Six years into its life cycle, the Xbox Series X is arguably in the best shape it’s ever been. 2026 has already delivered a modernized remake of the game that started it all (Halo: Campaign Evolved), the biggest Forza Horizon entry yet, and a genuinely great Resident Evil sequel — with a new Gears of War prequel still to come this fall. Add in a growing pile of Xbox Game Pass day-one releases and a steady stream of acclaimed third-party games, and the Series X’s library has never been deeper.

It’s also more confusing than ever to talk about “Xbox exclusives.” Microsoft has spent the past couple of years bringing former console exclusives — Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Avowed, even Halo — to PlayStation 5, while other titles like Gears of War: E-Day remain locked to Xbox and PC. Below, you’ll find a curated, genre-spanning list of the best Xbox Series X games worth your time in 2026, with clear notes on where each one is actually available and whether it’s on Xbox Game Pass.

Best Xbox Series X Games You Should Play in 2026

1. Halo: Campaign Evolved

Genre: First-person shooter | Developer: Halo Studios | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios | Released: July 28, 2026 Availability: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Steam, PlayStation 5 | Game Pass: Day one on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Halo: Campaign Evolved is a full remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign, rebuilt with modern visuals, refined controls, up to four-player online co-op, and new missions layered into the classic story. It’s a meaningful test case for Xbox’s platform strategy, too — this is the first time a mainline Halo campaign has launched simultaneously on PlayStation, with full cross-play and cross-progression across Xbox, PC, Steam, and PS5.

Why play it: It’s the most accessible entry point into Halo’s story ever made, wrapped in genuinely improved combat encounters rather than a simple visual upcoat. Best for: Newcomers to Halo, longtime fans wanting a fresh take on Alpha Halo, and co-op squads. Verdict: A rare remake that respects the original while giving returning players real reasons to care.

2. Gears of War: E-Day

Genre: Third-person shooter | Developer: The Coalition | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios | Releases: October 6, 2026 Availability: Xbox Series X|S, PC (Xbox console exclusive — not coming to PlayStation) | Game Pass: Day one on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Set fourteen years before the original Gears of War, E-Day is an origin story following Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago through Emergence Day, the moment the Locust Horde first surfaces. The Coalition has leaned into a darker, more dread-filled tone than recent entries, with a reworked Horde Siege co-op mode and refined cover-based combat. It’s also notable as one of the few remaining true Xbox console exclusives. Why play it: A grittier, scarier take on a franchise that’s been Xbox’s most consistent action series for two decades. Best for: Gears veterans, co-op shooter fans, and anyone who wants to see one of Xbox’s last true exclusives in action. Verdict: Early beta reception has been strong; this is shaping up as one of 2026’s biggest Xbox releases.

3. Forza Horizon 6

Genre: Racing, open-world | Developer: Playground Games | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios | Released: May 19, 2026 Availability: Xbox Series X|S, PC (PlayStation 5 version confirmed for later in 2026) | Game Pass: Day one on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Forza Horizon 6 moves the series to a stylized Japan, headlined by a Tokyo City area reported to be five times larger than any previous Horizon city. Over 550 real-world cars, dynamic seasonal weather, and the series’ largest map to date make this the most ambitious Horizon game yet, and it topped Steam concurrent player charts within days of release. Why play it: It’s the best-reviewed entry in the Horizon series so far, and the Japan setting gives it a genuinely different feel from Mexico’s Horizon 5. Best for: Racing fans, open-world explorers, and anyone who wants a gorgeous showcase for Series X hardware. Verdict: The new benchmark for open-world arcade racing on Xbox.

4. DOOM: The Dark Ages

Genre: First-person shooter | Developer: id Software | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Released: May 15, 2025 Availability: Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 (multiplatform, not exclusive) | Game Pass: Added to Game Pass Ultimate/PC Game Pass at launch; moved to the Game Pass Premium tier on May 14, 2026

A medieval-inspired prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, The Dark Ages pits the Slayer against Hell in a brutal war filled with massive set-piece battles. New tools like the Shield Saw sit alongside returning weapons like the Super Shotgun, and the game earned a 96% recommendation rate on OpenCritic at launch. Why play it: It’s one of the best-reviewed shooters of the past two years, and the shift toward slower, heavier combat gives it real identity next to Eternal. Best for: FPS fans who want spectacle and brutal melee-gun combos. Verdict: A must-play shooter, now easier than ever to access thanks to its move to the Premium Game Pass tier.

5. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Genre: Action-adventure | Developer: MachineGames | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Released: December 9, 2024 (Xbox/PC); April 17, 2025 (PS5) Availability: Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 (multiplatform, not exclusive) | Game Pass: Day one on Xbox Game Pass

A first-person adventure spanning Rome, Thailand, Egypt, and beyond, The Great Circle sends Indy on an original story loaded with puzzle-solving, stealth, and globe-trotting exploration. It picked up widespread critical praise for its faithfulness to the film series’ tone and its confident level design. Why play it: It captures the swashbuckling, puzzle-box feel of classic Indiana Jones better than almost any prior adaptation. Best for: Fans of narrative-driven adventure games and anyone who grew up on the films. Verdict: One of the standout Xbox first-party releases of the current generation.

6. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Genre: Turn-based RPG | Developer: Sandfall Interactive | Publisher: Kepler Interactive | Released: April 24, 2025 Availability: Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 (third-party multiplatform) | Game Pass: Day one on Xbox Game Pass

Drawing inspiration from classics like Chrono Trigger while carving its own identity, Expedition 33 blends menu-based turn commands with real-time parrying and dodging. Its striking Belle Époque-inspired world and emotionally heavy story have made it one of the most acclaimed RPGs in years. Why play it: It reinvents turn-based combat with genuine tension, and the art direction and voice work (featuring Ben Starr and Jennifer English) are exceptional. Best for: RPG fans who want something narratively ambitious and mechanically fresh. Verdict: Quite possibly the best RPG available on Xbox right now — and it’s included with Game Pass.

7. South of Midnight

Genre: Action-adventure | Developer: Compulsion Games | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios | Released: April 8, 2025 Availability: Xbox Series X|S, PC (Xbox console exclusive) | Game Pass: Day one on Xbox Game Pass

South of Midnight follows Hazel, a young woman navigating a hurricane-ravaged American South steeped in folklore and myth. Its stop-motion-inspired visual style and rich storytelling rooted in Black Southern culture set it apart from most other action-adventure games on the platform. Why play it: A genuinely distinctive art style paired with a story that doesn’t feel like anything else on Xbox. Best for: Players who want narrative depth and don’t need an open world to be engaged. Verdict: One of Xbox’s most creatively confident first-party releases in years.

8. Avowed

Genre: Action RPG | Developer: Obsidian Entertainment | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios | Released: February 18, 2025 (Xbox/PC); February 17, 2026 (PS5) Availability: Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 (multiplatform as of 2026) | Game Pass: Day one on Xbox Game Pass

Set in the world of Eora (familiar to Pillars of Eternity fans), Avowed is a first-person fantasy RPG about investigating a mysterious plague spreading across the Living Lands. Combat mixes swords, spells, and firearms, and companions bring their own distinct skills. A major content update landed in February 2026 to mark the game’s first anniversary, adding New Game Plus and photo mode. Why play it: Flexible, satisfying combat and a genuinely strange, memorable setting. Best for: RPG fans who want a shorter, more focused Obsidian adventure rather than a 100-hour epic. Verdict: A solid, continually improving RPG that’s easy to jump into via Game Pass.

9. Resident Evil Requiem

Genre: Survival horror | Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Released: February 27, 2026 Availability: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC (multiplatform) | Game Pass: Not currently available on Game Pass

The ninth mainline Resident Evil game arrived for the series’ 30th anniversary with a new, richly detailed horror story and some of the most technically impressive visuals in the franchise’s history. It leans into slow-burn dread rather than pure action, and reviewers have praised its atmosphere and character work. Why play it: It’s a showcase for what Series X can do with ray tracing and dense environmental detail, and the horror is genuinely unsettling. Best for: Horror fans who appreciate methodical pacing over jump-scare spam. Verdict: One of the best-looking and best-playing horror games on the console — just budget for a full purchase, since it isn’t on Game Pass.

10. 007: First Light

Genre: Action-adventure, stealth | Developer: IO Interactive | Publisher: IO Interactive | Released: May 27, 2026 Availability: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch 2 (later in 2026) | Game Pass: Not available on Game Pass at launch, and no announced plans to add it

IO Interactive’s first original James Bond game is an origin story following a young Bond during his early MI6 years, built on the studio’s Hitman-honed stealth expertise. It’s a single-player-only, narrative-focused espionage adventure without multiplayer or co-op. Why play it: It’s the most substantial Bond game in over a decade, from a studio with genuine pedigree in stealth design. Best for: Stealth-action fans and anyone who’s wanted a proper Bond game since the Craig era ended. Verdict: A strong purchase for fans of methodical, single-player espionage games — just know it’s a full-price title, not a Game Pass freebie.

11. Elden Ring Nightreign

Genre: Action RPG, roguelike, co-op | Developer: FromSoftware | Publisher: Bandai Namco | Released: May 30, 2025 Availability: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC (multiplatform) | Game Pass: Not on Game Pass

A cooperative spin-off of Elden Ring, Nightreign strips the game down into fast, roguelike expeditions for up to three players, who take on the role of Nightfarers battling to end an endless night. It topped sales charts across every platform at launch and has sold several million copies. Why play it: It reframes FromSoftware’s combat for shorter, replayable co-op sessions rather than a single sprawling campaign. Best for: Groups of friends who love Soulslike combat but want something more session-based. Verdict: One of the best multiplayer experiences on Xbox right now, even without Game Pass support.

12. Ninja Gaiden 4

Genre: Action, hack-and-slash | Developer: Team Ninja and PlatinumGames | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios | Released: October 21, 2025 Availability: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC (multiplatform) | Game Pass: Day one on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

The first mainline Ninja Gaiden game since 2012, Ninja Gaiden 4 pairs series veteran Ryu Hayabusa with new protagonist Yakumo of the Raven Clan in a modernized Tokyo setting. Co-development between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames brings together two studios known for punishing, precise combat design. Why play it: It’s a proper return to form for one of gaming’s toughest action series, with tight, responsive combat. Best for: Action game veterans looking for a real challenge. Verdict: A genre highlight for 2025/2026, and easy to try thanks to its Game Pass availability.

13. Sea of Thieves

Genre: Multiplayer, co-op adventure | Developer: Rare | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios | Released: 2018 (continually updated) Availability: Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 (multiplatform) | Game Pass: Included with Game Pass

Rare’s pirate adventure remains one of the best pure multiplayer experiences on Xbox, thanks to years of free content updates, seasonal events, and a genuinely funny, chaotic sense of emergent storytelling with friends. It received fresh content as recently as the mid-2026 Xbox Games Showcase. Why play it: Few games reward playing with a crew of friends as consistently as Sea of Thieves does. Best for: Co-op groups and anyone who wants a game they can dip in and out of for years. Verdict: Still one of the best co-op games on the platform, nearly eight years after launch.

14. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Genre: Simulation, family-friendly | Developer: Asobo Studio | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios | Released: 2024 (ongoing updates) Availability: Xbox Series X|S, PC | Game Pass: Included with Game Pass

A relaxed, endlessly detailed recreation of real-world flight, Flight Simulator continues to receive new content, including world updates and aircraft additions shown off during Xbox’s 2026 showcase season. It’s approachable for newcomers while offering deep systems for aviation enthusiasts. Why play it: There’s nothing else quite like it for sheer scale and calm, unhurried gameplay. Best for: Families, aviation fans, and anyone who wants a low-stress game to unwind with. Verdict: A genuinely unique, all-ages-friendly experience that keeps getting better.

15. PowerWash Simulator 2

Genre: Simulation, family-friendly, co-op | Developer: FuturLab | Publisher: Square Enix | Joined Xbox Game Pass: August 6, 2026 Availability: Xbox Series X|S, PC, cloud | Game Pass: Included with Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass

The long-awaited sequel to one of Game Pass’s most surprising hits, PowerWash Simulator 2 lets players blast grime off everything from houses to vehicles, solo or in co-op. It’s low-stakes, oddly satisfying, and genuinely welcoming to players of any age or skill level. Why play it: It’s one of the most approachable co-op games on Xbox, and there’s real appeal in its simple, meditative gameplay loop. Best for: Families, casual co-op sessions, and anyone who wants something completely stress-free. Verdict: A perfect Game Pass pickup when you want to unwind rather than grind.

Best Xbox Series X Game by Genre

Xbox Series X Performance

Games carrying Xbox’s “Optimized for Xbox Series X|S” designation are built to take advantage of the console’s hardware in several concrete ways:

• 4K resolution and HDR: Many optimized titles target native or upscaled 4K with HDR support for richer color and contrast.
• Performance modes: Games like Forza Horizon 6 and Ninja Gaiden 4 offer separate visual and performance modes, letting players prioritize resolution or frame rate.
• High frame rates: Optimized titles can take advantage of frame rates up to 120 FPS, particularly useful in fast-paced games like Ninja Gaiden 4 and Halo: Campaign Evolved’s multiplayer-adjacent modes.
• Ray tracing: Visually dense games such as Resident Evil Requiem lean on ray tracing for more realistic lighting and reflections.
• Quick Resume: Lets players jump between multiple suspended games almost instantly, without waiting through load screens.
• Faster loading via Smart Delivery: Smart Delivery automatically installs the correct, optimized version of a game for your hardware, and ensures owners of the Xbox One version of a game get the Series X|S upgrade at no extra cost where supported.

Not every one of the games above pushes every one of these features equally — Sea of Thieves and PowerWash Simulator 2, for instance, are built for accessibility rather than cutting-edge visuals — but the biggest 2026 releases (Forza Horizon 6, Halo: Campaign Evolved, Resident Evil Requiem) are strong showcases for what current Xbox hardware can do.

Best Games on Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass availability changes constantly, so treat this as a snapshot rather than a permanent guarantee. As of August 2026, notable games included with Game Pass are:

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and console (day one)
• Halo: Campaign Evolved — Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass
• Forza Horizon 6 — Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass only (not on lower tiers)
• DOOM: The Dark Ages — Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Premium (since May 2026)
• Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, South of Midnight, Avowed, Ninja Gaiden 4 — all included with Game Pass
• Sea of Thieves and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 — long-standing Game Pass staples
• PowerWash Simulator 2 — joined Game Pass Premium, Ultimate, and PC Game Pass on August 6, 2026
• Gears of War: E-Day — confirmed as a day-one Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass release on October 6, 2026

Notably absent from Game Pass: Resident Evil Requiem, 007: First Light, and Elden Ring Nightreign, all of which remain full-price purchases with no announced Game Pass plans as of this writing.

2026 Games to Watch

Already released in 2026:

• Halo: Campaign Evolved (July 28)
• Forza Horizon 6 (May 19, PS5 version still pending)
• DOOM: The Dark Ages moved to Game Pass Premium (May 14)
• Resident Evil Requiem (February 27)
• 007: First Light (May 27)
• Avowed’s PlayStation 5 launch (February 17)

Coming later in 2026:

• Gears of War: E-Day — October 6, 2026, Xbox and PC exclusive, day-one Game Pass
• Additional Xbox Game Pass Ultimate/PC titles continue to roll out monthly, including day-one indie and mid-size releases alongside the bigger names above

Beyond 2026:

• Fable, Playground Games’ reboot of the classic RPG series, has been delayed multiple times and is now targeting a February 2027 release across Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5.

Which Xbox Series X Game Should You Play First?

If you only have time for one game, let your genre preference guide you. RPG fans should start with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — it’s included with Game Pass, doesn’t require a huge time investment relative to other RPGs, and is one of the most acclaimed games of the past two years. Shooter fans should jump into DOOM: The Dark Ages, now easier to access via the Game Pass Premium tier. Racing and open-world fans have an easy call with Forza Horizon 6, currently the best showcase for what Series X hardware can render. And if you’d rather ease in with something low-stakes, Sea of Thieves or PowerWash Simulator 2 offer a much gentler, more social introduction to the console’s library.

FAQ

What are the best Xbox Series X games in 2026? Standouts include Halo: Campaign Evolved, Forza Horizon 6, DOOM: The Dark Ages, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day, alongside strong 2025 holdovers like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and South of Midnight.

Which Xbox games are true console exclusives in 2026? Gears of War: E-Day and South of Midnight remain Xbox console exclusives (also on PC). Many former exclusives — Halo: Campaign Evolved, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Avowed, and DOOM: The Dark Ages — are now multiplatform, including PlayStation 5.

Is Forza Horizon 6 on Xbox Game Pass? Yes, but only on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass — it’s not included on lower Game Pass tiers.

What are the best Xbox Game Pass games right now? Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Halo: Campaign Evolved, DOOM: The Dark Ages, Ninja Gaiden 4, Sea of Thieves, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 are among the strongest picks currently included with a Game Pass subscription.

Which Xbox Series X games make the best use of the hardware? Forza Horizon 6, Halo: Campaign Evolved, and Resident Evil Requiem are among the most technically impressive, leveraging 4K/HDR support, high frame rates, and ray tracing where applicable.

Are there any big Xbox exclusives still coming in 2026? Yes — Gears of War: E-Day launches October 6, 2026, as an Xbox and PC exclusive with day-one Game Pass access.

Is Resident Evil Requiem on Xbox Game Pass? No. As of this writing, Resident Evil Requiem is a full-price release on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with no Game Pass availability.

Conclusion

The Xbox Series X’s 2026 lineup reflects where Microsoft’s console strategy actually stands right now: a handful of true exclusives like Gears of War: E-Day and South of Midnight, a growing list of former exclusives now available everywhere, and one of the strongest Game Pass catalogs the service has ever offered. Whether you want a prestige RPG, a hardware showcase racer, or a low-key co-op game to play with friends, there’s a genuinely excellent Xbox Series X game for you in 2026 — and thanks to Game Pass, trying most of them costs a lot less than it used to.