There are some fantastic upcoming Xbox Series X games set to release this year, from experimental first-party offerings like Pentiment and Grounded to highly anticipated upcoming horror games such as Scorn and The Callisto Protocol. Honestly, there are so many new Xbox games on the way that it can be difficult to keep track of them all, which is why we've put this handy list together to help.
We're tracking all the new games of 2022 here, and looking to 2023 and beyond – which includes some massively exciting upcoming Bethesda games. Naturally, if you're looking for something to play right now you may want to check out our ranking of the best Xbox Series X games, or at our selection of the best games of 2022 so far. But if you're only into looking ahead, we totally get it – we like to get excited about what's coming next too. So keep on reading to find all of the major upcoming Xbox Series X games and for word on whether they are coming to Xbox Game Pass.
2022
Slime Rancher 2
Release date: September 22, 2022
Developer / Publisher: Monomi Park
Game Pass: Yes
Journey to a brand new location called Rainbow Island in Slime Rancher 2, as our heroine Beatrix LeBeau travels to shores anew. This new locale comes with a batch new slimes, including cotton slimes, angler slimes, batty slimes, and flutter slimes. You'll be collecting them in all your new conservatory farm in the sequel to the gloriously adorable ranching sim.
Grounded
Release date: September 27, 2022
Developer / Publisher: Obsidian / Xbox Game Studios
Game Pass: Yes
Grounded has only grown in size and stature over its two years in early access, and now it is preparing for its full 1.0 release. Obsidian Entertainment has crafted a pretty wonderful survival game in Grounded, which sees a bunch of kids shrunk down to microscopic size fighting for their lives in the back garden – attempting to fight everything from the elements to horrendous wolf spiders. Grounded is set to launch on Xbox Series X and Game Pass on September 27.
Overwatch 2
Release date: October 4, 2022
Developer / Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Game Pass: Yes
Overwatch 2 is a sequel that's set to build on the popular PvP shooter. With the return of its cast of characters, the heroes will be joined by some new faces. Along with new modes, polished features, and an update to team vs team competition with the addition of the 5v5 combat. After some closed beta sessions, the sequel is being released in early access to offer players the chance to jump in and check out the all of the fresh additions.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
Release date: October 18, 2022
Developer / Publisher: Asobo Studio / Focus Home Interactive
Game Pass: Yes
Launching as a direct sequel to the original game, A Plague Tale: Requiem will continue the story of brother and sister duo Hugo and Amicia. The iconic rat swarm is still a huge threat, as is the Inquisition. But this will provide an epic finale to the duo's tale, as they seek to look after each other in this brutal, uncaring world.
New Tales from the Borderlands
Release date: October 21, 2022
Developer / Publisher: Gearbox Software / 2K
Game Pass: No
Officially revealed during Gamescom Opening Night Live 2022, New Tales from the Borderlands is set to tell an entirely new, standalone story with three playable characters that follows in the footsteps of the 2014 Telltale adventure. As another choice-based narrative experience, New Tales from the Borderlands is being developed by Gearbox Software with storytellers and writers from Tales from the Borderlands on board.
Scorn
Release date: October 21, 2022
Developer / Publisher: Ebb / Humble Bundle
Game Pass: Yes
This is a shooter heavily influenced by Alien designer and spooky painter H.R. Giger. So think boney, fleshy, internal organ themes for interior designs. Guns apparently made out of bits of raw chicken and gristle. Wholesome stuff. Finding out what the hell’s going on, or why it’s all so icky is what the game is all about, as you’ll be freely exploring an open world full of interconnecting regions, fighting and solving puzzles to unravel the story behind it all.
Gotham Knights
Release date: October 21, 2022
Developer/Publisher: WB Games Montreal / Warner Bros
Game Pass: No
There's a new Batman game en route, but unfortunately, Batman's dead, leaving the four Gotham Knights to pick up protecting Gotham City. This is a co-op focused, open-world action RPG set in what WB Games is calling the "most dynamic and interactive" iteration of Gotham City ever. Combat is very Batman: Arkham, with our heroes Batgirl, Red Hood, Robin, and Nightwing taking on villains including the Court of Owls and Dr. Freeze.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Release date: October 28, 2022
Developer/Publisher: Infinity Ward / Activision
Game Pass: No
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is this year's COD entry, and we're rejoining the story of the Taste Force 141 crew, aka Captain Price and co. Although it's looking to be a direct continuation of the story that began with the 2019 reboot, that's pretty much all we know so far. So watch this space for fresh details.
Sonic Frontiers
Release date: November 8, 2022
Developer/Publisher: Sonic Team / SEGA
Game Pass: No
Sonic's off on his biggest adventure yet, with an 'open zone' game that will see the blue blur exploring a new - and stunning - locale called the Starfall Islands. You'll have enemies to face as you zoom through too, so expect Sonic Frontiers to be quite the experience.
Skull and Bones
Release date: November 8, 2022
Developer / Publisher: Ubisoft
Game Pass: No
Skull and Bones is finally ready to set sail after almost a decade in development at Ubisoft Singapore. This tactical action game will let you become the captain of your very own pirate ship, giving you the freedom to fully customize its look and outfit its offensive and defensive capabilities. Micro-management is the name of the game here, as you'll need your ship to be a finely tuned machine as you explore the Indian Ocean and battle other players over Disputed Waters.
Pentiment
Release date: November 15, 2022
Developer / Publisher: Obsidian Entertainment / Xbox Game Studios
Game Pass: Yes
Pentiment is a new project from Outer Worlds and Fallout: New Vegas developer Obsidian. Described as a historical mystery that will be a narrative-driven experience focusing on character development, it instantly caught our attention during the Xbox and Bethesda showcase in the summer. With its 16th century setting in Germany and its unique stylized, hand-drawn art style that befits the period, the protagonist of the story is said to be a "clever illustrator caught up in a series of murders at Kiersau Abbey over twenty five years. With every decision bringing its own consequences, Pentiment's concept and presentation are enough to pique our interest.
Goat Simulator 3
Release date: November 17, 2022
Developer / Publisher: Coffee Stain
Game Pass: No
Goat Simulator is returning and it is stupider than ever. Four-player co-op, a massively expanded sandbox playground, and customizable goat loadouts are just some of the new features coming to Goat Simulator 3 later this year. Given the massive success of the first game, developer Coffee Stain apparently saw it to be more appropriate to just skip Goat Simulator 2 entirely – heading straight for the third installment with a feature set and enhanced ragdoll physics engine to back it. Expect carnage and chaos – because we wouldn't expect anything less from Goat Simulator 3.
The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me
Release date: November 18, 2022
Developer / Publisher: Supermassive Games / Bandai Namco
Game Pass: No
A documentary film crew heads to a modern-day replica of serial killer H.H. Holmes' infamous Murder Castle to see if it can find a story, and you'll never guess what happens next… okay, you probably can – a lot of murder and other assorted creepy goings on. The Devil in Me is the season finale of Supermassive Games' horror experiment The Dark Pictures Anthology, and we're keen to see how the studio brings the entire package together this November.
Evil West
Release date: November 22, 2022
Developer / Publisher: Flying Wild Hog / Focus Entertainment
Game Pass: No
Evil West is one of those action games that just grabs you the second you get your hands on it, which is one reason we are so excited to jump back in to this rendition of the American frontier – it's full of vampires, and you just so happen to be the only hunter with an electrified gauntlet who can stop all 'em. Evil West is built on the same foundations as the old-school God of War and Devil May Cry games, which is to say that this is a fast-paced action game with a lot of heavy movement and satisfying ways to kill enemies.
The Callisto Protocol
Release date: December 2, 2022
Developer / Publisher: Striking Distance
Game Pass: No
The Callisto Protocol is the spiritual successor to Dead Space in all but name. It's a brand new survival horror game from Glen Schofield's own studio, Striking Distance. Set on Jupiter's moon in 2320, you'll face horrific monsters and a conspiracy to cover, which starts at the dangerous Black Iron Prison. This third-person horror is bound to terrify, especially as Schofield aims to keep plenty of mystery around the game between now and release.
Marvel's Midnight Suns
Release date: December 2, 2022
Developer/Publisher: Firaxis / 2K Games
Game Pass: No
In Marvel's Midnight Suns you play as The Hunter, the very first ever fully customisable Marvel hero. In this strategy game from XCOM dev Firaxis, you'll be partnering up with a roster of 12 iconic Marvel heroes to take down Lillith, the Mother of Demons. While it was originally slated for release in October 2022, it is not set to release on December 2, 2022.
High on Life
Release date: December 13, 2022
Developer/ Publisher: Squanch Games
Game Pass: Yes
High on Life is a new first-person shooter coming from the team behind Rick and Morty. With a colorful debut trailer during the Xbox and Bethesda showcase, we got to see some of the rather unusual alien-shaped talking guns, and a host of strange foes. In High on Life, humanity is said to be threatened by an alien cartel led by a figure called Garmantuous who is seeking to enslave humanity and use them as drugs. Certainly doesn't sound good, does it? It looks like we'll have to try and stop this gang and save the world as a high school-grad-turned-bounty hunter.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion
Release date: Winter 2022
Developer / Publisher: Square Enix
Game Pass: TBC
During the 25th-anniversary celebration stream for Final Fantasy 7, Square Enix announced Crisis Core Reunion, a full remaster of the PSP game that was first released back in 2007. Just like the original Crisis Core Reunion follows Zack Fair's mission to find the missing Soldier Genesis Rhapsodos. As remaster, it will also feature a host of improvements such as HD graphics and refreshed 3D modes. The dialogue will also be fully voice-acted with a new soundtrack.
TBC 2022
Star Trek: Resurgence
Release date: TBC 2022
Developer/Publisher: Dramatic Labs
Game Pass: No
Star Trek: Resurgence is a brand new third person, choice-driven adventure, from a team of former Telltale developers. Set within the Star Trek universe, you'll meet some new and other more familiar faces as you take on the roles of First Officer Jara Rydek and Engineering Crewperson Carter Diaz, as they navigate a mystery involving two alien civilizations on the brink of war.
Open Roads
Release date: TBC 2022
Developer / Publisher: Fulbright / Annapurna
Game Pass: No
Join Tess and her mother Opal on a road trip to discover a whole raft of family secrets. After discovering hidden notes and letters in their home, the mother-daughter duo must travel to long-abandoned family residences to reveal the buried family secrets. They'll embark upon a "journey into the past they'll never forget". Brought to you by Fullbright, the team behind Gone Home and Takoma, it also features the voice acting talents of Keri Russel and Kaitlyn Dever.
Party Animals
Release date: TBC 2022
Developer / Publisher: Recreate Games / Source Technology
Game Pass: Yes
A multiplayer game with a difference, Party Animals will see you trying to cause carnage as adorable fluffy, plushie critters including corgis, otters, and dinosaurs and more. There are over 100 different ways to mess with your friends both offline and online, both in terms of eliminations, or by using teamwork. Move over chicken dinners, it's all about the gummy bear in Party Animals.
Somerville
Release date: TBC 2022
Developer / Publisher: Jumpship
Game Pass: Yes
This new sci-fi adventure comes from Jumpship, a new developer studio that's been built in partnership with the ex-CEO and co-founder of Playdead. This game though, Somerville, is set in the wake of a catastrophe, as our family (and their dog) try to unravel the mysteries of Earth's visitors.
Forever Skies
Release date: TBC 2022
Developer / Publisher: Far From Home
Game Pass: Unknown
This intriguing, super ambitious apocalyptic survival game is in development at Far From Home, a brand new studio made up of devs from Techland (Dying Light, Dead Island), The Farm 51 (Chernobylite), Bloober Team (Layers of Fear, Blair Witch), and Larian Studios (Divinity: Original Sin, Baldur's Gate 3). It's designed to capture the world as it might look if we never course-correct on the climate change issue, which is terrifying to think about but also makes for a timely and unique setting for a survival game. You'll descend into the now-inhospitable planet in a futuristic zeppelin, which will serve as one of your tools for survival and possibly hold the key to reversing the damage done to the planet by climate change.
Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed
Release date: TBC 2022
Developer / Publisher: Illfonic
Game Pass: No
From the team that brought you Friday the 13th: The Game comes Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed. It's an asymmetrical PvP, co-op affair, where four players take on the role of the Ghostbusters, and another takes on the role of the Ghosts. The Ghostbusters must work to hunt down and trap the ghosts before they escape, whereas the Ghost must use everything in their arsenal - including slime - to slow down the 'Busters and take victory.
2023
Dead Island 2
Release date: February 3, 2023
Developer / Publisher: Dambuster Studios / Deep Silver
Game Pass: No
Dead Island 2 is officially on the way, with a trailer showcasing at Gamescom Opening Night Live that at long last revived the zombie-filled fest for a sequel. Set in downtown LA, with plenty of over-the-top gore, Dead Island 2 is said to be all about experimentation in terms of how you want to take on your undead foes. And from our hands-on time with it, it's already looking promising.
Hogwarts Legacy
Release date: February 10, 2023
Developer / Publisher: Portkey Games / Warner Bros
Game Pass: No
Aiming to give fans the opportunity to attend the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for themselves, Hogwart Legacy is an open-world action RPG based on the lore of the Harry Potter series. It's set in the 1800s though, so several hundred years before Harry and co enrol, but that doesn't mean there won't be magic to discover. In fact, you're a student with an unusual affiliation with Ancient Magic as you live at Hogwarts. Make allies, battle Dark wizards, and more when Hogwarts Legacy arrives sometime in 2022.
Assassin's Creed Mirage
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Ubisoft Bordeaux / Ubisoft
Game Pass: TBC
Assassin's Creed Mirage is a homage to the early years of Assassin's Creed. It's putting the focus back on assassinations, parkour, and stealth movement, and getting back to the tighter narrative framing that Altair and Ezio's earliest adventures were so adept at delivering. As fantastic as the more recent Assassin's Creed games have been, the series has wandered far from its roots. That's why we can't wait to check out this smaller-scale adventure through 9th Century Baghdad early next year.
Flintlock: Siege of the Dawn
Release date: Early 2023
Developer / Publisher: A44 Games / Kepler Interactive
Game Pass: Yes
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is a new RPG from the developers behind Ashen. Set in a new fantasy world full of gunpowder and magic. You'll play as Coalition army member Nor Vanek who's joined by their companion Enki, an adorable fox-like creature with magical powers of its own. When the gods of the world suddenly return with humanity at risk, Nor Vanek sets out on a path of vengeance against the gods themselves.
Forza Motorsport
Release date: Spring 2023
Developer / Publisher: Turn10 Studios / Xbox Game Studios
Game Pass: Yes
Like Fable, the simulation racing series Forza Motorsport is also getting a bit of a soft reboot. Ditching the number rather than launching as Forza Motorsport 8, for example, this is a refresh for the series that's currently early in development. It'll run at 4K, 60fps and focus on delivering a dynamic, connected world. No release date as yet, but when it does arrive it'll launch across Xbox Series X, PC and Game Pass to boot.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Release date: Spring 2023
Developer/Publisher: Rocksteady / Warner Bros
Game Pass: No
A game about the Suicide Squad set in the Batman: Arkham universe? Yes please. Well, thankfully, that's exactly what Rocksteady's making. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League has got 1-4 player co-op, the same playful tone, and plenty of excellent casting. You can play as Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, or King Shark, who each come with their own signature weapons. You can switch between them at any time, and it looks beautifully chaotic.
Lightyear Frontier
Release date: Spring 2023
Developer / Publisher: Frame Break / Amplifier
Game Pass: Yes
Lightyear Frontier sees you play as tractor mech in an open-world farming adventure set on an alien planet on the far edge of the galaxy. You'll be able to explore the world, plant crops, and build up your own homestead. While you can play the adventure solo, Lightyear Frontier also supports online co-op, so you and up to three pals can jump into the adventure. And if you've always wanted to pilot your own mech, you'll be happy to know that you customize it to your liking, from cosmetic features to tools.
Street Fighter 6
Release date: Summer 2023
Developer / Publisher: Capcom
Game Pass: No
Street Fighter 6 is en route to deliver the classic Fighting Ground mode, but also something a little different. There's a brand new campaign mode, known as World Tour, and a Battle Hub, which rounds out three full modes that lets players enjoy a brawl in whatever form they'd like. It looks incredible so far.
Atlas Fallen
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Deck13 Interactive / Focus Entertainment
Game Pass: No
Atlas Fallen is a new action RPG set in a fantasy world covered in sand. We got our first look at the game during Gamescom Opening Night Live 2022, with a cinematic trailer that showed off the original setting that is said to be filled with ancient dangers and hidden mysteries. We also got some brief glimpses of the combat, which features shape-shifting weapons and sand-powered abilities.
Lies of P
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Neowiz
Game Pass: Yes
Lies of P is a new action souls-like game that draws inspiration from Pinocchio. That concept alone is enough to pique our interest. A debut trailer was unveiled during Gamescom Opening Night Live 2022, giving us our first look at the dark, fallen city setting of Krat that is said to be filled with all kinds of horrors. Lies of P will follow Pinocchio as he fights to once again become human.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Developer / Publisher: Gameloft
Release date: TBC 2023 (Early Access beta September 6, 2022)
Game Pass: Yes
Disney Dreamlight Valley is a little bit like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, except all of the villagers, are Pixar and Disney characters and instead of an island you're in a magical land. As well as getting to know and befriending the residents, you can complete quests, take part in activities such as fishing, discover stories and unlock new areas. The setting of Dreamlight Valley was said to have been idyllic, but now it's been affected by The Forgetting, which has severed the memories tied to the land. Disney Dreamlight Valley is set to get a full launch as a free-to-play experience in 2023, but it is currently in early access on Game Pass – read our Disney Dreamlight Valley review.
Starfield
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Bethesda Game Studios / Bethesda
Game Pass: Yes
As Bethesda's first new IP in over a decade, there's already a lot of pressure riding on Starfield. As an RPG set in space that's set to let you create any character you want and freely explore the expansive setting. As we've saw in the latest gameplay look during the Xbox and Bethesda showcase, Starfield features 1000 planets in over 100 systems. You'll be able to land anywhere on any planet you come across and explore all it has to offer. With other exciting features, it looks like we're in store for a very Bethesda-shaped adventure in space.
Redfall
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer/Publisher: Arkane Austin / Bethesda
Game Pass: Yes
Arkane Austin is making a brand new title called Redfall. It's an open-world, co-operative shooter set in the titular town of Redfall, on an island in Massachusetts. But, this usually sleepy town is under siege by vampires. They've blocked out the sun, and cut off access to the island. So now you, and a band of survivors must learn how to take them down. Thankfully, you've got some awesome weapons on your side like UV blasters, stake guns, and magic, to help you.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Massive Entertainment / Ubisoft
Game Pass: No
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is the long-awaited reveal of the Ubisoft Avatar game from Massive Entertainment. IT will see you play as a Na'vi in a new part of Pandora known as the Western Frontier. This first-person, action-adventure will have you protecting this living and reactive world against formidable RDA forces. This is a standalone story, not connected to the movies too.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer/Publisher: GSC Game World
Game Pass: Yes
S.T.A.L.K.E.R is back with the highly-anticipated sequel that will see players returning to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. This time around it's even more dangerous, filled with mutants, anomalies, and a whole load of radiation. S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2 will see you have to find your way through the Zone or be lost to it forever.
Minecraft Legends
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Mojang / MIcrosoft
Game Pass: Yes
Debuting at the Xbox and Bethesda 2022 showcase, Minecraft Legends is a surprise off-shoot of the blocky adventure that will take it into the realms of strategy. Developed in collaboration with Blackbird Interactive, the new strategy adventure is set in the Minecraft universe, where you'll lead your allies into heroic battles in defence of the overworld. Executive producer Dennis Ries said in an Xbox Wire post that we'll find ourselves in a "gentle land" full of biomes with various resources that is under the threat of invasion.
Aliens: Dark Descent
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Tindalos Interactive / Focus Interactive
Game Pass: No
There's a brand new Alien game en route and it's a strategy title called Aliens: Dark Descent. You'll need to command a group of Colonial Marines as they try to survive a Xenomorph attack on Lethe Moon, where you'll also have to fight off rogue agents from the Weyland-Yutani Corporation and creatures that are brand new to the franchise.
Layers of Fears
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Bloober Team / Aspyr
Game Pass: No
Layers of Fears is an expanded and updated version of the original Layers of Fear from 2016, that incorporates the latter's 'Inheritance' DLC and its indirect sequel, Layers of Fear 2. As revealed during the Summer Game Fest showcase, Layers of Fears treads a familiar path – one that explores supernatural, psychedelic, psychological horror through the eyes of a deteriorating mind. Despite covering old ground, Layers of Fears looks extra-terrifying, owed to it being created using Unreal Engine 5, while developer Bloober Team tells players to expect a "fresh gaming experience and that will shed new light on the overall story".
Pragmata
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Capcom
Game Pass: No
Pragmata feels like if someone took Kojima's Death Stranding and somehow made it even weirder - especially from this early look at the game. Clearly set in New York, the game sees some sort of spacesuit-wearing traveller looking out for a young girl, and eventually taking her to the moon. Holographic cats, robots, and a weird dystopian vibe run throughout, even suggesting the world the characters are existing in isn't even real. We're intrigued by this one.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Respawn Entertainment / EA
Game Pass: No
Five years after the events of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, we rejoin Cal Kestis and his trusty droid BD-1 for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. As the title suggests, this one is much more about survival than the first game, with suggestions from the developer that it's going to be much darker in tone. From the teaser trailer, it definitely seems like our old pal Cal is in quite the pickle, with the Dark Side now in possession of his light saber.
Alan Wake 2
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Remedy Entertainment / Epic Games
Game Pass: No
Alan Wake is back at long, long last, some 11 years after the original game's release. Remedy Entertainment is bringing back our favourite writer for a sequel, but this time Alan Wake 2 is going to be a true survival horror title, with the developer promising a "chilling experience" along with the "familiar psychological horror elements". And, yes, the flashlight is also back.
Ark 2
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Studio Wildcard
Game Pass: Yes
Ark 2 is the sequel to the immensely popular open-world survival game, Ark: Survival Evolved. This time around it could be that the game will lean a little more into its story, particularly with Vin Diesel starring and onboard the dev team. Otherwise though, expect more of the same dinosaur taming, surviving but in a bigger, beautiful world than ever before.
Diablo 4
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Game Pass: TBC
First announced during BlizzCon 2019, Diablo 4 will bring back the iconic series with new classes such as the necromancer in tow. Described as a true next-generation action-RPG, the next entry is said to expand on the features of the series in an open-world setting with almost 150 dungeons, more in-depth character customization, and more. Daughter of Hatred and Queen of the Succubi Lilith is also back as the big antagonist. It will also support cross-play and couch co-op.
TBC
Assassin's Creed Red
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Ubisoft Quebec / Ubisoft
Game Pass: TBC
Assassin's Creed Codename Red is going to deliver something that Assassin's Creed fans have been asking after for nearly 15 years – an adventure across Feudal Japan. Ubisoft Quebec, the studio behind Assassin's Creed Odyssey, is set to make it happen, promising that Assassin's Creed Red will allow us to live out a shinobi fantasy. With Assassin's Creed Mirage set to release next year, we probably won't see Codename Red until 2024 at the earliest.
Assassin's Creed Hexe
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Ubisoft Montreal / Ubisoft
Game Pass: TBC
Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe is the most mysterious upcoming Assassin's Creed game, with Ubisoft Montreal having only teased a vibe and location. Looking at the first trailer, it would appear that the vibe is super creepy, while the setting is rumored to be 16th Century Europe as it was becoming enveloped in the devastating witch trials. Codename Hexe is in development at Assassin's Creed Valhalla's Ubisoft Montreal, so we're certainly excited to see what the team can come up with this time.
Assassin's Creed Infinity
Release date: TBC
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Quebec / Ubisoft
Game Pass: TBC
Assassin's Creed Infinity isn't a game, per se, but rather the connective tissue that will bring all future flagship Assassin's Creed games together. At least, that's what Ubisoft is teasing. Codename Infinity is said to act as an interactive hub of sorts and, not unlike the Animus itself, it will allow players to connect more seamlessly with all corners of history. We're still waiting for more info on this one, but expect it to launch in tandem with either Assassin's Creed Red or Assassin's Creed Hexe.
Under the Waves
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Parallel Studio / Quantic Dream
Game Pass: TBC
Under the Waves is a new narrative-driven adventure from Parallel Studio that's published by Heavy Rain and Detroit: Become Human studio Quantic Dream. Set in the depths of the North Sea, you play as professional diver Stan, who's said trying overcome a life-changing loss. With an isolation setting in the deep sea, strange events are said to occur as Stan tries to deal with his grief.
Dune: Awakening
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Funcom
Game Pass: No
Dune: Awakening is a new survival MMO set on Arrakis that will see you trying to make it on the harsh, sandy planet alongside thousands of other players. As a massively multiplayer experience with survival elements, you'll be building shelters to weather sandstorms, and trying to avoid sandworms lurking beneath the surface as you hunt down spice.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Release date: TBC
Developer/ Publisher: Team Cherry
Game Pass: Yes
The long-awaited sequel to Team Cherry's Metroidvania action-adventure is officially coming. Taking on the role of Hornet, the princess, and protector of the Hallownest, we'll get to explore a new haunted kingdom. After being captured, you'll have to fight through enemies and solve mysteries as you set out on a pilgrimage. With the chance to see new lands, use new powers, and more, Hollow Knight: Silksong's appearance during the Xbox and Bethesda showcase confirmed it will be coming to Game Pass.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Ninja Theory / Microsoft
Game Pass: Yes
A surprise sequel to Hellblade was revealed alongside the Xbox Series X itself. Called Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, we don't know actually that much about the game's story yet. The trailer itself doesn't give too much away – apart from the fact it looks fantastically glorious running in-engine – it definitely feels like it takes the same dark, terrifying tone as its source material. It's got foreboding bonfires, weird-ass chanting, and more, which all suggest yet another harrowing journey for our heroine.
Everwild
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Rare / Microsoft
Game Pass: Yes
Okay, okay, so neither Rare nor Microsoft have said that Everwild is an upcoming Xbox Series X game, but unless it surprise-drops in the next few weeks before next-gen, it almost certainly will be.
This is a brand new IP from Rare – the developer behind Sea of Thieves, Banjo-Kazooie, Battletoads, and more – and all we have so far is the above trailer. It's filled with colorful and fantastical creatures that interact with humans cautiously in a slightly otherworldly setting. It's not clear yet what kind of game it'll be, but there's clearly a threat from predators in this world too. Whatever form it eventually takes, it's clear that it's going to be a beauty.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Game Pass: No
The original game was a slightly ramshackle but beloved cult classic that was more or less ‘Deus Ex but Vampires’. This takes the same idea but updates it to a modern setting where ‘The Masquerade’ - the rules by which vampires stay hidden - has been broken upheaving the brittle peace between numerous factions, each with different skills and abilities. Like the first game this is about crafting a supernatural character whose abilities shape your approach to its open missions - you can fight, sneak, or talk your way through a world of turf wars, subterfuge and political machinations, with you actions affecting everyone around you.
Avowed
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Obsidian / Xbox Game Studios
Game Pass: Yes
Avowed is a brand new title from Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind The Outer Worlds and Fallout New Vegas. This is another first-person RPG that will no doubt build on the studio's penchant for epic adventures filled with memorable characters and a hint of the silly. We're off to a fantasy world called Eora for this one, and it looks pretty darn impressive, if much darker in tone than we'd usually expect from Obsidian. You've got magical abilities, a really cool sword and you will find yourself facing some seriously big monsters by the looks of things too.
Fable 4
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: PlayGround Games / Microsoft
Game Pass: Yes
Fable is back everyone! Although details are currently pretty scarce on the Fable reboot (aka Fable 4), the teaser trailer does suggest that its trademark British, tongue-in-cheek humor is returning. Sadly though, other than some fairytale creatures and general scenery we know very little about what this title is going to explore.
Quantum Error
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: TeamKill
Game Pass: No
TeamKill's next-gen cosmic horror games puts you in control of firefighter Jacob Thomas, who's sent on a rescue mission after an unknown entity wreaks havoc on the Monad Quantum Research Facility. The first-person shooter blends mind-bending visuals with fast-paced action and ferocious boss fights. Meanwhile, an unreliable power grid often sees you relying on thermal vision to navigate different claustrophobic environments. Horror fans would do well not to forget about Quantum Error when it launches on next-gen consoles, hopefully sometime next year.
Dragon Age: Dread Wolf
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Bioware / EA
Game Pass: TBC
It's been many moons since we had a fresh trip to Thedas, so the news that Dragon Age 4 is coming is certainly exciting. Now officially called Dragon Age: Dread Wolf, there's still a lot of mystery surrounding the direction of the story, but we do know that Solas will be returning as the upcoming adventure's antagonist. While we can only speculate on what role we'll have for the time being, we can hardly wait to see what's in store.
The Outer Worlds 2
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Obsidian / Microsoft
Game Pass: Yes
The Outer Worlds 2 is a bit of an enigma. While we know it exists and it's had its first trailer, it was more a piss-take of classic game trailer format rather than revealing anything about the game itself. So we'll have to wait for more on this one that will deliver a "new solar system, new crew, same outer worlds".
New Mass Effect
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Bioware / EA
Game Pass: TBC
After much praying to the video game gods, there is, in fact, a new Mass Effect game en route. Technically Mass Effect 5, it's looking likely that it will pick up after the events of Mass Effect 3 - if the trailer clues are anything to be believed. Info is scarce right now, but it's all looking very promising indeed for Mass Effect fans.
Routine
Developer / Publisher: Lunar Software / Raw Fury
Release date: TBC
Game Pass: TBC
Routine is a brand new survival horror game from developer Lunar Software. If that name sounds familiar, it's because Routine was actually announced a decade ago. The studio announced it, showed a little of its haunting sci-fi world to the public, and then disappeared from the face of the planet. We're happy Routine is back though, because between the low-fi tech you'll need to wield to survive, some genuinely awe-inspiring environments, and hellishly creepy androids, this looks like an unmissable horror game. Routine doesn't have a release window, but it is set to launch on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Game Pass.
State of Decay 3
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Undead Labs / Xbox Game Studios
Game Pass: Yes
State of Decay is back with the third entry in the zombie survival-horror series. Cleverly called State of Decay 3. Currently in early development, it's looking to bring fans the 'ultimate' zombie survival sim, and from the looks of the first trailer, it's going to brutal. Zombie deers, folks. Zombie deers. Graphically the game looks fantastic, so expect things to be even more gruesome than ever before.
New Perfect Dark
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: The Initiative
Game Pass: Yes
This one came as quite the surprise at the Game Awards 2020 - there's a new Perfect Dark game en route from new Xbox Game Studios developer, The Initiative. Rather than another remaster, this is a reboot of the series that keeps the secret agent gameplay and our hero, Joanna Dark, into an eco sci-fi tale set in the near future. Expect plenty of spy gadgets, some gloriously hybrid buildings, and some aliens along the way.
Indiana Jones
Release date: TBC
Developer/Publisher: MachineGames / Bethesda / Lucasfilm Games
Game Pass: Unknown
There's a brand new Indiana Jones game in the works, and if the cheeky hints in the very short teaser trailer are anything to go by, it could see Indy exploring Rome in 1937. In development at Bethesda's MachineGames studio in conjunction with Lucasfilm Games, it may well involve standing stones and stone circles, and even a lost race of giant cyclops. Don't expect to hear anything about it for a while though, but we're more than intrigued already. It hasn't technically been confirmed for any platforms yet, but if it's not on Xbox Series X, we'll eat our fedora.
Ubisoft's Star Wars game
Release date: TBC
Developer/Publisher: Massive Entertainment / Ubisoft / Lucasfilm Games
Game Pass: Unknown
Massive Entertainment is working on a brand new, open-world Ubisoft Star Wars game. Not much is known about the title yet, but expect it to take elements from Massive's previous releases - The Division series. It could, therefore, be a photorealistic action-adventure with RPG elements involved, and we do know it is running on Massive's own Snowdrop game engine. But apart from that, any more info is in the air, including official platforms. However, we'd be very surprised not to see it launch on Xbox Series X whenever it does get released.
Project 007
Release date: TBC
Developer/Publisher: IO Interactive
Game Pass: Unknown
Although not much is known about Project 007 yet, it's exciting to think that a brand new James Bond game is in the works. In development at IO Interactive (of Hitman fame), the game is an entirely original James Bond story focused on his origins. Aside from that though, it's a mystery that we can't wait to hear more about.
Contraband
Release date: TBC
Developer/Publisher: Avalanche / Microsoft
Game Pass: Yes
From the creators of Just Cause comes Contraband. This is a brand new, open-world, co-op game that is set in the fictional world of Bayan during the 1970s. This smugglers paradise is a bit of a mystery at present, as is the core gameplay, so watch out for more details on this one.
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Daedalic Entertainment
Game Pass: No
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum has been unveiled as another of the upcoming Xbox Series X games. The game will see you play as Gollum, starting out in Barad-dûr, a fortress in Mordor where the corrupted creature is being held prisoner, but you can expect to see plenty more of Middle-Earth beyond that, as the game promises "giant, persistent environments, each harboring several questlines and a range of friendly or unfriendly faces." That's according to developer Daedelic, in an interview with Edge in early 2020, who describes the game as a "stealth-action-adventure with an intriguing dual-personality mechanic, gigantic levels, and a densely wrought aesthetic inspired by Tolkien's own drawings".
