Xbox Series X optimized games: Which titles are waiting for you and what the label means exactly!
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Games often look outdated after just a few years.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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Games database: Which games have which technology?
