Best Games to Play on Xbox Series X: Top Picks for 2025

Mason Greg

The Xbox Series X offers gamers an impressive array of titles that showcase the console’s powerful capabilities. From breathtaking graphics to engaging gameplay, this generation of gaming brings excitement to new heights. Players can explore numerous genres, finding something tailored to their interests and preferences.

Discovering the best games for Xbox Series X can elevate your gaming experience. With a blend of action-packed adventures, captivating role-playing games, and thrilling simulations, there’s never been a better time to dive into the world of gaming. Whether someone is a seasoned player or just starting out, the options available on this console cater to all levels and tastes.

1) The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a widely praised RPG available on the Xbox Series X. Players are drawn into a vast open world filled with stunning landscapes and detailed environments. The game has received updates improved for the new generation of consoles, offering improved graphics and performance.

Players step into the shoes of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter on a quest filled with intrigue and danger. With its deep storytelling and memorable characters, the game captures the attention of anyone who plays. Choices made by the player influence the story and its outcome, adding a layer of depth to the experience.

The Complete Edition of The Witcher 3 offers the base game and two large expansions: Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. These expansions add around 50 hours of extra gameplay, making the game even more expansive. Combat in Witcher 3 is a key part of the experience, with a variety of weapons, magic, and tactical options to explore.

2) Elden Ring

Elden Ring is a popular fantasy action RPG available on Xbox Series X. Crafted by FromSoftware, the game offers an open-world experience filled with adventure. Players navigate a vast realm created with input from George R.R. Martin. It’s a world rich in lore and mystery.

The game features challenging combat mechanics similar to Dark Souls. Players need to master timing and strategy to defeat various foes. The ability to explore freely is a key aspect, making it a favorite for those who enjoy open-ended gameplay.

Elden Ring stands out with its high-quality graphics, showcasing detailed environments and characters. It pushes the limits of the Xbox’s capabilities with enhanced lighting and effects. This makes for an immersive and visually stunning experience.

For those seeking similar games that are less difficult, the search suggests looking for other fantasy RPGs with open-world elements. These might offer a comparable experience with easier gameplay.

3) Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world game set in the dark future of Night City. Players take on the role of V, a mercenary with customizable abilities and a variety of playstyles. It offers an engaging storyline filled with missions and quests.

The game has been updated for Xbox Series X, bringing impressive visual enhancements. Ray tracing and dynamic 4K support make the city come alive. Faster load times and improved gameplay features enhance the player experience.

Cyberpunk 2077’s world is immersive, offering a mix of action and RPG elements. Players can explore bustling streets, interact with unique characters, and decide how the story unfolds through their choices.

4) Halo Infinite

Halo Infinite is a highlight for Xbox Series X players. It features a gripping campaign with Master Chief taking on The Banished. Players enjoy a mix of intense battles and rich storytelling, keeping fans engaged.

The game offers enhanced graphics and smooth gameplay on the Xbox Series X. It runs up to 120 FPS, ensuring breathtaking visuals and fast load times. This technology enhances the experience, making it more immersive.

With its open-world elements, players can explore vast landscapes and undertake missions at their own pace. The multiplayer mode is also a key attraction, offering various maps and modes that keep competition lively and engaging.

5) Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5 is a standout game on the Xbox Series X. The game showcases stunning graphics that highlight the power of the console. Players can explore a vibrant open world set in Mexico, filled with diverse landscapes and dynamic weather.

The gameplay in Forza Horizon 5 offers engaging driving experiences. Players can choose from a wide variety of cars and partake in exciting races and challenges. The game also features an expansive multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up with friends or compete against others online.

Horizon Arcade provides a fun way to engage with friends. There are no menus or loading screens, keeping the action seamless and exciting. This fast-paced environment makes it easy for players to jump in and enjoy quick, yet thrilling sessions.

The attention to detail in the car models and environments is impressive. Forza Horizon 5 pushes the boundaries of what a racing game can look like on the Xbox Series X. The high-quality visuals and smooth performance make it a must-play for racing enthusiasts.

6) Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers an immersive flying experience on the Xbox Series X. Players can explore a highly detailed virtual world, showcasing stunning landscapes and landmarks. The game provides a wide range of aircraft, catering to all types of aviation enthusiasts. It pushes the boundaries of what a flight simulation game can be.

New mission styles make the game even more exciting, with tasks like search and rescue, firefighting, and air ambulance missions. These challenges provide an engaging way to test flying skills and learn more about aviation operations. Players can enjoy both the beauty and technicality of flying.

The graphics on the Xbox Series X bring a realistic and breathtaking view of the skies. Although some players have noticed differences in graphics compared to the 2020 version, the vastness and detail of the world remain impressive. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on the Xbox Series X is a must-try for flight enthusiasts.

7) Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 is an RPG that brings the Dungeons & Dragons universe to life. It combines a deep storyline with strategic gameplay. Players engage in turn-based combat, which is both challenging and rewarding. The game allows them to make choices that shape their characters’ experiences and the game’s outcome.

The game is well-optimized for Xbox Series X. It runs smoothly, providing an immersive experience with impressive graphics. Players can expect detailed visuals that enhance the fantasy world. The game is capped at 30 FPS on the Xbox Series S, but the Series X offers better performance.

Baldur’s Gate 3 also features multiplayer options, allowing players to team up with friends. While the Series S lacks a couch co-op, the Series X offers smooth cooperative gameplay. This feature makes it a great choice for those who enjoy playing with others.

Even those who aren’t fans of turn-based combat might find Baldur’s Gate 3 enjoyable. Its rich story and character development can draw players in. Critics and players alike have praised the game for its depth and engaging content. Whether playing solo or with friends, it offers hours of entertainment.

8) Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds is an engaging game for Xbox Series X players. It offers a thrilling experience with its lush world and dynamic gameplay. Players take on the role of a Hunter tasked with tracking and defeating powerful monsters.

The game features impressive graphics, especially on the Xbox Series X. Enhanced visuals provide a more immersive environment, enhancing the gaming experience. It runs smoothly without major issues, making it a solid choice for players seeking adventure.

Players can forge new weapons and armor. This happens by harvesting materials from defeated monsters. This adds a strategic element, allowing players to customize their approach to battles.

The game also explores the mysterious Forbidden Lands. It uncovers connections between inhabitants and the land they occupy. This aspect adds depth to the narrative, making it more intriguing for players.

Monster Hunter Wilds stands out among other games with its well-crafted world. The game combines action and exploration seamlessly. It’s a must-try for fans of the genre on the Xbox Series X.

9) Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a standout title for the Xbox Series X. The game brings exciting new features and enhanced graphics. Players appreciate its fast-paced action and smooth performance.

The game supports HDR and 120 FPS on Xbox Series X, offering an outstanding visual experience. The graphics make the most of the powerful hardware, providing detailed environments and realistic effects.

In addition to the impressive visuals, the game delivers a gripping storyline. As players advance through the campaign, they encounter large and immersive setpieces. This title is a must-try for fans of the franchise seeking thrilling gameplay on modern consoles.

10) Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 stands out with its stunning visuals and immersive audio. Designed for the Xbox Series X, it pushes the boundaries of what players expect in a gaming experience. The game features visual enhancements that utilize the power of the console, making it a visual spectacle.

The game’s storytelling continues from its predecessor, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. It provides an engaging narrative that captures the attention of players. This depth of storytelling is paired with intense and captivating gameplay, ensuring players are fully immersed.

Senua’s Saga is also known for its focus on mental health and unique gameplay mechanics. These aspects give players a deeper connection with the protagonist, Senua, as they navigate through her journey. This attention to detail adds richness to the overall experience.

On Xbox Series X, the game may run at 30 frames per second, but it still offers a breathtaking experience. The graphics and atmosphere make it a must-play title for anyone with the console. Both newcomers and fans of the series can appreciate its aesthetic and narrative achievements.

Understanding Xbox Series X Graphics

The Xbox Series X pushes the limits of gaming visuals with its powerful hardware. Players experience enhanced realism and detail through ray tracing and the capability to play games in 4K resolution.

Ray Tracing Capabilities

Ray tracing in Xbox Series X allows for realistic lighting and shadows. Players notice reflections on surfaces and see how light behaves naturally in different environments. This technology helps create a lifelike atmosphere in games.

Developers use ray tracing to make characters and scenery look more authentic. This feature improves the depth and texture of visual elements, making every gaming moment more immersive. Its impact on gameplay varies but generally increases the excitement and involvement of players.

4K Gaming Experience

Xbox Series X supports 4K resolution, offering sharper and more detailed graphics. Games in 4K display vibrant colors and intricate details that aren’t possible in lower resolutions. Players with compatible TVs can enjoy this feature to the fullest.

The clarity provided by 4K enhances every aspect of gaming, from the smallest textures to the most dynamic scenes. With the addition of high dynamic range (HDR), the visual experience becomes even more striking, offering crisper contrasts and a spectrum of colors that enrich overall gameplay.

Performance Enhancements in Xbox Series X

The Xbox Series X brings significant upgrades in performance, focusing on faster loading times and a seamless gaming experience. Key features like improved loading speeds and Quick Resume optimizations enhance the overall gaming experience by reducing wait times and improving gameplay continuity.

Loading Speed Improvements

The Xbox Series X is equipped with a custom NVMe SSD, which drastically reduces loading times for games. Titles that are optimized for the console can launch much faster compared to previous Xbox generations. The SSD speeds up in-game loading sequences, making transitions between game levels smoother and nearly instantaneous. Players spend less time waiting and more time engaged in action, thanks to this advanced storage technology.

Many games also support Xbox Velocity Architecture, which works in tandem with the SSD. This feature enhances performance further by allowing faster data streaming. This results in higher-quality textures and more detailed worlds without added lag. The combination of these technologies delivers an experience where players notice more fluid and dynamic levels and interactions.

Optimizations for Quick Resume

The Quick Resume feature is another standout enhancement that Xbox Series X offers. It lets players swap between multiple games swiftly without losing progress. Players can pause a game and then switch to another without having to go through lengthy loading screens. This capability is possible due to the system efficiently saving game states directly to the SSD.

Quick Resume keeps game sessions suspended, allowing players to resume instantly. This function is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy a variety of games and prefer not to stick to a single title for extended periods. The technology makes multitasking between games seamless, offering a powerful, convenient gaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Xbox Series X offers a variety of games with impressive graphics and engaging gameplay. New owners and seasoned players alike will find options ranging from thrilling solo experiences to exciting multiplayer adventures.

What are the top-rated games currently available for Xbox Series X?

Among the highest-rated games for Xbox Series X are “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” “Elden Ring,” and “Cyberpunk 2077.” Each title delivers immersive storylines and engaging gameplay that capture players’ attention.

Which multiplayer games are most recommended for Xbox Series X?

For players seeking social gaming experiences, “Halo Infinite” and “Fortnite” provide exciting multiplayer modes. These games offer competitive play and collaboration with friends, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

What are the standout games on Xbox Game Pass for Series X?

Xbox Game Pass includes standout titles like “Forza Horizon 5” and “Minecraft.” These games are fan favorites and offer diverse experiences, from racing through dynamic landscapes to creative building adventures.

Which games showcase the best graphics on the Xbox Series X?

“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” and “Cyberpunk 2077” are renowned for their outstanding graphics, exploiting the Xbox Series X’s powerful hardware. Players can expect visually stunning environments and detailed character models.

What optimized games should Series X owners be playing?

Games optimized for Xbox Series X, such as “Forza Horizon 5” and “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla,” showcase enhanced performance and graphics. Players will notice smoother gameplay and detailed visuals, making them must-plays.

Must-Play Games for New Xbox Series X Owners

New Xbox Series X owners should not miss “Halo Infinite,” “Elden Ring,” and “Forza Horizon 5.” These games are highly recommended and offer a mix of engaging narratives, thrilling gameplay, and stunning visuals.