The Most Underrated Xbox Series X Games Ranked

Since its release, the Xbox Series X has gained a large and diverse collection of games, including both major exclusive titles and exciting indie projects. While well-known franchises often get the most attention, many excellent games are often overlooked. These hidden gems offer fresh gameplay, engaging stories, and impressive graphics that really show what the Xbox Series X can do. Whether you enjoy immersive adventures or challenging strategy games, these underrated titles offer great value for players who want to discover something new beyond the biggest releases.

‘Chorus’ (2021)

In this game, you play as Nara, a former member of a dangerous cult, who flies a smart starfighter called Forsaken. Her mission is to destroy the cult that once controlled her. Developed by Deep Silver Fishlabs and published by Deep Silver, the game offers fast-paced space combat in large, open areas. As you play, you’ll unlock powerful psychic abilities like teleportation and mind attacks to help you win battles. The story follows Nara’s journey to find redemption as she explores ancient ruins and beautiful nebulae. The game is built for the Xbox Series X, delivering stunning visuals with 4K resolution and a smooth 60 frames per second.

‘Haven’ (2020)

Yu and Kay, a couple in love, run away to a remote planet and must work together to survive and heal its strange, decaying world. Created by The Game Bakers, the game centers on their relationship, told through conversations and exploration. Players move across the landscape, collecting energy and clearing away pollution to restore the planet. Combat involves controlling both characters at the same time to fight off corrupted monsters. The game’s beautiful visuals and chill soundtrack create a truly special experience.

‘Trek to Yomi’ (2022)

Hiroki, a skilled young swordsman, travels through a dangerous underworld to save his village from attacking bandits. Created by Flying Wild Hog and published by Devolver Digital, the game boasts a striking black-and-white art style reminiscent of classic samurai movies. Players will engage in fast-paced combat, relying on well-timed blocks and katana strikes against both humans and mythical creatures. As you explore the side-scrolling world, you’ll uncover hidden secrets and experience dramatic camera work that builds suspense. The game’s story delves into themes of responsibility and selflessness, all set within a rich, mythological Japan.

‘The Gunk’ (2021)

In this game, two space truckers touch down on a desolate planet only to find it’s being devoured by a strange, parasitic slime. Players use a powerful vacuum to clean up the mess, restoring the planet’s life and unlocking new areas to explore. Developed by Image & Form and published by Thunderful Publishing, the game tells the story of the increasing conflict between the two characters as they grapple with a difficult choice: save the planet or take what they can from it. The game features beautiful, detailed alien worlds and is optimized for the Xbox Series X.

‘Harold Halibut’ (2024)

Players take on the role of Harold, a lab assistant aboard a spaceship lost in an alien ocean. He’s on a mission to find a new, comfortable place to live. The game, created by Slow Bros., is visually striking thanks to its unique stop-motion style – everything is made with real, handmade models! As you explore the ship, you’ll meet interesting characters and complete tasks that move the story forward. It’s a game about friendship and finding where you belong, all set within the strange and enclosed world of the spaceship. The beautiful art style and focus on characters make this game really special.

‘Evil West’ (2022)

In a reimagined Wild West, Jesse Rentier hunts supernatural creatures. This game, created by Flying Wild Hog and published by Focus Entertainment, blends fast-paced shooting with brutal close combat. Players wield a powerful, electrically-charged gauntlet to unleash devastating attacks and special moves against waves of monsters. The story unfolds through a mix of straightforward levels and challenging boss battles, playable alone or with a friend. With its intense action and distinctive style, it offers a fresh take on the Western horror genre.

‘Still Wakes the Deep’ (2024)

In this atmospheric horror game, players take on the role of an oil rig worker battling for survival after a mysterious, supernatural event on a remote North Sea station. Developed by The Chinese Room and published by Secret Mode, the gameplay centers around exploring a deteriorating environment, navigating rising water and collapsing structures, and evading an unseen threat. The story unfolds through voice acting and detailed surroundings designed to create a feeling of intense claustrophobia. Instead of relying on action, the game focuses on building psychological suspense and dread.

‘Sable’ (2021)

In the game Sable, players take on the role of a young woman named Sable who is undertaking a traditional journey called the Gliding. This quest involves finding a special mask that represents who she is. Developed by Shedworks and published by Raw Fury, Sable boasts a beautiful, comic book-inspired art style. Players will explore a large desert landscape on a hoverbike they can customize, solving puzzles and climbing old ruins. The game focuses on exploration and discovery, letting players learn about the world and its history at their own speed. A captivating soundtrack by Japanese Breakfast adds to the game’s feeling of both wonder and loneliness.

‘The Artful Escape’ (2021)

In this game, you play as Francis Vendetti, a remarkably talented young guitarist who travels through bizarre, colorful dimensions to find his unique voice as a performer. Created by Beethoven & Dinosaur and published by Annapurna Interactive, the game combines jumping and exploration with rhythm-based musical challenges. You’ll use Francis’s guitar to solve puzzles, affect the world around you, and battle otherworldly creatures to the beat of the music. The story delves into questions of who we are, what we leave behind, and how we create, all brought to life with stunning graphics and a fantastic soundtrack. The game also features voice acting from well-known actors Michael Johnston and Bill Nighy.

‘Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden’ (2024)

Set in 1695 New England, the game follows two ghost hunters, Antea and Red, as they work to shield the living from restless spirits. Created by DON’T NOD and published by Focus Entertainment, the game lets you switch between playing as the living Red and the ghostly Antea in a unique combat system. Your choices while investigating hauntings will dramatically change the story and determine how things end for both characters. The game delves into themes of love, loss, and the consequences of your actions, all within a richly detailed world full of supernatural challenges and compelling lore.

‘As Dusk Falls’ (2022)

This game is an interactive story about two families whose lives become intertwined after a robbery gone wrong in a small Arizona town. Created by Interior Night and published by Xbox Game Studios, it features a distinctive painted look and lets players make choices that change the story and affect the characters over many years. You can even play with friends, where everyone votes on important decisions together. The story is realistic and explores difficult topics like dealing with trauma, the importance of family, and the repercussions of criminal actions.

‘Lost in Random’ (2021)

Even, a young girl, embarks on a quest through a shadowy fairytale world to save her sister from an evil queen. This game, created by Zoink and published by Electronic Arts as part of the EA Originals program, has a special combat system where you roll dice and collect cards. Players control a magical die named Dicey, which lets them stop time and use different weapons and spells. The game world is split into six areas, each designed around a different side of a die. With a dark, gothic look and a playful story, it’s inspired by the style of Tim Burton.

‘Nobody Saves the World’ (2022)

In this action RPG from DrinkBox Studios, you play as Nobody, a character who discovers a wand with the power to shapeshift into things like knights, horses, and even dragons! The game focuses on using these transformations strategically. You’ll explore randomly generated dungeons, complete quests, and gain new abilities to become more powerful. Combining the unique skills of each form is key to defeating tough enemies and bosses. With its funny writing and bright, colorful visuals, it’s a really memorable game.

‘Scarlet Nexus’ (2021)

Okay, so I’m playing this awesome new game set in the future where I’m one of these super soldiers with psychic powers. Basically, we’re the last line of defense against these crazy alien creatures called Others. It’s made by Bandai Namco, and the combat is fast. You get to pick between two characters – Yuito and Kasane – and playing as each of them gives you a different angle on the main story and a big conspiracy. The fighting is all about mixing up close-range attacks with throwing stuff around using your mind – seriously, you can chuck anything! And the game’s look? It’s this cool ‘brain punk’ style – think classic anime mixed with super-detailed, futuristic cities. It’s really something else.

‘Immortals Fenyx Rising’ (2020)

In this action-adventure game, you play as Fenyx, a hero tasked with rescuing the Greek gods after the titan Typhon unleashes a devastating curse. Developed by Ubisoft Quebec, the game takes place in a large, beautiful open world brimming with challenging puzzles, exciting combat, and stories inspired by Greek mythology. You’ll explore the Golden Isle using wings crafted by Daidalos and powerful abilities granted by the gods. The story is told with a funny, modern twist by Zeus and Prometheus themselves, offering a unique take on familiar myths. During battles, you’ll need to manage your stamina and master different weapons to defeat mythical creatures.

‘Dodgeball Academia’ (2021)

I recently discovered this awesome game where you go to an academy, but instead of typical school stuff, dodgeball is everything! It’s made by Pocket Trap and published by Humble Games, and it’s not just a sports game – it’s a full-on RPG. You build a team of characters, and they’re all super unique, with their own special dodgeball moves and even elemental powers! There’s a main story to play through, plus tons of side quests and tournaments where you can really put your team to the test. The art style is really bright and cartoony, and the music is super energetic – it just makes the whole experience even more exciting and competitive!

‘Gears Tactics’ (2020)

Years before the events of the first ‘Gears of War’, a team of soldiers led by Gabe Diaz battles a Locust scientist named Ukkon. Developed by Splash Damage with The Coalition and published by Xbox Game Studios, this game offers a strategic, turn-based combat experience. Players can customize their soldiers with different equipment and abilities to overcome tougher challenges. Combat focuses on fast-paced, aggressive tactics, with rewards for skillful takedowns and daring moves. While a departure into the strategy genre, the game maintains the dark, cinematic style that ‘Gears of War’ is known for.

‘Jusant’ (2023)

In a world without water, a solitary climber ascends a huge, deserted tower, joined by a companion made of liquid. This game, created by DON’T NOD, is all about the challenge of climbing – players need to skillfully place anchors and watch their energy as they explore different environments within the tower. The story of the people who once lived there is told through the environment, revealed in letters and the remains of their civilization. It’s a calm, focused game about pushing forward and uncovering secrets, with no combat to distract you.

‘Prodeus’ (2022)

This fast-paced first-person shooter is designed to look and feel like a classic game from the 1990s. Created by Bounding Box Software and published by Humble Games, it features intense combat and a driving heavy metal soundtrack. Players battle through diverse levels packed with secrets and overwhelming numbers of enemies. A unique feature lets you switch between 3D characters and old-school 2D sprites, letting you customize how the game looks. Critics have praised its intense action and over-the-top gore, saying it perfectly captures the spirit of classic ‘boomer shooter’ games.

‘Nine Sols’ (2024)

Set in a unique world that mixes ancient Taoist beliefs with futuristic technology, the game follows Yi, a hero on a quest for revenge against the nine leaders of a ruined land. Created by Red Candle Games, this 2D action game centers around skillful combat, requiring players to perfectly time their blocks and unleash devastating counterattacks against tough bosses. The story delves into complex themes and ideas, all presented within a beautifully hand-drawn world inspired by ‘Taopunk’ aesthetics. With its challenging gameplay and precise controls, it’s a satisfying experience for players who enjoy action-platformers.

‘Chants of Sennaar’ (2023)

In this puzzle-adventure game developed by Rundisc and published by Focus Entertainment, you play as a traveler venturing through a huge, isolated tower inhabited by different cultures. The catch? No one can understand each other! You’ll need to become a translator, studying symbols and talking to people to unlock the secrets of their languages. As you decipher these languages, you’ll connect the cultures and climb higher into the tower. The game features a unique art style inspired by M.C. Escher and classic European architecture.

‘The Forgotten City’ (2021)

In this narrative mystery game, you play a time traveler sent to an ancient Roman city under a deadly curse: the sin of one citizen means death for all. Developed by Modern Storyteller and published by Dear Villagers, the game challenges you to unravel the lives of the city’s people and break the loop before disaster strikes. Your choices matter, leading to multiple different endings based on the moral decisions you make. Originally created as a popular mod for ‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,’ this full game offers improved graphics and a more expansive experience.

‘Citizen Sleeper’ (2022)

This game puts you in the role of a worker who’s broken free and now exists in a digital body. You’ve arrived at a dangerous, lawless space station and need to stay alive while a powerful corporation hunts you down. Gameplay relies on dice rolls, similar to tabletop RPGs, to determine if your actions succeed. You’ll need to carefully manage your energy and health, and build relationships with the station’s unique population. The story dives into themes of technology changing what it means to be human, the impact of unchecked capitalism, and the importance of community, all set in a bleak sci-fi world. Beautiful character designs and immersive writing help bring the experience to life.

‘Tunic’ (2022)

I’m totally hooked on this game! You play as this super cute little fox wandering around a really cool, mysterious world full of old ruins, scary monsters, and tons of secrets. It’s made by the TUNIC Team and published by Finji, and it feels like a throwback to those classic adventure games we all loved. The coolest thing is, you find pages of the game’s instruction manual as you play, but it’s written in this made-up language! You have to figure things out as you go. Combat is all about timing your attacks and dodging, and you find magic items to help you out. Don’t let the bright, colorful graphics fool you, though – this game is seriously challenging, with puzzles that really make you think. It really pays off when you’re curious and explore everything!

‘Pentiment’ (2022)

Set in 16th-century Bavaria, this game follows artist Andreas Maler as he becomes involved in a decades-long murder mystery. Created by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios, the game boasts a unique art style reminiscent of medieval illuminated manuscripts and woodcut prints. Your choices during conversations and investigations have a real impact on the town of Tassing and the lives of its people. The story is deeply rooted in history, examining topics like religious change, social standing, and how time passes. Expect a lot of dialogue and a game where your decisions truly matter.

‘Death’s Door’ (2021)

In this unique game, you play as a little crow who collects souls – but in a world where no one dies! Developed by Acid Nerve and published by Devolver Digital, it challenges you to find a missing soul through tough combat and exploration. You’ll explore strange and beautiful landscapes, battle enormous bosses with swords, bows, and magic, and uncover a story about death, paperwork, and what it means to be alive. The game is also visually striking, with a simple, beautiful art style and fluid animation that makes it stand out.

‘Cocoon’ (2023)

This game features a tiny, bug-like creature exploring strange and beautiful worlds contained inside portable orbs. Created by Geometric Interactive and published by Annapurna Interactive, it’s a puzzle-adventure game built around the idea of worlds within worlds. Players solve tricky puzzles and battle massive bosses by manipulating these orbs and using their special abilities. The game tells its story entirely through visuals and the environment, with no spoken dialogue. Its clever design and high-quality presentation make it a particularly impressive game for the Xbox Series X.

Tell us which of these underrated Xbox gems you plan to play next in the comments.

2026-02-11 05:48