With the Xbox Series X/S hitting its stride, Microsoft is steadily building an impressive library for gamers. Consoles often hit their peak in the latter half of their lifecycle, once developers fully embrace the latest technology and move beyond cross-gen projects. While the Xbox Series X/S hasn’t quite reached that phase, it’s certainly heading in that direction.
The gaming landscape over the past few years has been rich with memorable titles, particularly in the open-world genre. 2022 offered gems like Elden Ring, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, A Plague Tale: Requiem, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, each delivering distinct and captivating experiences. Following suit, 2023 continued the momentum with releases such as Dead Space, Street Fighter 6, Hi-Fi Rush, Remnant 2, Forza Motorsport, and Lies of P. So, what Xbox titles are creating the most buzz? And which are we eagerly anticipating in 2024?
This overview focuses on North American release dates for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One games, including any expansions on the horizon.
As of November 27, 2024, the year is winding down with fewer announcements trickling in for 2024. Nevertheless, some new entries have been added to the Xbox lineup: Railroads Online, Road Maintenance Simulator 2 – Winter Services, Hunting Simulator 3, Glitch Hero, Penguin’s Road, Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop, Love Too Easily, and Beat the Machine: Rebooted.
Let’s delve into the much-anticipated Xbox games slated for November 2024. Xbox has potentially the strongest November lineup compared to other platforms, even if some titles have been available elsewhere for a while. At long last, Genshin Impact makes its debut on Xbox—a move fans have been anticipating. This gacha game’s inclusion is significant, given its extensive updates over time. Another surprise is Death Stranding, now available for Xbox players to explore its unique open-world experience.
However, the star of the month is undoubtedly S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, launching right on Game Pass. Despite a challenging development journey, it’s thrilling to finally get our hands on this open-world survival horror. Notable mentions this month include Metal Slug Tactics, Planet Coaster 2, Slitterhead, and Ravenswatch.
Here’s what November has in store:
– November 1: Aero the Acro-Bat: Rascal Rival Revenge, Albatroz, CAFE 0 ~The Sleeping Beast~ REMASTERED
– November 5: Let’s Sing 2025, Metal Slug Tactics
– November 6: Planet Coaster 2, SlavicPunk: Oldtimer
– …and the list goes on through to games like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on November 19 and more.
Turning the page to December 2024, it’s usually a quieter month with key releases appearing mainly in its first half. Nevertheless, December isn’t looking too shabby for Xbox with the release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Marvel Rivals making headlines. Indiana Jones, also available on PC, temporarily joins the Xbox exclusive lineup, giving Game Pass members a treat. Although the game’s first-person perspective has raised eyebrows, it plays to MachineGames’ strengths.
Marvel Rivals aims to be the next major multiplayer hero shooter. While these releases can be hit-or-miss, the Marvel name is likely to draw in fans. Adding to the excitement, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is set to reintroduce these classics to a new audience.
Here’s a taste of what’s coming in December:
– December 3: Diesel Legacy: The Brazen Age
– December 4: The Thaumaturge
– December 5: several releases including Entropy Survivors and Love Too Easily
– December 9: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
– …leading up to titles like Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered on December 10.
Moving into 2024, not every game has nailed down exact release dates. Publishers have hinted at titles aiming for the year, but specifics remain elusive. As the year wraps up, these games might see delays into 2025. Some of the expected titles include Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy and Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered, among others.
Looking ahead to January 2025, the lineup isn’t bursting at the seams but does bring with it intriguing prospects. Dynasty Warriors fans might find joy in Origins, heralded as potentially advancing the series visually. For JRPG enthusiasts, Tales of Graces f Remastered is making its Xbox debut, celebrated for its standout combat system. There’s also Synduality: Echo of Ada, a looter shooter with unique anime styling, and Sniper Elite: Resistance, promising another solid entry in the tactical shooter series.
The January agenda includes:
– January 16: Morkull Ragast’s Rage
– January 17: Dynasty Warriors: Origins, Tales of Graces f Remastered
– …with more titles like Sniper Elite: Resistance concluding the month on January 30.
February 2025 is shaping up as a blockbuster month across all platforms, with significant releases dropping in anticipation of the fiscal year close. Standouts include Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Civilization 7, both set to take significant player time and cater to different audiences. Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in Japan, will likely capture attention despite its rocky pre-launch path.
Avowed, an RPG exclusive for Xbox, represents a major push for Obsidian, while Monster Hunter Wilds is expected to round out the month. These releases mark an exciting yet exhausting February, packed with big-name projects.
Looking even further ahead at the major games slated for 2025 and beyond, titles like Beyond Good and Evil 2 and Control 2 continue to captivate, even without concrete release dates. Fans eagerly await updates on The Elder Scrolls 6, Kingdom Hearts 4, and Ark 2—highlighting the anticipation surrounding future Xbox releases.
And finally, the world of speculated Xbox games is always buzzing. While not officially confirmed, titles like Gears 6 are expected to materialize in the coming years. But as with any industry, rumors should be taken with caution until formal announcements come through.
As we continue to navigate the exciting world of Xbox releases, it’s clear there’s an abundance of new adventures and stories waiting to unfold. Whether you’re hunting for a new multiplayer challenge or an engaging narrative, the landscape for Xbox fans is as promising as it’s ever been.
