TL;DR
- The Xbox Series X library in 2026 is the strongest it has ever been.
- Top picks include Forza Horizon 6, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Fable, Avowed, and Elden Ring.
- Most first-party Xbox titles are available on Game Pass day one — meaning you can play many of these for free with a subscription.
- This list covers exclusives, third-party standouts, and hidden gems across all major genres.
- Last updated: June 2026.
Best Xbox Series X games in 2026 — the list has never been longer or stronger. Six years into this console generation, the Xbox Series X has built a library that can genuinely compete with anything out there. Between first-party exclusives hitting their stride, incredible third-party releases, and a Game Pass library that keeps growing, there is no shortage of brilliant games to play right now. Here are our top picks, updated for mid-2026.
Best Xbox Series X Exclusives and First-Party Games
Forza Horizon 6
Playground Games has delivered arguably the best entry in the Horizon series to date. Forza Horizon 6 is set across Japan, and it is a stunning showcase of what the Xbox Series X hardware can do. Hundreds of cars, diverse environments, dynamic weather, and arcade racing mechanics that never stop being fun. The career mode is rewarding, the open world is gorgeous, and the driving feels sharper than ever. It is a day-one Game Pass title and one of the most visually impressive games on the platform right now.
Fable
One of the most anticipated Xbox exclusives in years finally arrived in 2026. Playground Games’ take on Fable brings the classic British RPG back with a fresh tone — lighter and more humorous than many modern RPGs, with a world full of personality. Combat is satisfying, the writing is sharp, and it feels like a proper return to what made the original Fable so memorable. Available on Game Pass day one.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
MachineGames nailed it. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the best Indiana Jones game ever made and one of the best first-person action-adventure games of this console generation. The story fits right in alongside the classic films, the gameplay mixes combat, stealth, and exploration in ways that feel genuinely true to the character, and the set pieces are memorable throughout. It is also on Game Pass, so there is no excuse not to play it if you have a subscription.
Avowed
Obsidian Entertainment’s first-person RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe is everything fans of the studio hoped it would be. The combat is punchy and rewarding, the writing is witty, and the companions are among the best Obsidian has ever created. It is a tighter, more focused experience than many open-world RPGs — around 30–40 hours — and that restraint works in its favour. Available on Game Pass.
Halo Infinite
The launch was rough, but Halo Infinite in 2026 is a genuinely great Halo game. The open-world campaign is the best Master Chief experience since Halo 3 — the grappling hook changes everything — and multiplayer has improved significantly since launch. With Forge fully running and a revitalized community, now is a good time to give it a fair chance if you dismissed it early. Free to play multiplayer, campaign on Game Pass.
Best Third-Party Games on Xbox Series X
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
The most awarded game of 2025. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive is a turn-based RPG set in a dark fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque France. It took home more Game of the Year awards than any game in history — surpassing even Elden Ring — and every single one was deserved. The combat combines turn-based strategy with real-time parry and dodge mechanics, the story is genuinely moving, and Unreal Engine 5 makes it one of the best-looking games on the console. It launched day one on Game Pass.
Elden Ring (with Shadow of the Erdtree)
If you have not played Elden Ring yet, the Shadow of the Erdtree edition gives you everything in one package. FromSoftware’s open-world action RPG remains one of the greatest games ever made. The world design, the combat, the sense of discovery — nothing else does it quite like this. The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion adds a substantial new area that rivals the base game in quality. Challenging, rewarding, and endlessly replayable.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Capcom’s latest entry in the Monster Hunter series is the most accessible and visually spectacular the franchise has ever been. Wilds takes everything that made Monster Hunter World and Iceborne great and pushes it further — more dynamic environments, more monster behaviour, and a campaign that does a better job of drawing new players in. The endgame loop is deep enough to keep hunters busy for hundreds of hours. One of the best co-op games on the platform.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Larian Studios delivered one of the most ambitious RPGs ever made. Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you an almost overwhelming level of freedom — every decision has real consequences, the writing is exceptional, and co-op play with friends is some of the best fun you can have in a game right now. It is long, deep, and rewards replaying with different characters and choices. A genuine all-time classic.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
The redemption arc is complete. Cyberpunk 2077 in its current state — with the Phantom Liberty expansion included — is one of the best open-world RPGs of this generation. Night City is one of the most detailed and atmospheric game worlds ever built. The story is excellent, the character builds are deep, and the performance on Xbox Series X is rock solid at 4K/60fps. If you wrote it off at launch, it is worth revisiting.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Capcom’s remake of the legendary survival horror classic is a masterpiece. It retains everything that made the original great — the tension, the pacing, the merchant, the Ganados — while modernising the controls and visuals dramatically. It looks incredible on Xbox Series X and runs with exceptional stability. One of the best remakes ever made, and a must-play whether or not you experienced the original.
Alan Wake 2
Remedy Entertainment pushed Xbox Series X hardware hard with Alan Wake 2, and the result is one of the most visually striking games of this generation. The story is weird, ambitious, and layered in ways that reward paying attention. It blends horror, mystery, and psychological thriller elements across two separate but connected storylines. One of the more unique and memorable narrative experiences available on the platform.
Diablo 4
Blizzard’s dark action RPG is one of the best on the Xbox platform, especially with the Vessel of Hatred expansion. The seasonal content model keeps it fresh, and the core gameplay loop — finding better loot, powering up your build, tearing through demons — is as satisfying as ever. On Xbox Series X it runs smoothly at 4K with fast load times. Good solo, excellent with a friend.
GTA 6
Rockstar’s latest launched in 2026 and runs well on Xbox Series X. The open world is the most detailed and alive Rockstar has ever built. The dual-protagonist structure, the setting, and the storytelling ambition are all there. Xbox Series X delivers a smooth experience at 4K with stable frame rates in performance mode. One of the biggest game releases of the entire console generation.
Best Racing Games on Xbox Series X
Forza Horizon 5
While Forza Horizon 6 is the newer release, Forza Horizon 5 set in Mexico remains one of the greatest racing games ever made and is still actively supported. If you want an enormous open-world racing experience with hundreds of cars, a gorgeous map, and endless content, Horizon 5 delivers. It is also on Game Pass and a great starting point for anyone new to the franchise.
Forza Motorsport
For players who want a more serious, simulation-focused racing experience, Forza Motorsport is the answer. The tyre physics, car handling model, and circuit racing are all meticulously crafted. It looks stunning on Series X and has been improving steadily since launch. Available on Game Pass.
Best Horror Games on Xbox Series X
Resident Evil: Requiem
The ninth mainline Resident Evil game landed in early 2026 and picks up after the events of Village. It returns to the series’ roots — tighter environments, more resource management, and a focus on genuine tension over spectacle. On Xbox Series X it runs at a smooth 60fps with impressive lighting and atmosphere. A strong entry in one of gaming’s best horror franchises.
Control: Ultimate Edition
Remedy’s supernatural action game remains one of the most atmospheric and original games available on Xbox Series X. The Series X version runs at 4K with a stable 60fps — a significant upgrade over older versions. The combat is creative, the world-building is compelling, and it rewards slow exploration. Available on Game Pass.
Best Indie Games on Xbox Series X
Hades II
Supergiant Games’ roguelike sequel delivers one of the best early access to full release journeys in recent memory. The combat is fluid and deep, the writing is exceptional, and the soundtrack is outstanding. It is the kind of game you plan to play for an hour and then suddenly it is 2am. On Game Pass.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
After years of anticipation, Silksong finally arrived in 2025. Team Cherry’s follow-up to Hollow Knight is a gorgeous, challenging metroidvania with a new protagonist, new movement mechanics, and a world that is dense with secrets and discovery. It launched day one on Game Pass.
How to Play Most of These Games for Free
The majority of first-party Xbox titles on this list — Forza Horizon 6, Fable, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Avowed, Halo Infinite, and more — are available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at no extra cost beyond the subscription fee. At $22.99/month, it is the most cost-effective way to build a library on Xbox Series X.
For the complete picture on what is currently available, browse our full Xbox Game Pass games list. And for the top picks across every genre within the subscription, see our dedicated best games on Xbox Game Pass guide.
For pricing and tier details, our Xbox Game Pass price guide for 2026 covers every option.
Do These Games Run on Xbox Series S?
Yes — every game on this list runs on Xbox Series S. Performance and resolution will be lower than on the Series X, but all titles are supported. Some demanding 2025–2026 releases require more visual compromises on the Series S, but they remain playable. If you are on the Series S and wondering whether it is the right hardware for the games above, see our Xbox Series S review for a full breakdown of what to expect.
And if you are still deciding between models, our Xbox Series X vs Series S comparison covers every real-world difference.
Quick Reference: Best Xbox Series X Games by Genre
- Best Racing: Forza Horizon 6, Forza Horizon 5, Forza Motorsport
- Best RPG: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3, Avowed, Fable
- Best Action-Adventure: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Cyberpunk 2077
- Best Horror: Resident Evil 4 Remake, Resident Evil: Requiem, Alan Wake 2, Control
- Best Co-op: Monster Hunter Wilds, Diablo 4, Baldur’s Gate 3
- Best Indie: Hades II, Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Best Open World: GTA 6, Cyberpunk 2077, Forza Horizon 6
- Best on Game Pass right now: Forza Horizon 6, Fable, Indiana Jones, Clair Obscur, Avowed, Hades II
This list will be updated monthly as new titles release and Game Pass additions change. Check the Xbox Series X guide for more on getting the most from your console, and our Xbox Series X vs PS5 comparison if you are still deciding which platform is right for you.
