The Top 20 Xbox Series X Games You Can Play Right Now

These Xbox Series X games are some of the most well-known, loved and awarded titles. No need to worry — we won’t include abysmal titles like “The Lord of the Rings: Gollum” or “Redfall.” Here’s a spoiler-free list of our top picks for the Series X. 

1. Alan Wake 2

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: October 2023.

• Developer: Remedy Entertainment.

• Genre: Survival and psychological horror.

• Multiplayer: No.

Ask any reviewer about “Alan Wake 2,” and you’ll hear it’s one of the Xbox Series X games of all time. This much-anticipated sequel improves upon the original installment in every way. Beyond that, the pacing, mechanics and plot truly draw you in to an unbelievable degree.

2. Resident Evil 4 (Remake)

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: March 2023.

• Developer: Capcom.

• Genre: Survival horror.

• Multiplayer: No.

Naturally, the “Resident Evil 4” remake is one of the best Xbox Series X games because the original was so well-loved. Reviewers praised the quality-of-life improvements, updated graphics and intuitive controls.

3. Cyberpunk 2077

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: February 2022.

• Developer: CD Projekt Red.

• Genre: Action RPG.

• Multiplayer: No.

Although “Cyberpunk 2077” didn’t start as one of the greatest Xbox Series X games, its updates, DLC and new gameplay mechanics have redeemed it. Now, it is a shining example of what video games are meant to be.

4. Party Animals 

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: September 2023. 

• Developer: Recreate Games.

• Genre: Physics-based brawler. 

• Multiplayer: You can play single-player or online multiplayer. 

In “Party Animals,” you’re a fuzzy creature with a longing for lighthearted violence. It’s both fun and hilarious — you could easily sink hours into it without realizing it. 

5. Remnant 2

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: July 2023. 

• Developer: Gunfire Games. 

• Genre: Action RPG.

• Multiplayer: You can play single-player or online multiplayer. 

Truthfully, “Remnant 2” has to be one of the greatest Xbox Series X games of all time. After all, its replayability is unmatched — each procedurally-generated world offers dozens of hours of unique gameplay. You and your friends could play the same mission and never encounter the same world bosses, settings, NPCs or storylines.

6. Starfield

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: September 2023. 

• Developer: Bethesda Game Studios.

• Genre: Action RPG.

• Multiplayer: No.

Although reviews for “Starfield” are mixed, it’s still an impressive addition to the existing collection of Xbox Series X games. Looking past the infamous bugs and poor procedural generation, it provides gamers with an enthralling universe and exciting questlines.

7. Slime Rancher 2

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: September 2022.

• Developer: Monomi Park.

• Genre: Life simulation, adventure.

• Multiplayer: No.

“Slime Rancher 2” is a first-person slice-of-life game where you raise adorable slime creatures on a faraway, magical island. The visuals are stunning, the story is captivating and the gameplay is soothing — the perfect title for a cozy night in.

8. The Quarry

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: June 2022. 

• Developer: Supermassive Games. 

• Genre: Survival horror, interactive drama.

• Multiplayer: You can play single-player, local co-op or online multiplayer. 

If a video game is set in a summer camp, it has a 50% chance of being nightmare-inducing. “The Quarry” runs with this idea, resulting in a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled gaming session. Of course, its good qualities extend beyond the plot. For instance, reviewers applaud the game’s writing and say the quality is outstanding.

9. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition 

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: August 2023.

• Developer: Bethesda Game Studios. 

• Genre: Action-adventure RPG.

• Multiplayer: No.

Naturally, no Xbox Series X games list is complete without the addition of Skyrim, considering “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” was truly among the best Xbox 360 games ever released. The anniversary edition has better visuals and comes with all of the DLCs.

10. Dead Island 2

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: April 2023. 

• Developer: Deep Silver.

• Genre: Action RPG, hack-and-slash.

• Multiplayer: You can play single-player or online multiplayer. 

“Dead Island 2” is a fun, action-packed sequel. On Metacritic, users gave it a 7.6 out of 10 on the Xbox Series X, praising its style, humor and exploration. 

11. It Takes Two 

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: March 2021.

• Developer: Hazelight Studios.

• Genre: Action-adventure. 

• Multiplayer: You can play single-player, local co-op or online multiplayer.

“It Takes Two” is one of the best multiplayer Xbox Series X games. It’ll tug at your heartstrings and make you laugh within the same level while you explore a fun, miniature world full of fascinating interactions.

12. Elden Ring

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: February 2022. 

• Developer: FromSoftware.

• Genre: Action RPG.

• Multiplayer: You can play single-player or online multiplayer.  

In 2022, “Elden Ring” was one of the most beloved titles on consoles. The committed fanbase and stellar gameplay make it one of the best Xbox Series X games. Plus, it has a DLC on the horizon.

13. Dead Space (Remake)

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: January 2023.

• Developer: Motive Studio.

• Genre: Survival horror.

• Multiplayer: No.

The “Dead Space” remake proves 2023 was the year for resurrections of old, beloved titles. Reviewers at The Verge say its upgrades are so effective the original almost feels incomplete without them. 

14. Atomic Heart

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: February 2023.

• Developer: Mundfish.

• Genre: Action RPG.

• Multiplayer: No.

As Xbox Series X games go, “Atomic Heart” is very unique. Although it seems like a standard FPS, the NPCs and missions are anything but. This chrome-covered masterpiece may have the occasional bug, but it’s well worth the investment. 

15. Grounded

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: September 2022.

• Developer: Obsidian.

• Genre: Survival, adventure.

• Multiplayer: You can play single-player, local co-op or online multiplayer.

“Grounded” is another one of the best multiplayer Xbox Series X games you can own. After all, what other video game lets you build a three-story base with bug parts and blades of grass? It’s even had some impressive, content-packed updates over the years.

16. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: October 2023.

• Developer: Fatshark.

• Genre: Action, hack-and-slash.

• Multiplayer: You can play single-player or online multiplayer.

“Warhammer 40,000: Darktide” is one of the newer big-name titles to drop on the Xbox Series X. The first-person hack-and-slash gameplay is fresh, fun and daunting. Even if you aren’t familiar with the Warhammer universe, you can jump right into this game.

17. Stray

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: August 2023. 

• Developer: BlueTwelve Studio.

• Genre: Adventure.

• Multiplayer: No.

Although “Stray” used to be only on PC and the PlayStation, it was added to the extensive collection of Xbox Series X games in 2023. In this neon-soaked cyberpunk world, you play as an adorable orange cat — what more can you ask?

18. The Long Dark

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: 2017.

• Developer: Hinterland Studios.

• Genre: Survival RPG.

• Multiplayer: No.

In “The Long Dark,” electronics suddenly stop working and auroras appear at night — all while you’re stranded on a fictional Canadian island. The story mode has fantastic pacing, quality voice acting and an exceptional story. You can even play a permadeath survival mode to see how long you can last in the frozen wasteland.

This video game has a committed developer and a dedicated fanbase. Consequently, it became one of the optimized Xbox Series X games in 2023 and will receive content updates and DLC drops through 2024. 

19. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: June 2021.

• Developer: Respawn Entertainment.

• Genre: Action-adventure RPG.

• Multiplayer: No.

On Metacritic, “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order” got a 7.6 out of 10 from users. Critics rated it even higher, giving it a 79 out of 100. This game gives you lightsabers, force powers and interesting NPC relationships — you can’t really ask for much more. 

20. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (Complete Edition)

The game at a glance:

• Release Date: December 2022.

• Developer: CD Projekt Red. 

• Genre: Action-adventure RPG.

• Multiplayer: No.

The Complete Edition of “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” contains the base game and DLCs. It also comes with plenty of visual and technical enhancements for next-gen consoles, making it one of the best Xbox Series X games.

Only the Best Xbox Series X Games for Gamers

In recent years, Xbox users have been plagued by their fair share of low-quality titles. Fortunately,  Xbox Series X Games like the ones we listed are good enough to make up for all substandard titles.