Microsoft's last console, the Xbox One, had a bit of a rough first year, but the Series S and X look to be flying off of shelves already.
Whether you've got the entry-level Series S or the powerful Series X, you'll be able to enjoy lightning-fast loading times, smooth frame-rates, and ray-tracing in compatible games.
With so many games available, it can be tricky to work out which to get stuck into first, but we've picked our absolute favourites that are currently available.
Here are the best of the best on Series S and X.
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
- Destiny 2
- DIRT 5
- FIFA 21
- Immortals: Fenyx Rising
- NBA 2K21 Next-Gen
- Planet Coaster
- Yakuza: Like A Dragon
The Best Xbox Series X/S Games You Can Play Right Now
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
If you're like me and can't grow a beard, Assassin's Creed: Valhalla is the next best thing. Picking up as male or female versions of Eivor, you'll lead your people to a new life in a glorious recreation of Britain.
Rolling fields, towns to pillage, and your very own longship make this feel like stepping into history, and the brutal combat isn't half bad either.
Sail towards our review here.
Click here to buy: Assassin's Creed Valhalla Xbox Series X/ S on Amazon (Was £51.99, Now £39.99)
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War had the unenviable task of not only being the franchise's first instalment on a new generation of console but also following up the excellent Modern Warfare reboot.
This direct sequel to 2010's Black Ops offers a surprisingly varied campaign that cribs ideas from spy movies and action blockbusters alike, as well as a multiplayer suite that just keeps on growing. Then there's Zombies mode, which will keep you playing long into the night.
Snipe our review here.
Click here to buy: Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War Xbox Series X/ S on Amazon
Destiny 2
Destiny 2 may have launched with some controversial omissions from the first game, but it's grown into an excellent title in its own right – and it's free now, too.
Offering the finest first-person-shooter gameplay on a console, along with 60 FPS on next-gen consoles, it's beautiful to look at and feels perfect to play. If you enjoy it, the game's expansions are all included on Xbox Game Pass, too, meaning you have a treasure trove of content to work through.
Read our beginner’s guide here.
DIRT 5
If you've ever looked at racing games and thought they looked a bit stuffy and po-faced, then DIRT 5 is for you.
Offering the chance to screech around the edges of steep mountains, fly through puddles, or trade paint with other drivers, it's one of the most varied titles in the genre – and it's gorgeous, too.
Powerslide over to our review here.
Click here to buy: DIRT 5 for Xbox on Amazon
FIFA 21
It's FIFA 21, but not quite as you know it. Series S and Series X make FIFA 21 faster, prettier, and more authentic with new lighting and textures for players, as well as new cutscenes like players and fans arriving at the stadium on match day.
Whether you're looking to build your dream Ultimate Team, play Career Mode or just enjoy some split-screen matches for bragging rights, FIFA 21 has you covered.
Click here to buy: FIFA 21 Next Level Edition Xbox Series X on Amazon (£59.99)
Immortals: Fenyx Rising
Sure, it's not the catchiest name, but Immortals (formerly known as Gods And Monsters) is a third-person action-adventure through Greek mythology by way of Dreamworks-style animation.
It's funny, bombastic and heartfelt in equal measure, and offers fun combat and exploration that'll keep you hooked for hours.
Fly over to our review here.
Click here to buy:Immortals: Fenyx Rising Xbox Series X on Amazon (Was £51.99, Now £33.99)
NBA 2K21 Next-Gen
If you looked at 2K21 on the previous generation of consoles and thought "man, will games ever look better than this?" then the answer is yes. NBA 2K21 on next-gen is transformative, and while it shares the same name as its Xbox One relation, make no mistake – this is a whole new (ball) game.
Tweaks to dribbling, player physicality, animations and even the AI of courtside spectators have been made, making NBA 2K21 on Xbox Series X a truly next-gen title.
Dribble over to our review here.
Click here to buy: NBA 2K21 Xbox Series X on Amazon (£53.99)
Planet Coaster
If you've ever dreamed of running and operating your own theme park, you'll want to give Planet Coaster a try.
Offering impressive detail across its bespoke career mode playgrounds, or the opportunity to build from scratch, it's a rare example of a complex game that's been translated impressively to a gamepad.
Check out our review here to find out why it’s worth the price of admission.
Click here to buy: Planet Coaster Xbox Series X on Amazon (£37.99)
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
If you've not played a Yakuza game, then we have some news – you've been missing out. But fret not, friend – Like A Dragon is an ideal place to jump in.
You see, this latest instalment switches perspective from longtime protagonist Kazuma Kiryu to new character Ichiban Kasuga, and adds turn-based RPG combat to the traditionally real-time series. It's heartfelt, silly, and a great way to spend a few dozen hours.
Take on our review here.
Click here to buy: Yakuza: Like A Dragon Xbox Series X on Amazon (£55.29)
We’ll be updating this list throughout the console’s lifecycle, so be sure to check back.
READ MORE: Best Xbox Series X Monitors - Our top picks to get the most out of Next-Gen!
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