2025 has been an exciting year for Xbox players, with a growing list of games already making a huge impact. Despite recent negative headlines surrounding Xbox’s business direction, the console’s game library tells a more positive story. From blockbuster remasters to surprising indie releases, players have had plenty of reasons to stay engaged. Here are ten of the best Xbox games of 2025 so far, all available right now.
Oblivion Remastered – March 2025
Oblivion Remastered is one of the year’s biggest highlights. Virtual Studios delivered a near-perfect remaster of the beloved RPG, updating visuals, refining mechanics, and preserving the game’s original charm. Players can enjoy this classic whether they are revisiting it or jumping in for the first time. Best of all, it’s available on Xbox Game Pass, making it easy to try.
South of Midnight – April 2025
South of Midnight delivers a southern gothic story with a strong emotional core. Players step into the role of Hazel, a young weaver on a quest to save her mother. Although combat is basic, the game shines through its world-building, narrative, and soundtrack. Compulsion Games has created an experience that is worth exploring for its story alone.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – February 2025
Warhorse Studios impressed with Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, a medieval RPG set in Bohemia. The game’s reactive world and choice-driven narrative stand out. Players’ actions influence NPC behavior, adding layers of realism. While the combat system takes practice, it offers deep rewards once mastered. This sequel is a clear step up from its cult-classic predecessor.
Blueprints – January 2025
Blueprints surprised everyone with its inventive gameplay. Players build and navigate a shifting maze, combining strategy, puzzles, and light deck-building mechanics. Its eerie atmosphere and replayable design keep every session fresh. Blueprints is an indie gem that deserves attention and is also part of the Xbox Game Pass library.
Split Fiction – Early 2025 (Xbox 2025 Must-Play Games)
Split Fiction continues Hazelight Studios’ success with another co-op adventure. Players control two writers trapped in their own story worlds, one sci-fi and one fantasy. The game’s environments are stunning, and its story-driven gameplay makes it perfect for playing with friends or partners. It builds on the studio’s previous hits, bringing more players into the co-op genre.
Dynasty Warriors Origins – May 2025
Dynasty Warriors Origins revives the franchise with large-scale battles, improved combat, and RPG progression. The game brings back the chaotic action fans love while adding modern mechanics. Although character selection is more limited this time, the game’s scale and polish make it the best Dynasty Warriors release in years.
The First Berserker: Kazan – February 2025
The First Berserker: Kazan blends anime visuals with challenging Souls-like combat. Players take on the role of Kazan, a disgraced general fighting to clear his name. The poise-breaking combat system keeps fights engaging, while the dark world design adds atmosphere. It’s a great choice for those looking to enter the Souls-like genre for the first time.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows – April 2025
Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes players to feudal Japan, blending stealth and action. The game features two protagonists, though their storylines feel uneven at times. Still, the open world is rich with detail, and the return to stealth-focused gameplay makes this one of the series’ better recent entries.
Claire Obscure: Expedition 33 – April 2025
Claire Obscure: Expedition 33 is the highest-rated game of the year so far. Its emotional story, beautiful visuals, and unique world have left a strong impression. Players join a group of expeditioners trying to stop a mysterious threat. This narrative-driven RPG is a must-play and could set a new standard for story-focused games.
