The Xbox Series X|S launched in November of 2020, and since then has seen a growing library of games available on the console - both from indies and triple-A studios, many of which are available on Xbox Game Pass.
If you're looking for the next great game to delve into, or if you've just grabbed an Xbox Series console and want some good picks to get started with, these are the best games you can play on the Xbox Series X|S.
10 Ori And The Will Of The Wisps
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As a sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest, Ori and the Will of the Wisps continued the simple-yet-gripping tale of Ori in this beautifully stunning Metroidvania. If you never played the original, then of course that is the go-to, but if you have, then the follow-up is perfect for fans that enjoyed the game.
A new adventure in a new land, and with a new friend, Ori and the Will of the Wisps will keep you enamored for the entire journey. A noteworthy game on the Xbox Series consoles that is easily a must-play, along with the original game before it.
9 Hi-Fi Rush
One that many may not have heard of, or at least seen it pop up on Game Pass and then never tried it, Hi-Fi Rush is an incredibly stylish and action-packed rhythm game that is worth playing. If you want to jump into something simple that'll keep you entertained for a while, you can't go wrong here - and, as mentioned, it launched on Game Pass too, so it's completely accessible if you are on the fence.
It stands out well amongst the many games available, and easily takes its place as one of the best games to play on Xbox Series X|S. One of the most memorable? Perhaps not. One of the most fun? Absolutely.
8 Psychonauts 2
The follow-up to the classic platformer on the original Xbox, Psychonauts 2 continues the adventures of Raz as he works as a Psychonaut, delving into people's minds and attempting to stop a conspiracy within the organization.
As a platformer that harkens back to the days of early 3D video games, Psychonauts 2 blends nostalgia with modern capabilities to create a worthwhile experience. Even if you haven't played the original (which is playable on Series X with Backwards Compatibility), this game is absolutely worth the time.
7 Sea Of Thieves
If you've ever felt the urge to leave landlubbing life behind and take to the seas, but you don't have the slightest bit of knowledge, funds, or realistic desire to actually do so... well, that's where Sea of Thieves comes in. Or, you know, if you just want to be a pirate for a bit.
Play solo, or with a crew of friends or strangers, and head out on your ship as you seek treasure and riches. Beware of other players though, as they might try to take your treasure. Or they might just attack you for fun. Either way, with ongoing content, Sea of Thieves is one of the best games to play on Xbox Series X|S, and one of the best multiplayer games on the console.
6 Immortality
An interesting game that varies from any other on this list, Immortality is an interactive movie video game. A movie star who was featured in three unreleased films goes missing, and you must investigate the case, with a unique take on found footage revealing the story as you piece it together.
Manipulate clips from the movies, TV shows, and interviews involving the star, and eventually, you'll begin to understand what's really going on. It's an impressive and entertaining mystery game you can get completely enveloped in, and definitely worth playing on Xbox Series X|S.
5 Microsoft Flight Simulator
This one can be fun for many reasons, but regardless, Microsoft Flight Simulator is a fantastic game. You might have a genuine interest in the piloting profession and wish to explore that; you might want to glide through the skies as you destress after a day at work; or, you may just want to find your own house before accidentally crashing into a bunch of structures around the world.
Using the globe and 3D maps as the game map, you can travel anywhere in the world via a selection of vehicles, large and small. Whether that's a helicopter over the skies of LA, or a Boeing going from one side of the world to the other, you have complete freedom - but it will challenge you to pay attention.
4 Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice sees us follow the journey of Senua, a young girl that suffers from Psychosis, as she travels realms of Norse Mythology and battles foes and gods in an attempt to revive her lost love.
To represent Senua's condition, you'll hear various voices throughout the course of the game, which is represented incredibly well to make you on edge and uncomfortable. Also, the more you die, the more Senua suffers from a physical affliction - die too many times, and the game will end. It can be a challenge, but is a fantastic look into love, loss, and how Senua deals with everything she has gone through and continues to go through.
3 Grounded
Many games will make you realize just how big the world is, but Grounded takes that a step further. In this survival game, you (and some friends) will play as kids who've been shrunk down to a minuscule size. Fend for yourself in a now colossal garden, all the while figuring out what happened and how to return to normal size.
While most survival games follow the same formula, the setting of Grounded makes for a unique experience. No chopping down trees and crafting elaborate log cabins; instead, chop down grass blades and build armor out of bug exoskeletons. Oh, and watch out for garden spiders.
2 Halo Infinite
Though it ended up coming quite a bit later than anticipated, Halo Infinite launched in 2021 - and fans loved it, considering the previous game had been met with less praise. The continued journey of Master Chief brought fans back to the classic campaigns they loved, while the multiplayer offered up a new platform for people to get competitive.
What made it even more popular was the fact that the multiplayer modes for Halo Infinite are free - paired with continued content updates, it meant players had a lot to get stuck into. While still not considered the peak of Halo, it is still one that people love, and will be a game waiting for anyone that picks up an Xbox Series X|S.
1 Forza Horizon 5
Without a doubt, Forza Horizon 5 is the game that needs to be installed on every Xbox Series console out there. While Forza Horizon 4's UK setting was a fresh and interesting location to race, the beautiful landscapes of Mexico make this entry a must-play.
Whether you're a huge fan of racing and cars, or if you don't really know anything about them and just want to zoom around some pretty locations while you shut off from the rest of the world, this game is an easy choice. With so much to explore, challenges to complete, DLC to play around with, and community-made content, this game will always have a place on Xbox Series X|S.