The 20 Best Xbox Games of 2023

The over-30-year-old fighting game franchise received its latest installment this year, and while it's partially a sequel to 2019's Mortal Kombat 11 it also serves (as its numbering suggests) as another series reboot. Critics have praised the new fighting system, which includes a new roster of "Kameo Fighters" to assist your main character.

"Mortal Kombat 1 isn't the clean narrative reboot that its name implies, but its rich single-player action and new tag-team aerial brawls make for the best fighting system in the history of the franchise." —PCMag

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The latest game in Microsoft's long-running racing series (which has the same title as the original 2005 game but is not a remake) boasts over 20 tracks and 500 vehicles, many new to the franchise. Also new is an RPG-like progression system.

"Forza Motorsport really does create a platform that leaves an open track to expand on. This is the easiest Forza to get into and it performs at such a high level, you may forget it's just a game. There's nothing standing between you and the racetrack." —GamingTrend

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Available on Xbox Game Pass

The sequel to the 2019 hit Remnant: From the Ashes is another Soulslike RPG/shooter hybrid set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with monstrous creatures. Critics think it improves on the first game in nearly every way. The first of three planned expansions arrived in November to similarly strong reviews.

"Remnant II improves on its predecessors in every way, adding depth and variety in all the places it needed to. Whether played solo or with friends it is a polished and accomplished sequel that Gunfire Games should be proud of." —Xbox Tavern

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Available on Xbox Game Pass

One of the year's most-anticipated games heading into 2023, Legacy is a big-budget action/RPG set in the Wizarding World—specifically, at Hogwarts in the late 1800s, well before the Harry Potter era. Many years of development resulted in a game that fell slightly short of greatness, though it was (unsurprisingly) a massive hit, selling over 15 million copies since its February release. In fact, it's likely to finish out the year as 2023's best-selling game.

"Hogwarts Legacy embodies perfection for every fan of the Harry Potter saga. A must-have, must-play and must-live if you have ever imagined what it was like to receive the famous letter from Hogwarts. But even non-fans will find it a very enjoyable RPG experience, with very few bugs, majestic graphical detail and a well-balanced difficulty." —MondoXbox

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The sequel to 2019's Blasphemous is another "Metroidvania"/"Souls"-style side-scrolling action-adventure game with a fantasy/horror setting inspired by Andalusian folklore and illustrated with detailed pixel art. The deeper, nonlinear game allows plenty of player choice and exploration along with the usual difficult battles.

"2023 has been a banner year for games, and it's clear that Blasphemous 2 sits in the upper echelons of those releases, a beautifully grotesque Metroidvania that's deserving of everyone's time. From the gloriously gruesome visuals to its ferociously paced combat and beautiful soundtrack, Blasphemous 2 is an instant classic in the genre." —Digital Spy

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Dating back to 1999, when it was first released (as Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings) for PC, Age of Empires 2 was remastered (in 4K) for PC for its 20th anniversary in 2019. That version (which includes over 200 hours of content including all previously released as expansions as well as a new expansion) has now been ported to Xbox consoles. Considered one of the all-time great strategy titles, AoE2 allows you to play as one of 35 different civilizations through 1,000 years of world history.

"Not only has Microsoft made one of the best RTS games of all time enjoyable using nothing but a controller, but they have even improved on the original release in some key ways. Age of Empires 2 is just as good as ever on the Xbox and should be a must-play for strategy fans everywhere." —Player 2

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Available on Xbox Game Pass

Metacritic's Best Xbox Exclusive of 2023.

A Microsoft-exclusive action game from The Evil Within studio Tango Gameworks, Hi-Fi Rush blends rhythm-based combat and platforming action as your rockstar hero battles an evil corporation, all set against a soundtrack that includes music by Nine Inch Nails, The Prodigy, and other bands as well as original songs.

"I had a smile on my face from beginning to end while playing Hi-Fi Rush. Its colorful graphics, loveable characters and positive story made it an absolute joy to play. Don't let the rhythm-based combat scare you, just give it a try and you'll be tapping your feet and buttons to the beat in no time." —XboxAddict

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Available on Xbox Game Pass

After getting a Switch release in 2021 and a PC release the following year, Capcom's monster-hunting action-RPG finally made it to Xbox consoles in early 2023. Rise brings the fantasy action-RPG series into the new "ninja-inspired" locale of Kamura Village. Gameplay is similar to that of 2018's Monster Hunter World (albeit with new additions including a new "Rampage" survival mode), and you can hunt on your own or with up to three companions.

"A first-class Monster Hunter experience! Sure, its Switch roots are showing, and it's not the most sumptuous game to look at on these new platforms, but Monster Hunter Rise more than makes up for that in the gameplay department." —Eurogamer Germany

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One of two Persona remakes to make our list, this January release is the latest update of a high school-set supernatural JRPG that originated as the 2006 PlayStation 2 game Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3. ("Portable" was appended to the title for a shortened 2009 remake for PlayStation Portable, which serves as the source material for this version; somewhat confusingly, a remake of the original version is coming in 2024.)

"All told, it makes for the slickest version of this classic that we've played so far and, if you've yet to play it, we can't recommend it enough really." —Pure Xbox

Available on Xbox Game Pass

The first (and only) expansion to the 2020 action/RPG cyberthriller Cyberpunk 2077—a high-profile game that rebounded from a notoriously buggy launch to eventually become a huge hit—Phantom Liberty features a new storyline that tasks you with rescuing the President, whose plane has crashed in the dangerous district of Dogtown (a new area created for this expansion). Also new to the game is a spy played by Idris Elba, who joins a returning Keanu Reeves in the cast.

"Phantom Liberty is the perfect finishing touch to an outstanding game that only failed in its 'being a game' section. Now it is perfect and one of the best RPGs of all time. A must have." — Generación Xbox

Following about six months after the release of the widely praised Resident Evil 4 remake, that survival horror game's first expansion fills in gaps in the story through the perspective of Ada Wong. Critics were pleasantly surprised by the wealth of content available in this relatively bargain-priced DLC.

"The price is right, the length is nearly perfect, and everything I loved about the original is still here. The boss fights are fun and the story being fleshed out is appreciated. I cannot recommend this enough." —ZTGD

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Originally released as the 2008 PlayStation 2 game Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4, this enhanced "Golden" version of the RPG arrived on modern consoles in January 2023 following a 2020 PC release. P4G follows a group of high school friends in a small Japanese town—and in an otherworldly alternate realm—as they investigate a series of murders.

"Persona 4 Golden is an essential experience not only for JRPG fans, but people who appreciate a strong narrative with an endearing supporting cast of characters, along with a tight battle system that feels as modern as its iconic sequel. The poignancy of your interactions with the characters will resonate on a deep level with you, and will more than likely warm or break your heart on more than one occasion. It's exciting that modern players get to enjoy this, and if you're a Game Pass subscriber, this is a must-play." —Attack of the Fanboy

Available on Xbox Game Pass

A crowdfunded prequel to 2018's The Messenger, Sea of Stars is a fantasy turn-based RPG that gives you control of two characters—the Children of the Solstice—who can employ magical powers given to them from the sun and the moon to ward off creatures created by an evil alchemist. Developers Sabotage Studio have cited RPGs like Chrono Trigger and Paper Mario as influences, and critics seem to think that the indie game lives up to its predecessors and stands as a present-day classic of the genre.

"Sea of Stars is an exhilarating and absorbing indie gem that serves up delightfully clever turn-based RPG action in a world that's packed full of great characters, fun puzzles and genuine emotional heft." —Pure Xbox

Available on Xbox Game Pass

The terrific debut game from indie Danish studio Geometric Interactive (founded by a pair of Limbo and Inside developers), Cocoon is a sci-fi puzzle-centric adventure that finds you jumping between worlds with the help of ancient alien technology. Gameplay may be as simple as it gets, but puzzle-lovers will be thrilled by the fresh and imaginative challenges on display throughout.

"At every turn, I was left almost breathless by the beauty and ingenuity in COCOON. It's a staggeringly brilliant game with which words cannot really do justice." —TheXboxHub

Available on Xbox Game Pass

A remake of the 2008 sci-fi survival horror game of the same name (and identical Metascore)—and the first release in the Dead Space series in a decade—this atmospheric next-gen take on Dead Space makes numerous changes to gameplay in addition to completely overhauling the presentation. But the story and setting—a 26th century mining ship in a distant solar system where the crew has been infected and killed—remain mostly intact ... and mostly terrifying.

"[Y]ou really cannot go wrong with Dead Space (2023). Whether you're a new fan or a returning veteran, this is a fantastic remake that brings one of the genre's best games to modern devices. It looks, sounds and plays fantastically well, and is simply the return of a masterpiece." —XboxAddict

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Available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Far, far better than the previous numbered installment in Capcom's venerable fighting series, Street Fighter 6 offers three different game modes which provide a combination of single-player and online (and cross-platform) multiplayer gameplay, and combined provide plenty of content for newcomers and veterans alike. New features include real-time commentary.

"A bursting-at-the-seams package full of things to discover, all while welcoming newcomers and pleasing veterans, Street Fighter 6 is most certainly a game of the year contender. This is the perfect fighting game." —TheXboxHub

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Metacritic's Best New Xbox Game of 2023.

Developed by Max Payne creator Remedy Entertainment, the even-better sequel to 2010's Alan Wake switches genres from action-adventure to survival horror for its story of the titular writer, who has been trapped in a nightmarish alternate world for 13 years and tries to write his way out of his predicament. You'll play as both Wake and FBI agent Saga Anderson, who is investigating a series of murders in the real-world small town where Wake disappeared—and whose story is tied to Wake's in mysterious ways. Also named the best game of 2023 by multiple publications and winner of three Game Awards, Alan Wake 2 earned praise from critics for its innovative gameplay, spooky and surreal atmosphere, and truly stunning visuals.

"Alan Wake 2 is Remedy Entertainment's true masterpiece. A survival horror that manages to sensationally blend the pivotal elements of the genre, with gameplay balanced between two protagonists and with non-linear storytelling that on more than one occasion breaks through the barriers of the video game medium to create something broader, and that succeeds in capturing the player also thanks to a technical and artistic realisation of the highest level. A video game that everyone, fans of the genre or not, should consider playing." —MondoXbox

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View a complete list of every 2023 Xbox Series X/S game ranked by Metascore >

Capcom's Resident Evil remake series has so far produced a stone-cold classic as well as Resident Evil 3. The latest remake is much closer to the former than the latter, though it helps that the source material—2005's Resident Evil 4—is one of the best videogames ever made. And so, apparently, is its remake, which modernizes the graphics, controls, and story while retaining much of what made the original a survival horror classic.

"What Capcom has done is less of a re-imagining and more a celebratory culmination of all the series' ideas. Resident Evil 4 is an absolute blast, retaining all its bombastic and over-the-top ideas while injecting some more modern horror and quality-of-life changes. It's a must for any Resident Evil fan, and if you're new to the series, what a great place to start!" —Digital Spy

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The first numbered installment in Blizzard's action/RPG/dungeon-crawler series in over a decade, Diablo IV is, like its three predecessors, another well-reviewed release. Critics feel that while Diablo IV doesn't represent a revolutionary change, the cinematic atmosphere, new emphasis on story, and open world are welcome improvements.

"Diablo IV is a triumph. It fulfills its promise, combining the aesthetics and feeling of Diablo II with the fantastic gameplay of III. It is dark and gory, featuring a meaty campaign and endgame that should delight fans of the series for hundreds if not thousands of hours." —XboxEra

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Originally released in 2015 for the Xbox One (among other platforms) to massive acclaim—and overall Game of the Year honors at The Game Awards—CD Projekt Red's action-RPG masterpiece was ported to the Xbox Series X/S in early 2023, collecting more stellar reviews in the process. This enhanced version features improved visual detail, a collection of mods, and a new Photo Mode among other tweaks.

"The masterpiece becomes a legend with this Complete Edition. The same The Witcher 3 as always, but better than ever. Looks better, plays better and has more content. An essential game." —SomosXbox

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