Best Xbox Series X Games 2026: Top Rated Titles
The Xbox Series X has built an impressive library heading into 2026, bolstered by Game Pass day-one releases, strategic acquisitions, and a steady flow of high-quality exclusives. Whether you subscribe to Game Pass or prefer buying games outright, the best Xbox Series X games 2026 span every genre and playstyle.
Our rankings combine Metacritic critic scores, Steam and Xbox user ratings, and editorial assessment to give you a reliable guide to the strongest titles on Microsoft's console.
Quick Comparison: Best Xbox Series X Games
| Game | Metacritic | Genre | Game Pass | Players |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 | 92 | Turn-based RPG | Yes | 1 |
| Hollow Knight: Silksong | 91 | Metroidvania | Yes | 1 |
| Starfield: Shattered Space | 85 | Action RPG | Yes | 1 |
| Forza Motorsport (2023) | 84 | Racing | Yes | 1-24 |
| Hi-Fi Rush | 87 | Rhythm Action | Yes | 1 |
| Senua's Saga: Hellblade II | 80 | Action-Adventure | Yes | 1 |
| Avowed | 82 | RPG | Yes | 1 |
Top Xbox Series X Games to Play Now
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 -- Metacritic 92
The Game of the Year winner at The Game Awards 2025 launched day one on Game Pass, making it the crown jewel of the Xbox library. Sandfall Interactive's turn-based RPG blends stunning Unreal Engine 5 visuals with a narrative about mortality, art, and resistance. The combat system mixes turn-based strategy with real-time action inputs, creating an experience that feels fresh even for RPG veterans.
With nine awards at The Game Awards including Best Art Direction and Best Narrative, this is the must-play Xbox game of the generation.
2. Hollow Knight: Silksong -- Metacritic 91
After years of anticipation, Team Cherry's sequel arrived on Game Pass in March 2026. Silksong puts players in control of Hornet as she explores the haunted kingdom of Pharloom. The tight platforming, deep combat system, and massive interconnected world deliver everything fans hoped for. As a Game Pass day-one title, it represents the best value proposition on Xbox.
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3. Starfield: Shattered Space -- Metacritic 85
Bethesda's space RPG improved significantly with its major expansion. Shattered Space delivers the focused, handcrafted experience that the base game's procedurally generated planets sometimes lacked. The city of Dazra on Va'ruun'kai offers dense, atmospheric exploration reminiscent of Bethesda's best work. Combined with ongoing updates to the base game, Starfield has become a much stronger package in 2026.
4. Hi-Fi Rush -- Metacritic 87
Tango Gameworks' surprise shadow-drop remains one of the most delightful games on Xbox. This rhythm-action game synchronizes every attack, combo, and environmental interaction to the beat of a licensed rock soundtrack. The cel-shaded art style pops on the Series X, and the gameplay is pure joy from start to finish. Available on Game Pass.
5. Forza Motorsport -- Metacritic 84
Turn 10's racing simulator leverages the Series X hardware for stunning real-time ray tracing and a dynamic weather system that affects grip and visibility. The career mode offers structured progression through motorsport classes, and the online multiplayer features a robust matchmaking system. Regular free content updates have added new tracks and cars throughout 2025 and into 2026.
6. Avowed -- Metacritic 82
Obsidian Entertainment's first-person RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe delivered a more intimate, focused experience than many expected. The companion system shines with well-written characters who react dynamically to your choices. Combat blends magic and melee in satisfying ways, and the world is dense with lore and secrets.
7. Senua's Saga: Hellblade II -- Metacritic 80
Ninja Theory pushed visual boundaries with one of the most photorealistic games ever made. Set in 9th-century Iceland, Hellblade II continues Senua's journey through psychosis and Norse mythology. The binaural audio design (best experienced with headphones) and motion-captured performances create an intensely personal experience unlike anything else in gaming.
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The Game Pass Advantage
Xbox Game Pass remains the defining feature of the Xbox ecosystem. At $29.99 per month for Ultimate, subscribers get day-one access to all Microsoft first-party releases plus a rotating library of hundreds of third-party titles. Every game on this list except Forza Motorsport is included with Game Pass at no additional cost.
For a detailed breakdown of the service, see our dedicated guide.
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FAQ
What are the best Xbox exclusive games in 2026?
The highest-rated Xbox-first titles include Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (92), Hollow Knight: Silksong (91 on Game Pass), Hi-Fi Rush (87), Starfield: Shattered Space (85), and Forza Motorsport (84). While many Xbox games also come to PC, these titles are not available on PlayStation.
Is Xbox Series X worth buying in 2026?
The Xbox Series X offers excellent value, especially paired with Game Pass. The hardware delivers strong 4K performance, and the subscription service provides access to hundreds of games including day-one first-party releases. If you value a large library and affordability over strict exclusives, Xbox is a compelling choice.
What upcoming Xbox games should I watch for?
Key upcoming titles include Fable from Playground Games, The Outer Worlds 2 from Obsidian, and several unannounced projects from Microsoft's expanded studio network. Activision Blizzard titles like Call of Duty now also launch day one on Game Pass.
Conclusion
The best Xbox Series X games 2026 demonstrate that Microsoft's investment in studios and Game Pass is paying off. From the award-winning Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to the surprise brilliance of Hi-Fi Rush, Xbox offers a diverse and high-quality library that continues to grow.
Last updated: March 10, 2026.