Whether it's the Xbox One or the Series X|S Microsoft are on top of their game in regards to producing quality consoles that both gamers and casual fans can enjoy. The industry is ever-growing and some may be picking up the controller for the very first time on one of these acclaimed gaming devices.
Whichever platform it may be there's a wide array of titles that act as perfect points of introduction for any newcomers. They might not always be easy, but they will bring players into immersive worlds, encourage them to try out co-op with their friends, or perhaps even inspire them to get involved with solo campaigns for the first time. Note that purchasing Game Pass is a brilliant way to begin here.
Sea Of Thieves (2018)
Perhaps the best place to start when getting used to the capabilities and depth of titles on Xbox platforms, Sea Of Thieves boasts just about everything someone might expect from a game. It's a rip-roaring action-adventure with a lot of humor, heart, and a fantastic world to explore.
Featuring a unique storyline and plenty of online gameplay, there's a little something for everyone here. Anyone can be a swashbuckling pirate and set sail for the high seas but this game feels even more accessible than most thanks to its wide variety of customizable options and Rare's determination to link the project to familiar franchises like Pirates Of The Caribbean.
Gears 5 (2019)
The Gears Of War franchise has become a staple of the console wars thanks in part to its association with the Xbox brand. Gears 5 may arguably be at the height of its series, but players don't necessarily have to have played through any previous installments.
For those who like third-person shooters, this is critically one of the titles they need to check out. Its controls are simple to get ahold of, but the player is immediately drawn into this intense action world. The Coalition and Xbox Game Studios have gone above and beyond with the DLC available. It's a must-have exclusive for those launching into Microsoft's platform and features some fun online options as well.
Overcooked 2 (2018)
Action-packed shooters and pirate adventures might be a little too much for some players. Overcooked 2 is therefore a massive change of pace but still a quality title that has been found on Game Pass in the past. Although it's fun to play the original as well, the sequel is absolutely the superior.
Both solo and co-op play is fulfilling in Overcooked, but the chaos of sharing the kitchen is certainly preferred. Getting orders right is challenging enough, but combine that with a ticking timer and an environment constantly in flux, it's no surprise the Team17 title can be equal parts frustrating and hilarious.
Forza Horizon 5 (2021)
Racing games have become massive titles for both Xbox and PlayStation. Whether it's Xbox One or Series X|S the genre piece that will fulfill any motor fanatic's collection right now is Forza Horizon 5, one of the best entries into the saga. The depth of the game has meant that even die-hard fans might have missed some details.
As a racing game, it really is stellar, capturing the proper flow of a vehicle and allowing for some exciting co-op and online play. Competitions are just the start of this journey though as newcomers may wish to explore the gorgeous landscapes designed specifically to drive through in a range of powerful vehicles.
Rare Replay (2015)
Sometimes players want to take a step back in time and rediscover some of the forgotten titles that are actually still available to enjoy today. Rare Replay is the perfect collection of these wacky experiences, bringing together a variety of narratives from Xbox's past.
Of course, it's available on the much-loved Xbox Game Pass, but the release shines a spotlight on those games that might have not had the full opportunity to succeed in the modern industry like Viva Piñata on Xbox 360, Killer Instinct Gold on N64, and Jetpac found on the Spectrum. For those looking to take a trip down memory lane, this is an excellent dive into the archives.
Psychonauts 2 (2021)
Nobody does whimsical gameplay like this Xbox Game Studios and Double Fine title. Psychonauts 2 is as wacky as they come as players take a trip through an increasingly bizarre and vibrant landscape that looks completely breathtaking on the Xbox Series X.
The platformer definitely brings something unique to the genre as it pays homage to classic entries while piercing tired tropes with its own flavor. The protagonist's acrobatic abilities and psychic powers are just the start of a campaign title with great writing and elegant design.
Halo Infinite (2021)
The Halo franchise will forever be linked to Xbox. It's one of its most successful exclusives, so those newcomers to the platform will have to try out a Halo game in some capacity. Luckily Halo Infinite has been released to great reviews, as the first-person shooter looks to improve upon previous releases.
It's a good starting point that introduces the audience to the world very quickly so that they can get stuck into the action. A range of brilliantly crafted weapons and fantastically customizable armors allows the player to quickly feel immersed in the combat, while the open-world story from 343 Industries tries to navigate the lore of the franchise further.
Rocket League (2015)
Sometimes massive narratives and explosive action sequences are too much and all a player needs to have fun is a couple of cars, a ball, and some healthy competition. Rocket League is the title that took the world by storm and it has no signs of slowing down on Xbox.
Whether it's couch co-op or online play, this title really is about those competitive bouts that push the player's skills. This soccer game is not quite Fifa, as it brings in sci-fi elements and ridiculous gameplay options that imaginatively take the Psyonix supersonic premise to its limits.
Sunset Overdrive (2014)
Insomniac Games are now firmly with PlayStation and yet Sunset Overdrive happens to be an Xbox exclusive. It showcases exactly what the studio does best which is superb storytelling with a kinetic gameplay system that somehow never holds up on the pace.
The momentum of playing Sunset Overdrive is undeniable and this really is a title for those who want to enjoy a shooter-style campaign without having to get involved with the grittiness of other well-known franchises. There's no larger world to explore here either, it's a single title with a great premise to get players used to utilizing the Xbox's capabilities.
Apex Legends (2019)
The world of Titanfall really found its home on Xbox despite the franchise not being exclusive. Respawn Entertainment and Panic Button Games have sought to try and expand that universe further with the debut of the online experience known as Apex Legends.
The battle royale shooter is a chaotic entry into this list, but one that might challenge newcomers in a way they didn't expect. It's a lot of fun to jump in and get involved with the wild action while customizing a character that fits firmly in this whimsical world. For those who want to check out the timeline of the title, they can also jump into Titanfall and its sequel as well.