There is no objective all-time ranking of the best Xbox Series X|S games: recommendation lists use different criteria and change as new games arrive. This curated shortlist prioritizes variety, strong editorial recognition, and distinct ways to play—whether you want a sprawling RPG, tense horror, action, or multiplayer. If you’re asking, “What are the best Xbox Series X games?” or “What Games Should I Get With The Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S?!”, start with the picks below that match your taste.
How to choose among the best Xbox Series X|S games
Think about the experience you want, not just a ranking. A story-driven RPG, a demanding action game, and a multiplayer sandbox serve different moods and schedules. The selections below are editorial examples, not an exhaustive list or a universal consensus. GameSpot presents its 2026 roundup as a regularly reviewed starting point for games to buy or find through Game Pass; GamesRadar+ and The Guardian also publish varied selections. GameSpot’s 2026 recommendations, GamesRadar+’s picks, and The Guardian’s list are useful additional perspectives.
10 standout Xbox Series X|S games
Baldur’s Gate 3 — for a deep, choice-led RPG
Choose this if you want a substantial role-playing adventure shaped by dialogue, party decisions, and tactical encounters. GamesRadar+ includes it among its Xbox Series X recommendations. Reviewer Ali Jones, quoted by GamesRadar+, calls it “a once-in-a-generation achievement,” while noting that its complexity and scale may daunt newcomers. It is a strong fit for players who enjoy taking their time and seeing how choices affect a story.
Alan Wake 2 — for psychological survival horror
Alan Wake 2 appears on both the GamesRadar+ and Guardian recommendation lists. It is the pick here for players seeking psychological survival horror rather than an action-first blockbuster. Go in expecting a deliberately unsettling atmosphere and a story-led experience.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- This product contains a download code inside the box — no disc is included. Customer shipments will begin arriving November 12 for pre-load; game is playable starting November 19.
- Pre-order to receive the Vintage Vice City Pack.
- Grand Theft Auto VI is a single-player experience.
Cyberpunk 2077 — for an open-world action RPG
GamesRadar+ includes Cyberpunk 2077 in its Xbox recommendations. Consider it if you want an action role-playing game set in a large futuristic city, with room to pursue missions at your own pace.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 — for a focused, cinematic journey
GamesRadar+ names Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 among its picks. It offers a different choice from sprawling role-playing games: a more focused action-adventure for players drawn to cinematic presentation and a psychologically intense story.
Rank #2
- BONUS 2X OFFER — Purchase Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 at Amazon and receive 5 hours of Double XP.**
- PRE-ORDER BONUS — Pre-order and unlock the Hunter Killer Operator Skin and the Gilded Pearl Camo Pack.*
- GLOBE‑SPANNING CAMPAIGN — Fight across the Korean Peninsula, New York, Paris, and Mumbai in a high‑stakes narrative where global conflict escalates and survival depends on tactical precision.
- MULTIPLAYER BUILT ON CONTROL — Engage in grounded, precise combat where fluid movement, player choice, and refined mechanics give you greater control in every firefight.
- TACTICAL DMZ OPERATIONS — Deploy behind enemy lines as an off‑the‑books asset, making high‑risk decisions on objectives and extraction in a dynamic mode where every run counts.
Diablo 4 — for repeatable action RPG combat
Diablo 4 is another GamesRadar+ selection. It suits players who want action role-playing built around combat, character development, and repeated play rather than a single, tightly bounded journey.
Deathloop — for a stylish action-puzzle loop
GamesRadar+ includes Deathloop. Its place on this shortlist gives action fans a choice beyond open-world role-playing and horror: a game to consider if you like experimenting with how you approach encounters and objectives.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- ONLY AT AMAZON - SPECIALIST EDITION
- EARN THE NUMBER - Discover a new James Bond origin story, and the events that led a young maverick to become the best MI6 agent.
- A THRILLING ESPIONAGE ADVENTURE - Embark on missions in breathtaking locations, drive iconic vehicles, and dive into a cinematic adventure in pursuit of a rogue agent who’s always one step ahead.
- SPYING, YOUR WAY - Go silent or go loud. Whether fighting with fists or firepower, using gadgets to infiltrate, or bluffing your way past guards, the approach is entirely up to you.
Sea of Thieves — for shared pirate adventures
Sea of Thieves is among GamesRadar+’s recommendations and is the multiplayer-minded pick here. It is worth considering if the appeal is setting out on adventures with other players rather than playing a primarily solo story.
Elden Ring — for demanding exploration and combat
GamesRadar+ includes Elden Ring in its Series X recommendations. Choose it if you enjoy challenging combat and discovering a world through exploration rather than being guided through every step.
Rank #4
- BECOME A FEARSOME PIRATE- Strike fear in your foes as you board and sink enemy vessels as Edward Kenway, captain of the Jackdaw. Whether blending into crowds or leading daring assaults, switch between silent takedowns and fierce brawls as you effortlessly wield swords, pistols, and the Hidden Blade. With a cast of historical pirate legends at your side, defy empires amidst the age-old conflict opposing Assassins and Templars.
- A CLASSIC REBUILT FOR AN ENHANCED EXPERIENCE- Combat has been rebuilt for more dynamic encounters, emphasizing parries and takedowns, while stealth and parkour have been improved for smoother escapes and assassinations. Continuously upgrade the Jackdaw to face powerful enemy ships with enhanced naval mechanics featuring new alternate fire modes. Quality-of-life additions also address previous pain points, ensuring your experience is improved.
- THE CARIBBEAN LIKE NEVER BEFORE- Whether you’re sailing the open seas or journeying across untamed lands, discover a seamless open world built with the latest Anvil engine. Take in sweeping vistas as you brave stormy waters, dive into underwater shipwrecks, or push through dense tropical jungles. Enhanced by features such as Dolby Atmos and ray tracing, every scene feels more immersive, bringing the world’s beauty to life.
- EXPANDING EDWARD’S ADVENTURE- Building on top of the original story, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced introduces exclusive new content. Familiar faces will return, with new storylines dedicated to fan-favorite characters such as Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet. Unexpected allies will also cross your path, as three officers join you on your journey as part of the main narrative. More surprises await, such as new sea shanties, pets, a photo mode, and more.
Halo Infinite — for science-fiction action
Halo Infinite appears in the GamesRadar+ list and offers a science-fiction action option alongside the shortlist’s RPGs, horror, and adventure games. It is a natural candidate for players looking for a Halo entry on the console.
Other worthwhile picks beyond blockbusters
The Guardian’s selection spans blockbusters and lesser-known indie games, a useful reminder that an all-time shortlist need not be made up only of large releases. Compare its broader range with the more extensive GamesRadar+ list and GameSpot’s regularly reviewed recommendations rather than treating any one list as definitive.
Best Value
- THE CITY: Put The City on your back and lead a new era of MyPLAYERs fueled by basketball. Let your passion power your unique style on and off the court, team up with friends to form a Crew, and dominate the courts at The REC, Park, and beyond.
- MyCAREER: Create a MyPLAYER and experience a legacy-defining story in MyCAREER, where you’ll be tested on your path to becoming the greatest player of all time. Shatter expectations, compete against legends of the sport, and leave your mark on NBA history.
- POWERED BY ProPLAY: Master your skills with lifelike gameplay animations directly translated from real NBA action. Use an array of ProPLAY features to cook defenders with ankle-breaking crossovers, show off your range with enhanced shooting mechanics, and become a matchup nightmare every time you step on the court.
- MyTEAM: Collect your favorite NBA and WNBA stars with ease and build a fantasy squad for the ages. Grow your collection and assemble endless lineup combinations; take control of your MyTEAM and put it to the test in single-player and multiplayer modes.
Buying a game versus playing through Game Pass
Do not assume that every recommended game is included in Game Pass. GameSpot says most, but not all, of its selections are available through the service, and catalog availability can change. For current inclusion, check Microsoft’s live catalog of best-rated Game Pass games optimized for Xbox Series X|S and confirm the title in your own subscription tier before deciding how to play it. A catalog listing is not a guarantee that a particular game is included for every tier or will remain available.
If you want to buy a specific game, verify the platform and format on the retailer’s listing before checkout. For example, searching for “Baldur’s Gate 3 Xbox Series X” is more precise than assuming a listing for another platform is compatible. The sources cited here do not establish a particular physical edition, retailer price, or stock status.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
