elements of the past, and focusing on getting players into hunts as quickly as possible, Monster Hunter Wilds has the potential to launch the series to new heights. Aside from some head-scratching omissions, Monster Hunter Wilds is a collection of the greatest hits from past games, one that finally delivers on the promise of a truly vibrant and living open world." - Jake Green, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Monster Hunter Wilds is a new peak for the series, bringing in even more players than its predecessor, and ushering a new era for the long-running series. In many ways, this is the best Monster Hunter to start with as a new player, given how streamlined its combat is when compared to past entries. Thanks to the new Focus Mode, you can aim your attacks with precision, and use Focus Strikes to attack weak points. Whether you choose a hard-hitting blunt weapon like the Hammer, or an acrobatic ranged/melee hybrid like the Insect Glaive, each hunt is exciting, and action-packed. You can now bring two weapons into hunts too, encouraging experimentation, and opening up even more possibilities for builds and loadouts.
The bustling open world of Wilds has been meticulously designed, and filled to the brim with all manner of flora and fauna. These environments change with the seasons too, as storms roll in and then leave each landscape completely transformed. For the first time ever, hunters can head out and explore a seamless map, one that's even easier to traverse with the help of your Seikret mount. Bring some friends, or rely on the NPC companions for extra help, as you take on harder and harder hunts and improve your gear.
"With 33 Heroes to play as, best-in-class presentation bookending matches, and a free-to-play monetization model, Marvel Rivals is almost too good to be true. There’s balancing issues, and some core problems with the way objectives play out, sure, but given that Marvel Rivals has only just launched, the future is very bright indeed. For now, you’ll be able to jump in and have a blast, whether you’re looking for a competitive challenge or casual fun." - Jake Green, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Marvel Rivals had one heck of a launch at the end of last year, and it's only gone from strength to strength ever since. Now, there's 35 Heroes to choose from, with the Fantastic Four having joined in on the fun for 2025. Whether you want to blast enemies with guns, or used magic to freeze them in place, there's a characters for you. From icons like Iron-Man and Thor to lesser known names like Namor and Jeff the Land Shark, the range of play styles on offer is very broad indeed.
While Marvel Rivals is undoubtedly an Overwatch clone, it does set itself aside from competitors by having such a high production value. By being a third-person action game, it's also very different to the games it borrows from, with Heroes like Iron Fist feeling very unique. There's crossplay too, so you can squad up with your friends on any platform.
"Assassin’s Creed Mirage returns the series to its roots with enormous success. Basim’s well-paced journey from street thief to master assassin is full of stealth-focused action and enthralling investigations, and should please fans of the series with its intrigue and heart." - Rob Dwiar, TechRadar Gaming managing editor.
Assassin's Creed Mirage started life as an expansion pack for AC: Valhalla, before the dev team realised that it'd be better suited as a standalone release. This makes it a much more focused and linear offering when compared to the vast open-world RPG designs of Assassin's Creed Odyssey, one that takes players back to a more traditional Assassin's Creed experience.
What does a back to basics approach look like for a series like Assassin's Creed? Well, for one, stealth is much more important in Mirage. The setting of Baghdad is decidedly more detailed and dense than what we've seen in the last few games. Protagonist Basim is most like the first game's protagonist, as he completes contracts for the Hidden ones, assassinating key targets, and swaying the city's balance of power. This is one for those that liked the older AC games, when Hidden Blades and social stealth ruled the roost.
"Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has all the components of a thrilling adventure ripped straight from the silver screen. Its global locations are intricately detailed and a joy to explore (despite suffering from lackluster visuals on Xbox Series S) with secrets hidden around every corner while the combat system is developer MachineGames at its best. Paired with flawless voice performances and incredible motion capture work, it’s sure to go down as one of the greatest Indy adaptations in history." - Dashiell Wood, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
After a long wait, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle finally arrived at the end of 2024. It's been a hit with critics, offering up a different kind of experience than many were expecting. This ain't no Uncharted clone, far from it. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has more in common with games like Dishonored and Riddick, with immersive sim mechanics paired with stealth combat.
Thanks to an excellent performance by Troy Baker, and an epic score, the game feels just like the classic movies. Its story sits somewhere between Raiders and Temple of Doom in terms of scale and scope, and it's a welcomed return for the Indiana that we all know and love. Slightly more polarising is the open-zone design, which sees players completing side tasks that loop back into the main area. We enjoyed this approach, but be aware that this isn't a strictly linear experience, and it's certainly not a first person shooter.
"Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is one of the most haunting and atmospheric survival games of this generation. Small bugs and AI issues here and there mean that it is a little rough around the edges but the game’s world, atmosphere, and combat are breathtaking. Stalker 2 holds nothing back and forces you to play by its rules and is all the more refreshing because of it." - Echo Aspey, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a Stalker game through and through, though thanks to its marketing having been heavily aided by Xbox, it's likely to be a great jumping on point for many players. With this comes something of a warning, these games are hard, very hard. They're survival simulators, that task you with taking on increasingly horrifying challenges, while exploring a massive open world. If that sounds like your thing, we really can't recommend Stalker 2 enough.
The Zone, the open world area available to you in Stalker 2, is the real star of the show here. It's at times beautiful, at all times dangerous, and regularly thrilling. You'll meet other Stalkers, hunker down in rundown buildings as storms rage overhead, and scavenge for resources that'll help you keep going.
"Whether you’re familiar with Atlus’s flavor of turn-based RPGs or not, Metaphor: ReFantazio is an essential play. The developer has built on its legendary ‘press turn’ combat with the innovative Archetype system, allowing for an unprecedented amount of customization and party composition when compared to its other popular series." - Rhys Wood, TechRadar Gaming Hardware Editor.
Atlus' new original series Metaphor: ReFantazio gets off to an extremely strong start. It's an instant classic, showcasing all of the best bits from the Persona and SMT series in a dark fantasy package. Combat is stylish and complex, while the story is one of the best to come from Atlus yet. Somehow, the beloved developer has done it again, adding a new cast of characters for fans to fall in love with.
If you're a fan of the Persona series, don't let the new fantasy setting deter you. Metaphor: ReFantazio is a must-play, with great performance on Xbox consoles. The game’s soundtrack is also a highlight with renowned composer Shoji Meguro returning for the score. Here, he trades in the infectious pop beats of Persona and the grimy rock sound of earlier Shin Megami Tensei games for something more orchestral and offbeat. Well worth checking out.
"Star Wars Outlaws serves up an extremely enjoyable open-world Star Wars experience that proves the wait for such a game was worth it. While there are a few frustrations, the mix of beautiful worlds, a crime-rich underworld, compelling and tense missions with multiple routes to success, and a host of scoundrelly things to do, makes it a superbly fun experience." - Rob Dwiar, TechRadar Gaming Managing Editor.
Star Wars Outlaws finally lets players explore the criminal underworld, as they make friends and enemies with syndicates like Crimson Dawn, The Hutt Cartel and The Pykes. As Kay Vess, you'll head from Canto Bight to Tatooine, pulling off heists and stringing together a crew for the ultimate contract job. The game offers up a handful of open-worlds to explore, each with their own syndicate-controlled zones and secrets to uncover. Kay is a master with a blaster, and can use her pet Nix to distract guards and trigger explosives from afar. As you progress, you'll unlock even more skills, allowing you to gain the upper hand on even the toughest of foes.
If combat isn't your main focus, you can also just unwind in the game's many cantinas and bars, playing Sabacc against some of the best card players in the Galaxy. You can even take to the stars in your ship, exploring asteroid clusters, dangerous nebula and more.
"Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a special game with an enthralling narrative that expertly weaves its new characters and plot points with the series’ past. It’s a story that’s as thrilling and intense as it is heartwarming and - occasionally - genuinely hilarious." - Rhys Wood, TechRadar Gaming Hardware Editor.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is one of the best Xbox Series X games, and thankfully it's even on Game Pass. It shoots for the stars with a plot that expertly ties together the stories of Kiryu and Ichiban, adding in a whole lot of heart, while refining the turn-based combat of its predecessor. Being a Yakuza game, there's heaps of brilliantly written side content to enjoy, ranging from short action vignettes to oddball comedy jaunts.
While veteran fans of the series will no doubt get more out of Infinite Wealth than new players, there's plenty here for everyone to enjoy. Kiryu and Ichiban continue to be some of the best protagonists in all of gaming, and the story takes quite a few twists and turns before setting up even bigger things to come. Take a punt on this JRPG and you're in for over a hundred hours of fun, in a brand new setting for the long-running and much-adored SEGA series.
"Dragon’s Dogma 2 leverages emergent gameplay to put forward an action-adventure that’s challenging, thrilling, and constantly unpredictable. Rich in well-thought-out systems and mechanics that feed into one another seamlessly, it’s a game that sinks its claws into you and doesn’t let go." - Rhys Wood, TechRadar Gaming Hardware Editor.
Dragon's Dogma 2 is part remake, part sequel to the original game. It's a very strange game indeed, landing somewhere between Monster Hunter, Skyrim and The Witcher, with as much humor as it has action. Basically, you are the Arisen, tasked with slaying a dragon and halting the end of the world. Along the way, you'll recruit Pawns: NPCs that each has their own set of skills, personality, and fighting style. This is where the game truly shines, as you're able to recruit other players' Pawns, and vice-versa.
What follows is an epic tale that's tinged with slapstick, as the Arisen launches Pawns skyward in the hopes of landing critical blows on a wide variety of beasts. Dragon's Dogma 2 is hilariously challenging, downright unfair at times, but in the end, completely lovable. A truly unique game, one that finally shines a much-deserved spotlight on a series that's inspired so many of the modern action RPGs we play today.
"Baldur’s Gate 3 is a fine contender for one of the best video game RPGs ever made. It’s the most ambitious RPG out there, and the painstakingly accurate rendition of Dungeons & Dragons will delight fans. A must-play, even if some frustrations with D&D’s format might grate." - Jake Tucker, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Baldur's Gate 3 won pretty much every award a game can win when it launched in 2023, cementing it as one of the best RPGs you can play on any platform. And while Xbox players had to wait a little bit longer for the game, it was well worth it.
The game has now received a slew of post-launch updates fixing up everything from performance to bug-heavy quest lines. In terms of sheer variety, Baldur's Gate 3 is unrivaled in its combat systems. That's mostly due to it being based on Dungeons and Dragons, translating the iconic pen and paper RPG to a video game format seamlessly. You can choose to approach any situation in pretty much anyway you wish, leading to some brilliant comedic moments, and plenty of replayability.
"Hellblade 2's remarkable visual and audio design, performances and acting, the intriguing narrative throughout, and a beguiling world that has one of the strongest senses of place we've experienced, which elevates the game wonderfully." - Rob Dwiar, TechRadar Gaming Managing Editor.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is a narrative-driven action game almost like no other. Developer Ninja Theory’s sequel to the 2017 game Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice delivers a harrowing, bleak, and heavy experience that will live long in the memory.
Even more than its predecessor, Hellblade 2 really pushes the boundaries of visuals in gaming. It makes use of every single ounce of the Xbox Series X's power, and manages to tell a heart -wrenching tale that fans of the first game will absolutely love. Definitely a must play for those looking to see what Xbox's most powerful console is capable of.
"Control’s inspired narrative is framed by cinematic visuals, clever environment design and a set of standout performances, the experience complemented by a deeply satisfying combat system that makes for an electrifying, unmissable narrative juggernaut that will invade your dreams and probe your psyche." - Jordan Oloman, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Control sees you stepping into the shoes of Jessie Faden, the newest director of the clandestine Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) – a Government agency that researches, and ultimately aims to control paranormal activity. But Jessie’s new role has a few issues not exactly laid out in the job description, including the uprising of a paranormal force known only as the Hiss.
Remedy has courted multiple difficult genres with Control, delivering a mind-bending story evocative of True Detective and Twin Peaks is absolutely remarkable. The Bureau is an eerily beautiful place, and it looks and feels best when you throw things at enemies via telekinesis or use your powers to bend rooms around you. Thankfully, this game, which was originally released for the previous generation of consoles, runs like nothing else on the Series X. Players have a choice of two modes: Performance Mode, targeting 60fps with 4K output, and Graphics Mode, targeting 30fps with ray tracing, making Control not only one of the best games of the last few years but also one of the best Xbox Series X games.
With constant updates and in-game events, there's always a reason to keep coming back to Destiny 2. You really need to devote your time to your skills, and there's a huge map to explore. It's hours of entertainment, which is surprisingly generous even for the free-to-play model.
Destiny 2 is developer Bungie's ambitious free-to-play multiplayer looter shooter. It's the continuation and in many ways reinvention of the first Destiny game, now with a free-to-play base game. Destiny casts you as a Guardian, protectors of the last city on Earth against various enemy forces, using a magic-like energy called Light.
Both its worldbuilding and its use of Light set Destiny 2 apart from other shooters. Your skills have a much more interesting, magical touch to them than shooters set in the modern world, and it's fun to explore the galaxy throughout the story, now much, much better than in the first Destiny.
With each expansion, Destiny offers fantastic new settings and clever new ideas, making it worth sticking with – the latest expansion, Lightfall, takes you to a futuristic metropolis on Neptune, and there is much to see. Destiny 2 has been around since the last generation of consoles, but it comes optimized for Xbox Series X, running in 4k at 60 FPS with an optional 120Hz Crucible mode on compatible devices, as well as a customizable field of view. It's one of the best ways to experience one of the best shooters, making it a necessity for FPS fans on our list of the best Xbox Series X games.
"Elden Ring shines as an absorbing, challenging adventure that allows FromSoftware to showcase its creativity like never before. All while telling a captivating story." - Sam Greer, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Developer FromSoftware continues its run of notoriously difficult action RPGs – or Souls-likes, as ubiquitous as the term is now – with Elden Ring. Set in the fantasy realm of The Lands Between, players hack, slash, dodge, and perfectly time their way through the realm with the hopes of becoming the Elden Lord.
While there is always a lot to uncover in a FromSoftware game, Elden Ring is the first that lets you roam the entirety of its vast world from the beginning, and it offers a way to engage and disengage from difficult encounters as you see fit. The trademark difficulty of FromSoftware's Soulslike games is still present here, but for fans of their particular brand of grimdark fantasy, there is no better game.
"Fans of racing games will get everything they want and more from Forza Horizon 5’s stunningly realistic open world. Players are treated to unlimited gameplay opportunities thanks to the intricately detailed user customization and accessibility options." - Georgina Young, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
The fifth instalment of the Xbox-exclusive racing game, now on Xbox Series X is as groundbreaking Forza Horizon 4 was for the Xbox One. It's a game introducing fun innovations to its genre, all while raising the bar visually. Forza Horizon 5 takes you to over 100 square kilometers of road, all over the beautiful Mexican landscape. This racer comes with over 500 cars, which you can drive through an open world as you please, completing different driving challenges, or compete in races and even a Battle Royale mode.
Forza Horizon 5 might just be the current gold standard for what games can look like on the Xbox Series X. It's such a beautiful mixture of high-octane racing and just unabashed celebration of a beautiful place on earth that it's an attractive game even if you have never touched a racer before. On a gameplay level, it's the sheer amount of options it gives you that makes it such a worthwhile game.
Gears Tactics offers a slightly different experience for fans of the Gears of War series, which makes it worth picking up. The Xbox Series X also helps to make the most of the game for what its worth.
Gears Tactics, as the name suggests, is a tactical turn-based shooter set in the Gears of War universe. Instead of running in guns blazing, players need to be more strategic about how they approach combat. Tactics is a great spin-off for those who love the Gears of War franchise, but want to try something a bit different, making it one of the best Xbox Series X games around.
While it's previously been released on Xbox One and PC, it also served as a launch title for the Xbox Series X, thanks to some excellent next-gen enhancements. Those playing on Xbox Series X will benefit from gameplay in 4K Ultra HD and 60fps, with enhanced textures, increased world detail, and a choice of 60 or 30 frames per second for cinematics.
Hi-Fi Rush's charming landscape and entertaining gameplay make this title a must-play for any Xbox players. The soundtrack keeps you on your toes, and makes combat feel more intense than ever as you try and land hits on beat, so much so you will want to play through this title time and time again.
With Hi-Fi Rush, Tango Gameworks released the ultimate dream game for fans of early Oughts platforming and rhythm gaming. The story is quickly told: protagonist Chai agrees to replace his broken arm with a shiny new mechanical one, but in the process, his mp3 player accidentally gets implanted in his chest. Now everything in the world moves to the rhythm of Chai's music. Everyone is also immediately out to get him, seeing as he has a malfunction that needs to be "corrected".
Chai jumps and fights his way through an incredibly vibrant world set to really good music. The combat sees him using a guitar to attack enemies, and getting the rhythm right unleashed satisfying combos accompanied by cheering and stunning visual effects. If you love 2D animation, then you'll love Hi-Fi Rush – its animation is some of the best around, and it's tonally very much like a silly cartoon, too. This Xbox exclusive is simply one of the best rhythm games you can play, and its vibrant presentation is hard to resist.
"Halo Infinite is a triumph. From its captivating story to its liberating gameplay, developer 343 Industries has created a campaign that will resonate with veteran Halo fans and inspire a new generation of players." - Adam Vjestica, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Halo is Xbox's flagship series of futuristic first-person shooters, and Halo Infinite is no exception. As Master Chief, you make your way through the ringworld Zeta Halo, where forces of the Banished have stranded you. As you're trying to find a way off-planet, you quickly learn there's a lot more to Zeta Halo than you can see at first glance.
Since taking over the Halo franchise from its original developer Bungie, 343 Industries hasn't strayed from the formula much, but putting the game into an open world serves to refresh the formula, even though many of the tasks you get, such as freeing outposts, will be familiar if you've played any open-world game before. Master Chief's versatile new grappling hook does a lot to make combat more snappy, and the story offers some satisfying twists and turns. Halo Infinite is a great blend of old and new, keeping the spirit of the series intact while including fun new elements.
If you're played previous Hitman titles, then you'll understand why the final title is worth playing. Offering stealth like never before, the tension this game creates through its content is unmatched for other games of the same genre.
Hitman 3 is the dramatic conclusion to the acclaimed stealth series that sees Agent 47 take out targets all across the globe. The gameplay is easy to explain – you get a target, infiltrate their space, and try to off them unseen. However, in this seemingly simple concept lies an unprecedented amount of depth. While you're lying in wait, targets, as well as the people around them, continue to live their lives, often forcing you to think on the fly and make clever use of the environment to get to your goal.
The new locations, such as Dubai, China, and Argentina, are some of the most memorable of the series. Add to that more experimental objectives and a gripping story (plus native 4K at 60fps on the Xbox Series X) and Hitman 3 rightly deserves its place on our best Xbox Series X games list.
"Microsoft Flight Simulator is clearly a labor of love, with a realism and attention to detail that will make this an essential purchase for flight sim fans. Using cutting edge technology and graphics for the ultimate immersive experience, this isn’t a game that’s going to be for everyone, but if you’re its core demographic, you’re going to love it." - Matt Hanson, TechRadar reviewer.
Want to fly over Machu Picchu? Maybe take in the breathtaking view of the Northern Lights in Norway? Maybe you just want to see how your neighborhood looks from a plane? Then Microsoft Flight Simulator is probably for you as it allows you to soar the skies of the entire world - complete with real-time weather and traffic. This is a realistic flight simulator in many more aspects than the weather – you'll need to understand the different controls on a plane, displays, and behavior, which is part of the fun.
Once you're soaring above the clouds, even the most fiddly plane will the worth it, as Microsoft Flight Simulator is really a great reminder of how beautiful our planet is. Players who love deep flight simulation get with Microsoft Flight Simulator the best game of its kind, which becomes even more enjoyable with the right peripherals. Using cutting-edge technology and graphics for the ultimate immersive experience, this is one of the best Xbox Series X games.
Sea of Thieves is one of the best co-op games available, simply put. It's incredibly easy to jump into and play with friends, and there are hours of fun embedded in its high-seas exploration. With constant collaborations and events, there's an incredible amount of content at your fingertips.
Sea of Thieves is Rare's multiplayer pirating sandbox and incredible game that makes your dreams of becoming a mighty pirate come true. Whether you hunt treasure, attack other ships, or deck out your own, there is always something to do. Additionally, Sea of Thieves doesn't use an expansion pass model, meaning that after your initial purchase of the game, you get to enjoy a world that's constantly being added to and refined. We even went so far as to say Sea of Thieves is putting other live service games to shame.
On Xbox Series X, Sea of Thieves benefits from a sizable boost to its frame rate. the game now runs at silky-smooth 4K/60fps, and the improvement is tangible. Whether you’re sailing across rough waters as a storm begins to break, or battling skeletons on the shoreline in the hunt for treasure, the game feels far more responsive and enjoyable as a result. The game also now loads incredibly fast thanks to the Xbox Series X’s SSD. It’s a fantastic upgrade over the Xbox One version and one that deserves to be called one of the best Xbox Series X Games out there.
Best Xbox Series X games: FAQs
Which games are better on the Xbox Series X?
It's undeniable that some games look better on the Xbox Series X thanks to Xbox Series X optimization. If you're looking for games that run in 4K at a consistent 60fps or simply look better on Xbox than on PS5, try games like Control: Ultimate Edition, Forza Horizon 5 or Hitman 3.
How we made our best Xbox Series X games list
The TechRadar Gaming team is gaming and tech experts. We've played hundreds and hundreds of hours across loads of Xbox Series X games, and so are fully qualified to give you some key recommendations for the console.
As a team made up of different folks with different areas of interest, expertise, and experience, we have the balance to present to you a solid best list, but one that we constantly scrutinise with each new release - but also more generally, arguing over titles that might make it into our best Xbox Series X game list, or those that are in danger of being replaced. As a result of this experience, you can trust us and our picks.
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