The Xbox Series X has built up a library of games that covers almost every style of game you could want. From massive open-world adventures to competitive shooters and co-op chaos, there’s always something new to play. This list rounds up the best Xbox Series X games you can play right now. You’ll find blockbuster action titles, online hits, family-friendly picks, and a few standout indies that deserve your time.
Whether you’re chasing the best FPS games on Xbox Series X, diving into RPGs, or just want a great two-player game for your next couch session, this guide has you covered.
Top recent releases in 2025
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows finally takes the series to feudal Japan, and it feels like a setting the franchise was always meant to explore. You move through towns, countryside, and fortified areas that encourage a slower, more deliberate approach. Sneaking through shadows, scouting enemy positions, and choosing the right moment to strike play a big role, especially when you want to avoid turning every encounter into a full fight.
The game gives you two distinct ways to play through its story, and switching between them keeps things interesting. One character is built around stealth and precision, while the other handles combat more directly. That contrast changes how you approach missions and keeps familiar objectives from feeling repetitive. You can slip through an area unseen or take control of a situation head-on, depending on how you want to handle it.
Outside of missions, there is plenty of room to explore and take in the world at your own pace. Side activities, optional targets, and quieter moments help break up the main story and give you reasons to wander off the beaten path. If you enjoy Assassin’s Creed games that reward patience, careful planning, and choice in how you approach each situation.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has arrived on Xbox Series X with a campaign that dives back into Cold War-era conflicts. Missions take you across varied locations with a mix of stealth, large firefights, and cinematic set pieces the series is known for. Multiplayer is still the main hook, packed with new maps, weapons, and operators to master.
Zombies mode returns with longer progression paths and story-driven runs you can tackle with friends, making it a highlight for co-op fans. Gunplay feels fast and familiar, with refinements that keep every match sharp. Post-launch seasons will continue the cycle of new maps, modes, and balance tweaks, so there’s always something fresh to jump into. Multiplayer and Zombies are where most of your time will go, but the campaign’s still worth a run if you’re curious.
Borderlands 4
Borderlands 4 brings back the fast action and loot-focused gameplay the series is known for. It builds on the formula with a new storyline, fresh locations, and a larger mix of weapons and gear. Combat stays quick and chaotic, with each encounter giving you a reason to experiment with different builds and elemental effects. The world mixes humour and sci-fi style, creating a setting that keeps things lively as you move from mission to mission.
You can tackle the story solo or team up with friends for co-op sessions that feel true to the series. Every class offers its own skills and playstyle, giving you different ways to deal with enemies, clear objectives, and explore each map. Loot drops are frequent, and finding better gear stays exciting throughout the campaign. Boss battles also return with large arenas, multi-phase fights, and rewards that make the effort feel worthwhile. Borderlands 4 is an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys action-heavy shooters with constant progression and a steady stream of new gear to chase.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 updates two of the most iconic skateboarding games with modern visuals and refined controls. The collection brings back classic levels, fan-favourite skaters, and the familiar mix of high-speed lines, combos, and challenges. The controls feel tight and responsive, letting you chain tricks together with the same flow the originals were known for. Levels have been rebuilt with sharper textures and improved lighting, giving each map a fresh look while staying true to the original designs.
Career mode returns with objectives that push you to explore levels, land specific tricks, and chase higher scores. Free Skate and local multiplayer also give you quick ways to practice lines or compete with friends. The soundtrack carries many returning tracks alongside newer additions, keeping that familiar energy. If you enjoyed the first two remakes or grew up with the originals, this collection brings back a style of arcade sports action that feels right at home on Xbox Series X.
Battlefield 6
Battlefield 6 marks a big return for the series. The game pushes large-scale battles across sprawling maps where infantry, tanks, aircraft, and explosives all collide. Matches feel chaotic in the best way, giving you the freedom to fight on foot or take control of vehicles. Combat goes back to the classic class system with Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon roles.
Each has unique tools that encourage teamwork, whether you’re repairing vehicles, holding choke points, or scouting ahead. The new Kinesthetic Combat System also promises smoother movement and more responsive gunplay. Post-launch support starts quickly, with Season 1 adding maps like Blackwell Fields, fresh weapons, and a new Strikepoint mode. Later updates bring additional maps, seasonal events, and limited-time game types. For fans of big, explosive firefights, Battlefield 6 looks ready to deliver the scale and action the series is known for.
DOOM: The Dark Ages
DOOM: The Dark Ages shifts the series into a medieval setting without losing the speed and chaos it’s known for. You step into the Slayer’s boots again, this time wielding brutal melee weapons alongside the classic arsenal of shotguns and launchers. The mix of swords, shields, and heavy firearms makes combat feel heavier, forcing you to think about spacing while still moving fast.
Levels are built like fortresses and battlefields, filled with swarming demons that demand quick reactions. The game dives into dark fantasy, with giant war machines, fire-breathing beasts, and gothic arenas that make every fight memorable. What makes it exciting is how it ties the franchise’s origins into a new setting. The combat is still frantic, but the tone is darker, more grounded in myth. If you’ve ever wanted DOOM’s relentless action in a medieval world, this entry delivers exactly that.
Top multiplayer experiences
EA Sports FC 26
EA Sports FC 26 continues the series with a strong focus on realism, responsiveness, and match flow. You cannot rely on sprinting through defenders anymore. Passing needs better timing, defending asks you to stay disciplined, and small mistakes get punished. Player movement feels more predictable, especially when tracking runs or closing space. On Xbox Series X, matches load quickly and stadiums feel alive once the crowd ramps up.
All the main modes return, so you can play it your way. Career Mode suits longer runs where you want to see a plan play out over a season. Ultimate Team still focuses on quick matches and steady upgrades, which works well when you only have a bit of time. Online play works for competitive games or more relaxed matches with friends. EA Sports FC 26 fits both short play periods and longer stretches without feeling demanding.
Madden NFL 26
Madden NFL 26 continues the long-running football series with updates that focus on realism, pacing, and on-field decision-making. Games feel more controlled, with improved player movement and smoother transitions between plays. Whether you are running the ball, reading coverages, or trying to hold a late lead, matches reward smart play and solid execution.
Franchise Mode remains a major draw, letting you manage a team across multiple seasons with roster moves, draft decisions, and weekly preparation. Ultimate Team also returns for those who enjoy building a lineup and competing online. Local multiplayer and online head-to-head modes make it easy to jump into games with friends. Madden NFL 26 is a strong pick if you want a football game that works for quick matches but also supports long-term play.
NBA 2K26
NBA 2K26 continues to refine the series’ on-court realism with tighter controls, smoother animations, and smarter player movement. Games feel more responsive, whether you are setting up plays, attacking the basket, or defending fast breaks. Player models and arenas look sharper on Xbox Series X, and the broadcast-style presentation helps sell the feel of a live NBA game.
Several fan-favourite modes return, giving you plenty of ways to play. MyCAREER lets you guide a custom player through their NBA journey, while MyTEAM focuses on building a roster through challenges and online play. Franchise-style modes also remain a strong option if you prefer managing a team over multiple seasons. Local multiplayer and online matchups make it easy to jump into competitive games with friends. NBA 2K26 is a solid choice if you want a basketball game that balances realism, depth, and flexible ways to play.
Split Fiction
Split Fiction is a co-op adventure built entirely around playing together. Designed by the team behind It Takes Two, the game puts two characters inside a shared story where communication and teamwork are essential. Each player sees the world differently, and puzzles often rely on coordinating actions across two perspectives. Progress depends on timing, problem-solving, and learning how your partner approaches each challenge.
The game focuses on constant variety, with new mechanics and ideas introduced as the story moves forward. Levels change often, keeping the experience from feeling repetitive. Split Fiction can be played locally or online, making it easy to jump in with a friend on the couch or from another console. If you are looking for a cooperative game that is built around shared moments rather than competition, Split Fiction is an easy recommendation.
NHL 26
NHL 26 keeps the fast, physical feel of hockey intact while improving the action both online and offline. Skating and stick-handling feel smoother, letting you pull off quick passes, dekes, and shots in tight spaces. Animations flow naturally, so collisions at the boards or scrambles in front of the net look and feel right. Multiplayer is where the game shines.
Whether you’re dropping into quick online matches, teaming up in World of Chel, or chasing wins in competitive leagues, there’s always a way to test your skills. Cross-play makes it easy to connect with friends, and matchmaking feels tighter than before, giving games a fair edge. Franchise and Be a Pro modes are still here if you want a solo experience, but it’s the multiplayer that brings people back year after year. NHL 26 delivers that mix of skill, strategy, and chaos that makes hockey so fun.
Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 drops you into Mexico’s wide-open landscapes with a massive selection of cars to collect and customize. The festival setting returns with races that stretch across deserts, jungles, and city streets, always giving you something new to test your skills. The handling feels smooth and responsive, whether you’re cruising in a hypercar or off-roading in a truck.
Multiplayer makes it even bigger. Horizon Open and Horizon Tour let you link up with others for quick races, co-op events, or relaxed drives. Seasonal challenges and community-created tracks mean there’s always fresh content waiting. It’s the kind of game where one quick race easily turns into hours of exploration and competition. For racing fans, it’s one of the most complete multiplayer experiences on Xbox Series X.
Best family-friendly games
Minecraft Legends
Minecraft Legends takes the familiar blocky world and turns it into an action strategy experience built around exploration and large-scale battles. Instead of mining and crafting in first person, you guide units across open maps, gather resources, and defend villages from invading forces. The game mixes hands-on action with light strategy, letting you jump into the fight while still managing where allies go and what structures you build.
The art style stays true to the Minecraft look, which keeps everything easy to read even when battles get busy. You can play solo or team up with others in co-op, making it a good fit for shared sessions. Matches move at a steady pace and focus more on planning than quick reactions. Minecraft Legends works well if you want something approachable that blends action with strategy without feeling overwhelming.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga packs all nine movies into one massive package. You can jump into any trilogy you like, whether you want to start with Luke’s first steps, Rey’s journey, or the prequels. Each film has its own missions, open areas, and tons of side content to explore. The game keeps things light with slapstick humour and simple controls that are easy to pick up.
Combat mixes lightsabers, blasters, and Force powers, while puzzles and collectibles fill every corner of the galaxy. Co-op play makes it even better, letting you team up locally and tackle the adventure together. What really keeps you coming back is the unlockables. From obscure background characters to silly cheat codes, there’s always something new to find. It’s one of the most complete LEGO experiences yet, making it an easy choice for family gaming sessions.
The Xbox Series X library keeps growing
From massive exclusives to indie gems and top-tier multiplayer titles, Xbox Series X keeps building a library worth exploring. Whether you’re into story-driven adventures, competitive shooters, or family-friendly fun, this list highlights some of the best the console has to offer.
And with big releases still on the way, it’s a great time to revisit old favourites or try something new. No matter your style, there’s always another world to jump into. Got a favourite Xbox Series X game you keep going back to? Or think we missed one that deserves a spot? Share it in the comments!
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