While Xbox Series X/S may not have as many exclusives as its competitors, this particular console has two superpowers others don’t – Xbox Game Pass and top action games.

If you crave a solid action game, look no further, as Xbox is home to some of the most exciting exclusives like Halo Infinite and Gears 5. And it offers so much more!

There are epic cross-platform titles like Apex Legends, Mortal Kombat 11, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, or legendary games available as part of Xbox Game Pass, including Fallout: New Vegas, Lies of P, and Stardew Valley – the latter definitely worth the monthly subscription.

Today, however, we will focus exclusively on the best action games Xbox Series S,X – the hallmark of Microsoft’s console.

GameReleaseGenreDeveloper
Elden Ring 2022-02-25 RPG FromSoftware
Baldurs Gate 3 2023-12-08 RPG Larian Studios
Rust Console Edition 2021-05-21 MMO Facepunch Studios
Sekiro Shadows Die Twice 2019-03-22 Adventure FromSoftware
Gears 5 2019-09-10 Action The Coalition
Assassins Creed Valhalla Complete Edition 2020-11-10 Action Ubisoft Montreal
Halo Infinite 2021-12-08 Action 343 Industries
Hitman 3 2021-01-20 Action IO Interactive
Cyberpunk 2077 2020-12-10 RPG CD PROJEKT RED

Elden Ring

Release date:2022-02-25
Genre:RPG
Developer:FromSoftware

Travel to the Lands Between to rise as the Tarnished – a hero destined to gather all the pieces of the Elden Ring and prove his worth in the glow of the Erdtree.

Developed by FromSoftware, Elden Ring represents the unique soulslike genre – which means it can be more than challenging! After creating your character, explore the dark areas of this treacherous open world and try to defeat its wicked inhabitants. Prepare for an epic story, plot twists, and spectacular combat that requires proper preparation. This game is an action must-play since its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC launches soon!

Key features
  • Become the Tarnished to discover dark secrets of Lands Between
  • Develop your skills and grow in power
  • Explore the devastated world to seek combat opportunities
  • Play solo or in multiplayer

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2

Release date:2012-11-12
Genre:Action & Shooter
Developer:Treyarch

Welcome to the future – it’s the new Cold War, and David Mason confronts his archenemy – Raul Menendez. Who will win this devastating conflict?

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is a first-person shooter and the ninth installment in the legendary CoD series. Following Alex Mason’s memories, you can participate in thrilling missions as his son, David. There is also an exciting multiplayer mode and the famous Zombie mode, offering the battle against the undead. It is an ideal recommendation for enthusiasts of acclaimed FPS games on Xbox Series X/S!

Key features
  • Check out the new chapter in the phenomenal shooter series
  • Complete missions using futuristic weapons
  • Enjoy spectacular scenes set in various locations around the world
  • Play solo or in multiplayer

Baldur's Gate 3

Release date:2023-12-08
Genre:RPG
Developer:Larian Studios

As a classic role-playing title and the Game of the Year 2023, BG3 is probably the most immersive recommendation on this list. Travel to the Forgotten Realms and get inspired by its undeniable magic!

You have a mysterious parasite in your head – but it’s up to you what to do with the unexpectedly acquired power and the surrounding world. Will you use it for good or evil? Choose from twelve character classes, gather your team, and embark on an epic adventure to discover your destiny. Baldur’s Gate 3 is an exceptionally complex story of friendship, betrayal, love, and challenging choices, set in a gorgeous world overflowing with magic and dangers.

Key features
  • Choose from 11 races and 12 classes to create a hero
  • Gather your team and develop unforgettable relationships
  • Decide your fate
  • Play solo or in co-op for up to four players

Rust Console Edition

Release date:2021-05-21
Genre:MMO
Developer:Facepunch Studios

Do you dream of playing the most demanding survival game where everything wants to kill you? Look no further!

Rust is an open, merciless world of omnipresent threats where you initially find yourself equipped only with a torch and a rock. And yes, it is not enough to survive. Animals, basic human needs, and other players will try to kill you, so prepare and gather your gear before it’s too late. Craft, form alliances, find a safe shelter, gather food, and fight to try to see another day in this unforgiving post-apocalyptic environment.

Key features
  • Play the most uncompromising game on Xbox
  • Craft and collect equipment to survive
  • Explore an open world where everything wants to destroy you
  • Play in multiplayer to fight or form alliances with others

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Release date:2019-03-22
Genre:Adventure
Developer:FromSoftware

Coming from From Software, creators of the brilliant Dark Souls series, Sekiro offers a highly engaging story and particularly complex combat mechanics, making it a must-play for action enthusiasts.

Embark on a mystical journey through feudal Japan to take revenge and regain honor. As a one-armed wolf, you can combine deadly prosthetic tools and shinobi skills to confront the numerous dangers awaiting your fall. Luckily for you, Sekiro can’t die. Fight, unravel pieces of the plot, and make choices to see all four endings!

Key features
  • Play as a lone shinobi seeking revenge in feudal Japan
  • Develop your skills and kill enemies by surprise
  • Take advantage of the unique prosthetic hand
  • Enjoy a story-driven experience from the creators of Dark Souls

Gears 5

Release date:2019-09-10
Genre:Action
Developer:The Coalition

Follow the story of Kait Diaz – the protagonist of the fifth part of this TPS series, as she travels to Sera to discover the origins of the deadly Locust.

Kait struggles with extremely tiring nightmares, the explanation of which she decides to look for on the planet Sera. Explore this new, diverse location to discover its secrets and see two possible endings to the story campaign. You can also try out exciting multiplayer modes or design your own maps for an even more personalized experience. Gears 5 is available for Xbox players as part of Xbox Game Pass!

Key features
  • Discover the origins of the Locust from Kait Diaz’s perspective
  • Explore diverse biomes and fight
  • Use an extensive arsenal of weapons in exciting game modes
  • Play solo or in multiplayer for up to 10 players

Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Release date:2020-11-10
Genre:Adventure
Developer:Ubisoft Montreal

It’s time to gather your people and conquer the only area that can provide them with a prosperous future and you – a place in Valhalla. It’s time to conquer England!

Travel to 9th century England to develop your settlement and fight as a mighty Viking leader. That will not be easy, as the country is torn by old conflicts that seem to have no end. Fight, collect resources, have fun with side activities, and explore to write your own saga in the most turbulent of times.

Key features
  • Design a hero and conquer England
  • Invade, fight, and forge alliances in an already divided country
  • Build a thriving settlement to ensure your people’s prosperity
  • Play solo and share your warriors with other players

Halo Infinite

Release date:2021-12-08
Genre:Action
Developer:343 Industries

The sixth part in this phenomenal sci-fi series takes its players to the ultimate confrontation in the Halo ring. Will Master Chief finally be able to stop the Banished?

Explore the galaxy as the Spartans’ most fearless supersoldier, Master Chief. The sixth installation arrives with an even more meaningful story, new weapons, more secrets, and tons of extra content. In addition to playing the story campaign, you can lose yourself in engaging multiplayer modes to enjoy your Xbox Series console’s epic capabilities.

Key features
  • See the next chapter in the Master Chief’s story
  • Explore the Halo ring to discover its secrets
  • Create your own content with Forge mode
  • Play solo or in multiplayer for up to 24 players

Hitman 3

Release date:2021-01-20
Genre:Action
Developer:IO Interactive

If stealth is your thing, play this game to dive straight into the world of Agent 47 – a professional contract assassin finally reaching the end of his story.

Hitman 3 is a series of missions scattered worldwide, leading to the entire franchise’s plot conclusion. This time, however, you can feel absolute freedom in completing the tasks, and the rich game world allows you to achieve that using the most non-obvious methods. Sneak, change outfits, interact with the environment, and be amazed by this realistic atmosphere!

Key features
  • See Agent 47’s story ending
  • Complete missions using any method you can think of
  • Have fun with the interactive environment
  • Create traps and discover exciting secrets

Cyberpunk 2077

Release date:2020-12-10
Genre:RPG
Developer:CD PROJEKT RED

Become part of the futuristic world of Night City, ruled by powerful megacorporations. How will your story unfold in this dystopian reality?

Cyberpunk 2077 lets you play as V, a mercenary with a mysterious chip containing the consciousness of one Johnny Silverhand (Keanu Reeves). Create your dream hero using the extensive character creator and hit the city streets to shape your adventure! Like in other CD Projekt Red productions, you can expect a deep story where choices really matter.

Key features
  • Explore a futuristic city in the charming company of Johnny Silverhand
  • Develop your character and decide on your reputation
  • Lose yourself in a complex intrigue involving powerful enemies
  • Enjoy the dystopian setting bursting with despair