The 20 Best Xbox Games of 2025
"Split Fiction" (Electronic Arts/Hazelight Studios)
Which Xbox games impressed professional reviewers the most during the past year? This page contains Metacritic's official list of the 20 best-reviewed titles released for Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 ranked by Metascore. Games must have at least 7 scored reviews from professional critics to be eligible for inclusion.
If a game appears on both Xbox platforms, only the version receiving the higher quantity of critic reviews (typically the Xbox Series X/S version) was eligible.
#20: Battlefield 6
1 / 20
The first entry in four years in DICE's FPS franchise is also the best-reviewed Battlefield title since 2016's Battlefield 1, and follows two disappointing entries that led Electronic Arts to put Respawn and Infinity Ward founder and Call of Duty creator Vince Zampella in charge of the franchise. (Sadly, Zampella died in a car crash earlier this month.) Set in the near future, Battlefield 6 is a serious-minded entry reminiscent of B3 and B4 and returns the Portal tools to their traditional functionality. Critics praised the new game as a return to form held back only by a too-brief single-player campaign.
"After a disappointing showing with Battlefield 2042, Battlefield 6 rights the ship and gets the franchise back on track. Everything we hated about 2042 has been remedied here." —Xbox Achievements
#19: Elden Ring Nightreign
2 / 20
A standalone spinoff from 2022's Metacritic Game of the Year winner Elden Ring, Nightreign is set in the same universe (well, an alternate timeline of the same universe) but offers roguelike co-op gameplay in a procedurally generated version of Limgrave (retitled Limveld) with randomized enemies, items, and maps and a choice of eight playable characters. Critics complained about a lack of crossplay but generally liked FromSoftware's injection of new gameplay elements into the Elden Ring universe. An expansion, The Forsaken Hollows, was released a few weeks ago.
"FromSoftware has created a new format within its universe, and it's done so without betraying its essence. Nightreign not only expands the game's scope, it also expands the possibilities of the genre, and is sure to set a new standard." —Generación Xbox
#18: Gears of War: Reloaded
3 / 20
A second remaster of the original Gears of War title that launched a sci-fi third-person shooter franchise in 2006 (and which was previously remastered in 2015 as Gears of War: Ultimate Edition), Reloaded updates the visuals to 4K, among other presentation changes. There's not much else that's new (other than a PS5 version, a first for the series) but Reloaded does include DLC released following the launch of Ultimate Edition.
"Is there such a thing as too much Gears? I don't think so, and that is proven with the release of Gears of War: Reloaded; a game that is as good as ever, slightly better looking than before, and now absolutely chock full of content." —TheXboxHub
#17: DOOM: The Dark Ages
4 / 20
A prequel to both the 2016 Doom remake and its 2020 follow-up Doom Eternal, The Dark Ages is a single-player dark fantasy FPS that puts you in the role of the Doom Slayer, the super weapon of gods and kings, who must battle the forces of hell. Critics admired the brutal combat and the greater emphasis on narrative but also thought that it played a little too close to the previous two games.
"Doom: The Dark Ages does many things differently from its predecessors, but it does them well. A rich story, a great sense of power, and still memorable, brutal gameplay make it not only a great addition to the legendary action franchise, but also one of the best games of the year." —Sector.sk
#16: Assassin's Creed Shadows
5 / 20
The first Assassin's Creed stealth/RPG/action-adventure game set in Asia—specifically, feudal 16th century Japan— Shadows allows you to swap between two protagonists, the African samurai Yosuke and the female shinobi Naoe, each featuring a different play style. Critics praised the combat, visuals, overall polish, and cinematic scope, but noted some complaints about cumbersome and repetitive gameplay. An expansion, Claws of Awaji, was released in September to lesser reviews.
"Considering I spent 112 hours in Assassin's Creed Shadows before setting the controller down, this game isn't much smaller than its predecessor — but it is far less bloated and far more focused. The best visuals, gameplay, and game design to come out of Ubisoft in years makes Assassin's Creed Shadows one of 2025's greatest games so far." —Windows Central
#15: Helldivers 2
6 / 20
One of the biggest commercial hits of 2024 (and a winner of multiple awards) belatedly arrived on Xbox consoles in 2025, greeted by its best reviews yet—not a surprise, given that the Xbox release benefits from a year and a half of updates since the PS5/PC launch in February 2024. The futuristic, multiplayer third-person shooter drops you into a variety of hostile planets to take on procedurally generated missions as a team with up to three additional players. A wide variety of difficulty levels, weaponry, and strategies allow you to tailor the game to your style of play, and the game's sense of humor (think Starship Troopers) adds to the fun.
"Helldivers 2 on Xbox is more than just a port; it's a chance for new players to experience one of the wildest, most unpredictable co-op shooters out there. It's not perfect: UI issues, glitchy dropships and mission objectives, and the live-service trappings might not sit well with everyone. But in the right conditions, with the right squad, it's one of the most fun experiences you can have on the console." —ZTGD
#14: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4
7 / 20
Following in the footsteps of 2020's Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2, this July release remakes the third and fourth games in the Pro Skater franchise (originally released in 2001 and 2002). In addition to updating the graphics for a modern era, the compilation adds new parks and skaters to the returning roster. Critics complained about 4's career mode (and soundtrack) being severely stripped down—and found the new game a bit too similar to 1+2 —but otherwise enjoyed the remakes.
"Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 is a comprehensive celebration of two iconic games where the skating feels just as good as you remember it, despite a few tweaks here and there." —TheXboxHub
#13: Mullet MadJack
8 / 20
Metacritic's Best Xbox Console Exclusive of 2025. An anime-influenced indie FPS with roguelite elements, Mullet MadJack is the debut game from the small Brazilian studio Hammer95. Set in a future where humans need a constant dopamine rush, Mullet MadJack has you navigating a skyscraper populated by killer "Robillionaires." Your character must kill at least once every 10 seconds to stay alive, but you'll get a choice of upgrades between each floor as long as you don't let the clock expire. Critics liked the intense gameplay, striking visuals, and the game's throwback feel. It's an Xbox console exclusive for now (and also available on PC), though a Switch version is in development.
"Mullet Madjack is a fast and furious roguelike FPS that scratches that just one more go itch perfectly. It's tight time limits and hair trigger blasting are as exhilarating as they are challenging, while it's retro sheen, cyberpunk aesthetics and gleeful anti capitalist message make it all the more charming." —Impulsegamer
#12: Silent Hill 2
9 / 20
Coming to Xbox a year after it first launched for PlayStation and PC, this modern remake of the Silent Hill franchise's high-water mark, 2001's Silent Hill 2, comes from horror game developer Bloober Team (Layers of Fear, The Medium). It's a faithful redo that features improved visuals (with a new camera angle) and an overhauled combat system while maintaining the story about a widower who returns to the foggy town of Silent Hill, Maine after receiving a letter from his dead wife.
"Despite the Series S's limitations, Silent Hill 2 remains a valuable experience on Xbox's current-gen systems. The Series X version matches the PS5 edition in quality and, with its more consistent frame rates, even outperforms it in certain scenarios. The Series S does show some weaknesses, but these stem naturally from the hardware constraints of this compact yet charming console." —BaziCenter
#11: Two Point Museum
10 / 20
Wacky management games Two Point Hospital and Two Point Campus were joined early this year by the equally silly Two Point Museum. And it may just be the best expression of Two Point's formula yet. Museum (also on consoles) tasks you with designing, curating, and running a variety of science institutions—a blend of more typical fare like aquariums and dinosaur museums with less common buildings like one devoted to supernatural exhibits—while managing staff, designing tour layouts, and more. Critics find it deeper, more varied, and more refined than its two predecessors.
"Much in the same way as the previous two Two Point entries, Two Point Museum is a delightful and cheeky, yet deliciously approachable management sim that's top of the class when it comes to comedy, irreverence and accessibility. While Two Point Museum continues the series momentum rather the delving into something entirely unexpected, it still contains many subtle and not-so-subtle new features that improve the entire Two Point franchise." —Xbox Tavern
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#10: Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
11 / 20
Goro Majima, who has appeared in Like a Dragon / Yakuza games off and on for two decades, is the sole playable character in the latest installment in what has become an annual series for Sega. Here, Majima is stranded on a Hawaiian island with no memory of how he got there, and he quickly forms a crew of pirates to search for hidden treasure and investigate the mystery of his recent past. Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii blends brawler-style combat, exploration, and naval battles, while also including some minigames, a franchise staple. Critics had fun with an overstuffed game they deemed absurd, bombastic, humorous, and fun.
"Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is everything I thought this game was going to be and I enjoyed the ride immensely. It's possible purists may not like the tone of the game too much but as a fan I can always get behind Majima being the main protagonist. His attitude and antics from previous games suit the farfetched nature here and you don't even need to have played any of the previous game to dive in and enjoy this title." —Xbox Tavern
#9: Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
12 / 20
Side-scrolling, ninja-themed action-platformer Art of Vengeance is the first release in 14 years in Sega's 38-year-old Shinobi franchise, and comes from the studio (Lizardcube) behind Streets of Rage 4, which was a similar revival of a long-dormant Sega property. The game boasts a hand-drawn animation style and incorporates some Metroidvania-like elements into the mix. Critics praised the addictive gameplay and well-executed combat, even if the platforming aspects of Vengeance were a bit less satisfying.
"Shinobi: Art of Vengeance marks the triumphant return of a legendary series that had been silent for too long. SEGA and Lizardcube have achieved what seemed almost impossible: bringing back the essence of Shinobi without falling into mere nostalgia, offering a game that works for both veterans and new generations." — Generación Xbox
#8: Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
13 / 20
Also available for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, the first sequel to the 2018 medieval action-RPG Kingdom Come: Deliverance doubles the size of that game's open world and continues the story of Henry of Skalitz in 15th century Bohemia as he attempts to restore King Wenceslaus IV to the throne. Critics think the sequel improves greatly upon the original, praising an ultra-realistic and immersive—though demanding—epic.
"Kingdom Come: Deliverance II builds upon the foundations already in place, offering a more polished experience with improved visuals, a larger world, and a deeper narrative." —TheXboxHub
#7: Final Fantasy XVI
14 / 20
Originally launched as a PlayStation exclusive in 2023 and finally ported to the Xbox this year, the first major Final Fantasy installment since 2016 is the best-reviewed FF game since 2006's Final Fantasy XII, though the Xbox version suffered at launch due to some visual hiccups. It's not a true open-world game like its immediate predecessor, but FF16 does feature some openly explorable areas throughout its action/RPG gameplay. Critics see a polished game with depth, a strong narrative, and fun real-time combat, though for every reviewer who deems FF16 a franchise best there's another who finds aspects of the game slightly short of greatness.
"Final Fantasy XVI from Square Enix still brings a wonderful story, well-defined characters, and a fantastic adventure on the Xbox Series X. It might not deliver the same graphical 'wow' that the other releases do, but it's still a worthy game to take on for 50+ hours." —Digital Chumps
#6: ARC Raiders
15 / 20
Part of a growing wave of extraction shooters—a roughly decade-old subcategory of multiplayer tactical shooters that usually feature PvPvE gameplay and finds teams vying to reach an escape point— ARC Raiders comes from the Swedish studio behind The Finals. The game is set in a 22nd century Earth where humans seek safety underground and the surface is dominated by lethal alien robots known as ARC. An ever-changing map, a variety of ARC types, and the choices of your fellow players mean that each runthrough offers a unique challenge. ARC Raiders was an immediate hit upon its late-October launch, selling over 4 million copies in under two months, and it went on to be named Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards. And critics think that the many additional extraction shooters poised to follow in Raiders' wake (including Bungie's high-profile Marathon, due in March) will have a hard time surpassing this instant classic.
"ARC Raiders raises the bar for extraction shooters pretty much across the board, with an incredibly gripping progression grind, tense fights against NPCs and other players that make for memorable matches, and loot that feels completely worth all the work and stress it takes to obtain it. The fact that it manages to also run well and look amazing all the while is just downright impressive, even if a few bugs here and there lead to the rare rage quit. For years I'd been wondering when someone would take the awesome promise of this genre to the next level, and ARC Raiders is without question what I've been waiting for." —IGN
#5: Monster Hunter Wilds
16 / 20
The seventh main entry in the 21-year-old action-RPG franchise—and the fastest-selling Capcom game in history— Monster Hunter Wilds is one of the best games in the franchise so far, according to critics. "Not so fast," say gamers—specifically, PC gamers. While reviewers appreciate how Wilds evolves, refines, and streamlines the Monster Hunter formula, complaints have been piling up on Steam (and elsewhere) about the game's sluggish performance on PC and also about Capcom's less-than-ambitious schedule of updates.
"Monster Hunter Wilds is an excellent addition to Capcom's long-running series. The game combines the expansiveness of Monster Hunter World with the improved pacing of Monster Hunter Rise into something worthy of the sum of its parts." —Checkpoint Gaming
#4: Blue Prince
17 / 20
An eight-year labor of love for cinematographer turned game developer Tonda Ros, Blue Prince is a puzzle adventure inspired by Christopher Manson's 1984 puzzle book Maze —with Manson even providing some of Prince's artwork. Also blending strategy and roguelike elements, the game tasks you with exploring the 45 rooms of an ever-shifting manor, hoping to eventually find your way to a hidden 46th room. Critics think it one of the best puzzlers in recent memory thanks to its depth, intelligence, and unique design, though it can be difficult at times (and its randomness can frustrate). Blue Prince picked up two nominations at The Game Awards and was awarded Game of the Year by the Indie Game Awards.
"The more one plays Blue Prince, the more enthralling it becomes. The thrill of finding an item that opens the door to new possibilities in previously-searched rooms is hard to match, and unraveling the game's mysteries is an experience that all gamers should seek out. Blue Prince is the new king of puzzle games and is quite simply can't-miss." —Game Rant
#3: Hollow Knight: Silksong
18 / 20
Team Cherry's first sequel to its excellent 2017 Metroidvania Hollow Knight is more of the same, if "the same" means stunning design and challenging gameplay. New lands and foes await returning players as they attempt to navigate their character Hornet—now able to battle with acrobatic finesse—through the insect kingdom known as Pharloom. Despite Silksong's even greater difficulty, critics liked it just as much as (and perhaps even more than) the first game, and it went on to collect six nominations at The Game Awards (winning for Best Action/Adventure Game). A free expansion, Sea of Sorrow, is due in 2026.
"There are few examples around of games as polished and refined as Hollow Knight: Silksong. Every single element of the game is the result of careful study and thoughtful consideration to ensure that players get exactly what Team Cherry wants to convey. And the difficulty, which is undeniably high even for a Metroidvania, is not an end in itself, but a means of transporting the player through a world that does not simply ask to be traversed, but revealed." —Gamesurf
#2: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
19 / 20
The first game from French studio Sandfall Interactive is a dark fantasy RPG set in a world where the evil Paintress wipes out every person at or above a certain age—with that number decreasing each time. You control multiple characters who are part of a yearlong expedition that sets out to prevent the next wipe from becoming reality. All prior missions have failed—will yours be any different?
Blending turn-based and real-time gameplay and featuring a voice cast led by Charlie Cox and Andy Serkis, Clair Obscur is one of the year's biggest hits—selling over 5 million units so far—while collecting widespread acclaim from critics and gamers alike for its moving story, unique combat mechanics, and striking visuals. It also set a record with 13 nominations at The Game Awards, winning nine including Game of the Year. Clair Obscur also scored Game of the Year wins from the Golden Joystick Awards and the Indie Game Awards but was forced to surrender the latter when it was subsequently disqualified for violating rules governing the use of AI.
"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is destined to become a classic, with a deep and well-written storyline, a spectacular soundtrack and top-notch graphics, along with a well-tuned combat system. One of the best JRPGs around." —MondoXbox
#1: Split Fiction
20 / 20
Metacritic's Best New Xbox Game of 2025. The latest title from Swedish studio Hazelight is, like It Takes Two and A Way Out before it, a two-player co-op action game. And while those two games were well-reviewed, Split Fiction is even better. You and a partner play as writers Mio and Zoe—the former a sci-fi specialist while the latter writes fantasy—as each becomes trapped inside their stories by a machine hoping to steal their ideas. (The machine is not named ChatGPT—just making that clear.) You'll have to work together to overcome challenges in an impressive variety of settings as the action plays out in split screen. That variety—and the overwhelming creativity, ingenuity, and playfulness on display—make Split Fiction an easy recommendation by critics.
"Split Fiction is a must-play for anyone who enjoyed It Takes Two. It takes the same formula as It Takes Two and pushes it even further, with much more detailed levels, a greater variety of mechanics between stages, and a story that will leave no one indifferent. Without a doubt, Split Fiction is going to be a strong contender for the GOTY awards this year, and for good reason, there hasn't been another game that blends so many elements together and achieves what this title does." —SomosXbox
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