Xbox remains home to some of the industry’s biggest franchises, offering everything from blockbuster shooters and RPGs to racing games, strategy titles, and unforgettable adventures.
This list focuses on games that are closely associated with the Xbox ecosystem, including Xbox console exclusives, Xbox Game Studios releases, and first-party titles available on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Some games have since launched on additional platforms, but they remain defining experiences for the Xbox brand. Whether you’re discovering Xbox for the first time or looking for your next adventure, these are the best Xbox games you should play in 2026.
TL;DR – Best Xbox Exclusive Games You Should Play in 2026
| If you want… | Play… |
|---|---|
| The ultimate Xbox shooter | Halo Infinite |
| Open-world racing | Forza Horizon 5 |
| A cinematic adventure | Indiana Jones and the Great Circle |
| A modern fantasy RPG | Avowed |
Table of Contents
- Halo Infinite
- Forza Horizon 5
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
- Forza Horizon 6
- Starfield
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
- Avowed
- Gears 5
- Hi-Fi Rush
- South of Midnight
- Psychonauts 2
- The Outer Worlds 2
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection
- Grounded 2
- Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
- State of Decay 2
- Towerborne
- Quantum Break
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
- Gears of War: Reloaded
- Fable II & III
- As Dusk Falls
- Gears of War: E-Day
- Which Xbox games are the best in 2026?
Xbox has spent more than two decades building one of gaming’s strongest first-party portfolios.
From Halo and Gears of War to Forza Horizon and Microsoft’s newer franchises, there is no shortage of excellent experiences across nearly every genre.
Whether you prefer cinematic adventures, deep RPGs, multiplayer shooters, strategy games, or relaxing simulators, the Xbox ecosystem offers something worth playing. Below are our favorite Xbox titles you shouldn’t miss in 2026.
Halo Infinite
Average Playtime: Around 11 hours
Rating: 87/100
Halo Infinite successfully modernized Microsoft’s flagship shooter by combining classic Halo gunplay with semi-open environments, excellent movement, and one of Master Chief’s strongest campaigns.
Its multiplayer remains one of Xbox’s biggest competitive experiences, while the campaign perfectly captures the feeling of exploring a Halo ring at your own pace.
Halo Infinite | Campaign
Release Date: December 08, 2021
Genres: Shooter, Adventure
Why You Might Like It
- Excellent FPS gameplay.
- Strong campaign.
- Free multiplayer.
- Beautiful sci-fi environments.
FAQ – Halo Infinite
Is Halo Infinite worth playing in 2026?
Absolutely. It remains one of Xbox’s best shooters thanks to its excellent campaign and active multiplayer.
Can Halo Infinite be played in co-op?
Yes. The campaign supports online co-op, alongside its multiplayer modes.
Forza Horizon 5
Average Playtime: Around 23 hours
Rating: 92/100
Forza Horizon 5 remains one of the highest-rated racing games ever made, letting players freely explore a stunning recreation of Mexico packed with events, collectibles, and hundreds of licensed vehicles.
Credit: Playground Games
Its accessible driving model, constant seasonal updates, and incredible variety make it an easy recommendation for both casual and hardcore racing fans.
Forza Horizon 5
Release Date: November 09, 2021
Genres: Racing
Why You Might Like It
- Huge open world.
- Hundreds of vehicles.
- Fantastic visuals.
- One of the best arcade racers available.
FAQ – Forza Horizon 5
Is Forza Horizon 5 still worth playing?
Yes. It continues to receive support and remains one of the best open-world racing games available.
Can you play Forza Horizon 5 offline?
Yes. Most activities can be enjoyed solo without online multiplayer.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Average Playtime: Around 18 hours
Rating: 87/100
MachineGames successfully brought Indiana Jones back to gaming with an adventure full of exploration, puzzles, stealth, and cinematic storytelling.
Rather than focusing entirely on combat, the game encourages curiosity, making it one of Xbox’s strongest single-player adventures.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Release Date: December 09, 2024
Genres: Adventure, Puzzle, Role-playing (RPG)
Why You Might Like It
- Excellent storytelling.
- Rewarding exploration.
- Great puzzles.
- Authentic Indiana Jones atmosphere.
FAQ – Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Is Indiana Jones action-focused?
It balances exploration, stealth, puzzles, and action throughout the campaign.
How long is Indiana Jones and the Great Circle?
Most players finish the story in around 18 hours.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Average Playtime: Around 8 hours
Rating: 81/100
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is one of the most visually impressive games available on Xbox, delivering a cinematic adventure inspired by Norse mythology and psychological storytelling.
Although its focus is narrative rather than combat, its breathtaking visuals, outstanding audio design, and emotional performances make it an essential Xbox experience.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
Release Date: May 21, 2024
Genres: Adventure
Why You Might Like It
- Photorealistic graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5.
- Powerful narrative and acting.
- Immersive sound design.
- One of Xbox’s biggest cinematic exclusives.
FAQ – Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Is Hellblade II combat-heavy?
Combat is present, but the game places much greater emphasis on storytelling, atmosphere, and exploration.
Do I need to play the first Hellblade?
It’s recommended, as the sequel directly continues Senua’s journey.
Forza Horizon 6
Average Playtime: Not clearly available
Rating: Not clearly available
Forza Horizon 6 is the next chapter in Playground Games’ award-winning open-world racing series. While the game is still new, it already builds on everything that made its predecessor one of Xbox’s biggest success stories.
Expect a massive open world, hundreds of licensed cars, seasonal events, online exploration, and the same accessible driving model that made the Horizon franchise so popular with millions of players.
Forza Horizon 6
Release Date: May 19, 2026
Genres: Racing, Simulator, Sport, Arcade
Why You Might Like It
- Huge open-world racing experience.
- Excellent vehicle variety.
- Seamless online exploration.
- One of Xbox’s flagship franchises.
FAQ – Forza Horizon 6
Is Forza Horizon 6 better than Forza Horizon 5?
It expands on Horizon 5 with a new location, additional content, and updated technology, making it the newest entry in the series.
Can beginners enjoy Forza Horizon 6?
Yes. The Horizon games are designed to be accessible while still offering plenty of depth for experienced racing fans.
Starfield
Average Playtime: Around 22 hours
Rating: 83/100
Starfield is Bethesda’s ambitious space RPG, allowing players to explore hundreds of planets, customize spacecraft, complete faction questlines, and create unique character builds.
It delivers the same freedom that made The Elder Scrolls and Fallout famous, but transports the formula into a massive science-fiction universe filled with exploration and discovery.
Starfield
Release Date: September 06, 2023
Genres: Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Why You Might Like It
- Huge open galaxy to explore.
- Deep RPG progression.
- Spacecraft customization.
- Dozens of hours of quests and side content.
FAQ – Starfield
Is Starfield worth playing in 2026?
Yes. Ongoing updates and expansions have made it a much stronger RPG than it was at launch.
Can you freely explore planets in Starfield?
Yes. Exploration is one of the game’s biggest strengths, alongside questing and character progression.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Average Playtime: Endless
Rating: 84/100
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the most advanced flight simulator currently available, recreating the entire planet with remarkable detail while introducing career missions, improved weather systems, and new aviation activities.
Whether you simply want to relax above famous landmarks or master realistic aircraft systems, it’s one of the most technically impressive games in the Xbox ecosystem.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Genres: Simulator
Why You Might Like It
- Photorealistic recreation of Earth.
- Huge variety of aircraft.
- Relaxing and immersive gameplay.
- Outstanding graphics and weather simulation.
FAQ – Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Do you need flight experience to enjoy Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
No. The simulator offers multiple assistance options, making it approachable for beginners while remaining realistic for experienced pilots.
Can you fly anywhere in the world?
Yes. The simulator recreates virtually the entire Earth using satellite data and cloud technology.
Avowed
Average Playtime: Around 25 hours
Rating: 82/100
Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, Avowed is a first-person fantasy RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe. Players explore the Living Lands while making choices that influence both the story and its characters.
Its flexible combat system lets you freely combine swords, shields, bows, firearms, and powerful magic, making every build feel unique throughout the adventure.
Avowed
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Why You Might Like It
- Excellent role-playing systems.
- Meaningful dialogue choices.
- Flexible magic and melee combat.
- Rich fantasy world.
FAQ – Avowed
Is Avowed an open-world RPG?
Not completely. It features large interconnected regions rather than one seamless open world.
Can you customize your build?
Yes. Magic, melee, ranged combat, and abilities can all be mixed to create different playstyles.
Gears 5
Average Playtime: Around 11 hours
Rating: 84/100
Gears 5 modernized Microsoft’s iconic third-person shooter with larger environments, improved movement, and an emotional campaign centered around Kait Diaz.
Beyond the story, it offers extensive multiplayer, Horde mode, Escape mode, and cooperative gameplay, making it one of Xbox’s most complete action games.
Gears 5
Release Date: September 09, 2019
Genres: Shooter, Adventure
Why You Might Like It
- Excellent third-person shooting.
- Fantastic co-op modes.
- Memorable campaign.
- Highly polished gameplay.
FAQ – Gears 5
Can you play Gears 5 in co-op?
Yes. The campaign supports cooperative play, alongside several multiplayer modes.
Is Gears 5 beginner friendly?
Yes. It offers adjustable difficulty settings while still providing plenty of challenge for veterans.
Hi-Fi Rush
Average Playtime: Around 11 hours
Rating: 89/100
Hi-Fi Rush surprised everyone with its unique blend of rhythm gameplay, stylish combat, colorful visuals, and humorous storytelling.
Every attack, dodge, and combo syncs with the soundtrack, creating a satisfying gameplay loop unlike almost anything else in the Xbox library.
Hi-Fi RUSH
Release Date: January 25, 2023
Genres: Music, Platform, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Why You Might Like It
- Unique rhythm-based combat.
- Fantastic soundtrack.
- Stylish cel-shaded visuals.
- Funny, memorable characters.
FAQ – Hi-Fi Rush
Do you need rhythm game experience?
No. The game is approachable, and timing assistance helps new players.
Is Hi-Fi Rush difficult?
It starts easy but offers plenty of challenge as new mechanics are introduced.
South of Midnight
Average Playtime: Around 12 hours
Rating: 81/100
South of Midnight is an atmospheric action-adventure inspired by Southern Gothic folklore. Its handcrafted art style, memorable creatures, and emotional storytelling make it one of Xbox’s most original modern exclusives.
Rather than relying purely on combat, the game blends exploration, platforming, and supernatural abilities into a distinctive adventure.
South of Midnight
Release Date: April 03, 2025
Genres: Adventure, Platform
Why You Might Like It
- Beautiful stop-motion inspired visuals.
- Unique folklore setting.
- Strong storytelling.
- Creative magical abilities.
FAQ – South of Midnight
What genre is South of Midnight?
It is a narrative-driven action-adventure featuring exploration, platforming, and magical combat.
Is South of Midnight scary?
Not really. It has darker themes but focuses more on atmosphere than horror.
Psychonauts 2
Average Playtime: Around 15 hours
Rating: 89/100
Psychonauts 2 is one of the most creative platformers ever made, taking players inside imaginative mental worlds filled with puzzles, platforming, and unforgettable visual design.
Its clever writing, emotional themes, and inventive level design make it a standout title that showcases the creativity of Xbox Game Studios.
Psychonauts 2
Release Date: August 25, 2021
Genres: Platform, Adventure
Why You Might Like It
- Exceptional level design.
- Creative storytelling.
- Fun platforming mechanics.
- One of the highest-rated Xbox games.
FAQ – Psychonauts 2
Do I need to play the original Psychonauts?
Not necessarily. The sequel explains enough for new players to enjoy the story.
Is Psychonauts 2 suitable for all ages?
Yes. While it explores mature emotional themes, it’s appropriate for most players.
The Outer Worlds 2
Average Playtime: 41 Hours
Rating: 76/100
The Outer Worlds 2 is Obsidian Entertainment’s follow-up to its acclaimed sci-fi RPG, promising larger environments, improved combat, and even greater player freedom. Every decision influences quests, factions, and the overall story.
If you enjoy choice-driven RPGs with memorable companions, sharp writing, and plenty of exploration, this upcoming Xbox title should be high on your wishlist.
The Outer Worlds 2
Release Date: October 29, 2025
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Why You Might Like It
- Deep role-playing mechanics.
- Meaningful player choices.
- Excellent companion system.
- Large science-fiction world.
FAQ – The Outer Worlds 2
Is The Outer Worlds 2 a direct sequel?
Yes. It expands the universe with a new story, improved mechanics, and a fresh cast of characters.
Do player choices matter?
Yes. Obsidian continues to emphasize branching quests and meaningful decisions.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Average Playtime: Around 60 hours
Rating: 85/100
Halo: The Master Chief Collection bundles six Halo campaigns together with multiplayer support, visual upgrades, and quality-of-life improvements. It remains the definitive way to experience Master Chief’s legendary journey.
Whether you’re discovering Halo for the first time or replaying the classics, few collections offer as much value as this one.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Release Date: 3 December, 2019
Genres: Shooter
Why You Might Like It
- Six complete Halo campaigns.
- Classic and modern multiplayer.
- Excellent value.
- Essential for Halo fans.
FAQ – Halo: The Master Chief Collection
How many Halo games are included?
The collection includes six main Halo campaigns starring Master Chief.
Can every campaign be played in co-op?
Most of them support cooperative play both online and locally.
Grounded 2
Average Playtime: Around 22 hours
Rating: 82/100
Grounded 2 expands Obsidian’s miniature survival formula with a larger world, additional creatures, improved building tools, and more opportunities for cooperative exploration.
If you enjoyed the original’s unique backyard setting, the sequel promises even more survival systems, crafting options, and memorable adventures with friends.
Grounded 2
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Why You Might Like It
- Excellent co-op survival.
- Expanded crafting.
- Creative world design.
- Fun exploration.
FAQ – Grounded 2
Can Grounded 2 be played solo?
Yes. Although co-op is highly recommended, the game fully supports solo play.
Does Grounded 2 improve building?
Yes. New construction tools and crafting systems expand the survival experience.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Average Playtime: Endless
Rating: 84/100
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition modernizes one of the greatest real-time strategy games ever created with improved visuals, additional civilizations, and extensive multiplayer support.
More than two decades after its original release, it remains one of the finest strategy games available on Xbox and PC.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Release Date: November 14, 2019
Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy, Shooter
Why You Might Like It
- Legendary RTS gameplay.
- Dozens of civilizations.
- Massive replay value.
- Excellent multiplayer.
FAQ – Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Is Age of Empires II still worth playing?
Absolutely. It continues to receive updates and remains one of the best RTS games ever made.
Can beginners enjoy it?
Yes. Tutorials and adjustable difficulty make it accessible to new players.
State of Decay 2
Average Playtime: Around 25 hours
Rating: 69/100
State of Decay 2 combines open-world exploration with zombie survival, community management, and permanent consequences. Every survivor has unique strengths and weaknesses, making each playthrough different.
Years of updates have significantly expanded the experience, turning it into one of Xbox’s strongest survival games.
State of Decay 2
Release Date: May 22, 2018
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Simulator
Why You Might Like It
- Deep survival mechanics.
- Base management.
- Open-world exploration.
- Great co-op support.
FAQ – State of Decay 2
Can you play State of Decay 2 with friends?
Yes. Online cooperative multiplayer is fully supported.
Is resource management important?
Very much so. Keeping your community alive is one of the game’s biggest challenges.
Towerborne
Average Playtime: Around 20 hours
Rating: 80/100
Towerborne is a cooperative action RPG that blends side-scrolling combat with character progression, loot, and social multiplayer. Its colorful art style and accessible gameplay make it easy to jump into with friends.
Whether you’re completing missions solo or tackling tougher encounters together, Towerborne delivers satisfying combat and long-term progression.
Towerborne
Release Date: January 01, 2025
Genres: Adventure, Role-playing (RPG)
Why You Might Like It
- Fun co-op gameplay.
- Action RPG progression.
- Stylish art direction.
- Great for casual and experienced players alike.
FAQ – Towerborne
Is Towerborne designed around co-op?
Yes. While it can be played solo, cooperative play is a major part of the experience.
What genre is Towerborne?
It combines action RPG mechanics with side-scrolling combat and multiplayer progression.
Quantum Break
Average Playtime: Around 10 hours
Rating: 77/100
Quantum Break is a cinematic action game from Remedy Entertainment that combines third-person shooting with time manipulation. Players can freeze enemies, dodge through time, and alter the battlefield using powerful abilities.
Its blend of gameplay and live-action storytelling still feels unique, making it a memorable Xbox experience for fans of narrative-driven action games.
Quantum Break
Release Date: September 29, 2016
Genres: Adventure, Shooter
Why You Might Like It
- Creative time manipulation mechanics.
- Cinematic presentation.
- Strong storytelling.
- Unique action sequences.
FAQ – Quantum Break
Is Quantum Break connected to Alan Wake?
While both games come from Remedy Entertainment and share similar storytelling ideas, Quantum Break remains its own standalone experience.
How long is Quantum Break?
Most players finish the campaign in around 10 hours.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Average Playtime: Around 28 hours
Rating: 89/100
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered brings Bethesda’s beloved RPG into the modern era with upgraded visuals, refined gameplay, and quality-of-life improvements while preserving the original adventure.
Although it later launched on additional platforms, it remains one of Xbox Game Studios’ biggest RPG releases and an essential journey through the province of Cyrodiil.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Why You Might Like It
- Massive fantasy world.
- Hundreds of quests.
- Excellent role-playing freedom.
- Beautiful visual overhaul.
FAQ – The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Is Oblivion Remastered worth playing if you’ve finished Skyrim?
Absolutely. It offers a different world, memorable questlines, and one of Bethesda’s strongest RPG stories.
Does the remaster include DLC?
Yes. It includes the major expansions and additional content released for the original game.
Gears of War: Reloaded
Average Playtime: Around 10 hours
Rating: 84/100
Gears of War: Reloaded modernizes the original game with updated visuals, smoother performance, and technical improvements while keeping the iconic cover-based gameplay intact.
Whether you’re revisiting Marcus Fenix’s first mission or experiencing it for the first time, Reloaded remains one of Xbox’s defining shooters.
Gears of War: Reloaded
Release Date: August 28, 2025
Genres: Shooter
Why You Might Like It
- Classic cover-based combat.
- Improved visuals.
- Co-op campaign.
- Xbox gaming history.
FAQ – Gears of War: Reloaded
Is Gears of War: Reloaded a remake?
It modernizes the original experience while staying faithful to the classic game.
Does Reloaded support co-op?
Yes. The campaign can be completed cooperatively.
Fable II & Fable III
Average Playtime: Around 18-25 hours each
Rating: 89/100 (Fable II), 80/100 (Fable III)
Fable II and Fable III remain two of Xbox’s most beloved fantasy RPGs. Both games blend action combat, exploration, humor, and player choices that influence the world and its inhabitants.
While Fable II is generally considered the stronger of the two, both are essential experiences for anyone interested in Xbox’s RPG history.
Fable Anniversary (PC) - Steam Key - GLOBAL
Release Date: September 12, 2014
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Why You Might Like It
- Classic Xbox RPGs.
- Charming British humor.
- Meaningful player choices.
- Memorable fantasy setting.
FAQ – Fable II & III
Which Fable game is better?
Most fans recommend Fable II first, but Fable III is still worth playing for its unique kingdom management mechanics.
Can I play these games on modern Xbox consoles?
Yes. Both are available through backward compatibility.
As Dusk Falls
Average Playtime: Around 7 hours
Rating: 77/100
As Dusk Falls is an interactive drama where every decision changes relationships, character fates, and the direction of the story. Its comic-book visual style helps it stand out from other narrative adventures.
It’s an excellent recommendation for players who enjoy choice-driven stories rather than traditional action gameplay.
As Dusk Falls
Release Date: July 19, 2022
Genres: Point-and-click, Adventure, Role-playing (RPG)
Why You Might Like It
- Meaningful player choices.
- Strong storytelling.
- Unique visual presentation.
- Replayable branching narrative.
FAQ – As Dusk Falls
Can multiple people play As Dusk Falls?
Yes. The game supports multiplayer decision-making, making it great for groups.
Is it mostly gameplay or story?
The focus is heavily on narrative and player choices.
Gears of War: E-Day
Average Playtime: Not clearly available
Rating: Not clearly available
Gears of War: E-Day is an upcoming prequel that returns to the beginning of the Locust invasion, following Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago during humanity’s darkest day.
Although it has not launched yet, everything shown so far suggests it will combine classic Gears gameplay with modern visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5, making it one of Xbox’s most anticipated exclusives.
Gears of War: E-Day
Release Date: October 06, 2026
Genres: Adventure, Shooter
Why You Might Like It
- Prequel to the original trilogy.
- Marcus and Dom return.
- Modern Unreal Engine 5 visuals.
- One of Xbox’s biggest upcoming games.
FAQ – Gears of War: E-Day
Is Gears of War: E-Day a sequel?
No. It is a prequel set during Emergence Day, before the events of the original Gears of War.
Should Gears fans be excited?
Definitely. It marks the return of Marcus and Dom while exploring one of the series’ most important moments.
Which Xbox games are the best in 2026?
Final thoughts
Xbox continues to offer one of the most diverse gaming libraries available, covering nearly every major genre. Whether you enjoy fast-paced shooters, massive RPGs, cinematic adventures, racing games, or strategy titles, there is no shortage of outstanding experiences within the Xbox ecosystem.
While Microsoft’s publishing strategy has evolved and some first-party games are now available on additional platforms, these titles remain closely tied to the Xbox brand. Together they represent the strongest collection of games every Xbox owner should experience in 2026.