By now, gamers are well-acquainted with the Xbox Series X/S, two consoles that have carved out quite a niche for themselves, boasting an impressive range of games from blockbuster AAA titles to beloved indie gems. Microsoft’s decision to offer both a premium Series X and a more affordable, digital-only Series S has proven wise, especially considering the ever-expanding popularity of Game Pass. This subscription service has grown tremendously, with exclusive Xbox titles often making their debut directly on the platform.
In the past few years, the gaming world has been graced with a plethora of outstanding open-world games. Titles like Elden Ring, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, A Plague Tale: Requiem, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands made a splash in 2022, each offering unique adventures. Fast forward, and we saw other exciting releases like Dead Space, Street Fighter 6, Hi-Fi Rush, Remnant 2, Forza Motorsport, and Lies of P. This year, 2024, has already given us big names like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. So, looking ahead to 2025, what Xbox games should we be excited about? Here are the highlights of what’s to come.
It’s worth noting that this covers the North American release timelines for games on the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One, along with any expansions that might be in the pipeline.
As of April 16, 2025, Mark Sammut updated the list of upcoming Xbox games that have been added recently: Vinebound: Tangled Together, Into the Restless Ruins, Monster Train 2, Hegzis, SubwaySim 2, Deliver At All Costs, Drug Dealer Simulator, StarLightRiders: HyperJump, Moving Houses, Biz Builder Delux, Cafe Master Story, ANNIE: Last Hope, EcoGnomix, Cooking Companions, King Arthur: Legion IX, Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition – The Three Kingdoms, American Arcadia, City Bus Manager, Knight’s Night!, Disney Illusion Island, Keeper’s Toll, Date Everything, and Star Wars: Zero Company.
April 2025 has kicked off with some strong releases. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is causing quite the buzz, particularly in the fighting game community, thanks to SNK’s renowned history of successful titles. Fans can look forward to an exhilarating addition that builds on decades of expertise. Meanwhile, Mandragora is set to entertain lovers of 2D Soulslike games, a genre that’s been quite popular lately. Then there’s Poppy Playtime Triple Pack—a collection of horror games to keep players up at night.
The standout title for April is South of Midnight. Players will leap into a fascinating world where myth and folklore intertwine. As Hazel, you’ll journey through the Deep South, tackling mythological creatures with some visually arresting designs. While gameplay might not reinvent the wheel, the engaging narrative and immersive world make it worthwhile. Also, be on the lookout for FragPunk, slated for release at the month’s end.
Here’s a brief look at what’s hitting the shelves this month:
– April 1: Age of Wonders 4: Giant Kings (XBX/S)
– April 2: Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered and Sol Dorado Heist (XBX/S, XBO)
– April 3: Caligo and Sociable Soccer 25 (XBX/S)
– April 4: Titles like Feudal Bros – Tonosama #1 and The Renovator: Origins among others (XBX/S)
– April 8: Ixion and South of Midnight (XBX/S)
– April 10: A slew of games including Blue Prince, Monaco 2, and Poppy Playtime Triple Pack (XBX/S)
– April 15: Chains of Freedom and Hot Rod Mayhem among others (XBX/S)
– April 16: Drug Dealer Simulator and StarLightRiders: HyperJump (XBX/S)
– April 17: A host of releases such as Mandragora and Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate (XBX/S)
– April 22: Steel Seed (XBX/S)
– April 24: Highlights include Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves and NanoApostle (XBX/S)
– April 29-30: Anticipated launches like FragPunk and KIBORG (XBX/S, XBO)
As we look forward to May, Xbox fans have plenty to look forward to. Notably, Doom: The Dark Ages is launching straight onto Game Pass, ensuring that id Software’s latest shooter is accessible to all. Although Doom Eternal sparked some debate, this new installment is eagerly awaited. And that’s just the beginning. Dune Awakening is set to transport players to Arrakis for an open-world survival experience. Rounding off the month, we have something intriguing—Elden Ring Nightreign. Serving as a multiplayer spin-off from the classic, this game promises a fresh twist with battle royale elements.
– May 1: Despelote (XBX/S, XBO)
– May 6: Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition – The Three Kingdoms and more (XBX/S)
– May 15: Big names such as Doom: The Dark Ages and City Bus Manager (XBX/S)
– May 30: Elden Ring Nightreign and Disney Illusion Island (XBX/S, XBO)
June doesn’t hold quite the spectacle, but it shouldn’t be dismissed. We’re eyeing some solid connections from past hits with the remasters of classics like System Shock 2 and Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army. The former being a pinnacle of immersive sims, stands out as a significant inclusion.
– June 5: Architect Life: A House Design Simulator (XBX/S)
– June 10: Mindseye (XBX/S)
– June 26: System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster (XBX/S, XBO)
Looking further into 2025, the summer months are shaping up nicely with big titles like Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Borderlands 4, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 slated for release. Each of these promises thrills in their own right, poised to keep enthusiasts engrossed.
As we peer into the fall and beyond, 2025 is poised to be monumental, especially if Grand Theft Auto 6 makes its long-anticipated debut. Additional heavy-hitters like FBC: Firebreak, Little Nightmares 3, and Marvel 1943 could cement 2025 as a landmark year for gaming if they stick to their schedule.
Though some major titles currently lack a concrete release year, rest assured, there is much excitement on the horizon. Games like The Elder Scrolls 6 and Kingdom Hearts 4 though shrouded in mystery, already spark much anticipation. If patience prevails, these upcoming adventures promise leaps in gaming experiences, and we can look forward to the unveilings to come.
