15 Must Play Xbox Series X | S Games of 2025

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In 2025, Xbox offered a fantastic range of games, from big exclusive titles and anticipated sequels to surprising indie successes and top-quality releases on the Series X. While the future of Xbox hardware has been debated, the quality and diversity of games available are undeniable. The lineup included something for everyone – immersive open-world RPGs, fast-paced action games, engaging survival builders, beautifully crafted remakes, and competitive first-person shooters.

It’s easy to get lost in all the new games coming out, but after looking at everything planned for 2025, we’ve picked the 15 best you shouldn’t miss.

The nominees for the best Xbox games of 2025 are:

The Outer Worlds 2

If you enjoyed the first Outer Worlds game, you’re going to love the sequel! The Outer Worlds 2 builds on everything that made the original so good, directly incorporating the unique setting into how the game plays. The Shrink Ray is a perfect example, along with a wide array of interesting weapons and gadgets. The quests are also more flexible now, offering you more choices and letting you truly shape your experience as you explore the troubled colony of Arcadia. Plus, with Xbox Game Pass, you don’t even need to pay full price, giving Xbox players a great advantage.

Keeper

If you’re looking for a unique and engaging game, check out Keeper. This indie title expertly combines base-building, mystery, and survival elements with clever design choices and enjoyable gameplay. It’s a beautiful game too, with a distinctive painted art style and immersive music that really draws you in. Even with so many big-name releases this year, Keeper remains incredibly captivating and keeps us coming back for more.

Battlefield 6

DICE has delivered a fantastic new Battlefield game – it’s the best one in years! This large-scale, team-based shooter brings back everything fans enjoyed in Battlefield 4, but with even better squad mechanics and well-designed maps that encourage teamwork. Combined with stunning graphics and smooth performance, Battlefield 6 truly marks a return to the series’ peak.

Clair Obscur: Expedition

Expedition is an impressive game that truly delivers on all fronts. It boasts a unique and beautiful art style, an engaging turn-based combat system that feels fresh, and a story with characters that will resonate with RPG enthusiasts. It expertly combines everything that makes a game memorable, and is a strong contender for numerous awards.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Wow, I’m still blown away by Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2! Seriously, it’s the best open-world RPG I’ve played in ages. The main story is incredible – it really raises the bar for how these things should be done – and I found myself getting totally lost in the side quests. You’re back as Henry, the relatable underdog just trying to make it in medieval Europe, and the way the game lets you live in that world is amazing. Everything feels connected, from learning to brew potions to forging weapons. It’s a really deep and responsive world, and honestly, it looks stunning – especially on my Xbox Series X. I can’t recommend it enough!

Ninja Gaiden 4

What’s great about Ninja Gaiden 4 is that it fully embraces its video game roots. It’s a fantastic return to the challenging, action-packed games of the early 2000s, and that’s exactly what fans wanted. The combat is incredibly smooth and fast-paced, and mastering the complex combo system is deeply satisfying. With a story that honors the series’ history and impressive graphics and performance, Ninja Gaiden 4 quickly became a favorite among players.

Atomfall

Despite a crowded year for role-playing games, a smaller release from the creators of Sniper Elite is surprisingly impressive. Atomfall combines solid shooting mechanics with addictive crafting and survival elements, making you want to collect everything you find. What really sets it apart, though, are the interesting stories told through the game’s world and a narrative that changes based on your choices, encouraging multiple playthroughs. If you’re a fan of Fallout, you should definitely check out Atomfall.

Elden Ring: Nightreign

While Nightreign might not be exactly what players who prefer solo experiences were expecting, it demonstrates FromSoftware’s ability to innovate beyond their traditional style. The game revisits the Lands Between in a significantly altered form, and its exciting new bosses combined with a quick-paced cooperative mode make it incredibly engaging.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins

If you’re new to the Musou series, this game is the perfect introduction. It’s a fresh take on the classic Three Kingdoms story, with improved gameplay and stunning cinematic presentation. Expect huge battles filled with hundreds of enemies, and you’ll be thrilled by the fully voiced characters and compelling storylines – it’s the best character development this series has ever offered.

Assassin’s Creed: Shadows

After a long wait, the series has finally brought us an Assassin’s Creed game set in feudal Japan. Players can experience classic AC stealth as the shinobi Naoe, or enjoy a more action-packed, brawler style of gameplay with the samurai Yasuke. This dual-protagonist approach adds depth to the story and delivers the most comprehensive gameplay the series has ever offered. However, the real highlight is the stunning setting: sixteenth-century Japan, brought to life with beautiful weather effects, a day/night cycle, and a variety of landscapes.

DOOM: The Dark Ages

id Software consistently finds new ways to make Doom gameplay exciting, and the latest installment is no exception. Doom: The Dark Ages equips the Doom Slayer with armor and a flail inspired by medieval times, adding a unique and intense twist to the classic demon-slaying action. With its heavy metal music and medieval-themed enemies, the game feels both innovative and true to the series’ roots.

Borderlands 4

While Borderlands 4 doesn’t stray far from what fans love, it significantly improves the core gameplay experience. The biggest change is a much-improved loot system – items drop at fairer rates, and a new icon for legendary gear makes sorting through your collection much easier. Combat is still incredibly satisfying, and with its largest open world to date, Borderlands 4 is shaping up to be the best looter-shooter of 2025.

Black Myth: Wukong

Xbox gamers can now experience what many are calling the best game of 2024. Game Science successfully captured the spirit of popular action games like those from FromSoftware, but created something completely its own. The game features stunning animations, especially during the main character’s transformations and when using special abilities, and takes place in a beautifully realized world. Challenging boss battles are incredibly engaging, and the game’s level design is streamlined and avoids feeling padded or repetitive, making every moment count.

Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 is the latest popular game of 2024 to come to Xbox, and it’s a fantastic experience. The game runs smoothly with reliable servers, and regular updates consistently add new content and challenges. It’s a hilarious, chaotic, and incredibly replayable squad-based game. If you’re an Xbox gamer, now is a great time to give it a try.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

It was a wonderful surprise when Bethesda released a revamped version of a classic game back in April. What’s great is that it stays true to the original while still looking amazing on today’s computers and consoles. Some longtime players might prefer the older visual style, but the updated lighting and textures are technically impressive. Improvements like a sprint button and new combat moves make this the perfect way to play Oblivion. Plus, it’s affordably priced and includes all the extra content that was ever released.

And the Best Xbox Game of 2025 Goes to:

Clair Obscur: Expedition

Expedition is a game designed for players who appreciate artistry and engaging gameplay. It features a powerful, emotional story and a combat system that’s both challenging and easy to pick up, keeping you invested throughout. It’s a truly complete gaming experience, and it confidently embraces its unique style. The enemies, in particular, are incredibly original – you won’t find creatures like these in most other role-playing games.

Okay, so the ideas of destiny and making tough choices aren’t exactly new, but honestly, the way this game does them feels totally fresh – like a timeless story told in a completely new way. I really think only a video game could pull off this amazing mix of beautiful visuals, action that demands perfect timing, and a story that truly hits you. That’s why Expedition is easily my favorite Xbox game of 2025. It just works perfectly on every level, and it has a really unique personality that sets it apart.

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2026-01-02 22:43