Xbox Series Games: Best Titles, Tips & What to Play

Xbox Series Games are where hardware meets playstyle—fast load times, robust backwards compatibility, and a healthy Game Pass catalog. If you’re wondering what to buy, what’s worth streaming, or how to squeeze extra performance from your Series X or Series S, this guide cuts through the noise. I’ll share my picks, tips, and the practical differences that actually matter when choosing titles or settings.

What makes Xbox Series Games stand out

Microsoft’s consoles brought several features that shape how games feel and run. Quick Resume, FPS Boost, and deep backward compatibility change purchase logic—older games can feel newer. From what I’ve seen, developers are also leaning into ray tracing and higher frame rates more than before.

For background on the hardware lineage and official details, see the Xbox Series X and Series S Wikipedia page.

Top Xbox Series Games right now (my picks)

Here are the games I keep coming back to on Series X/S—mix of exclusives, multiplatform hits, and hidden gems.

• Forza Horizon 5 — gorgeous open world, great performance on Series X.
• Halo Infinite — tight shooter, solid campaign and ongoing multiplayer.
• Elden Ring — expansive, challenging; Series enhancements improve visuals.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator — a showcase for Series X power and streaming tech.
• Psychonauts 2 — creative platforming with polish.
• Sea of Thieves — fun social sandbox that keeps evolving.
• Starfield — (if you like big RPGs) lots to explore; Series benefits for load times.

Why these games?

They demonstrate three things I value: immediate technical polish, replay value, and depth of experience. If you’re on Game Pass, many are low-friction to try—more on that next.

Game Pass: The single best value for Xbox Series

Xbox Game Pass changes buying behavior. From what I’ve noticed, people try more games and discover unexpected favorites. Game Pass includes day-one releases from Microsoft studios and a rotation of third-party titles.

For the official Game Pass overview and current offerings, check the Xbox Game Pass page.

Key technical features that affect gameplay

• Quick Resume — switch between multiple games quickly without reloading.
• FPS Boost — selective games get frame rate increases without developer patches.
• Ray tracing — improves lighting and reflections on supported titles.
• Backward compatibility — many Xbox One, 360, and original Xbox games run on Series consoles.

Real-world example

I restarted Forza Horizon 4 on Series X and noticed smoother performance and fewer load pauses—small things that make long sessions less grindy.

Series X vs Series S: quick comparison

Tip: If you care about native 4K or physical discs, go Series X. The Series S is an excellent value for digital-first players.

How to choose games for Series X/S

Ask three quick questions before buying:

• Is it on Game Pass? Try it first.
• Does it support FPS Boost or Series-specific patches?
• Do you prefer visuals (ray tracing) or frame rate (performance mode)?

I also read patch notes and community feedback—small updates often fix big annoyances.

Optimizing settings: practical tips

• Choose Performance mode for competitive shooters to hit higher FPS.
• Enable Variable Refresh Rate (if your TV supports it) for smoother gameplay.
• Use the expansion card if you need more storage but be mindful of price.

Where to get reliable news and reviews

For reputable coverage and reviews, I follow major outlets. For example, recent platform-wide analyses are often published by The Verge and industry pages on Wikipedia for studio info.

Upcoming releases and what to watch

New Xbox Series games keep arriving—some are exclusives, others are multiplatform. Watch Microsoft’s official channels and major outlets for announcements; they often list release dates, system requirements, and Series-specific features.

Short troubleshooting checklist

• Slow loads? Clear cache and check storage health.
• Stutters? Toggle performance vs quality modes.
• Controller lag? Re-pair or check firmware updates via the console.

Final thoughts

Xbox Series Games offer a flexible ecosystem—whether you buy, stream, or subscribe. From my experience, Game Pass plus a Series S/X gives the best balance of value and performance. Try a few titles, lean into features like Quick Resume, and pick the console that matches your display and storage needs.

FAQs

People Also Ask

What are the best Xbox Series X games?
Top picks include Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite, and Elden Ring. These showcase Series enhancements like better frame rates and visual upgrades.

Is Xbox Game Pass worth it for Series X/S?
Yes—especially if you try many games. Game Pass includes day-one releases and a rotating catalog that reduces the cost of discovery.

Can older Xbox games run on Series X/S?
Most Xbox One games and many Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles are backward compatible. Performance and visuals often improve on Series consoles.

Should I choose Series X or Series S?
Pick Series X for native 4K, physical discs, and larger storage. Choose Series S for a lower cost, digital-only setup, and good performance at 1440p.

How do I improve FPS on Xbox Series?
Use Performance mode in game settings, enable VRR on a compatible TV, and ensure background downloads are paused for best results.