If you're wondering what the Xbox Series X launch games were when it arrived back in November, this is the place you want to be. With the Xbox Series X (and the 1440p focused Xbox Series S) now available to buy, these are the games that . While the headline Xbox Series X launch game, Halo Infinite, was delayed, there's still a strong line-up to get involved with in these early days of Series X gaming. And of course, there's also the full array of titles available via Xbox Game Pass. So if you want to know what games will be ready for you dive into when you get your hands on your shiny new consoles, here's all of the Xbox Series X launch games:
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Take to the seas with Viking warrior Eivor in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, which has proved to be one of the most successful - and impressive - Xbox Series X launch games. Set in the Dark Ages in England, our Viking clan have arrived in Britain with the aim of settling, but to do so they'll need to forge bonds, battle, and learn how to survive in a new land.
Watch Dogs Legion
Watch Dogs Legion was another confirmed Xbox Series X launch game from Ubisoft, and also another set in the UK. Offering up an alternative future London, post-Brexit nightmare, with technology taking over, you'll be able to build your own Dedsec rebellion, choosing your crew from the entire population of the English capital. That's right, any NPC can become a playable character in Watch Dogs Legion, so bring on the granny anarchists.
Dirt 5
Dirt 5 brought a little va va vroom to the Xbox Series X launch games line-up, and is doing something a little different for the series - notably a campaign mode complete with narration from Nolan North and Troy Baker. Of course, also expect the same level of mad off-road racing from Codemasters, with trails including some of the most iconic worldwide routes, and tonnes of vehicles to test drive too.
Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon
The next title in the main Yakuza series has also been immortalized as one of the Xbox Series X launch games. Yakuza: Like a Dragon - aka Yakuza 7 - arrived on Xbox Series S and X on day one, allowing you to explore the streets of Yokohama, Japan in a brand new RPG-focused title that combines the intense brawls the series is known for with a new adventure with a fresh hero.
Tetris Effect: Connected
Tetris Effect is coming to the Xbox Series X and S in the form of Tetris Effect: Connected. This re-release not only brings you the beautiful, immersive Tetris Effect experience, but also introduces a new multiplayer mode based around co-op, as well as local and online multiplayer. It's an absolute joy for ears and eyes.
Gears Tactics
Having originally launched on PC earlier in 2020, the strategy game Gears Tactics is now arriving on Xbox consoles, and is set for a day one release on Xbox Series X. It takes the classic Gears of War gameplay and merges it with turn-based combat with dramatic effects. It's even a prequel to the first Gears of War game, so plenty to be excited about.
Fortnite
The juggernaut that is Fortnite was made available for the Xbox Series X from day one, for free of course - as is the norm for Epic's... well epic. It's arriving with ray tracing support and super-snazzy graphics so prepare yourself for next-gen Fortnite.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Okay, okay, so technically Black Ops Cold War arrived the day after the Xbox Series X and S release date, but that's still basically a launch game right? Black Ops Cold War is the next installment in the Call of Duty franchise, and it's going back to the 80s. Frank Woods, Alex Mason, and Russell Adler team up again for the campaign, there's the usually high-octane multiplayer to look forward to, and zombies makes a return again too.
Bright Memory
Ahead of the launch of Bright Memory: Infinite sometime in 2021, the original game Bright Memory was an Xbox Series X launch title. This is the original version of the game that is being made into a full experience in the form of Bright Memory: Infinite. It was originally released as a first episode, but that episodic release has been scrapped in lieu of one full game release. It's made by a solo developer, and is a first-person shooter with melee elements, and a focus on high-octane action.
Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition
Devil May Cry 5 is currently available for Xbox One, PC, and PS4, but Capcom announced the release of this Special Edition in September 2020 ahead of the release of next-gen consoles. As well as the graphical step-up you'd expect from a next-gen port, the new edition introduces big bad guy Vergil as a playable character, giving long-term fans something new to dig their teeth into from day one.
Enlisted
Enlisted was first announced in 2018 for the Xbox One, but is now making the leap straight to the Xbox Series X instead. A free-to-play multiplayer shooter set in World War II, the game will put players in the boots of American, Soviet, and German soldiers fighting through huge, ever-changing battles alongside squads of AI comrades.
Evergate
Evergate is a fast-paced but deeply personal puzzle game, in which you control the adorable Ki on their adventure through the afterlife. Released earlier this year on Xbox One, PC, PS4, and Nintendo Switch, it's now heading to the next-gen console on launch day.
NBA 2K21
The classic sports franchise returned in September, but while Madden isn't due to get a next-gen release until December and FIFA is yet to confirm when it'll come to new consoles, basketball fans are well served, as NBA 2K21 will be available on the Xbox Series X on launch day.
Observer: System Redux
Set in a dark, tech-driven world in the surprisingly close year of 2084, this enhanced version of the 2017 original launched on both Xbox Series X and PC on November 10.
Warhammer: Chaosbane Slayer Edition
First launched in 2019, Warhammer: Chaosbane is another game that has been given a next-gen revamp. The enhanced Slayer Edition was originally announced back in July 2020, and was then released as one of the Xbox Series X launch games.
Want more information on the Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S? Check out the guides below:
