The Best Xbox Games Every Gamer Needs to Play This Year—Set Your Faves Now! - Abbey Badges

Understanding the Context

1. Halo Infinite – The Return of Master Gunner

Halo Infinite delivers a revamped single-player campaign and a robust multiplayer mode that pushes the franchise into the future. With its sleek physics, dynamic environments, and access to classic Halo multiplayer perks like Crossplay and Special Ops, Infinite is the perfect modern classic for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

2. Starfield – Epic Space Exploration on Xbox Series X|S

Bethesda’s bold foray into space isn’t just another RPG—it’s an open-world odyssey. Starfield offers deep ship customization, vast planets to explore, and rich narrative choices. Built exclusively for Xbox and PC, it sets a new benchmark for immersive sci-fi adventures this year.

Key Insights

3. Forza Motorsport – Ultimate Driving Simulation

Forza continues to raise the bar for racing games. With stunning visuals, authentic car handling, and an ever-expanding roster of tracks and vehicles, Motorsport delivers the purest racing thrill on Xbox. Whether you’re a casual cruiser or a hardcore sim racer, this title is unmatched.

4. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty – A Revived Masterpiece

The Phantom Liberty expansion breathes new life into Cyberpunk 2077, transforming it into a gripping story-driven RPG with stunning visuals and seamless gameplay. Play as new protagonist David Mat unpremes to immerse yourself in Night City’s neon-drenched future.

5. The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition – Sci-Fi Adventure with Depth

This fan-favorite RPG storms back with updated visuals and deeper choices. Set in a satirical future where players shape political and personal narratives, the game rewards curiosity and clever strategy with a richly rewarding world.

Final Thoughts

6. Sea of Thieves – Multiplayer Pirate Adventure Returns

After steady improvements, Sea of Thieves invites teammates on high-seas adventures once more. With new characters, nautical combat, and collaborative exploration, this pirate sim remains a standout multiplayer X-box exclusive that blends freedom and teamwork seamlessly.

7. Dead Skull – Quick-Filled Hilarity and Combat

Mad Head Games delivers fast-paced, chaotic zombie action with a unique twist. Dead Skull offers intense skirmishes and upbeat multiverse twists—perfect for gamers who love tight gameplay and endless variety on their Xbox.

Why These Games Stand Out

These Xbox best-of-this-year picks deliver innovation, depth, and pure enjoyment built to take full advantage of the platform’s power and ecosystem. From stunning open worlds to tight multiplayer action, each game presents a compelling reason to pick up your controller today.