Okay, so 2025 was huge for Xbox. Game Pass got seriously stacked with tons of new games, and a bunch of big titles that used to be on other platforms finally came to Xbox. Microsoft did a great job bringing over franchises from studios they’d bought, and honestly, the indie scene was on fire with really unique and beautiful games. We were getting a steady stream of releases that really showed off what the Series X and S could do – the graphics were amazing and everything loaded super fast. This list is basically my rundown of the games that really defined the year for me.
‘Seven Days Until Morning’ (2025)
I finally got my hands on this survival horror game that dropped on Xbox back in December 2025, and it’s seriously messed with my head! It’s made by a small indie team, and they really focused on creating a creepy, psychological experience. You’re stuck in this abandoned town trying to figure out what happened to a family, and you have to be super careful with your supplies. There are seven chapters, but it’s not about jumping scares or fighting monsters – it’s all about the atmosphere and figuring things out from the environment around you. It’s a cool example of how indie horror games are really making a name for themselves on Xbox.
‘Marvel Cosmic Invasion’ (2025)
Launching on December 1, 2025, this exciting action game introduces a new team of superheroes to the Xbox Series X and S. Marvel Games teamed up with other studios to build a massive galactic war. Players will control different heroes, fighting off an alien invasion across diverse planets and space stations. The game focuses on teamwork, letting players combine special powers for devastating attacks. It’s set to be a major holiday release and a fresh take on the superhero experience.
‘Crime Simulator’ (2025)
Released on December 1, 2025, this game lets you explore a detailed and immersive criminal underworld. Created by independent developers and available on Xbox, it features a realistic economy and reputation system where your choices matter. Players build criminal empires by managing crews and completing dangerous missions across a vast city. Gameplay emphasizes careful planning, as every illegal act has lasting consequences. It’s a deep, open-world experience perfect for fans of crime stories.
‘Yakuza Shadows of New York’ (2025)
Sega launched this new installment on December 3, 2025, bringing the popular series to America for the first time. Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the game puts players in the role of a former gang member trying to survive in Manhattan. Players can roam incredibly detailed versions of iconic New York locations, experience the series’ trademark fighting style, and enjoy a variety of fun side missions. The story focuses on the connections between different international crime groups in a global city, and represents a fresh direction for the series by moving away from its usual Japanese settings.
‘Little Rocket Lab’ (2025)
No More Robots released a delightful game where you build a space program, starting from a workshop in your backyard, on October 7, 2025. Created by a small team, the game challenges players to collect resources and use physics to launch rockets into the atmosphere. It has a unique art style and a funny story about family and chasing your dreams. For a limited time, it was only available on Xbox.
‘Rhythm Doctor’ (2025)
Launching on Xbox December 6, 2025, after a popular early access period, this game offers a one-of-a-kind musical experience. Created by 7th Beat Games, it puts players in the role of a surgeon performing life-saving operations, all timed to the beat of a patient’s heart. Each level introduces new rhythmic challenges and visual obstacles, demanding intense focus. The game boasts a bright, pixelated art style and a varied soundtrack spanning many genres. It quickly became a hit with rhythm game fans thanks to its easy-to-learn controls and surprisingly high skill cap.
‘Octopath Traveler 0’ (2025)
Square Enix launched this new game in its well-loved role-playing series on December 4, 2025. Created by Acquire, the game features a beautiful art style and tells the backstory of eight unique heroes. Players will explore a large fantasy world using a traditional turn-based combat system that rewards strategic thinking and teamwork. The game lets you explore the continent and its different cultures in any order you choose. This release strengthened the partnership between Square Enix and Xbox, as it was available on the platform from day one.
‘Ninja Gaiden Ragebound’ (2025)
Koei Tecmo released this action-packed game on Xbox Series X and S later in the year. Created by Team Ninja, it keeps the series known for its challenging gameplay and detailed sword fighting. Players become a powerful ninja, fighting demons and enemy clans in fantastical settings. The game’s combat focuses on skillful timing and precise moves, with plenty of weapons and magical powers to use. It’s a successful update to the franchise, bringing it to a new audience.
‘Grounded 2’ (2025)
The highly anticipated follow-up to the popular survival adventure game will be available in early access on Xbox in 2025. Created by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios, this new installment features a much larger world with diverse environments and scary insects. Players will need to collect materials and construct detailed bases to withstand the challenges of being incredibly small. The game continues to emphasize teamwork, offering new crafting options and distinct roles for each player. Building on the success of the first game, it delivers a fresh and engaging experience within the survival genre.
‘Keeper’ (2025)
In the summer of 2025, Double Fine Productions launched a creative puzzle adventure game published by Xbox Game Studios. Known for their quirky humor and distinctive art, the developers crafted a game where players solve puzzles by bending gravity and meeting a memorable cast of characters in a world suspended in the air. The story delves into ideas about duty and what we leave behind, presented through increasingly difficult puzzles. Critics loved the game’s imaginative design and captivating world.
‘Silent Hill F’ (2025)
Okay, so Konami dropped a new Silent Hill game late in 2025, and it’s seriously different. This one was made by Neobards Entertainment, and it takes place in 1960s Japan – a really cool change of scenery. There’s this weird fungal outbreak happening, and I’m stuck trying to survive all sorts of terrifying stuff. The environments are gorgeous, but super creepy, full of traditional Japanese buildings. They brought in some really talented novelists to write the story, so it’s got a fresh take on the psychological horror the series is famous for. Honestly, it feels like a huge departure from the other Silent Hill games in terms of how it looks and feels.
‘Mortal Kombat The Legacy Kollection’ (2025)
In 2025, Warner Bros Games released a complete collection of classic fighting games. Developed by expert studios, this bundle faithfully recreates the original arcade experience on today’s Xbox consoles. It features updated versions of the early games, complete with online play and bonus content for fans. Players can trace the series’ history, from its simple beginnings to the more advanced fighting mechanics of later installments. This release is a tribute to the brand’s enduring legacy.
‘Lego Party’ (2025)
Released by 2K in spring 2025, this game is designed for families to play together. Created by 2K’s in-house developers, it’s filled with dozens of fun minigames inspired by the popular world of plastic building bricks. Players can create unique characters and compete in challenges like racing and building contests. Up to four players can enjoy the game together, either locally or online, making it a simple and enjoyable experience for everyone.
‘Lego Voyagers’ (2025)
In 2025, 2K and Lego are teaming up again to release a new space exploration game. Developed by Visual Concepts, the game lets players design and build their own spaceships and journey to planets constructed entirely from Lego bricks. Each planet offers unique missions and characters, and players will need to build specific creations to solve challenges. The game focuses on imagination and uncovering hidden secrets in a huge galaxy, offering a more adventurous experience than typical Lego building games.
‘MotoGP 25’ (2025)
In 2025, Milestone will release the newest installment of its leading motorcycle racing game. It includes all the official riders and tracks from the current season, plus a dramatically improved physics engine for a more realistic experience. Players can enjoy a robust career mode where they manage their team and upgrade their bikes. The Xbox version takes full advantage of the console’s capabilities to deliver stunning weather effects and smooth, fast-paced racing. It continues to be the most realistic motorcycle racing simulation available on consoles.
‘WWE 2K25’ (2025)
In early 2025, Visual Concepts and 2K Sports launched the latest wrestling game. It boasts an updated lineup of wrestlers, both current stars and legends, and improved animations for smoother fighting. Players can enjoy a variety of match types, including the return of popular modes with new customization options. The game’s career mode lets you experience the journey of an up-and-coming wrestler as they climb the ranks. This release continues the positive momentum the series has built with its recent improvements.
‘NBA 2K26’ (2025)
The latest basketball game released in fall 2025 aims for a more realistic and social experience. Created by Visual Concepts and published by 2K, it features improved defense and a deeper story mode for its MyCareer feature. The versions for Xbox Series X and S boast better graphics with enhanced lighting and player details. Players can now explore a larger open world and compete in online tournaments against each other. The game continues to be the leading basketball simulation available.
‘F1 25’ (2025)
The official Formula 1 game for the 2025 season is now available from Electronic Arts and Codemasters. It features all the latest rules, car designs, and a redesigned career mode. Players can live the life of a racing driver through an immersive story or take control as a team manager. With cross-platform play and easier controls, the game is accessible to both newcomers and long-time fans, delivering a fast-paced and realistic motorsport experience.
‘Ninja Gaiden 4’ (2025)
Koei Tecmo released the fourth game in the popular series in late 2025. Developed by Team Ninja, this sequel builds on the fast-paced combat fans love, while adding new moves and abilities. Players will journey across the world, from bustling cities to secret, ancient locations, caught in a global conflict. The game’s story focuses on the challenges faced by ninjas and the dangers of using forbidden powers. It was a highly anticipated action game during the holiday season.
‘Fatal Fury City of the Wolves’ (2025)
Okay, so SNK dropped their latest fighting game on April 24, 2025, and it’s awesome! It throws you right back into South Town with a mix of characters I already know and love, plus some fresh faces. The fighting system is really deep – they brought back the Rev System, which lets you do some crazy combos and really control the fight. I’m playing it on Xbox, and the online play is super smooth with almost no lag. Plus, if you’re new to the series, there’s a really helpful tutorial that gets you up to speed quickly. Honestly, it’s breathed new life into a classic fighting series, and I’m totally hooked!
‘The First Berserker Khazan’ (2025)
Nexon released this action game set in a dark fantasy world in early 2025. Created by Neople, the game takes place within the Dungeon & Fighter universe and tells the story of a general who was betrayed and is now seeking revenge. Players will experience intense combat, using different weapons and special powers to defeat huge enemies. The game has a distinctive art style with a cel-shaded look that makes the harsh world feel realistic, and it’s known for its smooth animation and difficult battles.
‘Dynasty Warriors Origins’ (2025)
On January 17, 2025, Koei Tecmo launched a new game that reimagines large-scale battles. Created by Omega Force, this title offers a more realistic and strategic experience within the historical setting of the Three Kingdoms period. Players control a single hero whose decisions shape the course of the war across ancient China. The game’s powerful engine lets thousands of soldiers fight simultaneously, creating massive and impressive battlefields. This installment marks a move for the series towards more in-depth character progression and strategic gameplay.
‘Elden Ring Nightreign’ (2025)
In 2025, FromSoftware and Bandai Namco launched a major expansion to their popular open-world game. This new installment takes players to a region steeped in eternal darkness and cosmic horror, offering fresh weapons, spells, and incredibly difficult boss battles. The story delves deeper into the game’s mythology, exploring the history of the Lands Between and the powerful Outer Gods. It gave players a compelling reason to revisit this critically acclaimed world.
‘Battlefield 6’ (2025)
In late 2025, Electronic Arts launched the newest installment in its popular military shooter series. Created by DICE, the game is set in a near-future world and emphasizes large, fully destructible environments. Players can battle alongside up to 127 others on Xbox Series X and S, utilizing a range of vehicles and specialized character classes. A new game engine delivers realistic physics and weather, which constantly change how battles play out. Critics have applauded the game for focusing on what originally made the franchise so popular.
‘South of Midnight’ (2025)
Released on April 8, 2025, by Compulsion Games and Xbox Game Studios, this beautiful action-adventure game takes place in a magical reimagining of the American South. Players control Hazel, a young woman who hunts legendary creatures. The game has a distinctive, handcrafted look thanks to its stop-motion art style. You’ll move through the world and battle enemies using special weaving magic, all set to a unique rhythm. Many consider it one of the most original first-party games Xbox released that year.
‘Avowed’ (2025)
Released on February 18, 2025, by Obsidian Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios, this fantasy role-playing game puts you in the shoes of an envoy sent to investigate a strange plague that’s spreading across the world of Eora. You’ll be able to fight using a combination of weapons and magic, customizing your combat style, and your choices will affect the game’s political world. Known for its strong storytelling and memorable characters, this game quickly became a key title for Xbox RPG fans.
‘The Alters’ (2025)
Released in mid-2025 by 11 bit studios, this game offers a fresh take on survival and base building. Players control a lone worker marooned on a dangerous planet and must clone themselves to stay alive. These clones aren’t just copies – they represent alternate life paths, creating interesting relationships and challenges within your base. Gameplay focuses on gathering resources and careful planning to maintain your facility and defend against the planet’s dangers. The game also explores compelling themes of identity and how our choices shape who we are.
‘Two Point Museum’ (2025)
Released on March 4, 2025, by Sega and Two Point Studios, this game lets you build and run your own quirky museum. You’ll need to hire staff, attract visitors, and create exhibits ranging from historical artifacts to strange curiosities. The key to success is finding the right balance between educating your guests and keeping them entertained, all while making your museum both popular and profitable. It’s a fun, detailed management game with a humorous touch.
‘Oblivion Remastered’ (2025)
In May 2025, Bethesda Softworks released a beautifully updated version of the classic fantasy role-playing game. This remaster enhances the graphics and performance on Xbox Series X and S, and also includes several improvements to make gameplay smoother and more enjoyable. Players can once again journey through the province of Cyrodiil with updated lighting and detailed textures, revisiting a fan-favorite installment in the series. The release bundles the original game, all expansions, and downloadable content into one convenient package, allowing a new generation of players to discover the roots of modern open-world games.
‘The Outer Worlds 2’ (2025)
In late 2025, Obsidian Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios launched the highly anticipated sequel to their popular space RPG. The new game takes players to a different star system with a brand-new story, characters, and larger areas to discover. You’ll find yourself in a world controlled by powerful corporations, where your choices will impact the lives of entire colonies. The sequel boasts enhanced combat and more ways to customize your character and team, all while retaining the original game’s signature dark humor and freedom to play how you want.
‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ (2025)
Released on February 14, 2025, Ubisoft’s latest game transports players to feudal Japan in a sprawling open world adventure. Players can choose between two main characters: a female ninja and an African samurai, each offering a unique way to play. The game boasts a beautifully detailed recreation of Japan, emphasizing stealth and classic sword fighting. The story delves into the ongoing struggle between the Assassins and Templars during the turbulent Sengoku period. It proved to be a major release for Xbox, becoming one of the platform’s biggest third-party launches of the year.
‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4’ (2025)
In 2025, Activision released a remastered collection of its beloved classic skating games. The updated version boasts improved graphics and controls, but keeps the fun and engaging gameplay that fans remember. Players can experience iconic levels, choose from a huge selection of pro skaters, and enjoy a fantastic soundtrack featuring punk and hip hop. The Xbox version lets you play online with others and even design your own skate parks. This release successfully brings the golden age of skating games to today’s consoles.
‘Gears of War Reloaded’ (2025)
On August 26, 2025, The Coalition and Xbox Game Studios launched a beautifully remastered collection of the original Gears of War trilogy. This release brings the classic games up to modern standards with enhanced graphics, improved performance, and updated multiplayer. Players can now relive the complete story of Delta Squad, featuring both visual upgrades and smoother gameplay. The collection includes every map and game mode from the first three Gears of War titles, all in one package. It served as a great way to keep fans excited while they waited for the next installment in the series.
‘Doom The Dark Ages’ (2025)
Released on May 15, 2025, for Xbox and other platforms, this game from id Software and Bethesda serves as a prequel to the recent DOOM trilogy. It delves into the Slayer’s backstory within a grim, medieval-inspired fantasy world. Players can fight off hordes of demons using a combination of classic DOOM weaponry, a new shield saw, and a mace. While still brutal, the combat is more deliberate and strategic than in previous games. Critics especially loved its distinctive art style and fresh approach to close-quarters fighting.
‘Silent Hill 2’ (2025)
In late 2025, Konami released the long-awaited remake of the iconic horror game on Xbox. Created by Bloober Team, the game keeps the original story intact while updating the gameplay and using a modern over-the-shoulder camera perspective. Players take on the role of James Sunderland, venturing through the foggy town of Silent Hill to find his late wife. The Xbox version takes full advantage of the console’s capabilities, delivering immersive horror through detailed lighting and 3D sound. Overall, it’s a successful revival of a classic, offering a high-quality experience for both longtime fans and new players.
‘Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii’ (2025)
On February 28, 2025, Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio launched a new adventure game where players take on the role of Goro Majima, who finds himself shipwrecked and becomes a pirate. The game lets you fight with your fists like in previous titles, but also introduces ship battles against other pirates in the Pacific Ocean. Expect the same blend of compelling story and quirky comedy the series is known for. This installment is particularly notable for moving away from the city settings of past games, offering a fresh, open-world experience.
‘Shinobi Art of Vengeance’ (2025)
In 2025, Sega revived its beloved action series with a visually stunning new installment. The game delivers quick, side-scrolling battles, brought to life with modern 3D graphics and an emphasis on skillful movement. Players will explore diverse cityscapes and otherworldly locations, using ninja stars and magic to overcome hordes of enemies. While staying true to the series’ challenging roots, the game also offers options to make it easier for newcomers. It quickly became a favorite for fans of old-school arcade action, now reimagined for today’s consoles.
‘Kingdom Come Deliverance II’ (2025)
Released on February 11, 2025, by Warhorse Studios and Deep Silver, this sprawling role-playing game puts players in the shoes of Henry of Skalitz during a turbulent time in 15th-century Bohemia. The game offers a remarkably realistic medieval experience, boasting challenging combat, in-depth character development, and a huge, detailed open world. Towns feel alive with believable characters who respond to your choices, making it one of the most immersive historical games ever made.
‘Final Fantasy XVI’ (2025)
Okay, so Square Enix finally brought this huge fantasy action RPG to Xbox Series X|S in 2025 – it was a PlayStation exclusive for a while, which sucked. You play as Clive Rosfield, and the whole game is basically about him getting revenge in a world ruled by these unbelievably powerful creatures called Eikons. The combat is super fast-paced and real-time, and the boss battles are absolutely insane – they really show off what the Xbox can do. The best part is, this version includes all the performance improvements and DLC that came out before. Honestly, it’s a massive deal for JRPGs on Xbox, and I’m really excited it’s here!
‘ARC Raiders’ (2025)
In 2025, Embark Studios launched this popular third-person shooter as a free game. Players team up to fight off huge waves of mysterious robots attacking Earth. The game is all about working together and using your surroundings to survive. It’s known for its beautiful graphics, intense action, and a world you can destroy as you play. It quickly became a hit on Xbox thanks to its smooth gameplay and distinctive visual style.
‘Borderlands 4’ (2025)
In 2025, Gearbox and 2K released the latest installment in the popular looter shooter series. The game introduces a fresh group of Vault Hunters and delivers the signature blend of mayhem and comedy that fans love. Players will journey to new planets, discover countless unique weapons, and uncover a story that builds upon the game’s rich universe. Cooperative play is still central to the experience, now with better social features and more ways to customize your character. It continues to set the bar for cooperative action games.
‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ (2025)
Capcom launched the newest installment of its popular monster hunting series on February 28, 2025, for Xbox. The game boasts a vast, connected open world with changing weather that impacts the creatures living there. Players can hunt both new and familiar monsters using fourteen different weapons, each with improved controls. It features full cross-platform play, allowing players on different systems to play together, and emphasizes how players interact with the environment during battles. Critics widely praised the game for its impressive technology and incredibly engaging gameplay.
‘Blue Prince’ (2025)
In 2025, Raw Fury released a highly praised puzzle game where players explore a constantly changing mansion. Created by Dogubomb, the game challenges you to strategically arrange rooms to alter the mansion’s layout and reach a secret room before time runs out. With its distinctive art style, the game emphasizes logic and spatial awareness. Players loved its clever gameplay and intriguing story, which encouraged them to play through it multiple times.
‘Hollow Knight Silksong’ (2025)
After years in development, Team Cherry released the eagerly awaited sequel to their acclaimed game in 2025. Players now control Hornet as she journeys through a vast, new kingdom brimming with dangerous creatures and long-lost secrets. The game retains the tight platforming and difficult fights that fans loved in the original, but adds exciting new abilities based around silk. Its beautiful, hand-drawn visuals and evocative music combine to create a truly immersive and captivating world. It was a top-rated game on Xbox for the entire year.
‘Clair Obscur Expedition 33’ (2025)
Released on April 24, 2025, by Sandfall Interactive and Kepler Interactive, this stunning role-playing game takes place in a world reminiscent of France’s beautiful Belle Epoque era. Players follow a team of explorers trying to defeat a mysterious being known as the Paintress. The game’s combat is special – it’s turn-based, but you can react in real-time with dodges and blocks. With impressive graphics and a moving story, it quickly became a highlight for owners of the Series X and S consoles and was praised as one of the most original new games of its time.
‘Split Fiction’ (2025)
Released in December 2025, the critically acclaimed game from Hazelight Studios and Electronic Arts offers a unique co-op experience. Players take on the roles of two writers stuck within their conflicting stories, and they must collaborate to escape a broken machine. Like the studio’s previous popular games, this title is designed for two players, supporting both split-screen and online play. The gameplay is incredibly diverse, constantly shifting to reflect the changing environments and storylines within its fantasy and sci-fi worlds. It was widely recognized as game of the year, praised for its originality and emotionally resonant story.
Let us know in the comments which Xbox games you played the most this year!
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2026-01-06 01:21