As gaming enthusiasts eagerly await the new year, Xbox continues to dominate the scene with some of the best exclusive Xbox games set to release in 2025 and beyond. Powered by advanced engines like Unreal Engine 5, these titles promise groundbreaking visuals, immersive gameplay, and unforgettable experiences. In this article, we’ll delve into the best Xbox exclusive games, highlighting why each deserves a spot on your radar. For PC gamers, don’t miss our “The Best RPG Game PC” guide for additional recommendations.
The Outer Worlds 2 (Unreal Engine 5) – 2025
Set in a new star system, The Outer Worlds 2 introduces players to unexplored territories and a fresh cast of companions. The game maintains its signature blend of humor and action, with enhanced graphics and gameplay mechanics powered by Unreal Engine 5. Players can anticipate a more expansive univ
In the lead-up to the game's release, a short story o games was streamed on Prime Video on December 17, offering fans a glimpse into the expanded universe and bridging the narrative between the original and the sequel.
Halo 7 (Unreal Engine 5) – TBA
Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries) has announced that future Halo games will be developed using Unreal Engine 5, moving away from the proprietary Slipspace Engine used in previous titles.
This transition aims to enhance development efficiency and game quality, potentially allowing for multi-platform releases, including on PlayStation 5.
While specific details about Halo 7 remain undisclosed, the shift to Unreal Engine 5 suggests that players can anticipate significant improvements in graphics, gameplay mechanics, and overall performance.
The release date for Halo 7 is currently to be announced (TBA).
Subnautica 2 (Unreal Engine 5) – TBA
Subnautica 2, currently in development by Unknown Worlds Entertainment, is the highly anticipated sequel to the original Subnautica. The game is set to enter Early Access in 2025, with availability on PC and Xbox platforms.
Unlike its Unity-based predecessors, Subnautica 2 is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, promising enhanced graphics and performance.
Mistfall Hunter (Unreal Engine 5) – 2025
Mistfall Hunter is a third-person action PvPvE extraction RPG developed by Bellring Games, set to release in 2025 for Xbox Series X/S and PC.
The game is set in a dark fantasy world inspired by Norse mythology, where players assume the roles of Gylden Hunters. These hunters battle against corrupted creatures and other players to collect treasures, aiming to escape dangerous areas safely. Mistfall Hunter combines action, strategy, and team coordination, promising an engaging experience for players.
Currently, the game is in a closed beta testing phase. You can watch the gameplay video below for a closer look at Mistfall Hunter:
Marvel's Blade (Void Engine) – TBA
Marvel's Blade is an upcoming third-person action-adventure game developed by Arkane Lyon and published by Bethesda Softworks, scheduled for release in 2025.
Based on the Marvel Comics character Blade, the game follows vampire hunter Eric Brooks as he battles supernatural forces in Paris. Arkane Lyon is utilizing their proprietary Void Engine, previously employed in titles like Dishonored 2 and Deathloop, to develop this game.
Marvel's Blade promises to deliver a unique experience by combining Arkane's signature gameplay with an engaging narrative from the Marvel universe.
State of Decay 3 (Unreal Engine 5) – 2025
State of Decay 3 is the upcoming installment in the zombie survival game series, currently under development by Undead Labs and slated for release in 2025.
The game is being built using Unreal Engine 5, aiming to enhance graphics and gameplay, with support from The Coalition, the team behind the Gears of War series.
State of Decay 3 promises a more realistic and engaging survival experience, featuring expansive open-world environments and upgraded sandbox elements.
Fable (ForzaTech) – 2025
Fable is an upcoming action role-playing game developed by Playground Games and published by Xbox Game Studios, scheduled for release in 2025 for Windows and Xbox Series X/S.
The game is being developed using the ForzaTech engine, known for its use in the Forza racing series, promising impressive graphics and a rich open-world experience.
Fable will take players back to the legendary land of Albion, where they can explore, engage in combat, and make decisions that influence the storyline, maintaining the series' signature humor and magic. Notably, Eidos-Montréal is collaborating on the development of this project, ensuring quality and depth for the game.
Gears of War: E-Day (Unreal Engine 5) – TBA
Gears of War: E-Day is a prequel to the third-person shooter series Gears of War, developed by The Coalition and announced in June 2024.
The game is set 14 years before the original installment, focusing on Emergence Day (E-Day) when the Locust Horde first attacked humanity on the planet Sera. Players will follow younger versions of Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, experiencing the initial moments of the Locust invasion. Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game promises enhanced graphics and detailed environments.
As of now, the official release date has not been announced.
You can watch the official announcement trailer for Gears of War: E-Day below:
OD (Unreal Engine 5) – TBA
OD is an upcoming horror game developed by Kojima Productions and published by Xbox Game Studios. The game features actors Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and Udo Kier, with Hideo Kojima and Jordan Peele serving as writers.
Kojima Productions is collaborating with Xbox Game Studios, leveraging Microsoft's cloud gaming technology to create a unique, immersive, and entirely new style of game.
The game is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, utilizing the MetaHuman tool to create highly realistic characters.
Perfect Dark (Unreal Engine 5) – 2025
Perfect Dark is an upcoming action-adventure first-person shooter developed by The Initiative and Crystal Dynamics, set for release on Windows and Xbox Series X/S.
The game is built on Unreal Engine 5, promising realistic graphics and a rich open-world experience.
Players will assume the role of agent Joanna Dark in a near-future world facing environmental crises, where mega-corporations conceal dangerous secrets.
The gameplay combines stealth and high-tech gadgets, featuring a parkour system that allows Joanna to navigate environments fluidly.
As of now, the official release date has not been announced.
You can watch the gameplay trailer for Perfect Dark below:
Avowed (Unreal Engine 5) – February 18, 2025
Avowed is an upcoming first-person action role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment, scheduled for release on February 18, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Set in the world of Eora, players will explore the enigmatic Living Lands, a region filled with mysteries and dangers.
The game is built on Unreal Engine 5.3, with support from The Coalition, promising enhanced graphics and a rich open-world experience.
Players assume the role of an envoy from Aedyr, dispatched to investigate rumors of a spreading plague that harbors secrets capable of catastrophic consequences.
Obsidian Avowed will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one.
ARK 2 (Unreal Engine 5) – Late 2025
ARK 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the survival game ARK: Survival Evolved, currently in development by Studio Wildcard. The game is being built on Unreal Engine 5, promising realistic graphics and an immersive open-world experience.
Recently, there were reports from Digital Domain, a support studio, suggesting a potential delay to spring 2025. However, Studio Wildcard has dismissed this information, attributing it to a typographical error, and reaffirmed that ARK 2 is on track for a late 2024 release.
ARK 2 is set to launch exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with a PlayStation 5 version expected to follow later. The game will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one, providing early access for subscribers.
Project Mara (Unreal Engine 5) – TBA
Project Mara is an experimental horror game under development by Ninja Theory, the studio renowned for titles like Senua's Saga: Hellblade II and DmC: Devil May Cry. This project utilizes Unreal Engine 5, Epic Games' advanced game development technology, to deliver the most realistic visual and auditory experience possible.
Currently, the official release date for Project Mara has not been announced. However, its use of Unreal Engine 5 and focus on authentically depicting psychological elements have garnered significant interest from both the gaming community and industry experts.
South of Midnight (Unreal Engine 5) – 2025
South of Midnight is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by Compulsion Games, known for titles like We Happy Few and Contrast. Set in a fictionalized American Deep South, the game is scheduled for release in 2025 on Windows and Xbox Series X/S platforms.
The game employs Unreal Engine 4, aiming for a unique stop-motion art style that enhances its Southern Gothic atmosphere. It targets a performance of 60 frames per second on both Xbox Series X and S consoles. Notably, players have the option to disable the stop-motion effect during gameplay, though it remains active in cutscenes.
Upon release, South of Midnight will be available on Xbox Game Pass, providing subscribers with immediate access to the game.
The Legend of Baboo (Unreal Engine 5) – TBA
The Legend of Baboo is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by Permanent Way Entertainment and published by Midwest Games. Inspired by Middle Eastern fables, the game follows Sepehr, a young boy, and his loyal dog, Baboo, as they embark on a quest to rescue their family from ancient evil forces.
Developed using Unreal Engine 5, The Legend of Baboo aims to deliver a visually captivating experience that complements its heartfelt narrative and engaging gameplay.
The Legend of Baboo is scheduled for release in 2025 on the following platforms:
Xbox Consoles: Playable on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
PC: Available via Steam.
With a stellar lineup of best Xbox exclusive games, 2025 is shaping up to be a phenomenal year for gamers. From RPGs to survival epics, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to explore our “The Best RPG Game PC” for more exciting titles beyond the Xbox ecosystem.
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