After a long wait, the Xbox Series X and Series S are finally here! Both are backwards compatible with a huge catalog of games, but if you really want the next generation experience, you need to pick some of the best Xbox Series X games out there.
There aren’t too many pure next-gen versions at launch, but there are plenty of cross-gen games that update automatically when you pick up the new consoles. We went through both of them to put together this list of the best Xbox Series X games to buy for your brand new console. At the end we also listed some upcoming Xbox Series X games that we can look forward to in the months ahead.
Best Xbox Series X Games
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Ubisoft’s latest entry in the long-running Assassin’s Creed franchise features Aktion North and focuses on a Norwegian Viking named Eivor who can be male or female depending on your choice. Like Origins and Odyssey, it takes place in a huge open world that you can explore.
Although it’s available on Xbox One and PS4, hardware tweaks make this game one of the best Xbox Series X games to buy to launch. The loading times are considerably shorter and (dynamic) 4K 60fps are supported. Previous generation consoles can only handle 30 fps, so the Xbox Series X gameplay is buttery smooth by comparison.
Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War
Recognition: Treyarch / Raven / Activision
Call of Duty is a no-introduction series, and the 2020 version builds on its strength. A direct sequel to the first Black Ops, released in 2010, it puts you in the shoes of CIA officer Russell Adler chasing a Soviet spy during the Cold War.
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The campaign is well worth the price of entry, but as always, it’s all about multiplayer. There’s the return of 6v6 and 12v12 game modes from previous entries, as well as a new 40-player mode and exceptional customizations. You can also play this game on Xbox One and PS3. But if you need 120 fps and ray tracing, you need an Xbox Series X.
The devil can cry 5
Devil May Cry 5 caused a sensation when it was released in 2018 and won multiple awards for its unique design and gameplay. Now Capcom is releasing it again for the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 with improved graphics, 3D sound and an additional playable character in Virgil.
The real reason DMC 5 is one of the best Xbox Series X games is because it’s one of the few that supports ray tracing. You have the freedom to choose between high frame rates (up to 120 fps), smooth 60 fps with ray tracing at 1080p or 4K 30fps with full resolution and ray tracing. Whichever one you choose, you’ll need to hone your skills to master the new incredibly difficult Legendary Dark Knight mode. The game will ship on December 1st, but you can pre-order it from the link below.
Dirt 5
For racing fans, Dirt 5 is an Xbox Series X must-have. Like Codemasters’ other rally games, it focuses on off-road racing with modes for rallycross, buggies, ice racing, and more. There is an extensive single player career mode as well
Dirt 5 is part of Microsoft’s Smart Delivery program. Whichever version you buy, you will get the best experience possible. For the X series, this includes various graphic settings for 4K / 60, 4K / 30 or 1440p / 120.
Halo: Master Chief Collection
Halo: Infinite may be a way out, but with the Halo: Master Chief Collection you can achieve the next best thing. The PC version made waves last year, but the upcoming Xbox Series X version brings new features to the console version, such as high frame rates, 4K support, and even field of view controls.
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The collection includes Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo: Reach, and Halo 4. Each game, including the one released almost two decades ago on the original Xbox, features graphical upgrades and new multiplayer upgrades -Modes to keep you busy until the next version of Halo. The Xbox Series X game is slated for release on November 17th. However, it’s free to anyone who has the Xbox One version. You can find these below.
Ori and the will of the wisps
The two Ori games are some of the best platformer you can buy and the updated Xbox Series X game is the best way to experience it. Ray tracing is not supported, but when you see the beautiful surroundings at 4K 120fps and HDR it will take your breath away.
If you already have the game, you can download the updated version for free. If you don’t, it’s included in Xbox Game Pass. If you’re looking to buy it, it is relatively cheap at less than $ 30.
Guard dogs: Legion
Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs: Legion was one of the most talked about launch titles for Xbox Series X (although it was released on previous generation consoles as well), and it lived up to the hype for the most part. It takes place in a futuristic London where an oppressive surveillance state has taken power after a series of terrorist attacks. Your hacking group DedSec has been framed and it’s up to you to recruit members and clear your name.
One of the most interesting things about the game is that you can recruit and play just about anyone in the game. Your favorite characters can also die if you activate Permadeath. So you have to be careful and creative if you want them to survive to the end.
Yakuza: Like a dragon
Yes, the popular Yakuza series is coming to next generation consoles. Technically, it’s cross-gen, but the Xbox Series X version has improved graphics and dramatically faster load times.
Also read: The best accessories for Xbox Series X and Series S.
The unusual role-playing game has a wide variety of colorful characters and an interesting storyline that is different from anything you’ve played before. This includes previous Yakuza games as this messes up the tried and true formula. It’s a great start to the series for new fans, and thanks to Microsoft’s Smart Delivery program, you can get the best version available.
Upcoming Xbox Series X games
There are many more great Xbox Series X games to be released in the coming months, but here are just a few of the titles we look forward to.
- Immortals: Fenyx Rising – December 3rd, 2020
- Ubisoft has another open world action game that is coming to next generation consoles very soon, this time with a distinct fantasy spin. Think Assassin’s Creed Odyssey with a colorful setting (and cast) to explore.
- Hitman 3 – January 20, 2021
- The most popular barcode branded assassin is returning in early 2021, giving players even more opportunities to get creative about losing their brand.
- The Medium – January 28, 2021
- This upcoming Xbox Series X horror game could be the next generation of Silent Hill. It’s about a medium (surprise) that has visited and left the resort and has to puzzle together the terrible events of the past.
- Outriders – February 2, 2021
- Outriders is a science fiction co-op shooter from People Can Fly set in a dark, dystopian future. It takes place on the planet Enoch, where a mysterious storm of energy gave the inhabitants and colonists superpowers.
- The rise – 2021
- Another co-op shooter, top-down this time. It takes place in a cyberpunk future where humans and aliens live side by side. Not too many details are available on this area yet.
- Halo Infinite – 2021
- By far the most anticipated Xbox Series X game, the newest entry in the Halo series, was originally intended as a release title but has been postponed to 2021. It’s likely the Xbox Series X flagship, though it’s also available for PC and Xbox cloud games.
- Rainbow Six Quarantine – 2021
- Rainbow Six Siege turned out to be a huge hit, but Quarantine will take the series in a new direction. It is taking place a few years in the future that a dangerous alien parasite threatens to wipe out all of humanity.
- Resident Evil Village – 2021
- Resident Evil Village (essentially RE8) begins a few years later when Resident Evil 7 quits. The first-person perspective is back, but this time Ethan and Mia travel to a spooky European village after a chance encounter with Chris Redfield.
- Starfield – TBC
- While Elder Scrolls 6 is also in the works, Starfield is the Xbox Series X game we’re most excited about at Bethesda. Not much has been revealed about the new IP, but it’s a Bethesda RPG set in space. What more do you want