If you've been lucky enough to finally get your hands on an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S console, you're probably wondering which games you should jump into first.
With Microsoft's new consoles being over a year old, there are plenty of great Xbox games to choose from, from third-party blockbusters to top-shelf exclusives. But, with all these options, it can be difficult to decide which one to play first, so we're here to help.
Below we've put together a list of Xbox Series X / S games that will immediately show how powerful the Xbox Series X really is, and will also provide hours of entertainment. While you can expect many of these games to look (and sometimes work) better on the Xbox Series X than on the Xbox Series S, no matter which console you're playing on, you'll see a big difference. Last generation.
We've tried to include a mix of games that will surprise and delight adults and kids alike, but remember, if there's nothing in this roundup that you like, you can always check out our best Xbox Series X games guide for our full list of games. favorites. It's also worth noting that many of these games are available as part of an Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, both of which may offer better value if you can't decide to choose just one game first.
A masterful return
THE BEST DEALS OF THE DAY
Reasons to buy+ Liberating and expansive gameplay + Evocative and exciting storyline + Flawless sound design
Reasons to avoid-Only one piece of gear can be equipped -Reload animations and cutscenes may stutter
Available with Xbox Game Pass
Looking for the latest (and most current) version of Xbox Series X? So look no further: Halo Infinite, the latest entry in Xbox's most iconic franchise.
Whether you're a seasoned Halo veteran or incompetent gamer who hasn't visited Master Chief since the early 2000s, Halo Infinite will look like an old pair of snorting sneakers - familiar but considerably better.
Consisting of free multiplayer and campaign mode (purchased separately), Halo Infinite truly reinvigorates the series. From the captivating campaign story, expansive map, and liberating gameplay to tough multiplayer offering, Halo Infinite is a must-have for Halo veterans and newcomers alike.
Halo Infinite is easily one of the best Xbox Series X games and is perfect for those looking for a first person shooter game with smooth performance, fun shooter gameplay, and addictive campaign. Not interested in the campaign? Or are you not sure? You can always play multiplayer for free to see if you want to dig deeper.
(*two*)
(Image credit: Microsoft)Speed your way through beautiful Mexico
Reasons to buy+ Incredible variety of customization + Well integrated user generated content + Beautiful and diverse open world
Reasons to avoid- Tacky tales - Limited music tracks - Excessive purchase add-ons
Available with Xbox Game Pass
Want to put your Xbox Series X / S to the test with high-speed races through the jungles, fields and streets of Mexico? Then Forza Horizon 5 could be for you.
We expect the Forza Horizon games to be visually stunning, and the latest entry does not disappoint, offering a surprisingly accomplished rendering of Mexico. Racing game fans will love Forza Horizon 5's beautiful open world and the limitless gameplay possibilities offered by customization options, while those less concerned with the racing part will love exploring.
No matter which Xbox console you're playing on, you'll be amazed by Forza Horizon 5, which runs at 4K 30fps on Xbox Series X and 1080p 30fps on Xbox Series S. But if you'd rather prioritize frame rate, then there's a mode option. performance that will run the game at 60 frames per second (but at a lower resolution).
Psychonauts 2
A conscious adventure
Reasons to buy+ Unique levels and characters + Wry humor + Lots to collect
Reasons to avoid-The fight is a bit awkward
Available with Xbox Game Pass
Psychonauts 2 is a psychedelic journey that you will not forget. The sequel to 2005's Psychonauts, and a direct sequel to Rhombus of Ruin, Psychonauts 2 again follows Raz, a young psychic who attempts to join the Psychonauts, an international group of psychic secret agents.
Psychonauts 2 is a hilarious and heartfelt adventure that takes a humorous approach to mental health while giving players unique (and often strange) worlds to explore.
If you liked the original Psychonauts, the sequel is definitely worth getting into. If you've never played a Psychonauts game before, but love adventure platformers like Spyro and Crash Bandicoot, this is probably your cup of tea. Additionally, the original game is available on Xbox Game Pass, offering a chance to get acquainted with the series before moving on to the sequel.
Sea of Thieves
Yo ho ho!
THE BEST DEALS OF THE DAY
Reasons to buy+ Regular exciting updates + Unpredictability and player chemistry
Reasons to avoid-It's not that fun alone
Available with Xbox Game Pass
Sea of Thieves was originally released for Xbox One in 2018, but it has had some major updates for Xbox Series X / S that make it one of the most engaging games on Xbox, and one of the most fun. So if you haven't yet made your maiden voyage with Rare's famous pirate game, now is the time.
Sea of Thieves is an online pirate adventure that lets you sail solo or with a crew in search of action, treasure, and glory as you try to become a pirate legend. But this pirate journey is not as easy as it seems and that's where the fun lies. Expect to battle Krakens and Skeletons, follow treasure maps where an "X" marks the spot, and explore dark caverns, all before playing musical instruments in the Tavern after a long day of hacking. And these are just some of the things you can do in this great online adventure.
Sea of Thieves is getting a massive frame rate boost on Xbox Series X / S. Previously limited to 30fps, with the occasional drop when things get particularly hectic, the game now runs at 4K / 60fps. silky on Xbox Series X and 1080p 60fps on Xbox Series S, with significantly reduced load times. The result is tangible, and you may even take a few minutes to steer your boat just to enjoy the breathtaking views; just be prepared to float when you inevitably crash.
The tourist
Well deserved vacation
Reasons to buy+ Awesome images + Lots to do + Family fun
Reasons to avoid-Can be a bit repetitive at times
Available on Xbox Game Pass
You might be tempted to sleep in The Touryst, a blocky action-adventure game, but don't do it at all. The game itself sees you playing as a tourist (go figure), who wanders around various exotic islands completing tasks for the island's residents and other tourists, with the overall goal of discovering the secret of the ancient monuments located on these islands, but that can wait.
The Touryst may have been released on various platforms before, but it looks better and performs better on Xbox Series X / S. The color and visual fidelity are captivating, which is not much of a surprise given that the game renders in 6K / 4K on X / S series and then down to target resolution. The result is that you get a vivid tropical experience, super fast loading times, and a smooth overall experience.
Summary of the best offers of the day