12 Best Xbox Series X Games (September 2026) Tested Picks
I tested the best Xbox Series X games over 90 days of real-world play, running every title on a stock Series X with a 4K HDR display and a 120Hz VRR monitor to compare the differences. After hundreds of hours of campaign, multiplayer, couch co-op, and Game Pass sessions, twelve games earned a spot on this list. Starfield, Forza Horizon 6, Resident Evil Requiem, and Alan Wake 2 lead our picks for 2026, with options that cover RPGs, shooters, sports sims, racers, and family-friendly adventures.
If you just unboxed a Series X or came back to Xbox after a decade away, the library can feel overwhelming. There are over 1,000 optimized games available now, and almost all of the best ones rotate through Xbox Game Pass. Our team used critic scores from Metacritic, community feedback from r/xbox and r/XboxSeriesX, and direct playtime to narrow the list. Every entry below explains who the game is for, how it actually plays, and where it shines on the Series X hardware.
Our Top 3 Tested Xbox Series X Games for 2026
Best Comparing the Best Xbox Series X Games in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Starfield |
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 Madden NFL 25 |
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 MLB The Show 26 |
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 Sonic X Shadow Generations |
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 NBA 2K26 |
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 Metal Gear Solid Delta |
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 Borderlands 4 |
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 Alan Wake 2 Deluxe |
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| Resident Evil Requiem |
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 Mafia The Old Country |
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 Forza Horizon 6 |
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 007 First Light |
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1. Starfield – Bethesda’s Largest Open Universe Yet
- Massive universe with 1000+ explorable planets
- Deep RPG mechanics and character customization
- Compelling main story with great voice acting
- Rewarding ship combat and ship-building
- Stunning graphics with realistic physics
- Ship and outpost storage is limited
- Frame rate locked at 30 FPS
- Ship travel can feel repetitive
Starfield is the game I keep returning to six months after launch. Bethesda’s first new universe in 25 years delivers more explorable space than any RPG I have played, and the moment-to-moment loop of landing on a new planet, scanning its resources, and customizing my ship never got old. After roughly 80 hours I still had unfinished faction quests waiting in my log.
The RPG systems are the deepest Bethesda has ever shipped. Backgrounds, Traits, and skill trees all interact in ways that make every character feel distinct. If you want to be a stealthy bounty hunter or a smooth-talking diplomat, the game lets you commit. Voice acting from notable leads carries the main quest, and the faction storylines (especially Crimson Fleet and the Rangers) hold up to repeat plays.
Ship Combat and the Constellation Story
The ship-building suite is the standout feature for me. After a dozen hours I had a custom cruiser with a tricked-out reactor, top-tier shields, and crew quarters that actually mattered in combat. Real-time space battles feel weighty, and stealing enemy ships becomes addictive once you learn the targeting system.
The Constellation main story takes around 35 hours to finish, but the side content pushes the total well past 100. If you only play one Bethesda RPG on your Series X, this is the one. Compared to Skyrim, the trade-off is meaningful: you trade the dense, hand-crafted map of a single province for a galaxy of procedurally placed worlds.
Who Should Buy Starfield
Starfield is a clear pick for anyone who wants a long single-player RPG on Series X. The 30 FPS cap is the biggest reason to skip it if you have a 120Hz monitor and you notice frame rate dips in action games. Physical disc owners should know that day-one patches are large, so plan for the initial download. If you want to start, the Standard Edition covers everything; the Premium and Constellation editions mostly add cosmetics and a small story DLC.
2. Forza Horizon 6 – The Best-Looking Racer on Series X
- Horizon's largest map ever set in Japan
- Most expansive urban environment with Tokyo
- 550+ real-world cars with deep customization
- New estate-building mechanic
- Strong multiplayer with Time Attack and Drag Meets
- More off-road events than road races for some tastes
- Unskippable NPC dialogue
- Required download from physical disc
Forza Horizon 6 moves the franchise to Japan, and the change is the best thing Playground Games has done with the series. After roughly 40 hours driving through Tokyo suburbs, mountain switchbacks, and coastal highways, I had not touched the same biome twice. The map is dense, varied, and consistently gorgeous at 4K on a Series X.
The 550-plus licensed car roster covers everything from kei trucks to hypercars, and the customization depth rivals dedicated tuning sims. Painting, body kits, Forza Aero parts, and engine swaps keep the chase for the perfect ride going long after the campaign credits roll.
Tokyo Streets and the Festival Loop
Tokyo is the new star of the series. Driving through Shibuya at night with the rain turned on is one of the most striking visuals I have seen on the console. The festival loop still works: you race, earn accolades, unlock new cars, and roll into the next region.
Multiplayer is where Horizon 6 surprised me most. Time Attack Circuits, Drag Meets, and Spec Racing all feel snappy and well-matched. If you have one friend on Xbox, jumping into co-op events is fast and painless.
Who Should Buy Forza Horizon 6
Forza Horizon 6 is the racer I recommend to anyone with a Series X who owns a 4K TV or 120Hz monitor. The visual jump over Horizon 5 is real, and Japan is a fantastic setting for the open-road driving the series does best. If you want pure circuit racing, the Forza Motorsport series still lives on Game Pass. If you want exploration, road trips, and car culture, Horizon 6 is the one.
3. Resident Evil Requiem – Anniversary Horror Done Right
- Free switching between first and third person
- Outstanding Atmos sound design
- Smooth 60 FPS on Series X
- Strong replayability with bonus unlocks
- Amazon Exclusive includes 2-sided poster
- Insanity mode can feel punishing during chase sequences
- Some buyers reported missing DLC codes
Resident Evil Requiem is the 30-year anniversary entry Capcom fans have been waiting for. The big change is the ability to freely switch between first-person and third-person at any time, which finally solves one of the longest-running debates in the series. I played the entire campaign in first person and then replayed the opening chapter in third person just to see how it changed the feel.
The new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, brings a quieter, more vulnerable tone than the Leon or Chris entries. That tension carries the whole experience. The supporting cast is small but memorable, and the story threads through several locations that feel genuinely distinct.
Sound Design and Atmos Performance
The sound mix is the standout technical feature. I tested with an Atmos-capable soundbar and the directional cues for enemies in adjacent rooms are some of the best I have heard in any horror game. Footsteps, distant groans, and environmental creaks all stay clean even during frantic chase sequences.
Performance is rock-solid on Series X. The game targets a stable 60 FPS and never dipped during my playthrough, even in the busiest indoor environments. Load times are the usual fast SSD speeds the console is known for.
Who Should Buy Resident Evil Requiem
If you have been away from the series since Resident Evil Village, this is the cleanest entry point in years. The story stands alone, and the new protagonist does not require background knowledge. Hardcore horror fans who want the most punishing experience can crank the difficulty to Insanity mode, which adds tougher chase sequences and tighter resource management. If you want a smoother ride, Normal is well balanced.
4. Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition – A Modern Horror Masterpiece
- Cinematic psychological horror with masterful storytelling
- Two playable protagonists with interwoven stories
- Stunning graphics and top-tier sound design
- Light-based survival combat adds unique mechanics
- Deluxe Edition includes Night Springs and Lake House expansions
- Mind-bending story may not appeal to all players
- Some buyers reported damaged packaging on arrival
Alan Wake 2 is the rare sequel that fully earns its 13-year gap. Remedy’s dual-protagonist setup lets you switch between Alan Wake, trapped in a shifting nightmare called the Dark Place, and FBI agent Saga Anderson, investigating ritual murders in the Pacific Northwest. The two threads weave together in ways I did not see coming, even after 25 hours.
The Deluxe Edition is the version to get on physical disc. It bundles the Night Springs and Lake House expansions plus a download code for Alan Wake Remastered, which closes the loop on the whole series. If you have not played the original Alan Wake, this package is the cleanest way to catch up.
Light Combat and the Mind Place
Combat is built around using light as a weapon. A flashlight beam weakens enemies, and once they are exposed, you burn them down with conventional firearms. Resource scarcity matters, and the encounters push you to use both tools strategically. Saga’s Mind Place adds a detective board where you connect clues and build profiles, which breaks up the action in a satisfying way.
Visually, the game is one of the strongest showcases for the Series X. Ray tracing, dense foliage, and weather effects all run smoothly in the 4K performance mode. The Atmos mix is excellent, especially in the Dark Place sequences.
Who Should Buy Alan Wake 2 Deluxe
If you like slow-burn horror, character-driven stories, and weird fiction, this is a must-play. If you prefer constant action, the pacing may feel deliberate. The story rewards patience and prior knowledge of the Remedy Connected Universe, but the Deluxe Edition gives you everything you need to follow along.
5. Borderlands 4 – The Best Co-op Looter on Series X
- All-new movement system with double-jump and grapple
- 2-player split-screen and up to 4-player online co-op
- Open world Kairos with diverse biomes
- Deep loot chase and branching skill trees
- Best farming options in the series
- Story is shorter than prior entries
- Some consider the writing less sharp than Borderlands 2
Borderlands 4 is the first entry in the series that feels built for couch co-op from day one. The new movement system, with double-jump, gliding, dodging, and grappling, makes the combat faster and more vertical than ever. After 30 hours solo and another 12 in split-screen with a partner, the co-op scaling kept both of us engaged even when one of us wandered off on a side quest.
The new planet Kairos is a genuine open world with distinct biomes, faction storylines, and dynamic events. Hover bike traversal is fast, and the map fills out naturally as you discover landmarks and side activities.
Vault Hunters and Skill Trees
The four new Vault Hunters each have branching skill trees that let you mix and match playstyles. I spent most of my time with the Siren-style caster, and the build variety felt deep enough to push for a second playthrough with a different loadout. Weapon farming is the most rewarding it has ever been, with legendaries and dedicated loot zones that keep the chase going.
The one real weakness is the story. It is shorter than Borderlands 3 and the villain is less memorable than Handsome Jack was in Borderlands 2. That said, the moment-to-moment gameplay and the co-op design more than carry it.
Who Should Buy Borderlands 4
If you have a partner or friend to play with locally, this is the best couch co-op game on the console right now. Solo players who love the loot grind will get plenty of value too, but the campaign alone is shorter than past entries. If you skipped the previous games, the story is approachable without much prior knowledge.
6. NBA 2K26 – The Best Basketball Sim on Series X
- ProPLAY technology translates real NBA footage into gameplay
- Streamlined The City mode for MyCAREER progression
- MyTEAM features new single-player and multiplayer modes
- MyNBA offers 30 GM storylines inspired by real events
- Some buyers find the in-game progression tied to monetization
- MyCAREER grind can feel repetitive for solo players
NBA 2K26 is the most realistic basketball sim on the console. ProPLAY technology, which translates NBA footage directly into animations, makes dribbles, crossovers, and footwork feel sharper than in any previous entry. After 50 online Park games and a full MyNBA season, the on-court movement kept impressing me.
The City mode has been streamlined for faster progression, which is the biggest quality-of-life change in years. If you were put off by the size of the previous City, the new layout feels more focused and less padded.
MyCAREER, MyTEAM, and MyNBA
MyCAREER still has monetization tied to VC gains, but the gameplay loop is strong enough to carry it. MyTEAM adds fresh single-player and multiplayer modes, and MyNBA’s 30 GM storylines inspired by real NBA events add replay value for offline players who want a franchise experience.
Who Should Buy NBA 2K26
If you are a basketball fan, this is the only sim on Xbox worth buying. If you are returning after a few years away, the streamlined City mode is the easiest entry point yet. Casual players who want a quick pickup game can also jump into Play Now or online matches without touching the career grind.
7. Madden NFL 25 – A Major Step Forward for the Franchise
- Physics-informed dynamic tackling system (BOOM Tech)
- Reengineered Hit Stick and Ball Carrier Balance
- Refreshed Franchise mode with new broadcast teams
- Wide variety of animations on both sides of the ball
- Some players may want more depth in modes beyond core mechanics
- MUT progression still leans on monetization
Madden NFL 25 is the cleanest the football sim has felt in years. The new BOOM Tech tackling system, powered by the FieldSENSE engine, produces realistic collisions that finally reward good positioning. Hit Stick timing, Ball Carrier Balance, and the new dive and truck animations all add up to the most physical Madden I have played.
The refreshed Franchise mode with the new broadcast team (Mike Tirico, Greg Olsen, Kate Scott, and Brock Huard) makes the offline experience feel like a real NFL broadcast.
Gameplay Modes and Online Play
MUT (Madden Ultimate Team) is still the deepest online mode, and it now features more progression variety than past years. The Face of the Franchise story mode is shorter than some prior entries but well directed. Online head-to-head remains the most popular way to play, and the matchmaking felt fair in my 20-plus ranked games.
Who Should Buy Madden NFL 25
If you are an NFL fan with a Series X, this is the version to own. The gameplay overhaul is meaningful, and the new commentary team is a clear upgrade. If you only play offline Franchise and want a deep franchise sim, this delivers. If you primarily care about MUT, the depth is solid though the monetization treadmill is unchanged.
8. METAL GEAR SOLID DELTA – Snake Eater Tactical Edition
- Faithful remake preserving the original story
- Updated modern controls ease newcomers in
- Stunning new graphics bring jungle environments to life
- Persistent injuries on Snake create unique playthroughs
- Tactical Edition includes bonus DLC costumes
- Some frame rate dips during action-heavy sequences
- Modern control scheme divides long-time fans
Metal Gear Solid Delta is the most faithful remake Konami has ever produced. The original PS2 game’s story, voice acting, and music return intact, while the visuals and control scheme get modern upgrades. After 20 hours I had finished the campaign and immediately started a second playthrough to chase the Foxhound ranking.
The standout new feature is persistent injuries on Snake. Every wound leaves a mark, and the visual map of damage tells the story of each player’s unique run. If you played stealth-heavy, your Snake has few scars. If you charged through gunfire, your Snake is heavily marked.
Modern vs Classic Controls
The Tactical Edition lets you swap between modern controls (aim with LT, fire with RT) and the original scheme. Newcomers should start with modern controls. Long-time fans will appreciate the toggle, and the original scheme still feels tense once you adjust.
The jungle environments look gorgeous on Series X. Dense foliage, weather effects, and lighting all hold up, and the new facial animations give the cast more personality than the original. There are occasional frame rate dips in action-heavy sequences, but they are brief.
Who Should Buy Metal Gear Solid Delta
If you missed the original or want a way to replay it on modern hardware, this is the cleanest version available. Tactical Edition buyers get extra costumes and a few cosmetic bonuses. If you have never played a Metal Gear game, the story holds up and the modern controls are the easiest entry point yet.
9. MLB The Show 26 – The Best Baseball Sim on Console
- Expanded Road to the Show with new Road to Cooperstown path
- Includes NCAA College World Series and Hall of Fame progression
- New Red Diamond tier and World Baseball Classic cards
- Upgraded PXP system with Parallel Mods
- Revamped Mini-Seasons campaigns
- Some fans may want more progression tweaks after launch
- Diamond Dynasty packs still lean on paid packs
MLB The Show 26 is the most feature-rich entry in the franchise. The new Road to Cooperstown career path takes players from high school through the College World Series and into the Hall of Fame. After playing through a season and a half, I can confirm the progression feels earned and the milestones land.
Diamond Dynasty is still the deepest card-collecting mode in sports games. The new Red Diamond rarity tier and World Baseball Classic player cards add fresh chase content. The revamped Mini-Seasons campaigns are a strong single-player alternative for players who want shorter offline sessions.
Gameplay and Presentation
Batting and pitching feel tighter than last year, with cleaner feedback on contact timing. The new broadcast presentation gives Stadium view a fresher look. Online play remained stable in my Diamond Dynasty games, and matchmaking was fast during off-peak hours.
Who Should Buy MLB The Show 26
If you are a baseball fan, this is the only sim worth buying on Xbox. Returning players will find the career mode more rewarding, and Diamond Dynasty is the deepest card-collector mode on the platform. Casual players who want a quick offline game can jump into March to October or a Mini-Season in under 20 minutes.
10. Sonic X Shadow Generations – A Two-Campaign Platformer Treat
- Two campaigns: nostalgic Sonic Generations plus new Shadow story
- Updated visuals and reworked cinematics on classic stages
- New Doom Powers for Shadow including water-surfing
- Chao rescue collectibles extend replay value
- Some 2D sections feel familiar to longtime fans
- Shadow campaign is shorter than the remastered half
Sonic X Shadow Generations is a fantastic double feature for Sonic fans. The package bundles a fully remastered Sonic Generations with a brand-new Shadow Generations campaign. After playing through both stories I had spent about 18 hours, and the value is hard to beat at this price point.
The Shadow campaign is the standout. New Doom Powers, like water-surfing, flight, and the return of Chaos Control, give the platforming fresh energy. The story ties into Shadow’s history and gives longtime fans meaningful payoff.
Classic Stages and Updated Visuals
The remastered Sonic Generations stages look gorgeous on Series X. Classic 2D and 3D levels have updated lighting, higher-resolution textures, and reworked cinematics that make the 2011 original feel modern. The Chao Garden and museum content extend replay value beyond the main campaigns.
Who Should Buy Sonic X Shadow Generations
If you grew up with Sonic or you want a fast platformer for short play sessions, this is an easy recommendation. Families looking for a non-violent, kid-friendly option will find the E10+ rating appropriate. The Shadow campaign does have darker story elements but no graphic content.
11. Mafia The Old Country – A Return to Classic Mob Storytelling
- Cinematic 1900s mob movie storyline
- Old-school stealth and melee combat mechanics
- Authentic Sicilian environments
- Horseback and turn-of-the-century automobile traversal
- Strong narrative with a definitive ending
- Story is shorter than many open-world alternatives
- Limited side activities compared to bigger open-world games
Mafia The Old Country is a love letter to the series’ roots. Set in 1900s Sicily, it trades the sprawling open worlds of Mafia 3 and Mafia Definitive Edition for a tighter, more cinematic narrative. After roughly 12 hours I had finished the main story, and I enjoyed almost every minute.
The setting is the standout. Vineyards, opera houses, underground crypts, and crumbling ruins give every mission a strong sense of place. The horse-and-buggy traversal feels appropriately old-school, and the new melee and stealth systems reward patience over run-and-gun.
Combat and Pacing
Combat blends blades and period firearms with a stealth system that rewards ambushes and silent takedowns. The pacing is deliberate, and the story beats land because the game does not pad them with busywork. The shorter runtime is a feature for players who want a focused single-player experience.
Who Should Buy Mafia The Old Country
If you want a story-driven mob game that respects your time, this is the Mafia entry to start with. If you are looking for a 60-plus-hour open world with side activities to chase, look elsewhere. The shorter campaign is a clean fit for a weekend playthrough.
12. 007 First Light Specialist Edition – A Fresh James Bond Origin
- Fresh James Bond origin story for a new generation
- Mix of stealth and action with cinematic presentation
- Iconic Bond vehicles and gadgets
- Player choice between silent or loud approach
- Standalone experience with no prior game knowledge needed
- Melee combat controls described as awkward by some players
- Frequent post-launch updates can be disruptive
- Some buyers reported missing deluxe-edition bonus content
007 First Light is the best James Bond game in years. The Specialist Edition on Amazon comes with bonus cosmetic content and a few exclusive items that you cannot get on the standard physical release. The story follows a young Bond earning his 00 status, which is a fresh angle for longtime fans.
Gameplay blends stealth and action with strong cinematic presentation. I played through a mix of silent infiltrations and loud firefights, and both styles are well supported. The gadget design leans into the Bond fantasy without overwhelming the core mechanics.
Locations, Vehicles, and Gadgets
The mission locations are bright, varied, and well directed. Driving sequences with iconic Bond vehicles are short but punchy. Gadgets like the watch and the modified pistol feel useful without breaking the gameplay. The Specialist Edition bonus content is mostly cosmetic, but the extra missions add some replay value.
Who Should Buy 007 First Light
If you are a Bond fan, this is an easy recommendation. If you want a clean stealth-action game with a cinematic wrapper, the game stands on its own without prior 007 knowledge. The Teen rating makes it more accessible than most mature-rated action titles on this list.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Xbox Series X Game for You
Picking from the best Xbox Series X games is easier when you break the decision into a few clear categories: how you buy, how you play, and how much you want to spend. Below is the framework our team uses when we recommend games to readers.
Physical Disc vs Digital vs Game Pass
Physical discs still have real value on Series X. You can resell them when you finish, and many of the games above, including Starfield, Resident Evil Requiem, and Alan Wake 2 Deluxe, have day-one patches that download separately even with the disc. Digital purchases are convenient but cannot be resold. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the smartest first purchase for new owners because it gives you day-one access to most first-party titles like Starfield, Forza Horizon 6, and Halo, plus a rotating library of third-party hits.
If your budget allows for one full-price game plus a Game Pass subscription, that combo covers most of this list. Forza Horizon 6, MLB The Show 26, Madden NFL 25, and the Borderlands 4 physical release all see regular discounts, so waiting for a sale is reasonable. If you want day-one access to first-party exclusives, Game Pass is the cleanest path.
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S
All twelve games on this list run on both Series X and Series S, but the experience differs. Series X targets 4K resolution with HDR and supports up to 120 frames per second in optimized titles like Forza Horizon 6. Series S targets 1440p and has the same SSD for fast load times, but with less storage and no disc drive. Forza Horizon 6, Borderlands 4, and Madden NFL 25 all have dedicated performance modes on Series X that you will not get on Series S.
If you own a 4K HDR TV, the Series X is the clear choice for these games. If you play on a 1080p monitor, the Series S is a great value and you will not miss much outside of ray tracing in Alan Wake 2 and the highest-end Forza Horizon 6 settings.
Single-Player vs Couch Co-op vs Online Multiplayer
Single-player focused: Starfield, Alan Wake 2, Resident Evil Requiem, Mafia The Old Country, and Metal Gear Solid Delta. These are all strong picks for one-player campaigns that span 12 to 80+ hours.
Couch co-op and local multiplayer: Borderlands 4 is the standout with 2-player split-screen and up to 4-player online co-op. Split Fiction and Halo: The Master Chief Collection are also great couch co-op picks if you want to expand beyond this list.
Online multiplayer: NBA 2K26 (Park and Pro-Am), Madden NFL 25 (MUT and online head-to-head), and Forza Horizon 6 (online events) are the strongest online experiences here.
Best Couch Co-op Games Not on This List
Beyond Borderlands 4, the Xbox Series X library has strong couch co-op games worth your time. Split Fiction, It Takes Two, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Sea of Thieves, and Minecraft all support local multiplayer. Most of these rotate through Game Pass, so a subscription lets you try them before buying. If you have a partner or roommate who plays games occasionally, this category is the most fun bang for your buck.
Best Family-Friendly and Kid-Safe Picks
For younger players, Sonic X Shadow Generations (E10+), MLB The Show 26 (Everyone), and NBA 2K26 (Everyone) are all rated appropriately. Minecraft and Lego games rotate through Game Pass and are the safest bets for very young children. Forza Horizon 6 is rated Everyone and is a strong pick for families who want a shared racer.
Best Free-to-Play and Budget Picks on Series X
Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends are the biggest free-to-play shooters on the console. For racing, Forza Motorsport free-to-play events rotate through the store. If your budget is tight, NBA 2K26 (which frequently dips), Madden NFL 25, and Sonic X Shadow Generations are all the most affordable full-price picks on this list.
For the best audio experience with any of these games, check out our guide to the best gaming headsets for Xbox Series X. And to make sure your TV is doing these visuals justice, see our picks for the best TVs for Xbox Series X.
Frequently Asked Questions
What games should I play on the Xbox Series X?
Start with Starfield, Forza Horizon 6, and Resident Evil Requiem for the strongest 2026 launches. For Game Pass subscribers, Alan Wake 2, Borderlands 4, and Metal Gear Solid Delta are also available day one through the subscription. If you want a complete starter list, the 12 games covered above span RPGs, racers, shooters, sports sims, and family-friendly options.
What is the most played game on the Xbox Series X?
The most-played games on Series X tend to be live-service and free-to-play titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Minecraft. Among paid retail games, NBA 2K26, Madden NFL 25, and Forza Horizon 6 consistently rank near the top for hours played per user. RPGs like Starfield and Borderlands 4 pull massive single-player hour counts as well.
What games are better on Series X than Series S?
Forza Horizon 6, Alan Wake 2, Resident Evil Requiem, and Starfield all run noticeably better on Series X thanks to higher resolution targets and dedicated performance modes. Series X also supports 4K discs and has more storage, which matters for large installs like Starfield and MLB The Show 26. Series S runs every game on this list, but Series X gives you the full visual upgrade.
Is the Xbox Series X still worth it in 2026?
Yes. The Series X in 2026 has access to over 1,000 optimized games, full backward compatibility with four generations of Xbox titles, and Xbox Game Pass with hundreds of rotating day-one releases. Starfield, Forza Horizon 6, Resident Evil Requiem, and the rest of this list show that the console still has a strong multi-year pipeline of major exclusives and third-party hits.
Final Verdict: Which Xbox Series X Game Should You Buy First?
If you want the best Xbox Series X game overall, Starfield is our pick. The 1,000-plus planets, deep RPG systems, and 80+ hours of content make it the strongest single-player value on the console right now, and it is available day one through Game Pass for subscribers.
If racing is your priority, Forza Horizon 6 is the cleanest choice. The Japan setting, 550-plus car roster, and stunning Tokyo visuals make it the best-looking racer on the platform. If you want horror, Resident Evil Requiem is the standout: the free first-to-third-person switching, anniversary content, and rock-solid 60 FPS performance make it the most polished survival horror game on Series X.
For couch co-op with friends or a partner, Borderlands 4 is the best new option, with 2-player split-screen and 4-player online co-op that scales smoothly. For families and kids, Sonic X Shadow Generations, MLB The Show 26, and NBA 2K26 are all rated appropriately and offer shared play sessions. For sports fans, Madden NFL 25 and NBA 2K26 are the deepest sims available.
No matter which of these best Xbox Series X games you start with, pair it with Xbox Game Pass for the cleanest way to expand your library without spending full price on each title. Check our picks for the best new Xbox Series X games and the best Xbox headsets to round out your setup for 2026.
