8 best Xbox Series X|S exclusives in 2024, from Forza to Starfield
Here are eight games to try on your Xbox Series X|S.
Even the most optimistic Xbox fan would have to acknowledge that Microsoft's library has been lacking in exclusives in recent years, but the company is making strides toward stocking its line-up with games you can only play on Series X|S - and we've compiled our picks for the best on offer in 2024.
Best Xbox Series X|S exclusive games in 2024
In this list, we've identified the best Xbox Series X|S exclusives you won't be able to play on other consoles - although many are available on PC.
Some are also Xbox One games, but you can play these through backwards compatibility.
8 - Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Halo: The Master Chief Collection details & key features:
- Release date: 2014
- Key Features:
- Features six Halo games in one
- Multiplayer modes included
- Full campaigns for each title
It may have launched in a sorry state back in 2014, but Microsoft's flagship franchise saw vast improvements in the years that followed - and the addition of Halo Reach and Halo 3: ODST.
That takes the count up to six Halo games included, meaning there are dozens of weapons, maps, campaign missions, and more. It's a love letter to the franchise that got Xbox off the ground, and you may be surprised at how the older games have held up.
7 - Gears 5
Gears 5 details & key features
- Release date: 2019
- Key features:
- Lengthy single-player campaign
- Technical showcase for Series X
- Loads of multiplayer options
Ok, I'll admit, it's technically an Xbox One game, but Gears 5 got a huge boost with the Xbox Series X|S consoles when they arrived a year after it originally launched. It's a showpiece for the latest consoles, across an explosive campaign, and a huge multiplayer suite that includes PvE and PvP action.
The campaign picks up with Kait Diaz looking to answer questions about her ties to the Locust Horde, and as you'd expect, there's plenty of gore.
6 - Starfield
Starfield details & key features
- Release date: 2023
- Key features:
- The latest Bethesda IP
- Open-ended exploration
- Combat improved from prior games
Starfield felt like vaporware for years, but last year it was proven to be real - and it's not entirely what we were expecting. Furore about loading screens aside, Bethesda's first new franchise in decades is ambitious, and whether it lives up to the reputation of Skyrim or Fallout 4, there's a lot to enjoy regardless.
Players can uncover galactic mysteries, steal and sell some great ships as a pirate, or just spend their time exploring over 1,000 planets.
5 - Age of Empires 4
4 - Forza Motorsport
Forza Motorsport details & key features
- Release date: 2023
- Key features:
- Franchise reboot
- Set to add content over time
- Looks amazing
A franchise reboot, Forza Motorsport is the start of a new era for on-track racing for Microsoft and all signs are looking to it being an exciting one. With a whole host of cars, stunningly recreated alongside some of the most detailed tracks in gaming, complete with Forza's signature focus on making complex driving systems accessible for all.
Perhaps the most exciting thing is that it's only expected to get better, with Forza Motorsport (2023) offering a platform for further expansion.
3 - Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite details & key features
- Release date: 2021
- Key features:
- Single-player campaign
- Multiplayer is free-to-play
- Forge mode features user-generated content
While it might not be for everyone, Death Stranding Director's Cut is the definitive way to play one of our favourite titles, and easily one of the best PS5 exclusive games out there right now.
Death Stranding was already a phenomenal visual achievement back on PS4, but with the upgrade to 60fps in stunning 4K visuals, it doesn't get much better than this. If you love grand narratives, and find the prospect of walking across a post-apocalyptic wasteland appealing, then you should pick up Death Stranding Director's Cut for more.
2 - Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Microsoft Flight Simulator details & key features
- Release date: 2024
- Key features:
- Fly over geographically accurate landscapes
- Pilot dozens of aircraft
- Top Gun expansion
Ever wanted to see what your house looks like from 50,000 feet? You may be able to with Microsoft Flight Simulator. High up on this list but arguably less game, more tech showcase, Microsoft Flight Simulator features a huge map generated by real-world data so you can fly over your home, landmarks, and anything else.
It's stunning in motion, but you'll want to splash out on a joystick for the authentic experience.
Buy Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (Amazon)
What is the best Xbox-exclusive game in 2023?
1 - Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 details & key features
- Release date: 2021
- Key features:
- Recreation of Mexico
- Tonnes of races and activities
- Car customisation
We keep going back to Forza Horizon 5 even in 2024. Its version of Mexico is full of secrets, events, and opportunities to showcase the incredible photo mode, and it's possibly still the best-looking game on Xbox consoles.
Add in the Hot Wheels expansion (pictured above) and the game goes from arcadey fun to a white-knuckle thrill ride that you won't get enough of.
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About The Author
Lloyd Coombes
Lloyd is GGRecon's Editor-in-Chief, having previously worked at Dexerto and Gfinity, and occasionally appears in The Daily Star newspaper. A big fan of loot-based games including Destiny 2 and Diablo 4, when he's not working you'll find him at the gym or trying to play Magic The Gathering.
