10 BEST Xbox Series X Games

The 10 Best Xbox Series X Games

Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we’re counting down our picks for the ten best games to play on Xbox Series X. It’s worth noting that this list will be a blend of Xbox Series X-specific games and some other Xbox games that are best enjoyed on the Series X, all with a primary focus on first-party games when possible.

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“Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2” (2024)

The follow-up to Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, this long-awaited sequel is a treat to experience on Xbox, even if it does have some fumbles and a super short runtime. Apart from being touted as one of the best-looking games around, Hellblade 2 is a deeply intense and emotional rollercoaster ride whereby Senua must venture across a mythological version of Iceland in hopes of stopping the Northmen and their nefarious schemes. The visceral combat and unique puzzles do feel quite similar to the first game which doesn’t always help this game to completely stand out from its predecessor. However, the incredible psychological elements at play via Senua’s psychosis (especially through the binaural audio) have been ratcheted up, making for a tense and harrowing adventure through a dark land.

“Palworld” (2024)

Yes, by now we all know the whole ‘Pokemon with guns’ thing; however, Palworld really is so much more than that. It most definitely lifts plenty of ideas and systems from other games/series and throws them into some sort of odd concoction; but, it all just works to great success. If video games are just meant to be fun, then Palworld nailed that to a T. Combining monster-catching, 3rd-person action-combat, survival elements, farming elements, and plenty of open-world exploration, Palworld always gives you something fun to do and work towards. Sure, it certainly feels strange to exploit your eponymous Pals for resources and profits, but you gotta make a living somehow, right? Even though it can be a bit janky at times, the sense of overall fun and playfulness in Palworld easily makes it one of the most enjoyable games on Xbox.

“Pentiment” (2022)

Although no longer an Xbox console exclusive, this Xbox Game Studios published game is truly remarkable, both in terms of gameplay and aesthetics. While it’s the immediately striking painting-esque art style that lulls you in, it’s the richly rewarding point-and-click adjacent gameplay that will ensure you are hooked all throughout this adventure. Stepping into the shoes of journeyman artist Andreas Maler, a series of murder mysteries begin to play out…with…you guessed it…Andreas thrown into all of the uproar. The game takes place in and around a semi-fictional Bavaria region where you explore and chat with the locals. It’s a uniquely strange hodgepodge of gameplay ideas including detective work, RPG elements, and puzzle-solving, that all coalesce into a package bursting with creativity, thought-provoking scenes, and plenty of fun along the way.

“Psychonauts 2” (2021)

It’s pretty crazy to think that it took over a decade and a half for the follow-up to the beloved cult classic adventure platformer to arrive. The wait was certainly well worth it seeing as Psychonauts 2 is one heck of a charming and enjoyable game. You once again play as Raz, a zany psychic-infused character who finds himself at the Motherlobe; the headquarters for the titular Psychonauts. It’s here that Raz once again hops into the minds of other characters in order to solve their mental conundrums. It’s these various minds (that serve as the game’s levels) where the game’s incredibly creative depth from Double Fine comes into play. Raz’s psychic powers are so much fun to use, whether that’s battling the strange psychic goons and various enemies or platforming around the colorful world to find secrets. You’ll likely have a big old smile plastered over your face all throughout this mesmerizing journey.

“Microsoft Flight Simulator” (2021)

The sheer staying power of Microsoft Flight Simulator over the years is quite remarkable. While certainly a niche experience, for those looking for realism and simulation-focused flight mechanics and gameplay, 2021’s Xbox Series X version of Flight Simulator is truly extraordinary. This is not an easy game to get into given the complexities of flying the incredibly varied aircraft; however, for those looking to learn the ropes (with the help of an in-depth tutorial), it’s an experience whose rewarding nature is simply unmatched. From the downright gorgeous graphics to the staggering number of locations to fly over and around to the different handling models of the aircraft, Microsoft Flight Simulator aims to keep you in the cockpit for the long haul.

“Hi-Fi Rush” (2023)

It’s truly a travesty that Hi-Fi Rush’s developer, Tango Gameworks, was shut down by Microsoft. This 2023 gem of a game takes your favorite parts of character-driven action-adventure games and infuses all of it with top-notch music, rhythm-based gameplay, and a cartoony cel-shaded art style that will stand the test of time. As Chai explores Vandelay Technologies, everything around him pulses to the beat of the music, making the whole game world feel alive and in-step with the auditory experience. Chai is able to take on enemies with tons of hard-hitting combos that are only amplified by the beat…that is…if you can keep up with it. Plus, getting to hang out with robot cat 808, quirky, charming, and brilliant Peppermint, the magnificent Macaron, and more is always a real treat. Hi-Fi Rush gets you right into its story and action, ensuring you are consistently propelled forward. Don’t skip out on this one if for some reason you missed it.

“Starfield” (2023)

Sure, Starfield might not be the pinnacle, landmark experience from Bethesda that many were hoping for, especially when compared to the behemoth that is The Elder Scrolls Skyrim; however, there’s no denying that the sci-fi epic is still a downright blast to play through. This action RPG lets you live out your space fantasy replete with varied planets to explore, tons of weapons and skills, and numerous well-written characters and quests. Your fully customizable protagonist is the perfect avatar for your personal space adventure. While you can’t freely fly around to most areas in the Settled Systems like many had hoped for pre-launch, it’s still a real treat to hop into your very own spacecraft and take part in space battles. Mix in an engaging sci-fi narrative, great moment-to-moment combat, tons of customization, quirky characters, and a fleshed out world, and you get an Xbox Series X game that, while far from perfect, keeps you immersed all throughout its meaty runtime.

“Gears 5” (2020)

While Gears 5 might technically be an Xbox One game originally, there’s no doubt that playing this acclaimed game in the venerable series on a Series X is the optimal experience. Gears 5’s jaw-dropping visuals are still just as impressive today as when the game first launched, plus it plays and feels buttery smooth. If you happened to miss this entry in the series, you once again play primarily as Kait Diaz, with the game being set in the world of Sera. Kait and pals hope to restore power to an uber-powerful weapon system known as the Hammer of Dawn. The third-person cover shooting gameplay remains but it’s all been highly refined and polished. Interestingly, Gears 5 opted for myriad open zones where you can freely explore, find collectibles, and take on countless baddies. While the linear moments and the intense setpieces are still the highs for this game, it’s refreshing to see Gears try new gameplay tweaks. Don’t worry, the tried-and-true Horde mode and traditional multiplayer are still in the package and offer bountiful, over-the-top carnage and fun.

“Halo Infinite” (2021)

It’s been a rocky road for Halo Infinite since it launched back in 2021. What should have been a system seller for the Series X ended up sort of stumbling out of the gate, at least in the multiplayer department. However, nowadays, Halo Infinite is in a fantastic state and offers a robust, meaty, and utterly engaging semi-open-world single-player campaign as well as deeply rich and rewarding free-to-play multiplayer with tons of content to dive into. You once again step into the shoes of Master Chief as he takes on the Banished, following up from the events of Halo 5: Guardians. The explorable ring world of Zeta Halo is a great playground for traversal and destruction, especially because of Master Chief’s grappling hook. The FPS combat is weighty and intense and makes each encounter with the Banished play like a dream. If for some reason you are still on the fence about Halo Infinite or if you want to get yourself up to speed on all things Halo lore, you can always opt to dive into the excellent Halo: The Master Chief Collection for oodles of sci-fi FPS fun.

“Forza Horizon 5” (2021)

It’s pretty darn crazy to think that one of the very best Xbox Series X games just so happens to be a racing game. But, such is the case with the impeccable open-world racing juggernaut that is Forza Horizon 5. Playground Games knows a thing or two about creating distinct, vibrant, and lived-in racing experiences. Horizon 5 takes place in a gorgeous rendition of Mexico, one littered with tantalizing mountainous vistas, bubbling volcanoes, arid deserts, quaint towns and villages, and mesmerizing beaches. It’s a beautiful and sublime locale to host the titular Horizon event. Putting the pedal to the metal with a staggering variety of vehicles feels so freaking good in this game. The arcade-like controls paired with the excellent and varied race events, in tandem with stellar audio design and visuals ensures that Forza Horizon 5 is the racing game that Series X players won’t be able to get enough of. Whether you choose to just cruise across Mexico taking in the sights or participating in the high-octane Horizon race events, one thing is for certain: you will be having the time of your life!

So, do you agree with our picks for this list? Be sure to let us know down in the comments section which games you absolutely love playing on your Xbox Series X. Thank you for watching this video from MojoPlays. If you want to see more from us then be sure to subscribe to our channel and press that notification bell so you never miss out on our top-notch daily gaming videos.