Back 4 Blood (Xbox Series X|S)

Remember Left 4 Dead and the fact that Valve can't seem to count to three? Well, the original developers do and they've took it upon themselves to create a spiritual successor to the much loved game. Back 4 Blood aims to replicate that experience, using the same dynamic, but racking up the terror with more zombies than ever before. The initial gameplay reveal teased hordes upon hordes, as well as devastating brutes to take on. Looks to be a fun, cooperative ride.

  • Release Date: June 22, 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Xbox Series X|S)

The LEGO series was absent in 2020, so we're expecting LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga to be a massive change in the formula. It's already been previously noted that this will be a ground-up recreation of the LEGO Star Wars games, with more open-ended exploration, more characters than ever before and new gameplay mechanics for the series - all in one package. We honestly can't wait to relive some of our favourite Star Wars moments in brick form, as the new release is expected this year.

  • Release Date: Spring 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Cris Tales (Xbox Series X|S)

It's hard not to look at Cris Tales and be completely enamoured with its art style - it's gorgeous. Underneath it all lies a love letter to the JRPG genre which we can't wait to discover. With impressive turn-based combat; the ability to change the past, present and future; an engaging narrative; and an absolutely stunning world to lose yourself in, Cris Tales is looking to be one of the biggest indie titles of 2021.

  • Release Date: July 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

Fall Guys (Xbox Series X|S)

The ultra-popular PlayStation and PC party game Fall Guys has been announced as coming to Xbox this summer, and was also recently added to the Epic Games lineup after developer Mediatonic was bought out by the company. It remains to be seen if it'll be free-to-play, then, but even if not, this is a fantastic Total Wipeout style battle royale game in which you clumsily compete across a variety of obstacle courses. Great fun!

  • Release Date: Summer 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Scarlet Nexus (Xbox Series X|S)

This anime action game looks to be blend of Platinum Games combat, with a stunning visual style. All the gameplay shown thus far has indicated that Scarlet Nexus is in safe hands with Bandai Namco, and will deliver an exhilarating experience when it launches in summer this year. With RPG elements added into the mix, the gameplay loop looks addicting, while the world seems a joy to explore. Perhaps a surprise hit of 2021?

  • Release Date: Summer 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Microsoft Flight Simulator (Xbox Series X|S)

Even if you're not a big fan of flight sim games, it's hard not to be impressed with Microsoft Flight Simulator. It's a technical masterpiece and allows you to fly wherever you want in the world, whether you're cruising alone in a small plane or piloting a commercial jet alongside 20 of your friends. The only downside is that it's currently a PC exclusive, but that's all about to change this summer when the game arrives on Xbox Series X and S.

  • Release Date: Summer 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

Aliens: Fireteam Elite (Xbox Series X|S)

Aliens: Fireteam is the latest entry in the Alien franchise on Xbox, serving as an online-focused "next-gen, cooperative third-person survival shooter." We don't know too much about it just yet, but we do know that it'll feature over 20 enemy types (including 11 different Xenomorphs) and five playable classes, and there doesn't appear to be any sign of microtransactions or loot boxes either. We're definitely excited for this one!

  • Release Date: Summer 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (Xbox One)

When the game hit PC back in 2019, it was met by critical acclaim. We've waited a long time for an inevitable console release and this Summer will finally see it hitting the Xbox family. Disco Elysium is an isometric RPG, but instead of focusing on combat, its main hook is its narrative decisions and how certain responses will be linked to chance. It can end in disastrous consequences or work entirely in your favour. Either way, no two playthroughs are the same, and we can't wait to see what all the fuss is about.

  • Release Date: Summer 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Halo Infinite (Xbox Series X|S)

This is the big one. Xbox's titan for 2021. No pressure.

Halo Infinite was originally scheduled to launch alongside the Xbox Series X|S, with its initial gameplay reveal promising a more open campaign. Unfortunately, the game was later pushed back to Fall 2021, in which we're positive it will be a massive hit and substantially better than it would have been in 2020. Excitement for the latest entry is high as it appears to be returning to the series' roots and we cannot wait.

  • Release Date: Fall 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

The Ascent (Xbox Series X|S)

The Cyberpunk genre is in full force at the moment and The Ascent looks to be the latest entry. Coming day one to Xbox Game Pass, The Ascent is an isometric RPG, built with co-op play in mind. With a variety of weapons and horde of enemies to take on, the action RPG looks to keep up us on our toes as we build our characters up within its futuristic setting. We can't wait to get our hands on it and see what the fuss is about.

  • Release Date: TBC 2021
  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes