As we dive into the third full year of the current generation of consoles, the slate of future game releases is becoming more and more stacked with exciting-looking titles.
We recently ran a list of what we think are some of the biggest games on the calendar for 2023, but we also wanted to break it down and highlight the future Xbox console-exclusive games (at least the ones we know about) that are set to making being an Xbox owner worthwhile over the next year and further beyond. Plus, most if not all of these titles will be dropping on Xbox Game Pass, so it’s also a great chance to look at the immense value subscribers will be getting in the year/s ahead.
STARFIELD
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: TBA 2023
25 years in the making, Starfield introduces an entirely new frontier to explore—space. In 2330, you join Constellation, the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy. Venture through the stars and get to know a memorable cast of characters on a quest to answer humanity’s greatest question—what is out there?
This is without a doubt the biggest upcoming Xbox console exclusive that we know of, and it’s finally coming this year. Hopefully.
REDFALL
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: TBA 2023
Redfall is an open-world, co-op FPS from Arkane Austin, the award-winning team behind Prey and Dishonored. Continuing Arkane’s legacy of carefully crafted worlds and immersive sims, Redfall brings the studio’s signature gameplay to this story-driven action shooter.
FORZA MOTORSPORT
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: TBA 2023
Forza Motorsport has been built from the ground up to showcase the Xbox Series X|S consoles. The accuracy of the overhauled physics, the beauty of the cars and tracks, the new dynamic time of day, advanced car damage, and real time ray tracing on track lead to a generational leap in immersion. Forza Motorsport is the most technically advanced racing game ever made.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 : HEART OF CHERNOBYL
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: TBA 2023
The Cheapest Copy: $79 at Amazon with free shipping
Discover the vast Chernobyl Exclusion Zone full of dangerous enemies, deadly anomalies and powerful artifacts. Unveil your own epic story as you make your way to the Heart of Chernobyl. Choose your paths wisely, as they will determine your fate and shape the future of the humankind in the end.
ARK 2
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: TBA 2023
Survive the past. Tame the future. Suddenly awakened on a primal world filled with dinosaurs and humans struggling for dominance, you must team-up with legendary heroes to confront powerful dark forces. Saddle up and join the definitive next-gen survival experience with ARK 2!
REPLACED
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: TBA 2023
REPLACED is a 2.5D sci-fi retro-futuristic action platformer set in an alternate 1980s America, with free-flow action combat and a dystopian story wrapped up in incredibly slick pixel art. One look at screenshots and gameplay footage and its easy to see why we’re excited about this one.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition/Age of Empires IV (Console Release)
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
Release Date: January 31st (Age of Empires II) / TBA (Age of Empires IV)
Two Age of Empires games are finally making their way to modern Xbox consoles! Both games will feature optimised controls with support for mouse and keyboard input, optional cross-play and will be playable through Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition will feature brand new mechanics optimized for controller for both new and seasoned players alike, 200+ hours of historical campaign gameplay, 1,000 years of human history and 35 civilizations all from the comfort of your living room.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: TBA
Senua’s Saga, the highly-anticipated sequel to Ninja Theory’s fantastic Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, was among the earliest announced games for Xbox’s new generation of console hardware, so it’s somewhat surprising we’ve still seen so little of it. Every morsel of footage in trailers and teasers has looked bloody brilliant though, so here’s hoping we get a little more clarity around a release date this year.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide (Console Release)
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S
Release Date: TBA
From the developers of the best-selling and award-winning franchise Vermintide, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a visceral 4-player co-op action game set in the hive city of Tertium. Fight together with your friends against hordes of enemies in this new Warhammer 40,000 experience. Launching to acclaim and popularity last year on PC in early access, it’s coming to Xbox Series X|S “soon.”
Planet of Lana
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: TBA 2023
A young girl and her loyal friend embark on a rescue mission through a colourful world full of cold machines and unfamiliar creatures. Planet of Lana is a cinematic puzzle adventure game framed by an epic sci-fi saga that stretches across centuries and galaxies.
The Outer Worlds 2
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: TBA
The Outer Worlds was an underrated gem from Obsidian in 2019, and the sequel comes following the studio’s acquisition by Microsoft. We still don’t know much outside of the very pretty cinematic reveal trailer, save that we’ll be exploring a new solar system with a new crew. It’s about time we learned more about this exciting sequel, so here’s hoping that’s what we get in 2023.
State of Decay 3
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: TBA
Announced over two years ago, the next in Undead Labs’ series of compelling zombie survival strategy/sims is still shrouded in mystery. Beyond the initial cinematic teaser and the promise of zombie deer, there’s little else to go off of. Hopefully 2023 is the year we learn more about State of Decay 3, if not see it release in some form.
The Last Case of Benedict Fox
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: TBA 2023
Take on the last case of Benedict Fox and dive into a twisted world of secret organizations, forbidden rituals, and cold-blooded murders. Explore the memories of deceased victims as you search for clues and fight demons in this fantastical Lovecraftian Metroidvania.
INKULINATI (EARLY ACCESS)
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: January 31st
Inkulinati is an ink-based strategy game straight from medieval manuscripts, where a rabbit’s bum can be deadlier than a dog’s sword. Take your turn in Inkulinati duels filled with unexpected tactical depth (and humour!). Embark on an ever-changing journey, build your own bestiary, defeat medieval superstars and collect perks to unleash special powers. Become a master of the Living Ink, grab your quill and build your unique strategy time after time.
Ravenlok
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: TBA 2023
Ravenlok’s life takes a turn for the unexpected when she stumbles through a magical mirror into a troubled kingdom. Explore fantastical realms, meet mad characters and defeat dark monsters to end the Caterpillar Queen’s reign of terror. Your destiny awaits in an action-packed, coming of age adventure. This gorgeous-looking adventure with its voxel-esque visuals should be quite a treat when it launches this year.
Everwild
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release Date: TBA
Rare’s next big game is a third-person adventure game that we still know next-to-nothing about. The most recent rumours peg it as having some degree of god-game elements and zero combat, and since there’s been absolutely no official indication of a release date we wouldn’t expect this any sooner than 2024. Who knows, though? Miracles can happen.
Indiana Jones
Platforms: TBA
Release Date: TBA
Another incredibly long shot to expect this in the next couple of years, but Bethesda/MachineGames’ Indiana Jones tie-in was announced nearly two years ago, so we’re sure to at least learn more soon. Bethesda Game Studios Director, Todd Howard, reckons the team responsible for the modern Wolfenstein games is the perfect fit for the license, which has us all kinds of excited and waiting (im)patiently to dig up any new info.
Of course, there are plenty more big Xbox exclusives in the pipeline that we’re keen to learn more about, like Perfect Dark, Avowed, Contraband and of course, Fable. Hopefully we’ll hear a lot more about those soon.
