It's true – Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S don't have a single exclusive game, as they are all also published for Windows. However, there are still plenty of reasons to get these consoles. As the GPU prices are insane, even PC gamers are curious about Microsoft's more affordable platforms. Despite lacking some of the best PS5 titles, there are still tons of quality games (not including backward compatibility) that you can't miss. As the new software keeps coming, we'll often update this top ten list of best Xbox games, keeping it fresh.
10. F1 2022
F1 2022 has tons of content that will keep you occupied until the next release
Codemasters is refining its F1 series, turning it into a fun simulation with plenty of content to keep you occupied. Yet, while the 2022 version is the second for the current generation of consoles, it's not revolutionary. Instead of changing the engine and risking a disaster like before, they kept building on what they had. Still, there are visual upgrades, as this is one of the rare Xbox Series X games locked at 4K at 60 fps, not counting indies. Furthermore, it supports ray tracing, although it's limited to pre-race ceremonies.
F1 2022 features an excellent career mode where you can build your team from scratch, hiring drivers (including Senna) and other team members. Also, you'll have to carefully manage your resources and use them to improve your cars. Unfortunately, the Breaking Point story mode is out, and it didn't get a substitute to take you deeper into the Formula 1 world. With excellent controls, gorgeous tracks, and robust online support (including a co-op career), F1 2022 is the best motorsport title on the system. Luckily, even though Codemasters is now under Electronic Arts, their involvement remains minimal.
9. Crash Bandicoot 4
It looks fun, but Crash Bandicoot 4 is very challenging
Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy was a very unexpected success for Activision. As it turned out, gamers are hungry for challenging action platformers, so the company gave them some more! Crash Bandicoot 4 keeps the traditional gameplay of the previous releases, but it also innovates. Hence, now you can control some other familiar characters for the first time! They all have unique controls and levels, which keep the game fresh. One thing that wasn't changed was the difficulty, so consider playing with unlimited lives!
Crash Bandicoot 4 looks stunning and compares to animated feature films. The game uses Unreal Engine 4 in the best possible way, showcasing terrific animation and colorful levels. Even if you often die, you'll always come back for more! Finally, while the game is available on PS4/Xbox One, this version supports 4K at 60 fps mode. Thanks to its design and traditional gameplay, Crash Bandicoot 4 will become a timeless classic and one of the best Xbox Series X platformers.
8. Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thieves expansions feature some famous faces!
Sea of Thieves looked like it would be quickly forgotten after suffering from one of the worst launch disasters. The game felt so empty that players would soon lose interest. That is, if you even managed to get into the game, as servers were barely functioning. Yet, the Xbox Series X/S release is a much more stable and fun experience. As important were numerous expansions, modes, and quests, all released for free.
As a result, Sea of Thieves is a fun multiplayer experience you'll love if you are into co-op experiences. Plus, the new content will keep coming until the end of this generation of consoles, giving you plenty of reasons to return regularly. Furthermore, Rare listens to fans, allowing private servers to be created. Even the crossplay with the PC version is implemented, although optional. While there are other excellent multiplayer games for the console, Sea of Thieves has tons of free expansions, unique gameplay, and an incredibly long lifespan.
7. Gears 5
Gears 5 is a subtle improvement on Xbox Series consoles, but an excellent game overall
Gears 5 is originally an Xbox One game, but Microsoft remastered it for the Xbox Series consoles. Therefore, it got better textures, more impressive visual effects, and a stable 60 frames per second. Even more impressively, online multiplayer reaches 120 frames per second if you have a suitable gaming TV. However, Gears 5 is much more than excellent graphics, although its gameplay has mostly stayed the same. Yet, the campaign is excellent, primarily because it supports three online and offline players.
The game still innovates with open-world environments and RPG elements, making the gameplay more original. Many will find it surprising that Gears 5 has such strong characters and stories, often motivating you to continue until the surprising end. Once you complete the campaign, you can jump into fun multiplayer, which benefits from many modes, including the beloved Horde. We should also mention the excellent single-player expansion Hivebusters, which brings back some of the favorite series characters.
6. Psychonauts 2
Psychonauts 2 is a wild adventure full of interesting characters
The original Psychonauts is highly praised, but it sold so poorly that we never thought it'd get a sequel. Yet, here it is, and it is even better! While this is a platform adventure title, one glimpse at the twisted game design will suggest that you are looking at something special. As the levels are always set in the minds of individuals, this gives the developers unlimited creativity you won't find anywhere else. Every environment is unique, usually inspired by mental issues like PTSD or anxiety. Yet, it treats them right, helping you better understand these conditions.
As for the gameplay, only the combat and some bosses look formulaic. Yet, this isn't a deal-breaker; it's just that these elements aren't on the same level as the story, sound design, or platforming. Psychonauts 2 is one of those brilliant games that's not for everyone, as it moves away from traditional platformers. If you can't stomach a weird design, that's perfectly fine, but this will remain a classic.
5. Halo Infinite
Despite flaws, multiplayer action feels great in the right hands
The iconic Halo series was always crucial for the Xbox consoles' success. While Halo Infinite suffered a few delays, it's still one of the best Xbox Series X exclusives. The grappling hook is the best gameplay innovation, giving you the mobility unheard of in previous games. As the open world is so vast and ready for exploring, you'll have plenty of use for it. The arsenal is also terrific, bringing back many favorites along with a few new ones. Thankfully, they all have a purpose.
While 343 Industries tried hard to sort out the messy story, there's much to be desired. The multiplayer component is free-to-play, but you can still have fun without resorting to microtransactions. Yet, there's so much room for improvement. Halo Infinite feels unfinished, but as the developers keep working hard, it may improve its position on our best Xbox Series X games list.
4. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Learn more about all the upgrades made for Halo: Master Chief Collection on Xbox Series consoles
Halo is an essential franchise for the Xbox consoles, and Microsoft is taking great care of it! Therefore, the company introduced The Master Chief Collection, brilliantly upgrading all games in the series. This is especially impressive with the first two Halo games since they are remade and look much better. Furthermore, they kept all the DLC content with enabled multiplayer.
The Xbox Series release retains it all while further improving graphics. This includes playing at 120 fps and 4K resolution on the Xbox Series X. Finally, you can refine some gameplay elements thanks to a variable field of view. This brings it on par with the PC release, although the Xbox Series edition is better as it supports crossplay with Xbox One. Consequently, this makes for a larger player pool!
3. Elden Ring
Watch this guide even if you've played other FromSoftware games
Unlike some FromSoftware titles, Elden Ring is also on the Xbox Series consoles. Honestly, you'll feel at home if you've ever played a Souls-like game. This is because the basic gameplay mechanics are very similar to previous releases. However, the developers allowed us to customize the experience and upgrade our character.
As this is another challenging but fair experience, you'll need all your skills and wits to survive. While the bosses are epic and hard to kill, even dealing with regular enemies might give you trouble. Yet, you can freely explore the world, as the game gives only general guidelines. Elden Ring is an experience unlike any other on the Xbox Series consoles. While it's often frustrating, it provides incredible joy as you progress.
2. Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator is the definition of freedom in gaming
The Flight Simulator series looked dead for many years, but Microsoft decided to give it another chance. However, this time they made it way more fun for everyone! Don't get us wrong – this Xbox Series X exclusive is still a hardcore sim that's very useful for pilot training. However, developers also made it more casual since you can play it using only a gamepad!
As one of the best Xbox Series X games, this one lets you explore the whole world, created using accurate maps! The results are outstanding, as the topography is precise, and many locations like Berlin already look gorgeous! The level of freedom Microsoft Flight Simulator gives you is way too exciting to miss. The company also delivers numerous DLCs with map updates, so this title will stay fresh for years. We hope the developers will implement more gaming elements, including a campaign.
1. Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 might be the best racing game ever!
While it was established without massive ambition, the Forza Horizon series has outgrown its parent, Forza Motorsport. Even though there were many other open-world racing games before, Forza Horizon for the Xbox 360 set the standards. As all sequels continued to raise the bar, it's not surprising that this one is our favorite. While Forza Horizon 4 is still an excellent title, the number five is the first to use the muscles of the Xbox Series X.
Yet, the gorgeous-looking graphics aren't even the top highlight. What we enjoy even more is the vast map of Mexico, the biggest in the series. Furthermore, it's also the most diverse and includes beaches, towns, jungles, deserts, and much more. These are not lame procedurally generated environments, as they are handcrafted with much love. With the best-ever car selection, brilliant Showcase missions, and rich multiplayer, you can't ask for more. As the new expansions and cars keep coming, this will be the game to enjoy for years. Plus, you won't ever see it on PS5.
There are plenty of other titles most will enjoy on Xbox Series X and Series S consoles. These include Resident Evil Village, Wreckfest, Hades, Gears Tactics, Hitman 3, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, etc. Yet, consider the best Xbox Series X games in our top ten list. As we are still relatively early in the current-gen era and hope for better console availability, the best is yet to come!
Did you play some of the games on our list? Which are some of your favorite titles on the current Xbox consoles?
Cover photo: Kamil S/Unsplash