So you got your hands on an Xbox Series X? Congratulations! As you've probably noticed by now, the hardware allows for lightning fast gaming when compared to previous generations, and the Quick Resume feature that allows you to seamlessly change games is, well, a game-changer. While the feature set of the Xbox Series X is impressive (not to mention its stellar backward compatibility library), you probably want some games to play on that beast of a console.
The team at Game Informer worked together to compile a list of the 10 games we think are the best on Xbox Series X/S. As more games come out, we'll update this list with the latest releases that we feel deserve to crack the top 10.
Please note that while the list below contains 10 entries, we aren’t ranking them. If a game has made it this far (and managed to stay here), it’s a must-play, period. As such, we’ll be listing entries in reverse chronological order. Also, with future updates, you’ll find a rundown of previous entries at the bottom of the list. While those titles have gotten bumped over time, they are still all great games in their own right and worth exploring if you’re already caught up on the latest hits.
Here are Game Informer’s picks for the top 10 games on Xbox Series X/S:
Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite is a genuine love letter to what originally made Halo, as a series, the powerhouse franchise it is today. It did so while also breaking new ground for the sci-fi shooter. Opting to ditch the more linear structure of previous Halo campaigns, Halo Infinite presents players with a semi-open world set on the broken but lush ring known as the Zeta Halo. It’s filled with Forerunner secrets, collectibles, Banished outposts, and so much more. When you’re not exploring Zeta Halo, you’ll likely find yourself enthralled with the story missions set throughout the ring.
Featuring a more Halo: Combat Evolved-style of storytelling, if you’re a fan of the older games, something tells us you’re going to really enjoy what the Halo Infinite campaign has to offer. On top of that, Halo Infinite comes with a full multiplayer suite that’s entirely free-to-play, which means if you own an Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, or a PC, you can jump in right now. Complete with a unique battle pass system, nearly a dozen maps, punchy weapons you know and love, and some of the series’ best combat to date, Halo Infinite’s multiplayer is sure to have you saying “just one more match.” Halo Infinite isn’t just a great game – it’s the best Halo’s been in years. | Our Review
Forza Horizon 5
From the moment Playground Games’ latest semi-arcade, semi-simulator racer begins, Forza Horizon 5 shines. Its opening is a thrilling adrenaline-inducing experience that doesn’t let up, and the same can be said for much of the game that follows. Forza Horizon 5’s Mexico is stunningly beautiful, teetering on the line of “is this real life” regardless of where you’re racing, be it the Baja desert, a tropical jungle, or a sun-soaked beach. Add in hundreds of cars realized digitally in the same life-like manner, and you’ve got a racer filled with dozens, if not hundreds, of hours of exciting gameplay. It’s a perfect showcase for the Xbox Series X/S generation of consoles, but it’s a fun time on Xbox One as well. | Our Review
Psychonauts 2
Arriving 16 years after the original, Psychonauts 2 absolutely delivers on the promise of what a new entry in the series could be in 2021. Featuring all of the heart of the original with revamped gameplay that feels at home on modern Xbox consoles, Psychonauts 2 is one of the best Xbox games to play today. It highlights mental health in a way not often seen in gaming, turning fears, worries, and more into both enemies and fun levels, and it does so to a beautiful effect. Not only will its diverse cast of characters and lineup of stories pull on your heartstrings, but your eyes are in for a great time, too, thanks to Double Fine Productions’ stunning visuals. If you’re looking to boot up Psychonauts 2 but are wondering if you should play the first before that, you can play both with ease, thanks to Xbox Game Pass. | Our Review
Hades
Supergiant Games released Hades in 2018 as an early access title before it hit Xbox consoles this year, and you can tell Supergiant learned a lot during that time, as it shows in the final release. Today, Hades is a fantastic action game and one of the best titles available on Xbox. It charts new ground for the roguelite genre; proving games can tell meaningful narratives through the traditionally story-light format. It does so with a colorful cast of characters, great voice acting, a memorable score, and a beautiful art style that shines on Xbox consoles. If you’re looking for an enthralling romp through the hellish underworld or a game that’s easy to play in quick 20-minute bursts, you need to try Hades. | Our Review
Resident Evil Village
Following two remakes of classic Resident Evil games, the franchise is back and pushing forward with the changes made in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard in tow. Resident Evil Village continues the story of Ethan Winters as he tries to save his daughter from werewolves and vampires. The first-person gameplay, which debuted alongside Ethan in Resident Evil 7, feels better this time around. Village also expertly carries forward the tension you feel while being stalked by a powerful and ghastly creature, and the boss battles only bring the tension to new levels as you take on all manner of abhorrent beasts and baddies. | Our Review
It Takes Two
Hazelight Studios' debut effort, A Way Out, pioneered new ways to tell a narrative in the context of cooperative multiplayer gameplay, but the team truly perfected it with It Takes Two. The splitscreen co-op multiplayer game leverages its unique mechanics to provide fun and challenging puzzles, platforming sequences, and minigames as you work your way through several creative levels. It Takes Two isn't just one of the best co-op games of all time, it also features a heartfelt story that touches on themes you don't often come across in games. | Our Review
Hitman 3
The "World of Assassination" trilogy from IO Interactive came to a thrilling conclusion with 2021's Hitman 3. The latest game in the series not only provides players with an abundance of killer content, but also a ton of side activities, gameplay that rewards experimentation, and outstanding level design. On top of all that, if you own the last two Hitman games (or their content packs), you can import the levels from those games into Hitman 3 and play through the entire trilogy in one seamless experience. | Our Review
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's long-running Yakuza series bid a fond farewell to its protagonist Kiryu after seven mainline games. With Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the developer took a chance with Ichiban Kasuga, a loud, dorky, and well-intentioned protagonist that players immediately fell in love with. However, the changes didn't stop with the gold-hearted Kasuga. This also marked the series' transition to turn-based combat, which it transitioned to in seamless fashion. Despite these massive changes to the well-worn formula, Yakuza: Like a Dragon still feels decidedly at home when stacked alongside its predecessors thanks to the serious drama, the goofy side quests, and the nonstop action. | Our Review
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
The 2D platformer genre isn't what it used to be, but that hasn't stopped Moon Studios from releasing some of the greatest entries in the illustrious genre's recent history. Ori and the Will of the Wisps took everything the first, beloved game did and made it better. With a fantastic story, a breathtakingly gorgeous world, and gameplay that allows you to run, jump, and fight through any challenge thrown your way, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is an action-packed platformer that delivers on all fronts. | Our Review
Call of Duty: Warzone
Call of Duty has always garnered attention with its massive campaigns, intense competitive multiplayer, and tense zombie modes. Those hallmarks are still alive in Call of Duty: Vanguard, but it's the battle royale component of the Call of Duty franchise, Warzone, that is perhaps the biggest draw for players these days. Featuring amazing visuals, fantastic gunplay, and a ton of content delivered in a steady stream, Call of Duty fans have more than enough to keep them coming back for more. | Our Review
For more lists about the best games on other platforms, check out our lists of the top 10 games on PlayStation">https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/05/07/the-top-10-playstation-5-games"… 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch.
Previous Entries:
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla | https://www.gameinformer.com/review/assassins-creed-valhalla/assassins-…; target="_blank">Our Review
- Gears 5 | https://www.gameinformer.com/review/gears-5/gears-5-review-holding-the-…; target="_blank">Our Review
- Sea of Thieves |https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sea_of_thieves/b/xboxone/archive/201…; target="_blank">Our Review
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection | https://www.gameinformer.com/games/halo_master_chief_collection/b/xboxo…; target="_blank">Our Review
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