16 Best Single Player Games On the Xbox Series X | S – 2024 Edition

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must say that this list of games is truly a treasure trove for any gaming enthusiast! From the breathtaking visuals and immersive storytelling of A Plague Tale Requiem to the witty banter and party-based gameplay in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, there’s something here for everyone.

On the Xbox Series X/S, you’ll find an abundance of outstanding single-player titles, whether they’re console exclusives or skillfully optimized third-party releases. A large portion of the platform’s exclusive offerings boast groundbreaking single-player campaigns, with Stalker 2, Hellblade II, and Halo Infinite standing out as prominent examples. Microsoft’s backward compatibility and openness to multi-platform games provide players with a variety of choices when it comes to immersive solo experiences. Thus, here are 16 exceptional single-player games available on the Xbox Series X/S.

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl

As a hardcore gamer, I can’t contain my excitement for the revival of the beloved Stalker series, exclusively available on Xbox and PC. Let me tell you, this game is visually stunning, showcasing some of the most breathtaking graphics on the Xbox Series X yet! But what truly sets it apart is the captivating risk/reward system in the Exclusion Zone, which has proven to be one of the year’s most thrilling surprises. Stalker 2 never ceases to feel unpredictable and authentic, offering a unique gaming experience that I simply can’t get enough of. With its intense survival horror atmosphere and scenarios set within the Exclusion Zone, Stalker 2 is easily one of the top contenders for the best Xbox games this year, if not one of the best overall.

Like A Dragon Infinite Wealth

The introduction of turn-based combat by the Yakuza gang stirred up conversations among fans about the series’ future, but it’s clear that the Like A Dragon spin-off has found its niche and delivers an experience on par with conventional brawling games. Infinite Wealth stands out as a remarkable addition, offering an impressive collection of minigames and side activities in a breathtaking location outside Japan for the first time in the series. The portrayal of Hawaii is captivating, and the game manages to keep things light-hearted and entertaining throughout with the ‘Dondoko Island’ minigame, which mimics the creativity found in Animal Crossing when it comes to customizing the island.

Lies of P

Games similar to Souls often incorporate a multiplayer element, either through player versus player (PVP) or summons for assistance. However, Lies of P has abandoned the multiplayer aspect altogether, concentrating solely on an immersive and captivating single-player adventure. It’s understandable that some players might miss the multiplayer, yet many are astonished by the quality of a game labeled as ‘Pinocchio’s Souls’.

Hi-Fi Rush

2023 saw Hi-Fi Rush sweep up all artistic direction awards it was nominated for, and rightly so. The game’s cell-shaded visuals truly shine, while its comic book aesthetic elevates it to a quality on par with Pixar productions. Often hailed as the spiritual successor to Jet Set Radio, Hi-Fi Rush surpasses such high standards due to its flawlessly polished platforming and combat mechanics, offering an experience that many players find hard to resist. For those yearning for the fast-paced arcade action reminiscent of games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater or Sunset Overdrive, Hi-Fi Rush delivers in spades, and it also boasts a surprisingly engaging narrative. One unique feature of this game is the way it synchronizes character and environmental movement with its catchy soundtrack’s rhythm, making for an immersive gaming experience.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

Hellblade II, the highly anticipated sequel to Ninja Theory’s 2017 hit, showcases one of the most impressive technical feats for this generation of consoles. Building upon the fantastical portrayal of 9^th Century Iceland from the original, Hellblade II introduces larger towns and expansive areas for exploration. The breathtaking vistas and dynamic weather systems in this game are further accentuated, offering a more immersive experience than its predecessor. If you appreciate narrative-driven games with a shorter playtime, Hellblade II‘s deep storyline and exceptional presentation is not to be missed.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

For an immersive gaming experience offering countless hours of captivating single-player action, you won’t steer wrong with Elden Ring. Its standalone DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, breaks the mold of typical expansion packs by introducing an enormous new zone and a volume of content that rivals numerous full games. Shadow of the Erdtree harks back to the golden era of substantial video game expansions like The Elder Scrolls IV’s The Shivering Isles or Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm, but it packs a punch with its unyielding difficulty level, so brace yourself and utilize the abundant side content from the main game before embarking, unless you crave a formidable challenge.

Cyberpunk 2077: The Phantom Liberty

For my money, The Phantom Liberty DLC for Cyberpunk 2077 was one of the best values of last year. The new Dogtown district is an absolute blast to explore with its dense verticality and impressive interior locations. Phantom Liberty’s main story is also fantastic, featuring a fascinating cast of sleeper agents calling V in to do some incredibly high-stakes espionage work. The expansion even threw in some survival horror sequences inspired by the tight corridor gameplay of Alien Isolation to cap off the experience.

Alan Wake 2

In the year 2023, another gripping survival horror game titled “Alan Wake 2” will be released, offering an enthralling experience for fans of special agents and chilling horror scenarios. If you’re seeking a fresh perspective within the genre, don’t miss out on this masterpiece from Remedy Entertainment. This sequel emphasizes in-depth exploration and intriguing detective mechanics, rather than the fast-paced, sometimes cumbersome action found in its predecessor. Unlike the original game, where Alan Wake was the sole protagonist, “Alan Wake 2” allows players to control two characters concurrently as they navigate their harrowing journey through the game’s world. The signature flashlight remains essential for stunning enemies, but the gameplay dynamics have been expanded in this sequel.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

In a less common storytelling method, Dragon’s Dogma 2 weaves the player’s journey by blending the game’s dynamic systems and character decisions, creating an engaging narrative that feels naturally evolving. While some critics have pointed out the simplicity of the characters, this basic design also offers flexibility to the Pawn system in terms of class options and personalities.

Gears 5: Hivebusters

The standalone expansion, Hivebusters, was a significant addition to Gears 5, allowing players to step into the roles of the Scorpio Squad trio. This expansion, which has flown under the radar, deserves more attention given its outstanding pacing and enhanced squad dialogue compared to the original game. Despite being relatively brief, the fast-paced and exhilarating action makes it a must-play for those seeking a more intense experience or who didn’t connect with the main game’s characters. Essentially, Hivebusters stands out as the best part of Gears 5.

Tunic

The game, titled “Tunic“, is notable for its clever fusion of exploration reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda series and the intense combat found in Souls-like games. As soon as I stumbled upon my initial guide fragment within the expansive overworld, I knew I was in for a distinctly original journey. For those who recall the era of gaming in the 90s, the necessity to leaf through physical strategy guides for ancient game solutions will resonate. However, Tunic takes this ‘retro’ concept and integrates it into its core gameplay mechanics, leading players through its more complex and perplexing aspects via an in-game guide that is scattered across the game world as collectible fragments. With nail-biting boss battles and a world filled with hidden treasures and enjoyable dungeons, Tunic offers a single-player experience you wouldn’t want to overlook.

Halo Infinite

343 Industries have struck gold with the game Halo Infinite, which is hailed as the most innovative and technically superb in the entire 343 Halo series from a gaming perspective. The addition of the Grappleshot enables the required agility and excitement for an open-world shooter, making it perfect for traversal. Although there are some empty areas on the map of Halo Infinite, the abundance of vehicles and weapons makes up for this. Furthermore, the campaign is quite extensive, taking approximately 25 hours to finish. If you’ve hesitated about Halo Infinite due to the multiplayer criticism, rest assured that its campaign offers plenty to enjoy, such as exhilarating boss battles, an open-ended sandbox, or a nostalgic trip back to the classic Halo experience.

Baldur’s Gate 3

“Baldur’s Gate 3” stands as the ultimate Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) video game experience. Created by Larian Studios, it boasts numerous play styles, from its 46 adaptable character subclasses to its tactical and dynamic turn-based battles. The extensive narrative and diverse situations within “Baldur’s Gate 3” promise countless hours of immersion, with much left unexplored even after hundreds of hours of gameplay.

A Plague Tale Requiem

In the breathtaking beauty of A Plague Tale: Requiem on Xbox Series X, the Black Plague has never been more captivating. The game’s stunning landscapes and impeccable attention to detail are truly remarkable, with the expansion of location sizes from the original game adding to this wonder. Among the visual spectacles, the colossal swarms of rats, up to 300,000 at a time, are particularly noteworthy. These Bubonic plague carriers serve not just as awe-inspiring sights, but also as tools for overcoming enemies or solving puzzles. The game’s narrative and tightly woven stealth/action gameplay make A Plague Tale: Requiem a standout title on our list.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy

The game Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy often has elements reminiscent of an RPG, with its numerous dialogue options and team-oriented gameplay. Even though some players tired of conventional dialogues might find the constant camaraderie among the Guardians a bit too much, the banter between them still creates a lively and unified group dynamic. The game’s ‘Call-to-action’ and ‘Team Huddle’ group attacks are particularly thrilling additions. This Eidos Montreal creation is arguably one of their finest to date and provides an excellent portrayal of Guardians of the Galaxy in video game format. It caters exceptionally well to single-player gamers who appreciate party-style combat, dialogue exchanges, without needing actual co-op partners.

INDIANA JONES AND THE GREAT CIRCLE

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to say that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle from MachineGames is hands down their finest work, and that’s no small feat considering their past projects like Wolfenstein. This game offers organic exploration and top-notch level design, serving up over-the-top action alongside some brilliant stealth elements.

2024-12-24 09:41