With the Xbox Series X/S continuing to make waves, Microsoft’s flagship console is slowly but surely building an impressive collection of games. Console life cycles are interesting in that they usually hit their stride later on, as cross-generation priorities fade and developers zero in on maximizing the potential of the latest technologies. While we’re not quite at that pinnacle yet with the Xbox Series X/S, things are progressing nicely in that direction.
Looking back over the past few years, we’ve seen the release of some remarkable games, particularly in the realm of open-world experiences. Notable 2022 titles like Elden Ring, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, A Plague Tale: Requiem, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands demonstrated the range of gaming adventures on offer. The following year didn’t disappoint, introducing Dead Space, Street Fighter 6, Hi-Fi Rush, Remnant 2, Forza Motorsport, and Lies of P. This leads us to wonder: Which Xbox games on the horizon hold the most promise, and what should we expect in 2024?
Remember, we’re focusing on North American release dates for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One titles, including expansions.
Updated on November 27, 2024: With the year winding down, new game announcements have trickled to a slower pace for 2024. Nonetheless, we’ve added some exciting Xbox games to the release calendar: 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.
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Xbox’s November 2024 lineup stands head and shoulders above the competition, even though a few of its standout titles have been available elsewhere for a while. At long last, Genshin Impact makes its way onto Xbox, bringing with it years of updates and popularity. The arrival of Death Stranding was a particularly surprising treat, offering players another taste of its bizarre open-world magic.
The month’s headliner is easily S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, arriving straight onto Game Pass. After navigating a challenging development process, GSC’s open-world survival horror game is finally available, delivering its uniquely haunting experience. Other noteworthy November releases include Metal Slug Tactics, Planet Coaster 2, Slitterhead, and Ravenswatch.
Here’s a quick look at the specific release dates for various games this November:
– 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
– November 7: Bioframe Outpost, Death Stranding, Empire of the Ants, Goat Simulator Remastered, Magical Bakery, Shieldwall, Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival, Techtonica
– And more throughout the month, culminating in blockbuster titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 near the end of November.
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As we enter December, traditionally a quieter month for game releases, there are still notable entries to be found. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a standout, bringing the franchise back into the spotlight as a timed Xbox console exclusive, available on PC as well. Although its first-person perspective sparked some debate, it plays to developer MachineGames’ strengths. Marvel Rivals also aims to make waves in the multiplayer hero shooter scene, leveraging the Marvel brand’s appeal, along with the nostalgic pull of the remastered Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2.
Here’s a glance at December’s lineup:
– December 3: Diesel Legacy: The Brazen Age
– December 4: The Thaumaturge
– December 5 sees a slew of releases including Entropy Survivors, Fantasia Neo Dimension, Little Big Adventure: Twinsen’s Quest, among others.
– December 6: Marvel Rivals, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun – Aiko’s Choice
– December 9: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
– And rounding off with Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver and other titles.
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Looking further ahead, some interesting names are floating around for 2024, though without confirmed release dates. From old-school classics like Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered to intriguing projects like Corsairs – Battle of the Caribbean and Death Relives, there’s a lot on the table, though many might slip into 2025 given their current states.
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As for January 2025, it’s not an overly packed month, but it does offer some promising entries. Dynasty Warriors is back, pushing boundaries with its visuals, while Tales of Graces f Remastered heads to Xbox, showcasing some of the franchise’s best combat mechanics. Synduality: Echo of Ada and Sniper Elite: Resistance are also in the pipeline.
Finally, the excitement carries into February 2025 with anticipated releases like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Civilization 7—two hefty titles that promise to engage for hours. Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Obsidian’s Avowed will capture more attention, and Monster Hunter Wilds and Tomb Raider remasters round out what promises to be a thrilling month.
Looking beyond, post-February 2025 is vague but filled with potential as we anticipate projects like The Elder Scrolls 6 and Borderlands 4. The horizon is packed, and it’s clear the gaming landscape on Xbox is as vibrant as ever.
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While not every rumored title will see the light of day, discussions abound about the potential for games like an eventual Gears 6. So while we wait for official announcements, it’s fun to imagine what could be. And, with Xbox Game Pass offering an ever-expanding library, the possibilities for multiplayer adventures remain boundless.
