Feature: 30 Upcoming Xbox Series X Games To Look Forward To In 2021

As we continue into 2021 with our shiny new consoles (or preparing to buy one, or maybe even sticking with the Xbox One!), we have a long list of games awaiting us that have our hearts racing in excitement and anticipation.

Microsoft is looking to continue its trend of bringing quality titles to Xbox Game Pass that we can't wait to dive into, especially when many of them are joining the same day they release. It's going to be a great year to see just how powerful the Xbox Series X|S actually are as many titles push them both to their limits.

From small indie titles, to massive AAA games that will set the benchmark for what next-gen can deliver, Xbox owners have a lot to look forward to in 2021, so we've highlighted 30 titles that we think should be on your radar.

Note: This list was originally published in early January, but we've updated it below!

Balan Wonderworld (Xbox Series X|S)

With the platforming genre back in action, Balan Wonderworld is looking to add flame to the fire on March 26. Ahead of that date, you can check out a totally free demo right now on Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, and while it's received mixed reviews thus far, the colourful visuals and wonderful art direction still has us interested, and we intrigued to get our hands on the final game. Hopefully it's onto a winner!

  • Release Date: March 26, 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

It Takes Two (Xbox Series X|S)

A Way Out redefined what a cooperative game could do, using a prison as its central setting and focusing on two characters who planned to break free and get their lives back. It Takes Two follows a similar gameplay pattern, but this time creating a light hearted story based around a couple, arriving on March 26. The genre switching gameplay looks a lot more visceral than A Way Out, with platforming, boss battles and puzzles to solve. It honestly looks really charming and the potential to be a surprise hit in 2021.

  • Release Date: March 26, 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Outriders (Xbox Series X|S)

Outriders is pure, explosive multiplayer fun. Developed by the same team who worked on the fantastic Bulletstorm, the same chaotic energy has been infused here, with a free demo available now. Focused on cooperative teamwork, with elements of RPG elements, it's a promising start and we have high hopes for the game post-launch.

  • Release Date: April 1, 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

MLB The Show 21 (Xbox Series X|S)

MLB The Show has remained a PlayStation exclusive ever since its debut back in 2006, but incredibly, the PlayStation Studios title is coming to Xbox One and Xbox Series X with MLB The Show 21. The game will even feature crossplay between all systems, and while there's no Smart Delivery or Xbox Game Pass support for this one, we're just delighted to see the world's premiere baseball series finally heading to Xbox in 2021.

  • Release Date: April 20, 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139... (Xbox One)

NieR: Automata is a masterpiece, there's no doubt about that, and NieR Replicant looks to take the gameplay that defined Automata and infuse it into a remake of original on April 23. Technically, the remake, is a remake of a reworked version of the original, but going down that rabbit hole leads to confusion, so we'll say this - NieR Replicant looks to be one of the most action packed RPGs to hit the Xbox family this year and we can't wait to revisit the original within the Automata engine.

  • Release Date: April 23, 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Judgment (Xbox Series X|S)

As if having the entire Yakuza series on Xbox wasn't enough, SEGA has decided to bring Judgment over to the Xbox Series X. While the game is still set in the same universe, it follows a different path as players control a detective solving a series of murders. It's a different tone, but just as good as any of the other entries. Complete with refined visuals, 60 frames per second, and faster loading times - this is the definitive version of the game.

  • Release Date: April 23, 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Hood: Outlaws and Legends (Xbox Series X|S)

If you've ever looked at Robin Hood and thought it was begging for an online multiplayer game, then you're in luck. Hood: Outlaws and Legends takes the classic Sherwood tale and puts its own four vs. four player spin on it. As rival gangs, you will be tasked to steal a wealth of riches from an AI opponent, dodging guards and being as stealthy as possible. It's an interesting concept and one we can't wait to see play out.

  • Release Date: May 10, 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Resident Evil Village (Xbox Series X|S)

It seems the Resident Evil series is returning to yearly entries, with the previous two seeing a remake of Resident Evil 2 & 3, but we're not complaining. Since Resident Evil VII acted as a soft reboot to the series, things have looked up and Village looks grotesque, disturbing and terrifying in all the right ways. Going back to the first-person aspect of VII, the action will have players staring down the barrel at horrifying zombie menaces that roam the streets. Get us back into the frights, now!

  • Release Date: May 7, 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

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Resident Evil Village - Gold Edition (Xbox Series X/S)
Resident Evil Village - Gold Edition (Xbox Series X/S)

Mass Effect Legendary Edition (Xbox One)

The Mass Effect trilogy is nothing short of a game changer. It created a cinematic RPG universe which players embraced with open arms and cherished. While many will dispute its ending, there's no denying the ride there was phenomenal. So, with Mass Effect Legendary Edition on the horizon, excitement for the series has returned. Promising updated visuals and refined gameplay across the collection, it's going to be a perfect excuse to revisit old friends, ahead of the upcoming sequel.

  • Release Date: May 14, 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Biomutant (Xbox One)

There's probably no other game on this list that looks as weird and unique as Biomutant, and that's one of the reasons why we love it. The game has you controlling a mutated animal in a world filled with fellow critters. As an open-world RPG, you'll be completing quests, levelling up your character and exploring a diverse range of environments. It looks bonkers and something refreshing amongst sequels and familiar IPs.

  • Release Date: May 25, 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? No