In a surprising twist that underscores Xbox’s evolving publishing strategy, Microsoft’s 2025 Xbox Games Showcase brought with it a treasure trove of announcements — not just for Xbox and PC, but for PlayStation 5 as well. What was once unthinkable — seeing Xbox-owned IPs land on PlayStation — is now a clear sign of Microsoft’s multiplatform push, especially for live service games, select indies, and even major RPGs.
From long-anticipated RPG sequels to indie darlings and revivals of classic franchises, here’s everything confirmed for PS5 from the showcase, along with key details and commentary on what they mean for the broader industry.
Major Highlights
The Outer Worlds 2 – October 29, 2025
Obsidian’s space-faring RPG sequel finally lands with a release date — and yes, PS5 is included. This sequel promises a deeper narrative structure, larger open zones, and dynamic faction interactions. Cross-platform availability shows Microsoft’s continued flexibility on select titles, especially with timed Game Pass deals.
Ninja Gaiden 4 – October 21, 2025
Team Ninja returns to its hardcore action roots. With bloodier, faster gameplay and dual-blade mechanics, it’s shaping up to be the biggest Ninja Gaiden in over a decade. PS5 inclusion confirms third-party support despite early rumors of exclusivity.
Gears of War: Reloaded – August 26, 2025
The Gears franchise makes its PlayStation debut, a seismic shift that stunned fans. “Reloaded” is a soft reboot set after Gears 5, featuring revamped cover mechanics and a brand-new co-op campaign. It’s the biggest Xbox franchise to ever cross the console divide.
Indiana Jones: The Order of Giants – September 4, 2025
The new story DLC sees Indy racing across the Alps in search of a Titan relic. Bethesda had initially dodged platform questions, but PS5 is confirmed. Expect new puzzles, stealth, and set-piece moments that rival Uncharted in scale.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 – 2025
Built on a new iteration of the IW engine, Black Ops 7 shifts to a 2030s setting with near-future tech and a branching campaign structure. It’s the biggest cross-gen launch of the year and will hit both PS4 and PS5.
New & Experimental Titles
High on Life 2 – Winter 2025
Squanch Games’ irreverent shooter returns, complete with sentient guns and a surreal open world. Now featuring grind-rails and skateboard traversal, the sequel looks even more chaotic. PS5’s inclusion points to strong sales from the first game’s port.
Cronos: The New Dawn – Fall 2025
A spiritual successor to Control and Quantum Break, this narrative-driven sci-fi shooter blends time loops and dimensional rifts. It’s one of the Showcase’s sleeper hits.
Aphelion – 2026
A side-scrolling metroidvania with RPG elements, heavy exploration, and painterly visuals. It’s being praised as “Hollow Knight meets Nier.” Expect it on PS5 day one.
Beast of Reincarnation – 2026
Game Freak’s new IP ditches turn-based combat for real-time monster battles in an open-world fantasy setting. It’s still under wraps but is targeting all major consoles.
Revivals, Expansions & Indie Surprises
- Persona 4 Revival (TBA) – An enhanced remake with re-recorded audio and reimagined dungeons. Not just a remaster — this is a full reworking.
- Fallout 76: Gone Fission (June 8, 2025) – A new season update focused on undersea vaults, available now on PS5.
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 (July 11, 2025) – Rebuilt in the THPS1+2 engine with online multiplayer and updated rosters.
- Sea of Thieves: Smuggler’s Tide (August 2025) – New story-driven missions and co-op heists land alongside full PS5 compatibility.
- Keeper (October 17, 2025) – A pixel-art adventure from Double Fine, where players manage a haunted library of souls.
- Invincible VS (2026) – A tag-based anime fighter featuring characters from the Invincible universe. Early builds show rollback netcode and eSports ambitions.
- Super Meat Boy 3D (Early 2026) – Now in full 3D, this indie classic brings back brutal platforming with a new dimension of pain.
Summary Table – PS5 Games from Xbox Showcase 2025
| Game | Release Window |
|---|---|
| The Outer Worlds 2 | October 29, 2025 |
| Ninja Gaiden 4 | October 21, 2025 |
| Gears of War: Reloaded | August 26, 2025 |
| Indiana Jones: The Order of Giants | September 4, 2025 |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 | 2025 |
| High on Life 2 | Winter 2025 |
| Cronos: The New Dawn | Fall 2025 |
| Aphelion | 2026 |
| Beast of Reincarnation | 2026 |
| Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy | 2026 |
| The Blood of Dawnwalker | 2026 |
| Super Meat Boy 3D | Early 2026 |
| Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf | 2026 |
| Age of Mythology: Retold – Heavenly Spear | Fall 2025 |
| Mudang: Two Hearts | 2026 |
| Fallout 76: Gone Fission | June 8, 2025 |
| Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 | July 11, 2025 |
| Sea of Thieves: Smuggler’s Tide | August 2025 |
| Persona 4 Revival | TBA |
| Invincible VS | 2026 |
| Keeper | October 17, 2025 |
Why It Matters
This year’s showcase is a major inflection point. Xbox has historically used exclusivity as a competitive wedge — but 2025 is about reach. Whether to recoup dev costs, grow IP recognition, or lay groundwork for a subscription-based future, these PS5 announcements show that Xbox is blurring the line between platform and publisher.
For PlayStation gamers, the takeaway is clear: you’re about to get access to an unprecedented lineup of previously Xbox-first games. For Xbox, it’s a strategic play that prioritizes software revenue and franchise longevity over hardware lock-in.
Let me know if you want a companion list for PC and Game Pass releases — or a breakdown of which of these titles are launching with cross-play or cross-save support.
The Best Xbox Series X Games Right Now – And What’s Coming
The Xbox Series X continues to thrive in 2025, delivering an unbeatable mix of visual power, lightning-fast performance, and a growing library of genre-defining games. Microsoft’s flagship console has evolved beyond just performance benchmarks—it’s now a launchpad for bold storytelling, innovative mechanics, and one of the strongest first-party lineups in years.
Whether you’re diving into open-world epics or gearing up for the next competitive shooter, the Xbox ecosystem is firing on all cylinders—and thanks to Game Pass, many of these titles are ready to play on day one.
Major Upcoming Xbox Series X Games (As of June 2025)
The June Xbox Games Showcase dropped a wave of fresh reveals and release dates, outlining a stacked calendar through 2026. Here are the most anticipated titles coming to Xbox Series X:
- The Outer Worlds 2 (October 29, 2025): Obsidian returns with more satirical sci-fi chaos, refined gunplay, and deeper RPG mechanics in one of the most promising sequels of the year.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (Fall 2025): Set in 2035, this entry promises a gritty, futuristic twist with campaign co-op, Zombies mode, and a fresh psychological warfare narrative.
- Grounded 2 (Game Preview – July 29, 2025): The backyard survival game expands with larger environments, new creatures, and even more customization—perfect for co-op sessions.
- Ninja Gaiden 4 (October 21, 2025): A high-octane return from Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, combining brutal difficulty, fluid action, and cinematic flair.
- Persona 4 Revival (TBA): A full remake of the classic JRPG confirmed for Xbox, PS5, and PC, promising visual upgrades and quality-of-life enhancements.
Showcase Highlights & New Announcements
| Game Title | Release Window |
|---|---|
| Gears of War: Reloaded | August 26, 2025 |
| Keeper (Double Fine) | October 17, 2025 |
| Indiana Jones DLC: Order of Giants | September 4, 2025 |
| Beast of Reincarnation | 2026 |
| Super Meat Boy 3D | 2026 |
| Hollow Knight: Silksong | Late 2025 |
| Age of Mythology: Heavenly Spear DLC | Fall 2025 |
| High on Life 2, Aphelion, and more | 2025–2026 |
From major sequels to surprise indie gems, Xbox is stacking its calendar with variety—platformers, RPGs, strategy games, and gritty action shooters are all getting their time in the spotlight.
Xbox Game Pass Continues to Deliver
Game Pass remains Xbox’s killer feature. All major first-party titles—The Outer Worlds 2, Gears of War: Reloaded, Grounded 2, Persona 4 Revival, and Black Ops 7—will launch day one on the service. In total, Microsoft announced 17 new Game Pass titles during the June 2025 showcase alone, reinforcing its commitment to value and accessibility.
Top Xbox Series X Games You Can Play Right Now
Beyond what’s coming, here are the top must-play games available today that push the console’s capabilities and offer unforgettable experiences:
- Avowed (February 18, 2025): Obsidian’s fantasy RPG is rich in lore, magic, and exploration, serving as a spiritual sibling to Skyrim with modern polish.
- Doom: The Dark Ages (May 15, 2025): The latest entry takes the franchise to a medieval hellscape, blending classic demon-slaying with a visceral, atmospheric world.
- Elden Ring + Shadow of the Erdtree: The definitive version of FromSoftware’s masterpiece is enhanced for Xbox Series X, and the DLC only deepens the world.
- Monster Hunter Wilds: A sprawling ecosystem of monsters, gear progression, and tactical hunting—it’s an easy top-tier recommendation.
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: A cinematic, action-adventure thrill ride filled with puzzles, relics, and Nazi-punching in 4K.
- Alan Wake 2: Still one of the most narratively ambitious games available on Xbox, now enhanced with ray-tracing and next-gen tech.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition: With the Phantom Liberty expansion and next-gen updates, CDPR’s sci-fi world is finally what it was always meant to be.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Next Gen: A visual overhaul, faster loading, and integrated DLCs make it the perfect time to revisit (or start) Geralt’s journey.
Sports, Deals & Seasonal Additions
For sports fans, Madden NFL 25 and EA Sports FC 25 bring cutting-edge animation and smarter AI to the field and pitch. These annual releases are optimized for Xbox Series X and often bundled into Game Pass Ultimate trials or discounted regularly.
Key Takeaways
- Elden Ring, Indiana Jones, and Monster Hunter Wilds stand out as essential Xbox Series X games in 2025.
- The Xbox Series X library spans diverse genres with both established franchises and exciting new IPs.
- Many top games have received technical enhancements specifically optimized for the Series X hardware.
Exploring the Best Xbox Series X Games
Xbox’s 2025–2026 roadmap is its most diverse and ambitious yet. Whether you’re hunting monsters, diving into galactic roleplaying adventures, or fighting off futuristic threats with friends, the Series X offers something for every player. And with Game Pass front and center, it’s never been easier—or more affordable—to jump into the best the platform has to offer.
Xbox Series X offers an impressive lineup of games that showcase the console’s powerful capabilities. From blockbuster RPGs to innovative action titles, the platform continues to deliver experiences that push technical boundaries while offering compelling gameplay.
Critically Acclaimed Titles
Elden Ring stands as one of the most celebrated games on Xbox Series X, combining FromSoftware’s challenging combat with an expansive open world. The game’s recent Shadow of the Erdtree expansion further cemented its status as a must-play title.
Baldur’s Gate 3 brought deep RPG mechanics and player choice to console players, earning exceptional review scores for its narrative depth and gameplay freedom.
Alan Wake 2 delivered a psychological horror experience with stunning visuals that fully utilized the console’s capabilities. Its unique storytelling approach and atmospheric design made it a standout release.
Hi-Fi Rush surprised players with its rhythm-based combat and colorful aesthetic, proving that Xbox can deliver innovative new IP alongside established franchises.
Genre and Gameplay Innovations
Action RPGs dominate the Xbox landscape with titles offering expansive customization options. Players can build unique character builds in games like Elden Ring and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
Multiplayer experiences continue to evolve on the platform. Halo Infinite’s free-to-play multiplayer component delivers refined combat with regular seasonal updates and special events.
Game Pass integration has transformed how players discover games. The subscription service includes day-one releases of major titles and provides access to hundreds of games across multiple genres.
Open-world design has reached new heights with games like Red Dead Redemption 2 offering immersive environments. These games feature dynamic systems that create unique player stories through emergent gameplay.
Graphics and Performance
Ray tracing technology showcases the Xbox Series X’s graphical prowess. Games like Dead Space remake and Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition use realistic lighting that transforms environments and enhances atmosphere.
60fps performance has become the standard for most major releases. This smoother frame rate significantly improves responsiveness in action-heavy titles and first-person shooters.
Quick Resume functionality allows players to juggle multiple games simultaneously. This feature maintains game states even after switching to different applications or powering down the console.
Loading times have been dramatically reduced thanks to the console’s SSD. Open-world games benefit most notably, with environments loading seamlessly during gameplay without interrupting the experience.
Technical Aspects and Enhancements
The Xbox Series X delivers powerful performance upgrades that transform gaming experiences through technical innovations. These enhancements include improved framerates, faster load times, and visual upgrades that take full advantage of modern display technology.
Xbox Series X Review
The Xbox Series X represents a significant leap forward in console performance. With its custom AMD Zen 2 processor and RDNA 2 graphics architecture, it delivers up to 12 teraflops of processing power. This hardware allows for impressive 4K gaming at 60fps, with many titles supporting up to 120fps gameplay.
Load times have been dramatically reduced thanks to the custom NVMe SSD. Games that once took minutes to load now start in seconds. The console remains surprisingly quiet even under heavy loads, with an efficient cooling system that prevents overheating during extended play sessions.
The physical design is minimalist and functional, resembling a small tower that can be positioned vertically or horizontally. While larger than previous Xbox models, its performance justifies the size increase.
Compatibility and Cross-Generation Play
Xbox Series X shines with its strong backward compatibility features. The system plays thousands of games from previous Xbox generations, often with enhanced performance. Many older titles receive automatic improvements including higher framerates, faster loading, and HDR support.
Cross-generation play allows Series X owners to connect with friends on Xbox One consoles. This approach prevents fragmenting the player base when transitioning to new hardware. Games like Halo: The Master Chief Collection demonstrate this seamlessly, letting players on different Xbox generations compete together online.
Smart Delivery ensures players always access the best version of their games. Buy a title once, and the system automatically downloads the optimized version for your specific console. This consumer-friendly approach eliminates confusion about which version to purchase.
Next-Gen Features
The Series X introduces several standout next-gen features. Quick Resume allows players to switch between multiple games instantly, storing game states in memory even after powering down the console. This feature saves significant time when juggling several games.
Ray tracing technology delivers more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows. Games like Microsoft Flight Simulator showcase this with stunning environmental effects and natural lighting that changes realistically with time of day.
Variable refresh rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) reduce screen tearing and input lag when paired with compatible displays. These features create smoother gameplay with more responsive controls.
The enhanced controller includes a dedicated share button for capturing screenshots and videos. Textured grips and an improved D-pad provide better comfort during long gaming sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xbox Series X owners have many questions about which games deliver the best experiences on Microsoft’s powerful console. These FAQs address the most common queries about top-rated titles, visual showcases, new releases, and exclusive games.
What are the top-rated Xbox Series X games currently available?
The highest-rated Xbox Series X games in 2025 include Starfield, Forza Horizon 5, and Halo Infinite. These titles have received widespread acclaim for their innovative gameplay and technical performance.
Microsoft Flight Simulator continues to impress with its realistic world representation and regular updates. Titles like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077 also maintain strong positions among the top-rated games for the system.
Which Xbox Series X games offer the best graphics and visual experience?
Forza Horizon 5 remains a visual benchmark with its photorealistic environments and weather effects that showcase the console’s capabilities. The detailed landscapes and lighting effects demonstrate what the Series X hardware can achieve.
Microsoft Flight Simulator uses real-world data to create stunning visual representations of the entire planet. Games like Hellblade II and The Medium utilize advanced lighting and ray-tracing to create immersive atmospheres.
Newer titles such as Starfield and Perfect Dark showcase the latest graphical advancements, with detailed textures and smooth frame rates even during intense gameplay sequences.
What new titles for the Xbox Series X are receiving the highest acclaim from gamers?
Recent releases like Avowed and State of Decay 3 have garnered significant praise from the gaming community. Players appreciate their innovative gameplay mechanics and technical polish.
The new Fable reboot has exceeded expectations with its charming world and engaging storyline. Perfect Dark has successfully modernized the classic franchise while maintaining its core stealth-action appeal.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has also received positive feedback for its adventure elements and storytelling approach.
Which games exclusive to the Xbox Series X should players not miss?
Halo Infinite remains a cornerstone exclusive with its expanded campaign and free-to-play multiplayer. The game continues to receive updates that enhance both story content and competitive modes.
Forza Motorsport delivers a racing simulation experience that’s unmatched on other platforms. Titles like Avowed and Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga showcase unique storytelling approaches exclusive to the Xbox ecosystem.
Perfect Dark and the new Fable reboot represent Microsoft’s commitment to reviving beloved franchises with modern gameplay innovations.
Can you recommend some must-play games from the Xbox Game Pass for Series X?
Xbox Game Pass subscribers should prioritize Sea of Thieves, which continues to receive substantial updates and has a thriving multiplayer community. Hi-Fi Rush offers a unique rhythm-action experience with a striking art style.
Starfield provides hundreds of hours of space exploration content. Forza Horizon 5 and Microsoft Flight Simulator remain technical showcases that demonstrate the Series X’s capabilities.
Newer Game Pass additions like Hellblade II and Avowed make the subscription especially valuable for Series X owners.
What are the best multiplayer games on the Xbox Series X for online play?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III offers the most polished competitive shooter experience with optimized performance on Series X. Halo Infinite’s free multiplayer remains popular with both casual and competitive players.
Sea of Thieves provides a unique cooperative adventure experience that continues to evolve with regular content updates. Forza Horizon 5 features excellent online racing and community events.
Destiny 2 remains a strong option with its enhanced visuals and smooth 60fps gameplay on the Series X hardware.
