Updated at: 08-06-2023 - By: Leo Hall
Curious about the upcoming Xbox 2022 games? Here are some of the most anticipated Xbox Series X/S titles coming soon.

Players who prefer Xbox consoles first can now enjoy a new wave of generation-defining games thanks to the Xbox Series X and its less powerful counterpart, the Xbox Series S.

New Xbox games cover the gamut from fast-paced shooters to deep role-playing adventures and everything in between.

Here, we’ll take a look ahead to 2022 and highlight the best new Xbox Series X games coming out this year and beyond.

The Day Before

Time of Publication: June 21, 2022

In the upcoming open-world MMO The Day Before, players will have to make it through a dangerous post-pandemic United States full of flesh-eating infected and untrustworthy survivors.

The Hype Is Gone”: The Day Before Gameplay Disappoints… | EarlyGame

Your protagonist has amnesia and must fend for themselves while searching for the truth.

You’ll search through wrecked cars, houses, and other structures for weapons and supplies as you fight your way through a once-beautiful world gone mad.

The game’s surprising level of polish so far has left us wondering if the final product will live up to the early hype.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2

Publication: December 8, 2022

The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series is well-known for its realistic portrayal of post-apocalyptic open worlds.

Despite sharing a visual style with the Metro games and even the Fallout role-playing games, the series was cancelled after only three installments.

The players of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will explore “The Zone,” a radioactive wasteland surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site.

The high radiation levels in the area give the scavengers special powers that help them get around and fight.

Blood Bowl 3

Date of Publication: To Be Determined

Blood Bowl has always gone its own way, fusing elements of American football, turn-based strategy, and Warhammer lore.

Even though it’s one of the more specialized Xbox 360 releases, Blood Bowl 3 brings a lot to the table for series devotees.

The game follows the official rules of the most recent edition of the board game, including any new abilities or changes to the passing system.

There is also a new competitive PVP mode with league management tools and a customizable single-player campaign accessible to all 12 included races.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

Time of Publication Announcement

Following the unveiling of the Xbox Series X’s name and design, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II was announced at the 2019 Game Awards.

Anyone who played the first game will be impressed by how much darker and more atmospheric the sequel is thanks to Ninja Theory’s return to the helm.

The announcement trailer reveals little beyond the game’s Series X and PC portability and the fact that it exists.

Focus is placed on rituals, travel across breathtaking landscapes, and a confrontation with a monstrous creature.

Hello Neighbor 2

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

Hello Neighbor was an experimental Xbox game that was panned by critics but found success thanks to let’s plays uploaded to YouTube.

At the very least, Microsoft has given tinyBuild and Eerie Guest the go-ahead to make a sequel to the game.

Hello Neighbor 2 expands on the original’s lore and gameplay mechanics while keeping the survival horror stealth gameplay intact.

The AI of enemies has been bolstered, a new location has been added, and new, combinable items have been strewn about for exploration and protection from the Neighbor.

Forza Motorsport

Time of Publication: To Be Announced

A new in-engine trailer for the next installment in Microsoft’s racing series Forza has been released, promising a “soft reboot” for the series’ fan base.

Turn 10 Studios, the show’s developer, seems to be moving away from numbered releases and toward a live service model with Series X.

The next installment, simply titled Forza Motorsport, is currently in the early stages of development but is planned for a release on Xbox One, PC, and Game Pass.

We are pleased to announce that the game will support 4K resolution at 60 frames per second on both console and PC.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide

When it will be released: Not Yet Determined

Many fans of the Left 4 Dead series have found satisfaction in the Vermintide games, which are a co-op take on the Warhammer formula.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a cooperative shooter in which up to four players explore the futuristic city of Tertium and fight off waves of enemies known as Poxwalkers.

The game presents itself as a first-person action game, similar to Vermintie, with intense battles between characters of different classes.

Darktide features a wide variety of weapons, some of which were recently showcased in a gameplay trailer. These included laser-powered rifles and a chainsword that looked badass.

Scorn

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

The video game Scorn is what you’d get if someone invented an H.R. Giger video game machine and turned all the dials to eleven.

In this terrifying first-person experience, you’ll discover a nightmare world where everything, from buildings to people, is made entirely of flesh.

The open world of the game is like a maze, and you have to make your way through it by completing puzzles, linking doors, and fighting enemies.

With full character movement, limited inventory, and ammo scarcity, it’s pitched as an immersive experience, so it helps that the game has a good sense of atmosphere.

Soup Pot

To Be Announced: Release Date

You’ll have plenty of time to play through a number of the games on this list before the release of Soup Pot, which was announced at E3 2021 and is scheduled for release by year’s end.

It’s a virtual kitchen where you can try out your culinary imagination with over a hundred different recipes and a wide variety of ingredients.

Soup Pot allows you to see your dishes through to the end even if they look like a hot mess, unlike other cooking sims that want you to follow specific instructions.

Players can plate their food however they like and then post the photos to a social media site within the game to gain followers and receive criticism on their dishes.

ExoMecha

Date of Publication: Not Yet Determined

Sometimes the only way to shake the blues is to climb inside a giant mech and start destroying things.

ExoMecha will be just what the market needs, and it will do so by adding its own unique spin on free-to-play competitive MMO shooters.

The game features state-of-the-art visuals, distinct mech classes, and a wide variety of meta-altering skills and tools to use in PvP and AI boss fights.

When venturing across Omecha, your mech will be equipped with both close and long range weapons.

Everwild

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

Rare’s upcoming IP, Everwild, was first shown off to the public in a cinematic trailer at X019, where its colorful visuals and fantastical setting made quite an impression.

The trailer suggests a possible world in which humans and magical creatures with material manipulation abilities have a close relationship.

Gameplay details are still sketchy, but something is clearly working against nature’s established order in the background.

We’ll be keeping an eye on this one because Rare is well-known for its endearing protagonists and vivid settings.

State of Decay 3

Awaiting Announcement of a Release Date

State of Decay 3, the next installment in the zombie survival horror series, is in production for Xbox Series X.

From the looks of the announcement trailer, Undead Labs is well on their way to creating the “ultimate” zombie survival simulation with State of Decay 3.

Fans can anticipate not only an increase in the number of human zombies, but also the introduction of a new foe: zombie deers.

We believe that next-gen hardware and generally faster load times will greatly improve the game’s visuals.

Fable

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

Playground Games, best known for the Forza Horizon, has confirmed that a new Fable game is in development, though it may not be the long-rumored Fable 4 sequel we had in mind.

Fable is a reboot of the series that will stay true to the original games by giving players the chance to interact with magical creatures in fantastical settings.

We have very little information about the game’s gameplay or story beyond a cinematic trailer.

Launch for Xbox Series X, PC, and Xbox Game Pass is still far off, but the game is planned for those platforms.

Avowed

Date of Publication: Not Yet Determined

Avowed is a new intellectual property being created by studio Obsidian. It’s a first-person role-playing game set in a fantasy world called Eora.

You take on the role of a mysterious hero who fights with a sword and casts spells with stylized motions of their hands.

Given that role-playing games are Obsidian’s specialty, their haste to create a new one is not surprising. Video games like Fallout: New Vegas, Killer Instinct: Human Revolution 2, and Pillars of Eternity are just a few examples.

We haven’t seen Obsidian go in this direction before, so it will be exciting to see what they do with the themes presented in Avowed.

Redfall

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

As a fan of the Dishonored series, I’ve enjoyed seeing developer Arkane experiment with new ideas and themes in games like Prey, Deathloop, and now Redfall.

An open-world cooperative shooter featuring a band of survivors taking on supernatural foes is currently in development at the Austin, Texas, studio of the aforementioned company.

Players will be able to pick their own path as they set out to rid the town of Redfall, Massachusetts of its vampire problem.

It will be interesting to see how Arkane Austin tackles a co-op shooter in the wake of Left 4 Dead, given that the studio has primarily dealt with single-player affairs.

The Callisto Protocol

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

Upcoming from Striking Distance Studios, The Callisto Protocol is a survival horror game in the vein of System Shock and Dead Space.

Players must break out of the high-security Black Iron Prison while uncovering a plethora of gruesome mysteries.

The game aims to raise the bar for interactive horror by fusing scares, action, and immersion.

In addition, we now know that, for some reason, it shares a universe with PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.

Gotham Knights

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

WB Games Montréal, best known for Batman: Arkham Origins, is releasing yet another DC video game.

Now that Batman is presumed dead, Gotham Knights follows his protégés with superpowers as they defend Gotham City.

It’s an action role-playing game where you and up to three friends take on the roles of Batgirl, Robin, Red Hood, and Nightwing.

In the game’s single-player campaign mode, the player takes control of any one of four playable characters at any time.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

Rocksteady Studios, developers of the Batman: Arkham series, will release their next DC Comics video game, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, in 2022.

The game follows the exploits of the Suicide Squad in an open world based on Metropolis, with players taking control of Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, Harley Quinn, and King Shark.

After Brainiac invades Earth and brainwashes the Justice League, the story focuses on the four-man wrecking crew as they attempt to defeat him.

The story of Suicide Squad is built around cooperative play, so players can either join forces with friends or take on the mission on their own with the help of AI allies.

Slime Rancher 2

Date of Publication: Not Currently Known

Independent game developer Monomi Park is hard at work on a follow-up to their bouncy and colorful farming sim, Slime Rancher.

Slime Rancher 2 follows Beatrix LeBeau into a new world called Rainbow Island, which is full of ancient mysteries and exotic wildlife.

You will use your slime-manipulating arsenal to collect and breed slime creatures with unique traits and personalities.

You can earn Newbucks to spend on ranch improvements and new gadgets once you understand the game’s plort-based economy.

My Time at Sandrock

Date of Publication Not Yet Determined

Developer and publisher Pathea Games recently announced that a sequel to the farming simulation role-playing game My Time At Portia would be released in late 2021 or early 2022.

The studio had hoped to release in Steam Early Access in 2021 after a successful Kickstarter campaign, but they ran into problems with the game certification process.

With a new Western setting and an expanded storyline featuring hundreds of side-quests and new characters, My Time At Sandrock sticks to a similar formula to the original game.

New combat mechanics, materials, crops, tools, and workshop items are also on the way in the sequel.

As Dusk Falls

Publication is set for July 19, 2022.
Interior/Night/Xbox Game Studios: Developers & Publishers
The answer is yes if you have a game pass.

INTERIOR/NIGHT, led by Caroline Marchal, a former design lead at Quantic Dream, is responsible for this interactive drama. The studio also boasts veterans from Bioware, Sony London, and even Pixar. As Dusk Falls is a multigenerational story set in the American Southwest that begins with two families caught in a hostage situation. Over the course of decades, we see how one family’s bad choices can affect subsequent generations.

Two Point Campus

Due out on August 9th, 2022.
Two Point Studios and SEGA developed and published the game.
Discard the Game Pass idea.

Two Point Campus: School Spirits on Steam

Two Point Campus now has an opening for a Dean, putting you in charge of your very own educational institution. There’s a lot to manage here, from the layout of the buildings and gardens to the types of classes offered and how they are conducted to the daily routines of your students. However, this also means that there is a lot to look forward to, as well as the usual brand of absurdity.

Saints Row

The date of release is August 23, 2022.
Volition and Koch Media are the developers and publishers.
Lacking a Game Pass

The Saints Row franchise has been given a fresh start with a new reboot that focuses on the series’ origin story. It will be up to you and your four-person team to leave your mark on the city of Santo Ileso, which exists only in the game. You’ll need to establish your own criminal empire to compete with other gangs. The tone is still light and carefree, but with an added layer of maturity.

Soul Hackers 2

Atlus, the creator
Label: SEGA
Due out on August 26th, 2022.

Soul Hackers 2 is Atlus’s long-awaited sequel to the role-playing game Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers, released in 1997. Now the development team is back with a new supernatural role-playing game, complete with fashionable summoners and sinister threats hiding in the shadows of cyberpunk Japan’s neon lights. Soul Hackers 2 is one of the most anticipated JRPGs of 2022 thanks to its battle system, which is similar to the Press Turn system found in the mainline Shin Megami Tensei games.

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum

Dissemination Begins on September 1, 2022
Daedalic Entertainment, Creators & Publishers
Lacking a Game Pass

One of the upcoming Xbox Series X games is The Lord of the Rings: Gollum. Starting in Barad-dûr, a fortress in Mordor where the corrupted creature is being held prisoner, you’ll take on the role of Gollum and explore the rest of Middle-Earth. The game promises “giant, persistent environments,” each of which will house multiple questlines and a variety of friendly and hostile NPCs. Developer Daedelic said as much in an interview with Edge from early 2020(opens in new tab), describing the game as a “stealth-action-adventure with an intriguing dual-personality mechanic, gigantic levels, and a densely wrought aesthetic inspired by Tolkien’s own drawings.

High on Life

Date of Publication: October, 2022
Squanch Games, Developer & Publisher
Game Pass: Positive

The creators of Rick and Morty are working on a new first-person shooter called High on Life. At the Xbox and Bethesda showcase, we saw a brightly colored trailer that introduced us to the game’s unusual alien-shaped talking guns and a slew of bizarre enemies. High on Life portrays an alien drug cartel headed by a figure named Garmantuous as a potential threat to Earthlings. It doesn’t exactly sound appealing, does it? As a recent high school graduate turned bounty hunter, it looks like we’ll have to try to put a stop to this gang and save the world.

Overwatch 2

The date of the release is October 4, 2022.
Blizzard Entertainment, Developer & Publisher
Game Pass: Positive

Overwatch 2 is a continuation of the successful multiplayer online battle arena game. The heroes will be joined by some newcomers along with the return of the original cast. There are brand new game modes, improved features, and an enhanced team vs. team competition in the form of 5v5 combat. The sequel is being released in early access after a period of closed beta, giving players the chance to dive in and try out the new features.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns

Date of Publication: October 7, 2022
Firaxis & 2K Games are the Developer & Publisher.
Discard the Game Pass idea.

You take control of The Hunter, the first fully modifiable Marvel hero, in Marvel’s Midnight Suns. This strategy game from the makers of XCOM has you teaming up with a cast of 12 recognizable Marvel heroes to defeat Lillith, the Mother of Demons.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

When: October 28, 2022 (Estimated)
Infinity Ward / Activision, Developer / Publisher
The answer is no to the game pass.

This year’s COD entry is called Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and it continues the saga of Captain Price and the rest of the Taste Force 141 crew. It appears to be a direct continuation of the story begun in the 2019 reboot, but that is about all we know at this point. Read on for more updates as they become available.

Final Fantasy 7 Crisis Core Reunion

The release window is set for the winter of 2022.
Square Enix, Developer & Publisher
Future of Game Pass: Unknown

During the Final Fantasy 7 25th anniversary livestream, Square Enix revealed Crisis Core Reunion, a complete remake of the 2007 PSP game. Similar to the first Crisis Core, Zack Fair is tasked in Reunion with locating the missing Soldier Genesis Rhapsodos. As a remaster, it will also include a slew of enhancements like high-definition visuals and updated 3D modes. The new score will feature fully voice-acted dialogue.

Sonic Frontiers

Holiday 2022 is the release date.
Sonic Team / SEGA, Developer / Publisher
Discard the Game Pass idea.

In an ‘open zone’ game, Sonic will travel to a brand new – and breathtaking – location known as the Starfall Islands. Expect this to be quite the adventure, as you’ll be facing enemies as you race through.

Hogwarts Legacy

Holiday 2022 is the release date.
Developed by Portkey Games and published by Warner Bros.
No, I do not have a Game Pass

Hogwart Legacy is an open-world action role-playing game based on the Harry Potter canon, with the goal of allowing players to experience life at the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for themselves. Despite being set in the nineteenth century, long before Harry and company enter school, there is still magic to be uncovered. In fact, you have an unusual connection to Ancient Magic, despite being a Hogwarts student. Hogwarts Legacy will arrive in 2022, giving players the chance to make friends, fight evil wizards, and more.

Star Trek: Resurgence

To Be Determined, 2022
Dramatic Labs, Inc., Creators & Publishers
No, I do not have a Game Pass.

This new Star Trek game, developed by ex-Telltale employees, is a third-person, decision-based adventure. In this Star Trek game, you play as First Officer Jara Rydek and Engineering Crewperson Carter Diaz as they investigate a mystery involving two alien civilizations on the verge of war and encounter both new and returning characters from the Star Trek canon.

Open Roads

Date of publication: 2022?
Fulbright / Annapurna Productions, Inc.
No, I do not have a Game Pass

On their trip, Tess and Opal, Tess’s mother, will reveal many family secrets. The mother and daughter find secret notes and letters in their home and decide to investigate by visiting abandoned family homes in search of answers. They will go on a “journey into the past” that will leave an indelible mark on their memories. It’s from the creators of Gone Home and Takoma, Fullbright, and voiced by Keri Russel and Kaitlyn Dever.

A Plague Tale: Requiem

Date of publication: 2022?
Asobo Studio and Focus Home Interactive developed and published the game.
Passwords for games: yes

The story of Hugo and Amicia, brothers and sisters, will continue in A Plague Tale: Requiem, a direct sequel to the first game. Both the Inquisition and the infamous rat swarm pose a serious risk. This, however, will be the epic conclusion to their story as they look out for each other in this harsh, uncaring world.

Party Animals

Date of publication: 2022?
Recreate Games and Source Technology, Inc.
The answer is yes if you have a game pass.

In Party Animals, a unique multiplayer game, players assume the roles of lovable stuffed animals like corgis, otters, dinosaurs, and more in an attempt to cause mayhem. Offline or online, with eliminations or with teamwork, there are more than a hundred ways to mess with friends. In place of chicken nuggets, Party Animals devotes its attention to the gummy bear.

Somerville

To Be Determined, 2022
Jumpship is the creator and publisher.
Game Pass: Positive

Jumpship, founded in collaboration with Playdead’s former CEO and co-founder, is responsible for this brand-new sci-fi adventure. However, Somerville takes place in the aftermath of a disaster, as our family (and their dog) attempt to solve the mysteries of Earth’s visitors.

Forever Skies

Date of publication: 2022?
Far From Home, the Developers and Publishers
Access to Games: Unknown

Developers from Techland (Dying Light, Dead Island), The Farm 51 (Chernobylite), Bloober Team (Layers of Fear, Blair Witch), and Larian Studios (Divinity: Original Sin, Baldur’s Gate 3) have formed a new studio called Far From Home to work on this intriguing, super ambitious apocalyptic survival game. As terrifying as it is to consider the potential outcomes of not taking action to reverse climate change, this setting for a survival game is both timely and original. A futuristic zeppelin is one of your tools for survival and may hold the key to undoing climate change’s damage to the planet, which you’ll use to descend into the inhospitable planet.

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed

Date of publication: 2022?
Illfonic, Developer & Publisher
Don’t have a Game Pass

Originating with the creative minds behind “Friday the 13th”: The Ghostbusters video game, Spirits Unleashed, is now available. Four players take on the roles of the Ghostbusters, while a fifth plays the part of the Ghosts in this asymmetrical PvP, co-op event. The Ghostbusters have to work quickly to find and capture the ghosts before they can escape, while the ghosts have to use all of their resources — including slime — to sabotage the Ghostbusters’ efforts and ultimately triumph.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

Date of publication: 2022?
Massive Entertainment & Ubisoft, Developer & Publisher
No, I do not have a Game Pass

Massive Entertainment’s long-awaited Ubisoft Avatar game, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, has finally been unveiled. In IT, you’ll assume the role of a Na’vi and explore a previously unexplored region of Pandora called the Western Frontier. Protect this responsive and living world from the evil RDA in this first-person action adventure. This is a complete story on its own, unrelated to the films.

Flintlock: Siege of the Dawn

Time of Publication: Early 2023
A44 Games and Kepler Interactive developed and published the game.
Game Pass: Positive

The creators of Ashen have released a new role-playing game titled Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn. Taking place in an all-new magical and bullet-riddled fantasy world. You take control of Nor Vanek, a member of the Coalition army, and his magical fox companion, Enki. When the gods of the world return unexpectedly and put humanity in danger, Nor Vanek embarks on a path of vengeance against the gods.

Lightyear Frontier

Date of Publication: Spring, 2023
Frame Break and Amplifier developed and published this.
Game Pass: Positive

In Lightyear Frontier, you play the role of a tractor mech on a distant alien planet and embark on a farming adventure. You can go on adventures, grow food, and construct a homestead. Lightyear Frontier is an adventure game that can be played both solo and with up to three friends through online co-op. And if you’ve ever fantasized about being the pilot of your very own mech, you’ll be pleased to learn that you can personalize every aspect of it, from its look to its arsenal.

Street Fighter 6

Date of Publication: Summer, 2023
Capcom is the creator and publisher.
Not a member of the Game Pass program

In addition to the familiar Fighting Ground mode, Street Fighter 6 will bring something new to the series. There are three complete modes, including the new World Tour campaign mode and the Battle Hub, so players can enjoy a fight in any style they like. So far, it appears to be fantastic.

Starfield

To Be Determined, 2023
Developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda
Game Pass: Positive

Starfield(opens in new tab) has a lot to live up to as Bethesda’s first new intellectual property in over a decade. As a role-playing game (RPG) that takes place in outer space and allows players to create their own unique characters and freely roam the vast environment. Starfield has over a hundred solar systems, with over a thousand planets each, as seen in the most recent gameplay look at the Xbox and Bethesda showcase. You will be able to land wherever you like on any planet you encounter. There are other exciting features that point to a space adventure that is uniquely Bethesda.

Minecraft Legends

Date of publication: 2023?
Minecraft (by) Mojang (published by) Microsoft
Game Pass: Positive

Unexpectedly branching out into the realm of strategy, Minecraft Legends made its debut at the Xbox and Bethesda 2022 showcase. The new strategy adventure, created in tandem with Blackbird Interactive, takes place in the Minecraft universe, and tasks you with defending the overworld by leading your allies into heroic battles. The game’s executive producer Dennis Ries said in an Xbox Wire post that the setting is a “gentle land” full of biomes and resources. However, this land is in danger of being invaded.

Aliens: Dark Descent

To be released in 2023.
Tindalos Interactive & Focus Interactive, Developer & Publisher
No, I do not have a Game Pass

A new Alien game, Aliens: Dark Descent, is on the way, and it’s a strategy game. When the Xenomorphs attack the colony on Lethe Moon, you’ll be in charge of a squad of Colonial Marines as they try to hold out against the onslaught of the alien invaders, as well as rogue agents of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation and brand new foes to the Alien series.

Layers of Fears

Awaiting 2023’s Release
The Bloober Team and Aspyr developed and published the game.
No, I do not have a Game Pass

This new and improved edition of 2016’s Layers of Fear includes both the ‘Inheritance’ downloadable content pack and the indirect sequel, Layers of Fear 2. It was shown at Summer Game Fest that Layers of Fears follows a well-worn path, that of a deteriorating mind investigating supernatural, psychedelic, psychological horror. Layers of Fears may revisit familiar territory, but it looks scarier than ever thanks to the Unreal Engine 5, and the studio Bloober Team promises a “fresh gaming experience and that will shed new light on the overall story.”

Pragmata

To Be Determined, 2023
Capcom is the creator and publisher.
Subscription to Games: Not Currently

From what we can tell so far, Pragmata is like if someone took Kojima’s Death Stranding and made it even weirder. Despite its New York setting, the game’s protagonist is a spacesuit-clad stranger who protects a young girl and eventually takes her to the moon. There are holographic cats, robots, and a strange dystopian atmosphere, all of which give the impression that the world the characters inhabit isn’t real at all. This piques our interest.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Date of publication: 2023?
Respawn Entertainment & Electronic Arts, Inc.
The answer is no to the game pass.

Cal Kestis and his droid companion BD-1 are back in Star Wars: Jedi Survivor, set five years after the events of that game. The title and developer hints at a darker tone, suggesting that this one will be more about survival than the first. It appears from the preview that our old friend Cal is in quite a jam, what with the Dark Side having stolen his light saber.

Alan Wake 2

Date of publication: 2023?
Remedy Entertainment & Epic Games, Developer & Publisher
Not a member of the Game Pass program

Eleven years after the release of the first Alan Wake game, he has returned. Despite the return of our favorite author, Remedy Entertainment has decided to make this sequel a true survival horror game, promising a “chilling experience” along with the “familiar psychological horror elements” of the original. The flashlight has also been restored.

Ark 2

Studio Wildcard (creator/publisher) has set a release date of 2023.
Game Pass: Positive

Ark 2 is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed survival RPG, Ark: Survival Evolved. With Vin Diesel in the lead role and as a member of the development team, perhaps more emphasis will be placed on the game’s story this time around. But other than that, it’s business as usual: taming dinosaurs and staying alive, albeit in a more expansive and beautiful setting than before.

Diablo 4

Date of publication: 2023?
Blizzard Entertainment, the developers
Game Pass: To Be Announced

Diablo 4, originally announced at BlizzCon 2019, will bring the classic series back with new classes like the necromancer. The next installment is being billed as a true next-generation action-RPG, expanding on the series’ hallmark features in an open-world environment with nearly 150 dungeons, deeper character customization options, and more. Lilith, the Queen of the Succubi and the Daughter of Hatred, has returned as a major antagonist. Additionally, both online and local multiplayer will be supported.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

The exact day of release is still in question.
Team Cherry, Developers & Publishers
Game Pass: Positive

Team Cherry has announced that they will be releasing the sequel to their metroidvania action-adventure game. We’ll get to investigate a new haunted realm while assuming the persona of Hornet, princess and protector of the Hallownest. Captured, you’ll embark on a pilgrimage where you’ll face off against foes and uncover secrets. Hollow Knight Silksong, which will be available on Game Pass and will allow players to explore new areas and acquire new abilities, was recently shown off at an Xbox and Bethesda event.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Date of release: to be determined
Ninja Theory / Microsoft, Developer / Publisher
Game Pass: Positive

The Xbox Series X was announced alongside a surprise sequel to Hellblade. The plot of the upcoming game, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, is largely unknown at this time. While the trailer doesn’t reveal much beyond the fact that the game appears to run beautifully in-engine, I get the impression that it maintains the same gloomy, foreboding mood as the original. Features such as ominous bonfires and strange chanting hint at another perilous adventure for our heroine.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2

Date of publication: to be determined
Paradox Interactive is the creator and publisher.
Cancel my Game Pass: No

In essence “Deus Ex but Vampires,” the original game was a cult favorite despite its slapdash presentation. This takes the same concept and places it in a contemporary world where the breakdown of “The Masquerade”—the rules by which vampires remain hidden—has disrupted the fragile peace between various factions with varying levels of power. The player, much like in the original game, creates a supernatural character whose abilities determine how they tackle the game’s open missions. Players can choose to use violence, stealth, or diplomacy to progress through the game’s world of turf wars, subterfuge, and political machinations.

Quantum Error

Date of publication: to be determined
TeamKill, Developer & Publisher
The answer is no to the game pass.

Players take control of firefighter Jacob Thomas in TeamKill’s next-gen cosmic horror game after an unknown entity destroys the Monad Quantum Research Facility. The first-person shooter features mind-bending visuals, rapid-fire action, and brutal boss battles. Meanwhile, due to an inconsistent power supply, you must frequently rely on thermal vision to get around various enclosed areas. When Quantum Error finally arrives on next-gen consoles, hopefully sometime next year, horror fans would be wise to keep it in mind.

Dragon Age 4

Date of publication: to be determined
Bioware and Electronic Arts, Inc.
Genie Status: Unknown

It’s been a long time since we last visited Thedas, so hearing that Dragon Age 4 is in the works is exciting. While information is still limited, just knowing that something is being made can be enough. What we do know is that it will pick up where Dragon Age Inquisition left off, continuing the story of Solas.

The Outer Worlds 2

Date of publication: to be determined
Manufacturers and Distributors: Obsidian and Microsoft
Membership in the Game Pass Program: Yes

There’s a lot of mystery surrounding The Outer Worlds 2. While its existence has been confirmed and a trailer has been released, the trailer serves more as a parody of the typical game trailer than an actual look into the game. A “new solar system, new crew, same outer worlds” is promised, but more information must be awaited.

New Mass Effect

To Be Announced: Release Date
Bioware and Electronic Arts, Inc.
Access to Games: Unknown

A new Mass Effect game is on the way, as promised after much pleading to the video game gods. The trailers have led us to believe that Mass Effect 5, the technically correct title, will pick up some time after the events of Mass Effect 3. While details are scant at the moment, the future is looking bright for Mass Effect enthusiasts.

Routine

Created by the Lunar Software Team
Raw Fury is the publisher.
Date of publication: to be determined

New from developer Lunar Software is the survival horror game, Routine. If you recognize that name, it’s because Routine was first announced a decade ago. The production company made an announcement, teased audiences with a taste of its eerie science fiction world, and then vanished without a trace. Despite this, we’re relieved to see Routine return, as the combination of the low-fi technology you’ll need to use to survive, some truly breathtaking environments, and hellishly creepy androids makes this an unmissable horror game. There is no specific date for the release of Routine on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Game Pass at this time.

New Perfect Dark

Date of publication: to be determined
The Initiative, Developer & Publisher
Playstation Plus: Definitely

A new Perfect Dark game is in development by The Initiative, a new Xbox Game Studios developer, which came as a big surprise at the Game Awards 2020. This is not a remaster, but rather a reboot of the series, incorporating the secret agent gameplay and our heroine, Joanna Dark, into a near-future eco-scifi story. There will be a lot of aliens, futuristic buildings, and spy gadgets.

Indiana Jones

The exact date of release is currently unknown.
MachineGames, Bethesda Softworks, and Lucasfilm Games developed and published the game.
Access to Games: Unknown

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny • Lucasfilm

A new Indiana Jones game is in development, and if the brief teaser trailer is any indication, Indy will be visiting Rome in 1937. Bethesda’s MachineGames studio is working on it with Lucasfilm Games, and it could feature giant cyclops, stone circles, and ancient monuments. We’re extremely curious about it, but we won’t learn any more for some time. No platform has officially confirmed it yet, but if it isn’t on Xbox Series X, we’ll eat our hat.

Ubisoft’s Star Wars game

Date of publication: to be determined.
Massive Entertainment, Ubisoft, and Lucasfilm Games developed and published the video game.
Genie Status: Unknown

Massive Entertainment, a division of Ubisoft, is currently developing a brand-new, open-world Star Wars game. While details are scarce, it can be assumed that the game will borrow heavily from Massive’s previous titles in The Division series. It’s running on Massive’s Snowdrop game engine, so it could be a photorealistic action-adventure with role-playing elements. Everything else, including official platforms, is up in the air. Nonetheless, whenever it is released, we find it highly unlikely that it will not debut on Xbox Series X.

Project 007

Time of release not yet determined.
IO Interactive is the creator and publisher.
Access to Games: Unknown

The prospect of a new James Bond game is exciting, despite the fact that so little is known about Project 007. IO Interactive, known for their work on the Hitman series, is currently developing a new James Bond game that will focus on the character’s early days. Beyond that, however, it remains a mystery, and we eagerly await further developments.

Contraband

To Be Announced: Release Date
Avalanche Games and Microsoft Studios
Game Pass: Positive

Contraband was made by the same people responsible for Just Cause. This is an all-new open-world cooperative game that takes place in the ’70s-era Bayan universe. This smuggler’s haven and its core gameplay are shrouded in mystery at the moment, so stay tuned for more information.

How to install digital Xbox Series X games

Downloading and installing games for the Xbox One Series X from the Xbox Store is a breeze. Start by purchasing whatever it is you want from the store, then click the “Install, you own this” button on the Xbox Series X dashboard. The store icon is located in the bottom row of icons on the Xbox guide. The digital game will then be added to your download queue and installed immediately afterward.

If you want to install a game that you already own, you could go to the Xbox Store and do so, but it is much more convenient to go to My Games and Apps (via the dashboard or the Guide), scroll down to the ‘Full Library’ option, and then you will see all owned games, which can be sorted by genre, number of players, and console types via the filter button in the top right.

The next steps are the same as before. To download and install the entire game, select the tile and then press A on the ‘Install All’ option. If you’re concerned about the size of the game’s file taking up too much of your 1TB SSD, you can manage the install by selecting the ‘Manage game and add-ons’ option by clicking the menu button on your controller (the button with the three horizontal lines) while viewing the game you want to install. If you have access to an external storage drive and are returning your Xbox, you can do so in a different way; for more information, see our page on transferring games to the Xbox Series X.

How to install Xbox Series X disc games

Now that you know what Xbox Series X discs are compatible, you may be wondering how to add them to your console. The procedure is very like that of setting up a digital game on your computer. The install will be added to the queue in My Games and Apps once you insert the disc into the console. The console will warn you that the 1TB SSD is full if more space is needed, and you can choose to automatically update games and systems if they become outdated.

20 Xbox Series X/S Tips to Level Up Your New Console

1. Get the Xbox Mobile App

The Xbox app for Android and iOS has been updated and is a must-have. Setting up your new Xbox via the app is the quickest and most convenient option. Additionally, it allows you to chat with your friends, select games, initiate downloads from a distance, and share gameplay videos and screenshots from your Xbox. The best part is that you can use Xbox Remote Play to play games on your mobile device instead of having to physically connect to your console.

2. Customize Your Home Screen and Guide

There is no reason to stick with the predetermined home screen layout. To access the Personalize Home screen, press the View button (the one with the two windows) from the main screen. You can arrange things however you like, customize the color scheme and background, and apply different styles. Light and dark themes are available in Theme & Motion, and you can also set it to adapt to the time of day automatically.

You should definitely check out the Customize the Guide menu item, which lets you rearrange the guide’s sections in any way you like.

3. Transfer Games From Your Xbox One

In order to access your collection of previously purchased Xbox games, press the Xbox button and navigate to My Games & Apps > Full Library > All Owned Games. Any of these games can be downloaded, but transferring them from your previous system will be much quicker. To do this, you’ll need to have both your Xbox One and your brand-new Series X or S active and linked to the same Wi-Fi network. To begin the transfer from your old Xbox to your new one, go to your new Xbox’s Settings > System > Backup and Transfer > Network Transfer, select your old console from the drop-down menu, select the content you wish to transfer, and then click Copy Selected.

4. Choose the Right Display Settings

Make sure your screen is properly calibrated to make the most of your new console. Resolution, refresh rate, and HDR calibration are all accessible from the Settings menu under General > TV & Display Options. Learn more about your 4K TV’s capabilities by reading the specifications, and then put it through its paces during the calibration process. If you’re not getting the best picture, make sure the cable you’re using and the TV port you’re connecting to both support HDMI 2.1 (only the most recent TV models have this capability).

5. Customize Your Controller

You can customize the controller by assigning actions to buttons, switching the orientation of the joystick, and adjusting the level of vibration feedback. Accessory selection and configuration can be found in the Settings > Devices & Connections menu. You can customize the layout for specific games, like shooters and flight simulators, by saving multiple profiles with unique control schemes.

Perhaps you’re using a unique controller. Maybe you’re worried about the person you share the console with getting their hands dirty, or maybe you just want to skip the sign-in process altogether. For whatever reason, you can associate your controller with your profile and sign in to Xbox with the flip of a switch on the controller. The This Controller Signs In option can be found in the controller’s settings under Account > Sign-In, Security & Passkey.

7. Use Your Old Controllers

While we’re on the subject of gamepads, keep in mind that any Xbox One controller will work with your new system. It is simple to connect them. To turn on your new console, press and hold the small circular button next to the USB port until the power button begins flashing, and then repeat the process with the Xbox One controller, pressing and holding the small circular button on top until the Xbox button begins flashing. Once the blinking stops, they are properly synchronized and ready to go.

8. Play Blu-rays on Your Xbox Series X

However, the app required to turn your Xbox Series X into a 4K Blu-ray player is not pre-installed. When you first insert a Blu-ray disc, you will be prompted to download the software from the Microsoft Store, if you haven’t already done so. Go to Settings > Devices & Connections > Blu-ray, and then toggle Let My Receiver Decode Audio on if you have a good home theater setup.

9. Save Power

The inactivity timeout for the console can be changed from the default of one hour in Settings > General > Power Mode & Startup. Power mode also offers Instant-On and Energy Saving options. Choose Instant-On if you want to power on your console with a voice command, control it from a distance, and start playing right away. Select the latter if cutting power consumption is a priority.

10. Capture Screenshots and Videos (or Don’t)

Settings > Preferences > Capture & Share is where you’ll find the granular controls for your capture preferences. You can customize the amount of gameplay video to record, the video’s quality, where it will be stored, and whether or not it will be uploaded to the cloud so that you can access it from the Xbox mobile app. To customize how the Share button operates, select Button Mapping. Keep in mind that recording in 4K with HDR will result in larger video files.

Allow Game Captures should be set to Don’t Capture if you don’t care about captures at all.

11. Set a Break Reminder

When you lose track of time and play games for hours on end, you might find yourself with sore muscles, blurry vision, and a full bladder. You can use timers to force yourself to step away from your work every so often. Go to Menu Preferences Break Reminder in your device’s menu. You can set it for as little as every 30 minutes or as often as every two hours. On that timetable, you will receive a pop-up reminder to take a break.

12. Get More Storage Space

A USB 3.1 external hard drive can be used to save games, screenshots, and videos on the new Xbox. For $220, you can upgrade your Xbox One’s storage capacity by purchasing a 1-terabyte Seagate Storage Expansion Card that has been officially certified by Microsoft.

13. Control Your Xbox With Google Assistant or Alexa

Using your voice to control your Xbox will make the experience more natural and futuristic. Navigate to “Digital Assistants” in “Settings” > “Devices & Connections.” Tick  Turn on digital assistants and then stick to the on-screen prompts to set up your preferred digital helper, be it Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. After initial setup is complete, you can use voice commands to do things like turn your Xbox on and off, start specific games, pause movies, and more. Before you step foot in the living room, check out our Best Smart Speakers guide and start practicing your voice commands.

14. Find Optimized Games for the Series X or S

Some games have been tweaked to work better with the Xbox One X and Xbox One S, resulting in better visuals, smoother animations, and quicker loading times. Games that are compatible with Smart Delivery and can be updated automatically on your new console will have an X/S icon next to their cover art in your library. To view all of your games, go to My Games & Apps > Games and use the filter to sort by console type. Games can be filtered in the store by selecting Xbox One X/S Enhanced under Capabilities, which can be accessed by tapping the X button to open Filter by. The Xbox site also features a list of optimized games.

15. Set Up Remote Play

If you’re playing games on an Xbox One X or Xbox One S and someone else wants to watch TV, you can play games on your Android phone or tablet, iOS device, or PC remotely. If you want to give it a shot, you can enable Remote Features by going to Settings > Devices & Connections and checking the box. In addition, you must enable Instant-on as the power mode in Settings > General > Power Mode & Startup. Launch the Xbox app on your mobile device, navigate to My Library > Consoles, and then tap Connect next to your Xbox Series X or S. The Xbox app for Windows 10 can also be used for remote play by clicking the Consoles icon within the app and then selecting your Xbox.

16. Be a Co-pilot

The co-pilot function allows two controllers to be used as though they were one, giving both players equal agency over the on-screen action. Select Profile & system > Settings > Accessibility > Controller from the menu that appears when you press the Xbox button to open the guide. To activate your co-pilot, go to settings and select the co-pilot’s controller before turning on co-pilot. In the same settings menu, you can toggle it off again.

17. Join Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass is the best value among the many game subscription services available. For $15 a month, you can get access to hundreds of great games for Xbox One, PC, or mobile devices with Game Pass Ultimate. In addition, there are bonuses, discounts, cloud gaming, and games from EA Play. Choose Xbox Game Pass for Console and save $5 per month if that’s your only console. The Xbox service’s lack of a dedicated family plan is the only real drawback, but there are still ways to play as a group and the price is unbeatable.

18. Find Free Games

Gaming costs can add up quickly. There are some fantastic free Xbox games available; for example, Halo: Infinite’s online multiplayer mode is available at no additional cost. The Store app’s Games section, accessible via Top Free, contains additional options. To see the complete index, choose Search and enter “free” into the box.

19. Collect and Use Microsoft Rewards

With a Microsoft account, you can join Microsoft Rewards at no cost to you. Playing Xbox games and completing achievements are two of the many ways you can rack up points. Using the Bing search engine, buying Microsoft products (such as games, movies, and subscriptions), and even taking quizzes can all net you points. You can use your points to buy raffle tickets, donate to charity, or get gift cards. However, accumulating a respectable sum takes a very long time.

20. Stop Annoying Pop-Up Notifications

You probably don’t want to be interrupted while playing a game or watching a movie on your Xbox by a pop-up notification that you don’t care about. Select Profile & system from the menu that appears when you press the Xbox button, and then go to Settings > Preferences > Notifications. If you look into Xbox notifications, you can customize which alerts you get and under what conditions. You can also do this in the Xbox app on your mobile device (if you have it) by going to Settings > Notifications after tapping your Gamertag.