Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is more than just a nostalgia trip—it’s become one of 2025’s biggest gaming surprises. With stellar reviews, a strong post-launch roadmap, and fresh DLC on the horizon, MachineGames and Bethesda have positioned this first-person Indy adventure as the start of something bigger. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest updates, expansions, and what the future might hold for the franchise.
Developer Update: MachineGames Has “Multiple Projects” in Development
During ZeniMax’s July 2025 financial update, developer MachineGames confirmed it’s working on multiple new projects—and that’s a big deal. Not only does it confirm continued support for The Great Circle, but it also hints at what’s next for the Indiana Jones universe in gaming.
While no direct sequel has been announced, the commercial and critical success of The Great Circle makes a follow-up almost inevitable. Bethesda has made it clear that this game is a cornerstone of its current lineup—right alongside Starfield and The Elder Scrolls VI. Fans may also remember that MachineGames is still helming Wolfenstein 3, meaning the studio is expanding rather than shifting away from Indy.
🕶️ The First-Person Perspective: A Controversial Choice That Paid Off
Some fans were skeptical when it was revealed that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle would be first-person only—after all, most expected a cinematic third-person Uncharted-style experience.
But design director Jens Andersson explained at Develop:Brighton that this decision was core to the vision from day one:
“If you’re going to be Indiana Jones, you need to look through his eyes.”
That immersive decision resonated. The game holds an 86 on Metacritic, with critics praising how the perspective elevates exploration, whip-based traversal, and puzzle-solving in a way that feels uniquely Indy.
In fact, GamesRadar+ called it “the best Indiana Jones adventure in over 30 years”—a high bar, considering the legacy of Fate of Atlantis and The Emperor’s Tomb.
📦 Upcoming DLC: The Order of Giants Arrives September 4
Announced in June, the first major story expansion, The Order of Giants, is set to launch September 4, 2025, starting with PlayStation 5. In this DLC, Indy explores the ancient catacombs beneath the Vatican, where a shadowy cult tied to the myth of Nephilim giants threatens to unearth devastating secrets.
Expect new puzzles, more whip-based traversal, expanded stealth mechanics, and fresh combat encounters—plus deeper narrative threads that connect to real-world ancient mythology and biblical lore.
Notably, The Order of Giants expands the map and adds verticality to exploration, a move that mirrors some of the evolution seen in recent Tomb Raider reboots.
🔧 Ongoing Support: Patches, Improvements & New Mechanics
MachineGames isn’t resting on its laurels. After the launch, the studio quickly rolled out several major updates. The standout was Update 4 in April 2025, which introduced:
- New whip combat combos
- Improved stealth takedowns
- Faster puzzle hint toggles
- Numerous bug fixes and UI enhancements
In May, a follow-up patch continued refining the experience with quality-of-life tweaks based on player feedback—evidence that the dev team is committed to long-term support.
These updates have significantly improved load times and fixed performance issues that impacted the early PS5 and PC builds.
What It All Means: The Future of Indy in Gaming
| Theme | Insight |
|---|---|
| Long-Term Support | Active patching and new DLC show that The Great Circle is a living title. |
| Franchise Potential | With multiple MachineGames projects in the works, more Indy is likely coming. |
| Design Integrity | The first-person vision wasn’t just a gimmick—it’s the foundation of the experience. |
Final Take
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has gone from risky concept to genre-defining hit. It proved that first-person adventuring could work just as well—if not better—than the third-person template used by Tomb Raider or Uncharted.
And with a Vatican-set DLC arriving this fall and MachineGames confirming new projects, Indy’s digital future looks brighter than ever. If The Great Circle is any indication, we’re witnessing the beginning of a bold new era for one of cinema’s most iconic characters.
Key Dates to Know
- September 4, 2025 – The Order of Giants DLC releases on PS5
- Late 2025 – Cross-platform release and rumored New Game+ mode
- TBD 2026 – Possible announcement of sequel or spin-off
The Best Xbox Games Of 2024
Xbox gamers have been treated to an impressive lineup of titles in 2024. From epic adventures in Elden Ring to the nostalgic thrill of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, there’s something for everyone on Microsoft’s powerful console. The standout games of 2024 include Monster Hunter Wilds, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Alan Wake 2, offering experiences that showcase the Xbox Series X’s capabilities.
Many of this year’s top games are available on Game Pass, making it easier than ever to experience these adventures without breaking the bank. Players have particularly praised Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for its storytelling and gameplay, while Monster Hunter Wilds has captured the attention of both series veterans and newcomers with its expansive world and refined hunting mechanics.
As we approach 2025, these games continue to receive updates and expansions, keeping the content fresh. With upcoming titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance II on the horizon, Xbox gamers have plenty to look forward to while enjoying the current crop of outstanding games that have defined gaming in 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Monster Hunter Wilds, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle represent the best Xbox gaming experiences of 2024.
- Many top Xbox games are available through Xbox Game Pass subscription, providing excellent value for players.
- The best Xbox games of 2024 showcase impressive technical capabilities while delivering engaging storylines and refined gameplay mechanics.
Top Xbox Games Released in 2024
2024 has delivered some exceptional titles for Xbox gamers, from platform exclusives to impressive multi-platform releases. The Xbox ecosystem continues to grow with both big-budget titles and innovative indie games.
Exclusive Titles
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle emerged as one of the most celebrated Xbox exclusives of 2024. This action-adventure title from MachineGames captured the essence of the beloved franchise while providing fresh gameplay mechanics.
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl finally arrived after multiple delays, bringing its atmospheric post-apocalyptic world exclusively to Xbox Series X and PC. The game’s impressive visuals showcase the power of next-gen consoles.
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has started paying dividends for Game Pass subscribers. Several Activision titles joined the service in 2024, giving Xbox players immediate access to premium games at no additional cost.
Avowed, Obsidian’s fantasy RPG, delivered the immersive world-building and meaningful choices the studio is known for, while taking advantage of Xbox Series X hardware capabilities.
Cross-Platform Gems
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree expansion transformed the already massive game into an even more impressive experience. While not exclusive to Xbox, the DLC performs exceptionally well on Xbox Series X hardware.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown brought the beloved franchise back with a fresh 2D metroidvania approach. The game’s tight controls and beautiful visuals made it a standout on all platforms, including Xbox.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty continued to improve upon the base game, with many players citing it as one of their best gaming experiences of 2024.
Monster Hunter Wilds showcased impressive technical performance on Xbox Series X, with minimal loading times and stunning visuals during intense hunts.
Indie Highlights
Cat Quest III sailed onto Xbox in 2024, bringing its adorable action-RPG gameplay to a nautical setting. The game’s charming art style and accessible gameplay made it perfect for Game Pass.
Hollow Knight: Silksong finally released after years of anticipation. Team Cherry’s metroidvania sequel lived up to expectations with challenging gameplay and a hauntingly beautiful world.
Several indie developers utilized the ID@Xbox program to bring unique experiences to the platform. These smaller titles often arrived directly on Game Pass, allowing subscribers to discover games they might otherwise miss.
Replaced, with its striking pixel art aesthetic and fluid side-scrolling action, became an indie darling on Xbox. Its cyberpunk setting and compelling narrative helped it stand out in a crowded market.
Gameplay and Features
The best Xbox games of 2024 showcase remarkable innovations in gameplay mechanics and technical features. These titles leverage next-gen console capabilities while delivering compelling single-player campaigns and refreshed multiplayer experiences.
Innovative Game Modes
2024’s standout Xbox titles introduce groundbreaking game modes that push the medium forward. Games like STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl feature dynamic world systems where environmental factors and AI behaviors create truly unpredictable scenarios for players to navigate.
Several Game Pass offerings incorporate adaptive difficulty systems that adjust in real-time based on player performance. This technology ensures both newcomers and veterans find appropriate challenges without manual adjustments.
Open-world titles now feature more meaningful side activities rather than map-cluttering collectibles. Many games implement dynamic quest generation systems that consider player choices and world states.
Cross-platform progression has become standard in 2024 releases, allowing players to maintain their progress across Xbox consoles and PC through cloud saves.
Campaign Excellence
Story-driven experiences reached new heights in 2024 Xbox releases. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle delivers a cinematic adventure with branching narrative paths that respond to player choices without compromising the core storyline.
Character development in campaigns has evolved beyond simple power progression. Modern Xbox titles incorporate relationship systems where NPC interactions affect available missions and dialogue options.
The integration of Activision Blizzard into the Xbox ecosystem has brought production value improvements to campaign experiences. More games feature professional voice acting, motion capture performances, and film-quality cutscenes.
Next-gen console capabilities enable seamless transitions between gameplay and cinematics, maintaining immersion throughout the experience.
Multiplayer Evolutions
Xbox multiplayer games in 2024 emphasize accessibility while maintaining competitive depth. Enhanced matchmaking systems use sophisticated algorithms to create balanced matches based on multiple skill metrics.
Cross-play functionality has expanded, allowing Xbox players to compete with PlayStation and PC communities in more titles. This integration has revitalized player populations for several games.
Social features have been refined with improved party systems and communication tools. Games now incorporate better ping systems, shared objective tracking, and intuitive emote wheels.
Battle pass models have matured into more player-friendly systems. Many games now offer indefinite battle pass completion rather than seasonal FOMO tactics.
Dedicated servers and netcode improvements have dramatically reduced latency issues that previously plagued multiplayer experiences on Xbox platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xbox gamers have many questions about the best titles released in 2024. These FAQs cover top-rated games, multiplayer experiences, Game Pass additions, and standout titles across different genres.
What are the top-rated Xbox Series X games released in 2024?
Several Xbox Series X games have earned high ratings in 2024. STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl has impressed players with its atmospheric post-apocalyptic world and survival mechanics.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has emerged as a surprise hit, blending adventure and action in a way that honors the classic franchise. The game’s storytelling and puzzle elements have received particular praise.
Starfield continues to expand with new content in 2024, building on its vast universe of exploration and role-playing elements.
Which multiplayer Xbox titles released in 2024 are highly recommended?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has dominated the multiplayer scene with its refined gameplay and new features. The game offers both competitive and cooperative modes that appeal to different types of players.
Forza Motorsport’s 2024 updates have added new tracks and vehicles, enhancing the online racing experience. The game’s realistic physics and beautiful graphics make it a standout choice for racing fans.
Sea of Thieves has received significant content updates in 2024, bringing fresh adventures for crews to experience together on the high seas.
What are the best Xbox Game Pass additions in 2024 for Series X/S?
Xbox Game Pass added several excellent titles in 2024. The acclaimed Indiana Jones and the Great Circle arrived on the service at launch, providing immediate value to subscribers.
Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga joined Game Pass in 2024, bringing its intense psychological horror experience to subscribers without additional cost.
Microsoft has also added third-party hits like Assassin’s Creed Shadows to the service, expanding the variety of games available to players who subscribe.
Could you provide a list of critically acclaimed Xbox Series S games from 2024?
Critically acclaimed Xbox Series S games from 2024 include Star Wars Outlaws, which performs surprisingly well on the less powerful console. The game offers an engaging open-world Star Wars experience.
Halo’s latest content update has been optimized for Series S, providing a smooth experience for players on the smaller console.
Indie hit Hollow Knight: Silksong finally released in 2024, running beautifully on Series S and receiving acclaim for its challenging gameplay and atmospheric world.
What are the standout Xbox game releases in 2024 for different genres?
In the RPG category, Avowed has impressed with its first-person fantasy world and decision-based storyline. The game offers players meaningful choices that affect the narrative.
For action-adventure fans, Perfect Dark’s reboot delivers nostalgic spy thrills with modern gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals.
Horror enthusiasts have enjoyed Alan Wake 2’s DLC expansions, which extend the nightmarish journey with new story content and frightening scenarios.
Sports gamers have embraced EA Sports FC 25, which continues to refine the football/soccer experience with improved gameplay mechanics.
How have the best Xbox games of 2024 been received by the gaming community?
The gaming community has generally responded positively to 2024’s Xbox lineup. Online forums and social media show enthusiasm for Microsoft’s commitment to diverse gaming experiences.
Digital sales reports indicate strong performance for key titles like Indiana Jones and STALKER 2, suggesting commercial success alongside critical acclaim.
Game Pass continues to be a major talking point, with many gamers appreciating the value proposition of accessing new releases through the subscription service.
