Xbox Series X optimized games: Which titles are waiting for you and what the label means exactly!

Xbox Series X optimierte Spiele

Games often look outdated after just a few years. That’s why developers like to give one or the other title from their portfolio a modernization treatment. To find out whether the game you are looking for benefits from the features of the current Microsoft console, we have compiled a compact list of Xbox Series X optimized games and tell you in detail what advantages you can gain from them.

Xbox games with Xbox Series X|S Optimization

A Plague Tale: Innocence Cover
A Plague Tale: Innocence
Release date:
May 14, 2019
Genres:
RPG, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
As Dusk Falls Cover
As Dusk Falls
Release date:
Jul 19, 2022
Genres:
Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Cover
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Release date:
Nov 10, 2020
Genres:
Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Back 4 Blood Cover
Back 4 Blood
Release date:
Oct 12, 2021
Genres:
Shooter
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Battlefield 2042 Cover
Battlefield 2042
Release date:
Nov 19, 2021
Genres:
Shooter, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Borderlands 3 Cover
Borderlands 3
Release date:
Sep 13, 2019
Genres:
Shooter
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Cover
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Release date:
Nov 13, 2020
Genres:
Shooter
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Technologies:
120 Hertz, DualSense, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Call of Duty: Vanguard Cover
Call of Duty: Vanguard
Release date:
Nov 05, 2021
Genres:
Shooter
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op, Split screen
Technologies:
120 Hertz, 4K@120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Call of the Sea Cover
Call of the Sea
Release date:
Dec 08, 2020
Genres:
Puzzle, Adventure, Indie
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
120 Hertz, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Chorus Cover
Chorus
Release date:
Dec 03, 2021
Genres:
Fighting, Shooter, Adventure, Indie, Arcade
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Cyberpunk 2077 Cover
Cyberpunk 2077
Release date:
Dec 09, 2020
Genres:
RPG
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Technologies:
Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Death’s Door Cover
Death’s Door
Release date:
Jul 20, 2021
Genres:
Platform, RPG, Hack and slash, Adventure, Indie, Arcade
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
DualSense, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Destiny 2 Cover
Destiny 2
Release date:
Sep 06, 2017
Genres:
Shooter, RPG, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op, MMO
Technologies:
120 Hertz, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, PS4 Pro optimized, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Devil May Cry 5 Cover
Devil May Cry 5
Release date:
Mar 08, 2019
Genres:
Hack and slash, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Diablo II: Resurrected Cover
Diablo II: Resurrected
Release date:
Sep 22, 2021
Genres:
RPG, Hack and slash, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
DIRT 5 Cover
DIRT 5
Release date:
Nov 06, 2020
Genres:
Racing, Sport, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op, Split screen
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut Cover
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Release date:
Mar 30, 2021
Genres:
RPG, Adventure, Indie
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
120 Hertz, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Buy now
DOOM Eternal Cover
DOOM Eternal
Release date:
Mar 20, 2020
Genres:
Shooter
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Dying Light 2: Stay Human Cover
Dying Light 2: Stay Human
Release date:
Feb 04, 2022
Genres:
RPG, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, DualSense, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Elden Ring Cover
Elden Ring
Release date:
Feb 25, 2022
Genres:
RPG
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
F1 22 Cover
F1 22
Release date:
Jul 01, 2022
Genres:
Racing, Simulator, Sport
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Split screen
Technologies:
120 Hertz, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Far Cry 6 Cover
Far Cry 6
Release date:
Oct 07, 2021
Genres:
Shooter, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
FIFA 22 Cover
FIFA 22
Release date:
Sep 30, 2021
Genres:
Simulator, Sport
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op, Split screen
Technologies:
DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Fortnite Cover
Fortnite
Release date:
Jul 25, 2017
Genres:
Shooter, RPG, Strategy
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op, Split screen, Battle Royale
Technologies:
120 Hertz, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Forza Horizon 5 Cover
Forza Horizon 5
Release date:
Nov 09, 2021
Genres:
Racing, Sport
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Gears 5 Cover
Gears 5
Release date:
Sep 10, 2019
Genres:
Shooter, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
Dolby Atmos, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Grand Theft Auto V Cover
Grand Theft Auto V
Release date:
Sep 17, 2013
Genres:
Shooter, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Technologies:
Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
GRID Legends Cover
GRID Legends
Release date:
Feb 25, 2022
Genres:
Racing, Simulator, Sport
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Hades Cover
Hades
Release date:
Sep 17, 2020
Genres:
RPG, Hack and slash, Adventure, Indie
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
120 Hertz, DualSense, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Halo Infinite Cover
Halo Infinite
Release date:
Nov 15, 2021
Genres:
Shooter
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice Cover
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Release date:
Aug 08, 2017
Genres:
Hack and slash, Adventure, Indie
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, PS4 Pro optimized, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
HITMAN 3 Cover
HITMAN 3
Release date:
Jan 20, 2021
Genres:
Shooter, Tactical, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution, VR support
Buy now
Immortals Fenyx Rising Cover
Immortals Fenyx Rising
Release date:
Dec 02, 2020
Genres:
Puzzle, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
It Takes Two Cover
It Takes Two
Release date:
Mar 25, 2021
Genres:
Platform, Adventure
Game modes:
Co-op, Split screen
Technologies:
DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Life is Strange: True Colors Cover
Life is Strange: True Colors
Release date:
Sep 10, 2021
Genres:
Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Lost Judgment Cover
Lost Judgment
Release date:
Sep 24, 2021
Genres:
RPG, Hack and slash, Adventure
Technologies:
120 Hertz, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Deluxe Edition Cover
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Deluxe Edition
Release date:
Oct 26, 2021
Genres:
Shooter, RPG, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Microsoft Flight Simulator Cover
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Release date:
Aug 17, 2020
Genres:
Simulator
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Mortal Kombat 11 Cover
Mortal Kombat 11
Release date:
Apr 22, 2019
Genres:
Fighting
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
NBA 2K21 Cover
NBA 2K21
Release date:
Sep 04, 2020
Genres:
Simulator, Sport
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op, Split screen
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
No Man’s Sky Cover
No Man’s Sky
Release date:
Aug 09, 2016
Genres:
RPG, Simulator, Adventure, Indie
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, PS4 Pro optimized, Supports 4K resolution, VR support, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Ori and the Will of the Wisps Cover
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Release date:
Mar 10, 2020
Genres:
Platform, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Psychonauts 2 Cover
Psychonauts 2
Release date:
Aug 25, 2021
Genres:
Platform, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Resident Evil 7 biohazard Cover
Resident Evil 7 biohazard
Release date:
Jan 24, 2017
Genres:
Shooter, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, PS4 Pro optimized, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution, VR support, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Resident Evil Village Cover
Resident Evil Village
Release date:
May 07, 2021
Genres:
Shooter, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Riders Republic Cover
Riders Republic
Release date:
Oct 28, 2021
Genres:
Racing, Simulator, Sport
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Technologies:
DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Sea of Thieves Cover
Sea of Thieves
Release date:
Mar 20, 2018
Genres:
Simulator, Adventure
Game modes:
Multiplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
120 Hertz, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Cover
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Release date:
Nov 15, 2019
Genres:
Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, PS4 Pro optimized, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
The Quarry Cover
The Quarry
Release date:
Jun 10, 2022
Genres:
Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
Dolby Atmos, DualSense, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction Cover
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction
Release date:
Jan 20, 2022
Genres:
Shooter, Strategy
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now
Tunic Cover
Tunic
Release date:
Mar 16, 2022
Genres:
Adventure, Indie
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
120 Hertz, DualSense, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Watch Dogs: Legion Cover
Watch Dogs: Legion
Release date:
Oct 29, 2020
Genres:
Shooter, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Supports 4K resolution, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now
Yakuza: Like a Dragon Cover
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Release date:
Jan 16, 2020
Genres:
RPG, Hack and slash, Adventure
Game modes:
Singleplayer
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, DualSense, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now

Xbox Series X optimized games: Our Top 3 games

Elden Ring Cover
Elden Ring
Release date:
Feb 25, 2022
Genres:
RPG
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Supports 4K resolution
Buy now

Elden Ring

Elden Ring is a so-called Souls-like title from From Software, the creators of Dark Souls and additional popular games like Sekiro and Bloodborne. Accordingly, the level of difficulty of the action role-playing game is high. The general rule is: Proceed with caution in the open game world, otherwise you’ll find yourself on the ground more often than you’d like, especially at the beginning. By the way, Game of Thrones creator George R. R. Martin was also involved in the development.

Mortal Kombat 11 Cover
Mortal Kombat 11
Release date:
Apr 22, 2019
Genres:
Fighting
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Raytracing, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now

Mortal Kombat 11

Fans of old-established fighting games know exactly what Mortal Kombat stands for. Part eleven doesn’t spill the beans, but is full of effects and one thing in particular: game blood. Because there’s plenty of that again this time. In addition to some new protagonists and antagonists, you can choose from numerous familiar characters like Raiden, Kano, Sonya or the well-known Scorpion. Numerous modes, many customization options, a new crypt and a whole bunch of fresh fatalities are waiting for you to try them out.

Borderlands 3 Cover
Borderlands 3
Release date:
Sep 13, 2019
Genres:
Shooter
Game modes:
Singleplayer, Multiplayer, Co-op
Technologies:
120 Hertz, Dolby Atmos, DualSense, HDR10, Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One X Enhanced
Buy now

Borderlands 3

In Gearbox Software’s co-op shooter, you have the option of roaming the borderlands either solo or as a team with up to three additional players. The game’s progress is determined by main and side missions. For this, you choose one of four – sometimes somewhat exotic sounding – classes, such as the Siren, a melee fighter. While the Beastmaster is supported by animal companions and handles a sniper rifle, the Agent is aimed at players who are looking for stealth action. The shooter is considered beginner-friendly and can be used variably.

Xbox Series X optimized games: What does that mean?

Maybe some of you Xbox owners still remember the label “Xbox One X Enhanced“. This concept was introduced in the context of the Xbox One X release and continued after the launch of the current console generation with optimized for the Xbox Series X|S.

So, as soon as you read this note, you’ll know that the version of a game in question benefits from the Xbox Series X|S hardware in more or less many areas. However, since this designation – as written – can include various aspects, we will give you a summary of the respective graphical and performance improvements with which a game gets this stamp here.

4K Ultra HD

Xbox Series X optimized games 4K resolution
Higher level of detail with 4K.

Instead of Full HD or dynamic Ultra HD resolution, the game is displayed in native and permanently true 4K resolution on your screen. However, this can depend on the settings of the game. For example, Monster Hunter World offers three different modes. Only the resolution mode prioritizes a rasterization in 4K. However, the Xbox Series S has a maximum resolution of 1440p, also known as QHD.

FPS Boost

The so-called FPS or Frame Rate Boost increases the displayed frame rate from 60 to a target value of up to 120 frames per second. You can usually select this function in the graphics settings.

Xbox Series X optimized games FPS Boost
More frames make for a smoother gaming experience.

The alternative method to find out if the selected game supports this feature works via the Xbox button. If you press it while you are in the game, you will see a message in the upper right corner below the time.

If this is not the case, use the Start button to select the corresponding entry of the game in the navigation menu on the left side.

This opens a submenu that takes you to the administration of the game and its add-ons. Once there, you can open the compatibility settings and see directly whether the FPS Boost is supported or not.

Raytracing

Xbox Series X optimized games ray tracing
Fancier graphics due to real-time light.

With this graphics technology, the game is displayed with light calculations in real time. While this provides a significant boost in terms of image quality on the one hand, it usually has a negative impact on the game’s performance.

Depending on the resolution, the game environment can often only be rendered with 30 frames per second – even on the current consoles. In rare cases, 60 frames are also possible – but this is still the exception.

Fast load times via SSD

Xbox Series X optimized games load times SSD
Thanks to the SSD, your loading times are reduced considerably.

Since both the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S have a Solid State Disk, or SSD for short, as a hard drive, load times – already without additional optimization – are significantly shorter. However, some developers still adjust this setting screw further to achieve an even better loading speed for Xbox Series X optimized games.

Smart Delivery

This means that regardless of which version of an Xbox title you purchase, you’ll always get the best graphical update for it. For example, if you buy Halo: Infinite for Xbox One, you automatically get the next-gen version for Xbox Series X for free. Generally, this feature is available for all exclusive Xbox Game Studio games.

Xbox Series X optimized games Smart Delivery
Once purchased you will always get the best version.

In the future, features like AMD’s FideltyFX Super Resolution and the second generation of this technology will also play an important role in improving the performance of games and might be included in this optimization list. Finally, it should be mentioned that already the adjustment in one of the above mentioned areas is enough to qualify the game as “Optimized for Xbox Series X|S”.

You can only benefit from some the features for Xbox Series X optimized games if you have a suitable TV. If your current model is a bit outdated and you need help finding a new one, we have already made a pre-selection of suitable TVs for the Xbox Series X for you.

Since many Xbox Series X optimized games not only have enhanced graphics and improved performance, but also increasingly offer three-dimensional surround sound, there might still be room for improvement for some of you. The buyer’s guide from soundbarfindr provides you with the necessary information and reveals everything you need to know about Dolby Atmos.

Do Xbox Series X/S optimized games actually cost more?

In individual cases, you might have to pull a few euros more out of your wallet for an Xbox Series X|S optimized title. But that is rather the exception. As a rule, you won’t have to pay more. If the game supports Smart Delivery – as mentioned above – and you already own the last-gen version, you will even get the next-gen version – if available – as a free update.

Does Xbox Game Pass also offer Xbox Series X optimized games?

The Game Pass is even the best way to get comparatively cheap access to numerous games that benefit from the optimization. Microsoft offers two subscription models. The standard package costs 9.99 Euros per month and includes over 300 downloadable titles. The Premium offer costs a bit more at 12.99 Euros, but also gives you access to EA Play with many additional titles from the well-known publisher.

Not found what you were looking for?