4 Xbox Games That May Skip the PS5 in 2026

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The practice of keeping games exclusive to one platform feels less and less relevant these days. Microsoft has shown it’s willing to be more open, releasing games that were once only available on their systems to other platforms. This led many gamers to believe Xbox games would eventually be commonly available on PlayStation, but the situation has proven to be more complex than that.

Even though Xbox is changing how it shares games, not all of them are available on other platforms. Some games come to PlayStation much later, others stay exclusive to Xbox forever, and there’s still confusion about a few titles. As we get closer to 2026, several big Xbox games are causing uncertainty about when – or if – PlayStation 5 owners will be able to play them.

4) Clockwork Revolution

Clockwork Revolution is looking like a standout RPG for Xbox. Created by inXile Entertainment, the game combines a steampunk style with the ability to control time and make impactful choices. The first look at the game revealed a beautifully crafted world where your decisions can dramatically change the story, the people around you, and even the city itself. Many are comparing it to a spiritual successor to BioShock Infinite, and anticipation for its release is incredibly high.

With its unique and complex design, Clockwork Revolution feels like a natural fit for Xbox and its games lineup. Microsoft has been actively looking for innovative, gameplay-focused RPGs like this to feature on Game Pass and strengthen its gaming platform. This makes a release on PlayStation 5 less likely, although rumors about a PS5 version have appeared, Microsoft hasn’t officially confirmed anything.

While Clockwork Revolution might eventually come to PlayStation, past releases suggest it likely won’t be available at the same time as on Xbox. Games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and South of Midnight launched on different schedules for each platform, and other Xbox RPGs, such as Avowed, have remained exclusive for an extended period. Considering its size and importance to Microsoft’s RPG plans, Clockwork Revolution could very well follow this trend and stay exclusive for a while.

3) Forza Horizon 6

The Forza Horizon games are now among Xbox’s most consistently popular titles. Developer Playground Games has perfected the open-world racing experience with each new installment, making it easy to pick up and play while still offering plenty of detail for experienced racers. Forza Horizon 5 was a huge hit, attracting many players through the Game Pass subscription service and demonstrating the power of Xbox consoles. It also proved popular with PlayStation 5 owners after being released on that platform.

Most people anticipate that Forza Horizon 6, likely releasing in 2026, will continue the success of the series. Its launch could coincide with new Xbox consoles or significant platform improvements, making it a key exclusive title for Microsoft. Racing games generally help sell consoles, and Forza Horizon is a particularly popular and valuable brand for Xbox. Although some players hope to see the game on PS5, there’s currently no official word that Forza Horizon 6 will be available on that platform.

The Forza series is a major franchise, like Gran Turismo on PlayStation. However, getting the rights to use real cars, music, and brands makes it difficult to release Forza games on multiple platforms. Even if Microsoft wanted to bring Forza Horizon 6 to PlayStation 5, these licensing issues could significantly delay or even cancel the project. PlayStation fans shouldn’t expect it to happen anytime soon.

2) Fable

The name Fable carries a lot of history for Xbox fans. This new version isn’t just another role-playing game; it’s a full-on attempt to bring back a hugely popular series from the early days of Xbox and Xbox 360. Microsoft knows expectations are incredibly high, and that’s because Fable is seen as key to Xbox’s future. It’s an opportunity to prove themselves again in single-player RPGs and regain the trust of fans after a long wait.

Releasing Fable only on Xbox would clearly show how dedicated Microsoft is to its loyal players. No previous Fable game has ever been on PlayStation, and although there’s talk of a possible PlayStation 5 release, it hasn’t been officially announced. Even if it does happen, it will likely be much later. Microsoft has demonstrated a willingness to wait a significant amount of time before bringing games to other platforms, making Xbox the first and best place to play.

The fact that Avowed isn’t yet available on PlayStation 5 is significant. If Microsoft truly intended to release all major games simultaneously on both Xbox and PlayStation, Avowed would probably be out now. Considering how similar Avowed and Fable are, this suggests Fable might stay exclusive to Xbox for a longer time than people are predicting. However, with Fable‘s repeated delays, it’s also possible Microsoft is planning a large-scale launch, potentially releasing it on multiple platforms all at once.

1) Gears of War: E-Day

Gears of War: E-Day brings players back to the beginning of the beloved Gears of War series. The game focuses on the initial days of the Locust War, striving to recreate the intense fear, struggle, and close-quarters combat that made the original so impactful. This isn’t just another continuation of the story; it’s a return to what originally defined the Xbox experience. Gears of War has always been closely tied to the Xbox brand, and E-Day strongly emphasizes that relationship, making an exclusive release a natural fit.

Although there’s been talk about a PlayStation 5 version, Gears of War has always been exclusive to Xbox and closely linked to Microsoft’s history. Releasing it on PlayStation could weaken that connection as Xbox tries to build up its key games. Surprisingly, Gears of War: Reloaded broke that pattern and brought the series to PS5. This, along with the news that another classic, Halo: Campaigned Evolved, is also heading to PS5, suggests that E-Day might be available on PlayStation 5 from launch.

Even if Microsoft does allow the game on other platforms eventually, when it’s released is crucial. If the PlayStation 5 version comes out late, Xbox players will get to play it first, which would highlight the benefits of owning an Xbox. Considering how Microsoft handled their recent titles, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and South of Midnight, this seems more and more probable. Microsoft is becoming more willing to release games on multiple platforms, but they still use exclusive releases as a key strategy. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if one of their biggest games stayed exclusive to Xbox, at least initially.

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2026-01-03 18:16