2023 was a year packed with absolute bangers, and 2024 looks to be on the same course. Almost everybody’s backlog is filled with critically acclaimed games that we just haven’t been able to get to thanks to the cluttered release schedule. If you’re someone who plays on multiple platforms, then you’re bound to be juggling between a bunch of games. So, we’ve decided to help you decide which games you should play next.
If you have another console, be sure to check out our best game guides for thePlayStation 5and theNintendo Switch. We’ll keep updating this list to keep you up to date with the newest Xbox Series X|S hits every month. Of course, some games are so good that they might stay on the list for a number of months.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II
WHERE TO PLAY
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 again sees you battling for the Emperor, against armies of Tyranid aliens. You must fight to ensure the Imperium’s survival in the face of extinction.
The Tyranid horde needs culling, and who better to do so than Captain Titus? With customisable armour, multiple classes, and stunning visuals, you’ll slash stom and shoot your way through waves of enemies in the name of the Emperor.
Age of Mythology: Retold
The beloved real time strategy game that’s blessed by the gods has seen a second coming. Age of Mythology: Retold rolls back the years, giving you command over mythological monsters and beings, depending on which god you show reverence for.
Age of Mythology Retold brings back the gods, monsters, and humans in a remastered format. It’s just as you remember, but with a lot more polish and quality of life features. Pray to the gods, and they’ll destroy your enemies!
Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws follows Kay Vess as she bids to out manoeuver the galaxy’s deadliest criminals. An open-world action-adventure game from Ubisoft, it also features grand space battles and a deep story.
If you’re tired of playing Jedi, Star Wars: Outlaws takes you to the seedy underbelly of the galaxy. You play as smuggler Kay Vess, as she makes her way across Ubisoft’s take on an open-world Star Wars game. You’ll see some familiar faces along the way, who may or may not choose to help you.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Shadow of the Erdtree is the first and only DLC expansion for FromSoftware’s groundbreaking Elden Ring. It takes players to a whole new region, the Land of Shadow, where a new story awaits the Tarnished.
Elden Ring is considered one of the best games of all time, so it’s no surprise that Shadow of the Erdtree is considered one of the best DLCs of all time. It has even overtaken The Witcher 3’s Blood and Wine DLC in terms of critical appreciation.
Besides the new region, the game also adds a new leveling system, radically different boss fights, and new weapons galore. It also boasts the hardest boss fight in the game - the return of a certain fan-favourite.
The First Descendant
The First Descendant is a next-generation third-person co-op action RPG looter shooter featuring high-quality graphics created in Unreal Engine 5.Players become a Descendant whose mission is to combat alien invaders – The Vulgus who crossed dimensions over 100 years ago and brought with them the devastating Colossi and destruction – for the survival of humanity and to protect Albion and the continent of Ingris. Players will encounter spectacular stories of forces fighting over the Iron Heart as they grow stronger through various missions and raids.Encounter features that make The First Descendant’s gameplay unique: a variety of characters with unique concepts and combat styles, massive boss battles with up to four player co-op, free movement and coordinated action with grappling hooks, a variety of weapons and compelling customization options.
The First Descendant is a free-to-play third-person shooter. It evidently takes a lot of inspiration from the Destiny series, but carves a path of its own. Up to four players will have to work together to defeat hordes of enemies using a plethora of weapons and various abilities. If looting gear is something you love doing, then this game may scratch that itch.
No victory without sacrifice
Senua returns for another adventure, where she must battle tyranny to save others. This visually stunning adventure game showcases the capabilities of the Xbox while delivering a gripping narrative.
Senua continues her story, but this time she’s not just fighting for herself. Set out to liberate others from under tyrannical oppression, she must conquer her own demons before helping others. The sequel follows in the footsteps of the original, in terms of breaking the barriers of visual fidelity.
Lights out, and here we go!
The world of F1 has undergone a major upheaval, with big names changing teams, and trouble in paradise for Red Bull. The latest installment of the driving sim is sure to deliver some high octane races, as well as some imrovements from the last installment.
F1 24 builds on the systems that were introduced in the previous game, giving you more options and more control of your car and team. The events of the off-season have turned the sport on its head, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy doing the same in the game too.
But you’ll be fighting more than just dragons
Capcom’s highly anticipated RPG is finally out, and it’s everything that fans have been wanting. From intricate RPG mechanics, to a detailed and vibrant open world, and memorable Pawn interactions, the sequel is everything that it was hoped to be.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 introduces a great open world that allows you to traverse it in whatever way you please. The combat hits that sweet spot between Soulslike and hack-and-slash - perfect for if you want a challenge without the daunting difficulty.
Your new best Pal
Palworld shot up in popularity because of the “Pokemon with guns” angle, but it’s so much more than that. Besides the combat and capturing, it has a deep crafting, mining and building system, which has appealed to fans of the survival genre. It has smashed Steam player count numbers in a matter of days.
Palworld is one of the most popular game of 2024, and maybe that’s down to the “Pokemon with guns” claim. However, the numbers keep growing, and players have been singing praises about how fun the survival mechanics are.
The Heat is on
Tekken 8 is the next-gen installment of the iconic fighting game series. Besides the visual upgrade, the game also introduces new modes and a Heat mechanic that can turn a fight on its head.
Tekken 8 not only brings great fighting to the table, but also changes things up with the Heat mechanic. The game also builds up to a climactic face-off between Jin and Kazuya - one that fans have been waiting for a long time.
To infinity, and beyond!
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth continues the story of Ichiban Kasuga, in the ninth mainline entry in the series formerly known as Yakuza. It will once again feature turn-based combat, and takes our protagonist outside of Japan for the first time.
The series formerly known as Yakuza continues the story of new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga. It continues the turn-based combat from his previous game, and even takes him out of Japan. It features all the antics that we love about the Like a Dragon series, along with a compelling story.
It’s about time
The first big title of 2024, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown changes the formula of the series, making it a side-scrolling Metroidvania. With a new lead character, satisfying combat, and challenging platforming, the new title presents everything we loved about the PoP series and presents it in a whole new format.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is the long-awaited next title in the storied series. However, it moves away from the third person action-adventure game and presents itself in the format of a Metroidvania game. It still features everything we love about PoP, namely, great combat, platforming, and time-based abilities.
Worm your way across the land
Xbox owners rejoice! The 2023 Game of the Year was shadow-dropped for Xbox consoles at The Game Awards. Larian’s epic CRPG is the one game that you absolutely cannot miss this year, and it has finally made its way to the Series X and Series S.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is widely regarded as the best game of 2023. It was just crowned as the Game of the Year at The Game Awards, along with winning a whole bunch of other awards. Now that it has finally come to Xbox, there’s no reason for not playing it!
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – 3 Month Membership
If you own an Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is kind of a no-brainer. Not only do you get access to the latest big Microsoft Studios games, but also a large catalogue of games for your console, PC, and mobile. Also included in the subscription is EA Play and the Xbox Cloud Gaming beta.
Honestly, you’re missing out on one of the best reasons to own an Xbox Series X or S if you aren’t subscribing to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Getting the newest and biggest games on day-one is one thing, but the massive library of games you’ll have access to is a whole reason in itself. What’s more, EA Play’s inclusion makes the deal all the more enticing.
FAQ
Is Xbox Series S good for games?
The Xbox Series S is a great console. It often gets a rap for not being as powerful as the Series S, but if you’ve done your research and know your gaming habits,an Xbox Series S might be exactly what you need. For instance, if you’re someone who likes playing only farming sims or online shooters like Fortnite, a Series S will hold more value for you. Pair it with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and you have a great gaming setup. However, triple-A games that require a powerful GPUs and CPUs may struggle on the console.
Is Xbox Series S better than PS5?
The PS5 wins hands down in terms of performance and power. However, as mentioned above, the Xbox Series S is a great console for casual gamers, or those who only play a few games, like FIFA, Fortnite, or Call of Duty. you’re able to also try out more games thanks to Game Pass without spending $60 on the latest releases. But if big triple-A exclusives is what you’re after, the PlayStation 5 is the one to get.
Is GTA 5 on Xbox Game Pass?
Unfotrunately, GTA 5 is no longer available on Xbox Game Pass. It is still available to purchase on the PS, Xbox, PC, and even mobile via the Xbox Cloud Gaming beta.
