Looking for some fresh games to play on your Xbox Series S? It can be tough to sort through everything, but don’t worry. I’ve put together a list of some really solid xbox series s games that are worth your time right now. Whether you’re into big adventures or something a bit more intense, there’s bound to be something here for you. Let’s check them out.
Key Takeaways
- Elden Ring offers a huge world with lots to discover, blending exploration and tough combat.
- Persona 5 Royal is a stylish RPG with a great story and turn-based battles.
- Hades provides fast-paced action and a story that keeps you coming back for more.
- Dead Space is a remake that brings intense horror and survival gameplay to the forefront.
- Diablo IV is a dark action RPG perfect for those who like loot and fighting demons.
1. Elden Ring
Alright, let’s talk about Elden Ring. This game is massive, and I mean massive. FromSoftware, the folks behind Dark Souls, teamed up with George R.R. Martin to create this sprawling open world called the Lands Between. It’s a place filled with danger, sure, but also so much to discover. You’re a Tarnished, trying to become the Elden Lord, and the journey there is just wild.
What really sets Elden Ring apart is how it lets you play. You can go in sword swinging, or you can be sneaky, or even use magic. There’s no single right way to do things, which is pretty cool. The boss fights are tough, no doubt about it, but beating them feels incredibly rewarding. It’s the kind of game where you’ll spend hours just exploring, finding hidden caves and weird little quests.
Here are a few things that make Elden Ring stand out:
- Vast Open World: Seriously, you can get lost for days just wandering around. The map is huge and packed with secrets.
- Deep Combat System: It’s challenging, but there’s a lot of depth to learn and master.
- Player Freedom: You decide how you want to approach challenges and explore the world.
It’s a game that really pulls you in. You might find yourself saying "just one more area" and then suddenly it’s 3 AM. If you’re looking for an adventure that will keep you busy for a long time, Elden Ring is definitely worth checking out. It’s a pretty big undertaking, but the payoff is huge. You can find out more about the game’s world and lore on the official Elden Ring website.
2. Persona 5 Royal
Alright, let’s talk about Persona 5 Royal. If you’re looking for a game that’s got style for days and a story that pulls you in, this is it. You play as Joker, a high school student who moonlights as a Phantom Thief, stealing the corrupted desires from adults who are messing things up. It’s a wild concept, and the game really leans into it with its super slick anime art style and killer soundtrack.
What makes Persona 5 Royal so good is how it balances two very different lives. By day, you’re a student at Shujin Academy, trying to pass classes, make friends, and build relationships. These relationships, called Confidants, are actually super important because they give you bonuses in combat and other areas. It’s all about time management; you can’t do everything, so you have to pick what’s most important each day. Then, by night, you’re diving into the Metaverse, a mental world where you fight shadows and steal treasure from people’s hearts. It sounds complicated, but it flows really well.
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll be doing:
- Live a double life: Balance schoolwork, social events, and part-time jobs with daring heists in the Metaverse.
- Build relationships: Befriend a diverse cast of characters, each with their own stories and benefits for your Phantom Thief activities.
- Explore stylish dungeons: Infiltrate Palaces, which are physical manifestations of a target’s distorted desires, and fight your way through.
- Master turn-based combat: Engage in strategic battles using elemental weaknesses, buffs, and the "All-Out Attack" finisher.
Persona 5 Royal adds a whole new semester to the original game, which means more story, new characters like the gymnast Kasumi Yoshizawa and the doctor Takuto Maruki, and new areas to explore in Tokyo. The sheer amount of content here is staggering, easily offering over 100 hours of gameplay if you really get into it. It’s a massive JRPG that feels fresh and exciting even after dozens of hours. If you’ve got an Xbox Series S and haven’t tried this one yet, you’re missing out on a truly special experience.
3. Hades
Okay, so Hades. This game is something else. You play as Zagreus, son of Hades, and you’re trying to escape the Underworld. Sounds simple, right? Well, it’s not. Every time you die, and you will die a lot, you get sent back to the start, but you keep some of your upgrades. It’s this constant loop of trying, failing, and getting a little bit stronger each time. The combat is super fast and feels really good, with different weapons and special moves you can unlock.
What really makes Hades stand out, though, is the story and the characters. Even though you’re repeating runs, you’re always learning more about the Greek gods and Zagreus’s complicated family. The voice acting is top-notch, and the relationships you build with the Olympians and other Underworld residents are genuinely interesting. You get these ‘Boons’ from the gods that change up your abilities for each run, and figuring out which ones work best together is a big part of the fun.
Here’s a quick look at some of the core gameplay elements:
- Fast-paced Combat: Hack and slash your way through hordes of enemies with a variety of weapons.
- Roguelike Structure: Each escape attempt is different, with randomized rooms and enemy placements.
- Deep Story & Characters: Unravel the mysteries of the Underworld and its inhabitants through engaging dialogue and events.
- Permanent Upgrades: Use resources gathered during runs to permanently improve Zagreus’s stats and abilities.
It’s one of those games that’s hard to put down. You just want to do ‘one more run’ to see what happens next or try out a new build. If you’re looking for an addictive action game with a great story, you really can’t go wrong with Hades.
4. Dead Space
Okay, so Dead Space. This one’s a remake of the original, and man, they really did a good job. You play as Isaac Clarke, an engineer who gets sent to fix a giant mining ship, the USG Ishimura. Turns out, things have gone super wrong. The whole crew is basically dead or, uh, changed into these things called Necromorphs. And your girlfriend, Nicole, is somewhere on board. The atmosphere in this game is just incredible. It’s dark, it’s claustrophobic, and the sound design is top-notch. You really feel like you’re stuck on this derelict ship with no way out.
What makes Dead Space stand out is its combat. You can’t just shoot these Necromorphs anywhere and expect them to die. You have to strategically dismember them – shoot off their arms, legs, whatever. It’s gory, yeah, but it’s also really satisfying when you pull it off. You’re constantly low on ammo, so you have to be smart about every shot.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll be doing:
- Explore the USG Ishimura: It’s a huge ship, and it’s full of creepy corners and hidden dangers.
- Fight Necromorphs: These aren’t your typical zombies. They move weird and come at you in swarms.
- Solve Puzzles: You’ll need to use your engineering skills to get through certain areas and fix things.
- Manage Resources: Ammo and health are scarce, so every pickup counts.
It’s a survival horror game through and through, and it really ramps up the tension. You’ll be jumping at shadows, and honestly, sometimes you’ll just want to put the controller down for a minute. It’s a fantastic remake that really holds up.
5. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Okay, so Hollow Knight: Silksong. This is the one a lot of people have been waiting for, and honestly, the hype is pretty justified. It’s the sequel to Hollow Knight, which was already a fantastic game, and this time around, you play as Hornet. She’s the princess-protector from the first game, and she gets captured and brought to this whole new kingdom. It’s a place ruled by silk and song, which sounds pretty wild, right?
Your main goal is to fight your way through this unfamiliar world, figure out what’s going on, and basically climb your way to the top of this kingdom. It’s an action-adventure game, and from what we’ve seen, it looks like it keeps that same challenging but rewarding gameplay loop that made the first one so good. You’ll be battling all sorts of bugs and beasts, finding new powers, and uncovering secrets about Hornet’s past and nature. The developers have a knack for creating these really atmospheric worlds that just pull you in. It’s not just about fighting, though; there’s a lot of exploration and mystery to uncover too.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
- Play as Hornet: A faster, more agile character than the Knight from the first game.
- Explore a New Kingdom: A completely different setting with its own unique look and feel.
- Discover New Abilities: Hornet has her own set of skills and powers to learn.
- Face Tough Bosses: Expect challenging encounters that will test your reflexes.
- Unravel a Story: Piece together the narrative and learn more about the world and its inhabitants.
6. Diablo IV
Lilith is back, and Sanctuary is in for a rough time. Diablo IV throws you right into the middle of this mess, asking you to pick a class and start smacking demons around. It’s got that classic Diablo feel, you know, lots of loot, lots of clicking, and a pretty dark story about angels and demons fighting it out.
The game really shines when you’re teaming up with friends to take on tougher challenges. Whether you’re grinding through dungeons or tackling world bosses, playing with others makes the whole experience a lot more fun. The game offers a few different ways to play:
- Campaign: Follow the main story as Lilith tries to take over.
- Open World: Explore Sanctuary, find side quests, and hunt for rare gear.
- Seasonal Content: New challenges and rewards pop up regularly, keeping things fresh.
While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel for the series, Diablo IV is a solid action RPG that’s easy to get into. If you’re looking for a game to sink a lot of hours into, especially with friends, this is a good pick. It’s a decent installment in the Diablo series, offering plenty of demon-slaying action for fans old and new.
7. Monster Hunter Wilds
Get ready to dive back into the wild, because Monster Hunter Wilds is shaping up to be the biggest and most ambitious entry in the series yet. This time around, the developers are really pushing the boundaries of what a Monster Hunter game can be, focusing on a world that feels truly alive and unpredictable. The environments themselves are a major character, constantly shifting and changing due to dynamic weather systems. One minute you might be tracking a beast through a lush forest, and the next, a sudden storm could turn the whole area into a dangerous, muddy mess. This means you’ll have to adapt your strategies on the fly, which is pretty exciting.
Monster Hunter Wilds is all about the struggle between humans and the massive creatures that inhabit this world. You’ll be taking on the role of a Hunter, tasked with tracking down and taking down these powerful monsters. Of course, you’ll be using the materials you get from these hunts to craft new weapons and armor, which is classic Monster Hunter. But they’re promising some new gameplay mechanics and a deeper connection between the people and the lands they live in.
Here’s what we know so far about what makes this one special:
- Dynamic World: Expect environments that change drastically based on weather and time. This isn’t just for show; it directly impacts monster behavior and hunting opportunities.
- Evolved Hunting: The core loop of tracking and fighting monsters is getting an upgrade. Hunters will need to be more aware of their surroundings and anticipate monster actions.
- New Threats: The monsters themselves are designed to adapt to the changing world, making each encounter a unique challenge.
- Story Focus: There’s a narrative thread involving a mysterious boy named Nata and an expedition into the uncharted Forbidden Lands, hinting at a deeper lore.
It’s still a bit of a wait, but the promise of a truly living, breathing world filled with colossal beasts and evolving challenges makes Monster Hunter Wilds a game to keep a close eye on for your Xbox Series S.
8. Metaphor: ReFantazio
From the folks who brought us Persona 3, 4, and 5, comes Metaphor: ReFantazio. This game drops you into a unique fantasy world where you play as a protagonist on a quest to lift a curse from a lost prince. You’ve got a fairy companion named Gallica, and together you’ll face your fears and awaken magical "Archetype" powers.
Awakening an Archetype lets you channel and combine abilities from different job classes, which sounds pretty neat. Building up your party and strengthening bonds with them is key to taking down tough enemies and figuring out what’s really going on in the kingdom. The game promises a compelling story with enjoyable twists that drive player progression. It’s got a really nice art style that just makes the whole experience better.
Here’s a quick look at some of the gameplay elements:
- Archetypes: Unlock and combine unique job class abilities.
- Party Building: Strengthen bonds with companions to overcome challenges.
- Time Management: Balance quests, dungeon crawling, and relationship building.
It’s set to be a pretty big adventure, and if you’re a fan of the Persona series, this is definitely one to keep an eye on. You can check out more about its great art style and engaging narrative.
9. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a game that really caught my eye. It’s a turn-based RPG, but with a twist. They’ve mixed in some real-time action elements, which sounds pretty interesting. The whole setup is about this group called Expedition 33, and they’re on a mission to stop something called the Paintress from painting a number that causes people to fade away. Tomorrow, she’s supposed to paint ’33’, so it’s a race against time.
The combat system is where things get really unique. It’s not just your standard take-turns-and-attack. You can dodge, parry, and counter in real-time, and you can even aim for specific enemy weak spots. It sounds like it could make battles way more engaging than just watching animations. Plus, you can build your characters with different gear, stats, and skills to match how you like to play.
The world itself is inspired by Belle Époque France, which is a cool aesthetic. You’ll be exploring different areas, like the Island of Visages and the Forgotten Battlefield, looking for clues about past expeditions and fighting some pretty weird enemies. It seems like there’s a good amount of exploration and story to get through. If you’re looking for a fresh take on JRPGs, this might be it. You can find out more about the unique combat system and its narrative surprises.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it, a bunch of great games you can jump into on your Xbox Series S right now. Whether you’re into big open worlds, fast-paced action, or something a bit more story-driven, there’s definitely something on this list for you. The Series S is a pretty capable machine, and it’s awesome that it can handle all these cool titles. Don’t forget to check out Game Pass too, because a lot of these might be available there, saving you some cash. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best games to play on Xbox Series S right now?
The Xbox Series S has a great lineup of games! Some top picks include the challenging action-RPG Elden Ring, the stylish phantom thief adventure Persona 5 Royal, and the addictive roguelike Hades. For horror fans, Dead Space offers a terrifying experience. Keep an eye out for upcoming titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Monster Hunter Wilds, which are sure to be big hits.
Is Elden Ring good on Xbox Series S?
Absolutely! Elden Ring is a massive and incredible game that works well on the Xbox Series S. It offers a huge world to explore with tons of secrets and tough enemies. While it might not look quite as sharp as on more powerful consoles, it’s still a fantastic way to experience this critically acclaimed adventure.
What kind of games are Persona 5 Royal and Hades?
Persona 5 Royal is a Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) where you play as a high school student who secretly fights evil by stealing the hearts of corrupt adults. It’s known for its amazing style, music, and deep story. Hades is a fast-paced action game where you try to escape the Underworld. It’s a ‘roguelike,’ meaning you’ll die a lot, but each time you get stronger and learn more about the story and characters.
Are there any new or upcoming games I should be excited about for Xbox Series S?
Yes! Upcoming games like Hollow Knight: Silksong, which is the sequel to a beloved indie game, and Monster Hunter Wilds, the next big installment in the monster-hunting series, are highly anticipated. Metaphor: ReFantazio and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 are also promising new RPGs to look forward to.
What makes Dead Space stand out on the Xbox Series S?
Dead Space is a survival horror game set on a creepy spaceship. The Xbox Series S version brings intense scares with improved graphics and sound that really pull you into the terrifying atmosphere. You play as an engineer trying to survive against horrifying alien creatures, and it’s a truly gripping experience.
Can I play games like Diablo IV on Xbox Series S?
Definitely! Diablo IV is a popular action RPG where you battle demons and collect loot. It’s available on Xbox Series S and offers a dark, engaging world to explore. The game is known for its satisfying combat and endless replayability, making it a great fit for the console.
