Ooh, can you taste it in the air? That tang of electronic tension can only mean a new generation of consoles is on the way. Microsoft’s Xbox Series X claims to be the most powerful device of this holiday season’s releases, but there’s been a lot of chatter over what games you can actually play on it. As it happens, there are quite a few, so we’ve collected together a list of all confirmed Xbox Series X games for you to scroll through. We’ll also be sure to point out the full set of Xbox Series X exclusives down at the bottom so you know which games you can’t get anywhere else.
All confirmed Xbox Series X games
© Microsoft, 343 Industries
For clarification, we’ll be ignoring the enormous list of Xbox’s Smart Delivery and backwards-compatible releases. Microsoft has already confirmed that huge numbers of Xbox One games will be playable on Series X, so there won’t be any shortage of older titles. What we’re covering here are games you can purchase specifically for the Xbox Series X, and we’ll make a point of highlighting any truly next-gen games that’ll make the most of the hardware.
As Dusk Falls
Release date: TBA
A narrative story taking place over the course of 30 years, As Dusk Falls follows two families, intertwined through a dramatic and unfortunate even in the American southwest.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Release date: November 10
The next title in Ubisoft’s open-world semi-historical romps takes as back to the Viking invasions of England. Playing as Viking settler Eivor, Valhalla will see you expand your settlement and take the fight to English towns and even castles as your people find a new live on England’s soil.
© Mundfish
Atomic Heart
Release date: TBA
An unusual first-person shooter set in an alternate, high-tech future version of the Soviet Union. There’s a mix of supernatural and technological elements at play, with an underlying horror vibe that immediately brings BioShock to mind.
Avowed
Release date: TBA
Following the success of The Outer Worlds, Obsidian Entertainment is taking a shot at the first-person fantasy RPG. A likely challenger to The Elder Scrolls’ crown, Avowed is set in the fantasy world of Eora, and that’s just about all we know about it so far.
Battlefield 6
Release date: 2021
Electronic Arts has already announced that a new Battlefield game will be coming to next-gen consoles in 2021. It’ll be aiming to make the most of the Series X’s power, but right now we don’t know anything about the setting.
Bright Memory Infinite
Release date: TBA
At first, Bright Memory Infinite looks like a sci-fi shooter with Titanfall-style wall running and parkour elements. Then a dude with a sword and shield turns up and begins wailing on the player. Created by a solo developer, Bright Memory Infinite’s unusual world is aiming to harness the Series X’s hardware to implement ray-tracing and other advanced visual effects.
Call of the Sea
Release date: TBA
A 1930s expedition to a mysterious island, tracking down your missing husband. Call of the sea is a first person adventure-puzzle game which follows Norah as she explores a gorgeous island in the South Pacific.
Chivalry 2
Release date: 2020
Sequel to 2012’s popular first-person medieval sword swinger, Chivalry 2 is currently in Alpha phase on PC. The game is planned to release this year, with cross-platform support on consoles. Chivalry 2 aims to let you relive famous historical battles, as well as those from your favorite medieval-themed TV shows and movies.
Chorus
Release date: 2021
Space-based shooter Chorus had one of the most stylish trailers of Xbox’s games showcase in May. Piloting a sentient ship, protagonist Nara is on a journey of redemption as she soars (and shoots) through the Galaxy.
Crossfire X
Release date: 2020
One of the most popular online shooters in Asia gets a singleplayer campaign courtesy of Smilegate and Remedy. The plot sees two rival mercenary factions going to war, with high-tech weaponry and stealth equipment featuring heavily.
Cyberpunk 2077
Release date: November 19
One of the most anticipated releases of the year, CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 will be getting a port to next-gen consoles, as well as a full updated release down the line to properly take advantage of the tech. As a fixer in the corporate-owned Night City, it’s up to you to carve a path and a name for yourself in this RPG-shooter.
Demon Turf
Release date: 2020 - 2021
A new 3D platformer from the developer of Slime-san. Mixing trippy 3D and 2D visuals, you’ll battle through the different domains of the demon realm as a young upstart, aiming to unseat the demon king himself.
Destiny 2
Release date: Unknown, likely to be on launch
Bungie’s online sci-fi shooter will make the leap to next gen, though don’t expect any big changes in visuals beyond 4K and 60FPS support for the time being. It’ll be free for current-gen players, and you’ll be able to carry over your progress, so you don’t need to fret about all those hours spent grinding for exotics going to waste.
Dirt 5
Release date: October 2020 for current gen, likely on launch for next-gen
You can’t have a new generation of consoles without racing games to show off shiny new reflections and details. Dirt 5 will splatter mud all over those beautiful bonnets when it screeches through cities, villages, wilderness and more this year.
Dustborn
Release date: 2021
Take a sci-fi road trip in this narrative-led adventure. Travelling across a broken futurescape of the USA, your group of oddballs and odd robots needs to deliver a package, and maybe discover some friends along the way.
Dying Light 2
Release date: TBA
Like zombies? A fan of parkour? Dying Light 2’s sprawling city of rival factions and flesh-munching beasts should be high on your list of anticipated games. It’s been in development for a long old while now, but Dying Light 2 is still coming. Hopefully.
Echo Generation
Release date: 2021
Featuring an interesting, 3D pixel art aesthetic, Echo Generation is an adventure game featuring turn-based battles and giant, menacing robots.
Everwild
Release date: TBA
Rare’s next title for the Series X largely remains a mystery, but the animated trailers we’ve been shown so far are gorgeous. With a heavy emphasis on fantastical nature, we’re eager to see what Rare has planned for this magical world.
Exomecha
Release date: 2021
Planned for release next year, Exomecha is a free-to-play online shooter. Why pick this one over any other? Because it also features giant mechanics dragons.
Fable
Release date: TBA
The Fable series is back, this time in the hands of Playground Games. We’ve only been given a teaser trailer thus far, so don’t expect this one to arrive any time soon.
Far Cry 6
Release date: February 18, 2021
The next Far Cry game has series fans excited over the prospect of learning Far Cry 3 villain’s backstory. This game will be set in the fictional tropical island of Yara during a guerilla revolt, and features Breaking Bad star Anton Castillo as the main villain.
FIFA 21
Release date: October 6 on current gen, likely to be a launch title for next-gen.
The world’s most popular sport was never going to miss out on the opening year for a new console generation, and FIFA 21’s next-gen version will include some nice visual improvements. Beyond that, we don’t know too much about how this latest title will change the (virtual) beautiful game.
Fortnite
Release date: Likely on launch
You didn’t think escaping Fortnite would be that easy, did you?
Forza Motorsport
Release date: TBA
Xbox’s less-muddy racing series is also coming to Xbox Series X, though details right now are pretty slim. One thing's for certain, the game will feature shiny cars to ogle.
Gods and Monsters
Release date: TBA
Ubisoft’s cartoony take on Greek mythology was originally meant to release early this year, but has since been pushed back and will be releasing on next-gen consoles.
Gotham Knights
Release date: 2021
Set in Arkham City after the death of Batman, Gotham Knights sees Batgirl, Robin, Nightwing and Red Hood working together to protect the city. The entire game can be played solo or in full co-op with a friend. Due to release some time in 2021, it's be another split-gen title.
Gothic
Release date: TBA
A playable teaser proved popular enough to warrant a full remake of this cult classic title. THQ Nordic is behind the wheels promising a faithful recreation.
Grand Theft Auto 5
Release date: 2021
Grand Theft Auto 5 is the game that simply won’t stop selling, and plans to continue doing so over on its third generation of consoles. Rockstar’s gangster story and perennially popular GTA Online have been confirmed for a 2021 release on Xbox Series X, bringing souped up visuals for the next generation.
Halo Infinite
Release date: 2021
Originally planned as Microsoft’s launch-day system seller, Halo Infinite has been delayed following a less than favorable response to its initial gameplay reveal. Chief’s journey – which looks to include a more open, freeform map than previous series entries – will now continue some time in 2021.
Hitman 3
Release date: January 2021
Concluding the World of Assassination story from the previous two games, Hitman 3 arrives early next year. We’ve had a look at the Dubai level so far, which features towering heights that we can only presume we’ll get to push people off for an awfully long fall.
Hood: Outlaws and Legends
Release date: 2021
A third person multiplayer action game based loosely on Robin Hood. It seems like it’ll feature multiple teams competing against AI in a darker take on the material.
Madden NFL 21
Release date: August 25 for current gen, Holiday 2020 for next-gen
Much like FIFA above and NBA below, there are no chance of Madden skipping the next-gen console launch. NFL MVP Lamar Jackson is this year’s cover athlete, and in-game we’ll be getting new control options for both defense and offence.
Martha Is Dead
Release date: 2021
Martha is dead is a new horror title set in the midst of World War 2. Taking place in Tuscany, Italy, you must investigate the death of your twin sister, uncovering a tale of loss and folklore as the war looms ominously over the region.
Marvel’s Avengers
Release date: September 2020 on current gen, on launch for next-gen
The big superhero bash will come with a free upgrade to next-gen, with improved loading times and graphics promised, including that oh-so-desired ray tracing. It’s a co-operative action game in which all the famous Marvel heroes bash drones and military dudes about.
Metal: Hellsinger
Release date: 2021
Slay to the beat is the tagline of this ungodly rhythm shooter which mixes Doom style gunplay with heavy metal music. Timing and accuracy are the keys to maximizing your score. It’s got the vocal chops behind it thanks to an original soundtrack which features Arch Enemy’s Alissa White-Gluz and Trivium’s Matt Heafy.
NBA 2K21
Release date: On launch
2K’s premium sports title is getting a cross-gen release, with this year’s special Mamba Forever Edition commemorating Lakers star Kobe Bryant. There’s a demo arriving August 24 for current-gen consoles, if you want to check out what’s changed since the last installment.
Observer: System Redux
Release date: Holiday 2020
Bloober Team’s dystopian thriller Observer is getting the next-gen treatment, with an upgraded version that takes advantage of the new hardware for 4K and 60 FPS support, while also adding in some new story content to enjoy.
Outriders
Release date: 2020
Joining the loot-n-shoot field, Outriders is a co-operative new third person RPG-shooter from Polish studio People Can Fly. Cover-based gunplay is mixed with supernatural powers and sci-fi tech. There’s no PvP here, so the developers have focussed on making the powers fun, rather than balanced.
Overcooked: All You Can Eat
Release date: 2020
Ghost Town Games’ immensely entertaining co-op cook-up is getting a complete bundle for next-gen consoles. All You Can Eat will include both the original and Overcooked 2, with all the DLC released for the games thus far.
Paradise Lost
Release date: 2020
Paradise Lost explores an alternate timeline in which the Second World War didn’t end in 1945. The Nazi regime, on the brink of collapse in 1960, unleashes a nuclear arsenal on Germany and Eastern Europe. Exploring an underground bunker left by the regime near Krakow, Poland, you uncover the dangerous secrets lurking within, twenty years after the deadly blasts.
Planet Coaster: Console Edition
Release date: Holiday 2020
Theme park planning is usually the domain of PC players, but this holiday, Planet Coaster is getting a console release on both PS5 and Xbox Series X. We’ve seen how the controls will be adapted, but expect the full run of content to be included.
Pragmata
Release date: 2022
Pragmata? I hardly know her! Okay, that was a terrible joke, but we really don’t know too much about this strange sci-fi game. Watch the strange CGI reveal above and you can be as confused as us.
Psychonauts 2
Release date: 2021
Double Fine’s long, long, and even longer awaited mind-diving sequel is finally coming next year, bringing its quirky humor and platforming to the Series X.
Rainbow Six Quarantine
Release date: 2020/2021
We still know very little about Rainbow Six Siege’s co-op shooter spin-off. Its release is listed as 2020, but with actual countries undergoing quarantine this year, we could see it pushed to next year. Either way, it will be coming to next-gen consoles as well.
Rainbow Six Siege
Release date: On launch
Siege has built up such as dedicated community since its 2015 launch, and Ubisoft are keen to carry that over to next-gen. The plan is to have the online shooter available on the launch of new consoles. Don’t expect any changes, however, as Ubisoft wants to support cross-gen play.
Recompile
Release date: 2020
A platforming and hacking game in which you play as a sentient virus. When we say hacking, it turns out a virus does that through third person action combat and shooting, who would have guessed?
Resident Evil: Village
Release date: 2021
Resident Evil series stalwart Chris Redfield is looking a mite sinister in this continuation of the first-person mainline series. Resi 7’s Ethan Winters is the returning protagonist, this time heading to a snowy european village that appears to have a werewolf problem.
Scarlet Nexus
Release date: December 31, 2020
Anime gaming fans have for something to look forward to on next-gen consoles thanks to Bandai Namco’s Scarlet Nexus. Weird alien creatures are invading a city, and only you have the power to fight back using psychokinesis powers. Action combat involves hurling stuff around and slicing enemies up with a sword.
Scorn
Release Date: TBA
Perhaps the most NSFW title confirmed for the Xbox Series X so far, Scorn is a horror shooter set in a horrific alien environment inspired by the art of H.R. Giger. It’s been in development on PC for quite some time now, but the news of a next-gen version offers up potential of all new levels of uncomfortable detail.
Second Extinction: Reclaim Earth
Release date: TBA
The Earth has been overrun by mutant dinosaurs. You’re going to take it back by shooting them in the face with two friends. You don’t really need to know much more than that about this co-op FPS.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
Release date: TBA
One of the biggest exclusives snagged by Microsoft, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 continues the story laid out by Ninja Theory in Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. The announcement trailer is unsettling, but it’s hard not to get pumped with that heavy beat.
Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One
Release date: 2021
The first of a planned narrative detection series by Frogwares. Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One puts you in a younger version of the esteemed detective, returning to his home following the death of his mother.
Stalker 2
Release date: 2021
It’s been 13 years since the original Stalker FPS let us explore Chernobyl’s irradiated and mutant-infested zone. If the trailer for the sequel is anything to go by, the anomalies and threats within have only grown more numerous and powerful.
State of Decay 3
Release date: TBA
State of Decay 2 wasn’t exactly a masterclass in execution, but it looks like Microsoft want to give the zombie survival series another shot on the Series X, though the game is reportedly in very early stages.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Release date: 2022
It's a long way off, but Rocksteady's next game in their Arkham Universe sees Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark taking on the mightiest superheroes about. It'll be a co-op title for up to four, with each character having unique movement mechanics and weaponry. Beyond that, we don't know much more just yet besides the fact that it's still a long way off.
Tell Me Why
Release date: 2020, episodic
The next game from Life Is Strange developer Dontnod follows two siblings Tyler and Alyson as they uncover the mystery of their special bond and come to terms with a challenging childhood.
TemTem
Release date: 2021
Lamenting the lack of Pokemon on non-Nintendo consoles? TemTem is looking to fix that mistake, delivering a colorful cartoon world of creatures to capture and do battle with. TemTem up!
Tetris Effect: Connected
Release date: On launch
Tetsuya Mizuguchi’s musical take on one of the oldest and greatest video games is being updated and given its first Xbox release this year. The new version includes a fresh multiplayer mode which sees separate tetris screens joining up into a larger chunk. We’re all connected, after all.
The Ascent
Release date: 2020 - expected on launch
Cyberpunk is the hot theme in gaming right now, and The Ascent has bought plenty of shares. The mighty Ascent Group megacorporation has just collapsed, leaving the world in an unstable and volatile state. Work as a team in this co-op action RPG to survive in a ruthless world.
The Gunk
Release date: September 2021
The team behind the SteamWorld games has a new title in the works exclusively for Xbox platforms. Exploring an alien planet, you’ll save it from a toxic cunk that appears to be spreading and suffocating all life.
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum
Release date: 2021
Gollum is one of the most memorable characters from The Lord of the Rings, meaning it’s a surprise it took so long to get a game from his perspective. What we’ve been told so far is that it’s a stealth-heavy action-adventure based on Smeagol’s time as a ringbearer, before he lost it to those pesky hobbits.
The Medium
Release date: Holiday 2020
Another anticipated horror title from the developers of Layers of Fear and Observer, the Medium splits the world into two different realities. According to developer Bloober Team, The Medium won’t feature any traditional weaponry, which could make protagonist Marianne’s tale quite challenging indeed.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
Release date: 2021
Explore a sultry and often bloody hidden underworld of vampires in Seattle. Attempting to rise through the ranks of various factions, you’ll develop your own abilities, while shifting the balance of power within the city in this first-person RPG.
Warframe
Release date: TBA
Digital Extremes’ sci-fi shooter Warframe will also continue its life on the next generation of consoles, though an official release window has yet to be confirmed.
Warhammer 40K: Darktide
Release date: 2021
The team behind Vermintide is shifting lanes to the far future variant of Warhammer. A four-player co-op shooter, it follows a squad of inquisitorial troops as they investigate an infested nest and shoot all the horrible things contained within.
Watch Dogs Legion
Release date: October 29 for current gen, on launch for next
Set in a dystopian, post-Brexit concept of Britain, Watch Dogs Legion will let you attempt to recruit pretty much anyone off the streets to help your hacker collective. The premise sounds pretty serious, but in reality this is a game in which you can hire a pensioner-age lady to tase guards repeatedly in the face. Cracking stuff.
WRC 9
Release date: September for current gen, on launch for next-gen
The World Rally Championship will take players to exciting racing locales such as New Zealand and Japan this time, and includes all the rounds of the real-world’s 2020 event. It’s arriving first on current gen, but will be available on next-gen platforms as well.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Release date: On launch
A Yakuza title on Xbox? Yep, really. Like A Dragon already release on PS5 in Japan, but for Western markets it’s getting a timed release on Xbox Series X. The plot follows a gangster who takes the fall for his boss, only to realize he’s been betrayed once he finally gets back out. Expect plenty of the usual Yakuza silliness.
All Xbox Series X exclusives
© Fatshark
Due to Smart Delivery, the world of exclusives has become a muddier place. We’ve chosen to include any titles that are exclusive to Xbox platforms (including PC) below, with a note to highlight if they’re a purely next-gen release or on Xbox One as well.
- As Dusk Falls (also on Xbox One and PC)
- Avowed (likely to be Series X and PC exclusive)
- Bright Memory Infinite (also on Xbox One)
- Call of the Sea (also on Xbox One)
- Crossfire X (also on Xbox One)
- Echo Generation (also on Xbox One)
- Everwild (likely also on PC)
- Fable (likely also on PC)
- Martha Is Dead (also on PC)
- Scorn (also on PC)
- Second Extinction: Reclaim Earth (also on PC)
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (also on PC)
- Stalker 2 (also on PC)
- State of Decay 3 (also on PC)
- Tetris Effect: Connected (also on Xbox One and PC)
- The Ascent (also on Xbox One and PC)
- The Gunk (also on Xbox One and PC)
- Warhammer 40K: Darktide (also on PC)
And that’s it! All the Xbox Series X games that we know of so far. There are plenty of titles, but almost all of them are cross platform or cross generation. With Halo Infinite pushed back, it’ll be interesting to see if Microsoft’s new machine has the appeal to pull in purchasers, or most will stick with their Xbox Ones instead. Head over to our Xbox Series X hub by clicking here to keep yourself up to date with all the biggest information regarding Microsoft's next-gen consoles.
