The 15 Best Xbox Series S/X Games to Play in 2026 | games

nThey’re certainly approaching their final years, yet the Xbox Series S and We’ve selected 15 titles that show the range of what’s on offer, from the biggest blockbusters to lesser-known indie gems you might have missed. Whether you’re looking for tense psychological horror or wild escapism, it’s all here and more.

Alan Wake 2

Thirteen years after his disappearance at the end of the original game, cursed horror author Alan Wake finds himself trapped in an alternate dimension and is determined to write his way out, while FBI agents close in on the mysterious town of Bright Falls.

Why we love it: “A thoroughly entertaining mix of police procedural and surreal survival horror.” Read the full review.

Baldur’s Gate 3

One of the greatest fantasy RPGs of the modern era, offering players almost as much narrative and imaginative freedom as a tabletop D&D adventure as they take on tough-minded players.

Why we love it: “It’s a landmark in RPGs. Busy with life, full of scope, and full of imagination.” Read the full review.

Psychonauts 2

The long-awaited sequel to Double Fine’s popular 3D platformer sees the return of acrobatic secret agent Raz as he embarks on a mission to eliminate a dangerous new adversary.

Why we love it: “I’ve rarely played anything that isn’t ashamed of itself. Every hour is different, every character is distinct and memorable, and every new psychological playground is full of surprises.” Read the full review.

Al-Din ring

A grandiose fantasy opera from the makers of Dark Souls, filled with stunning landscapes, strange characters, and insurmountable bosses. Complete with the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, it’s an open world full of challenges and excitement like no other.

Why we love it: “This is a huge world, stunningly rendered (the sun and moon wheel in the sky, recreating every scene) and seemingly limitless in its creative diversity. It is an unparalleled achievement of design and creativity.” Read the full review.

Forza Horizon 4

A beautiful open-world driving game offering hundreds of square miles of British countryside to explore while racing with other drivers, completing challenges and collecting stunningly designed supercars. It is no longer available in the digital store, but you can still purchase a physical copy.

Why we love it: “As driving games go, it’s the best I’ve ever played, not only because of its irresistible scenery, exhilarating driving and perfectly recreated cars, but because spending time with it always puts me in a good mood.” Read the full review.

Hades

Fight your way out of hell while enjoying the exciting shenanigans of the ancient Greek gods. Has there ever been a more engaging premise for a Rogue-like role-playing game?

Why we love it: “Interesting things happen all the time, and no matter how long I spend with Hades, I feel like I’m just getting to know her.” Read the full review.

Hi Fi Rush

Best known for its horror adventure series The Evil Within, Tokyo studio Tango Gameworks has surprised us all with this gritty beat-em-up in which enemies, action and hallucinogenic environments mesh with the infectious rhythm.

Why we love it: “As racy as a Jet Set Radio fever dream is, it’s refreshing to play a game so unashamedly centered around music.” Read the full review.

Indiana Jones and the Grand Circle

Set directly after Raiders of the Lost Ark, this rip-roaring adventure sees Indy making his way across the globe on a bewildering globe-trotting journey on the trail of legendary giants and powerful ancient secrets.

Why we love it: “A sumptuous, sweeping and emotional expansion of Spielberg’s filmography, one that deeply understands history and eagerly engages with it.” Read the full review.

A king is assassinated and his heir falls into a coma – a difficult political situation that leads to an epic quest for a young boy, while chaos reigns and giant monsters roam the land. This is a giant, lavish role-playing adventure from the makers of the popular Persona series.

Why we love it: “It’s very bold, and well designed: developer Atlus has set exceptionally high standards for visual design and music over the years, and it’s impressive that ReFantazio lives up to those standards.” Read more here.

Minecraft

The ultimate crafting adventure, offering a vast procedurally generated world to explore and an almost limitless array of activities from building castles and fighting zombies to competing in mini-games. He’s fifteen years old and shows no sign of running out of ideas.

Why we love it: “By building the world out of 1×1 blocks that can be arranged in every imaginable combination, Minecraft is perhaps the closest thing to a true god game.” Read the full review.

sadness

In a village in the Bavarian Alps during the 16th century, a young artist sets out to solve a series of gruesome murders. With mesmerizing images inspired by the illuminated manuscripts of the era, this is an extraordinary detective adventure.

Why we love it: “It provides a wonderful window into the past […] A gift for any player who craves a more historical setting than just superficial texture. Read the full review.

Persona 5 Royal

A group of Tokyo high school students develop amazing powers and set out to fight evil and corruption – while also falling in and out of messy teenage love. Part sprawling metaphysical role-playing game, part absolutely fantastic dating sim.

Why we love it: “With its elegant cuts and transitions, loose and funky structure and realistic setting, Persona 5 is unlike any other video game. Its depth and texture far exceed even previous games in the series.” Read the full review.

Resident Evil 4 remake

Arguably the greatest survival horror game ever made, it’s been significantly updated while retaining its mix of gory action, tricky puzzles, and truly horrific monsters.

Why we love it: “It is scintillating, delicious and decadent, like an incredibly rich banquet served amid the detritus of a horrific battle.” Read the full review.

Sea of ​​Thieves

It’s effectively a fantasy pirate simulator, where a crew of players takes to the high seas together, discovering buried treasure and battling with other pirates. A cooperative adventure filled with unforgettable moments of shared excitement and fun.

Why we love it: “You will laugh, you will sail, and you will drink until you are sick. What a wonderful and unique experience.” Read the full review.

Split imagination

Two authors, one writing sci-fi and the other fantasy, are immersed in their own stories when a virtual reality machine goes awry. From the makers of the award-winning It Takes Two, this is another cooperative adventure in which players work side by side to solve ingenious puzzles.

Why we love it: “One level might be an action-packed space blast, the next will have you wandering through a fantasy forest as mutant animals, and an unexpected diversion will have you working together to turn sentient sausages into buns.” Read the full article here.