The upcoming consoles Xbox Series X and S will offer a slew of games that will exclusively be available on these devices and on PC. Here on MeinMMO, you will find out which games will initially be released only for Microsoft’s systems.
What are exclusive titles? This term refers to games that are only released on a specific platform. Especially the PlayStation has often offered special gems in the past, such as “The Last of Us” and “God of War”.
But the upcoming Xbox Series X as well as the smaller Series S will also offer a form of exclusive titles, albeit somewhat differently than on the PS5.
Update: This article was revised on September 30, 2020, and updated with further information.
The exclusive titles for the Xbox Series X, Series S, and PC
What is special about Xbox exclusives? In fact, there are no pure Xbox exclusive titles on the new console. Microsoft sees the term “Xbox” more as a service than just a platform.
This is clearly demonstrated by the Game Pass. While it is called Xbox Game Pass, it provides access to a multitude of games that also run on PC and Android mobile devices via streaming. However, some titles are only available for the console or PC in the Game Pass.
You can see on the official Xbox page of Microsoft which games are included in the Game Pass. Here, you can also see which title is being released for which platform.
Thus, Microsoft relies much less on pure exclusive titles than, for example, Sony. Nevertheless, there will be more than a dozen games that will initially only come to Xbox consoles or Windows PCs.
However, it may well be that some games will later be released on other platforms besides Xbox or PC.
Halo Infinite
What is it? This game is intended to be a kind of reboot of the Halo series and is one of the major highlight games of the Xbox Series X. Halo Infinite is the successor to Halo 5: Guardians and the third part of the Reclaimer Saga. In the story, Master Chief is supposed to play an even more important role. But the shooter action will also not be shortcoming.
When is the release? Halo Infinite was supposed to be launched with the new console Xbox Series X/S. However, in August 2020, the delay to 2021 was announced. When exactly the game will be released is still unclear.
How exclusive is the game? Although it was supposed to launch with Series X/S, Halo Infinite is also planned for PC, Steam, and even the old Xbox One. However, nothing is known about further releases.
Fable
What is it? This is a reboot of the popular Fable games. You can expect an original fantasy world with plenty of opportunities to express yourself. The developers this time are Playground Games, known for Forza Horizon.
Fable is known for giving you many opportunities to play freely in a humorous fantasy world. Since the last Fable was 10 years ago, this “reboot” is long overdue.
When is the release? Unfortunately, there is still no information on the release of the game. However, it might come sometime in 2021.
How exclusive is the game? Since the Fable IP belongs to Microsoft, it is rather unlikely that this game will be released for platforms other than Xbox consoles or PC.
State of Decay 3
What is it? The zombie carnage goes into the third round with State of Decay. Here, too, you can look forward to plenty of undead and brutal action. Among other things, there are undead deer that come across particularly creepy in the trailer.
When is the release? In July 2020, the developers stated that State of Decay 3 is still in early pre-production. It will likely take some time before the game is released.
How exclusive is the game? State of Decay 3 is published by Microsoft Game Studios. Therefore, it should initially be safely released on Xbox and PC.
Forza Motorsport
What is it? The next Forza title skips numbering and instead focuses on technical aspects. It is said to have 4k support, ray tracing, and wild racing at 60 frames per second.
When is the release? This game is also still in early development and should take some time before it is released.
How exclusive is the game? Forza Motorsport is scheduled to be released on PC and Xbox Series X/S according to publisher Microsoft. However, it is primarily optimized for Series X.
Everwild
What is it? This is a beautiful adventure game in which you can explore a magical world. However, not much more is known about the game. The developers Rare are also the creators of the jovial Pirate MMO Sea of Thieves.
When is the release? There is currently no information regarding the development status or release of Everwild.
How exclusive is the game? Publisher Microsoft has currently only announced Everwild for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
Avowed
What is it? This game is a nice fantasy role-playing game that you will play from a first-person perspective. Avowed is set in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity and is supposed to play like a mix between Skyrim and Dragon Age.
When is the release? Avowed is still far from finished and should be released no earlier than 2022.
How exclusive is the game? Avowed is published by Microsoft and is currently planned only for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
As Dusk Falls
What is it? This game is an interactive drama from the indie developer Interior/Night. You start in a story about two families in the southwestern USA. Throughout the game, you will uncover more and more elements of the tragic and dramatic story.
When is the release? No further information is currently available regarding the release of the game.
How exclusive is the game? In addition to Series X/S, As Dusk Falls is also set to be released for PC and Xbox One.
Psychonauts 2
What is it? The long-awaited sequel to Psychonauts is a platformer with cute graphics. You play as a young psychonaut named Raz, who can penetrate the thoughts of others with his psychic powers.
When is the release? Psychonauts 2 is expected to be released in 2021.
How exclusive is the game? Psychonauts 2 is set to be released on PC (including Steam), Xbox One, Series X/S, and even on PlayStation 4.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
What is it? S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is the eagerly awaited sequel to the iconic survival shooter. Once again, it goes into the “Zone” around the destroyed reactor of Chernobyl. But this time everything is bigger and set up as an open world. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will be a temporary exclusive title for Xbox.
When is the release? S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is expected to be released in 2021.
How exclusive is the game? Currently, only PC and Series X/S are planned as platforms. However, since the game will not be published by Microsoft, it could well have later releases on other platforms.
Tetris Effect Connected
What is it? This multiplayer Tetris game will at least be released as a time-limited exclusive for Xbox.
When is the release? On November 10, 2020, the game will be available in time for the launch of the Xbox Series X/S.
How exclusive is the game? The game is available for Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, and later from Q3 2021 also for PS4.
The Gunk
What is it? This is a creepy adventure-puzzle game. In space, you explore alien worlds where a mysterious black goo (Gunk) has appeared. The developer is Image and Form, known for the delightful Steamworld games.
When is the release? The game is set to be released in September 2021.
How exclusive is the game? The Gunk is not directly published by Microsoft and could therefore also appear later on other platforms besides Xbox One, Series X/S, or PC.
The Medium
What is it? The Medium is a psychological horror game, featuring composers Akira Yamaoka and Arkadiusz Reikowski (Silent Hill). To make the eerie atmosphere even creepier, you frequently switch perspectives in the game.
When is the release? The game is set to be released in December 2020.
How exclusive is the game? The Medium is initially set to be released only for PC and Xbox Series X/S. However, since the publisher is not Microsoft, there could potentially be further releases later on.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
What is it? Did you enjoy the Warhammer fantasy games from the Vermintide series? Then look forward to Darktide, because here it’s similar gameplay against monsters from the Warhammer 40,000 universe on Xbox. Once again, you and your teammates must eliminate wave after wave of disgusting creatures and complete the mission objective.
When is the release? Darktide is expected to be released in 2021.
How exclusive is the game? Currently, releases on Series X/S, PC, and Steam are planned. However, publisher Fatshark might also release additional versions later.
CrossfireX
What is it? This tactical shooter is very similar to Counter Strike and is very popular in Asia. CrossfireX is the enhanced console version that will be released exclusively for Xbox. There will also be a single-player campaign.
When is the release? CrossfireX is expected to be released in late 2020.
How exclusive is the game? Under publisher Microsoft, CrossfireX should initially be exclusive to the Xbox One and Series X/S platforms. Curiously, nothing is known about a PC version.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
What is it? The next installment of the award-winning Senua story will be exclusive to Xbox and PC. Once again, it’s about guiding the fate-affected warrior Senua through an intense and disturbing story. This time, the setting is Iceland and the plot promises another descent into the depths of madness.
When is the release? The exact release date for Hellblade 2 is not known. Rumors suggest it might be in 2020.
How exclusive is the game? Publisher Microsoft has only confirmed Hellblade 2 for PC and Series X/S so far.
Scorn
What is it? Scorn is a super gross and creepy shooter game. The art style is strongly reminiscent of the biomechanical designs of artist H.R. Giger. Expect disgusting, disturbing objects and monsters that want to get you.
When is the release? The horror trip Scorn is expected to be released in 2020.
How exclusive is the game? Currently, only a release for PC, Steam, and Series X/S is planned.
The Ascent
What is it? The Ascent is an action role-playing game set in a dystopian cyberpunk world. In the game, the namesake megacorporation has just collapsed and the consequences are anarchy and chaos. Therefore, you blast your way through hordes of enemies in the best Diablo manner with powerful weapons, optionally in coop.
When is the release? The brutal shooting action is expected to be released in 2020.
How exclusive is the game? The Ascent is released for PC, Steam, Xbox One, and Series X/S.
Other possible exclusive titles
There could still be more exclusives: In addition to the titles mentioned above, which will definitely be exclusive to Xbox for the time being, other titles could be coming soon.
Due to the planned acquisition of the studio Bethesda with its franchises, certain Bethesda games could become exclusive to Xbox Series X or S as well as PC and skip platforms such as PlayStation. Particularly the planned top titles like Elder Scrolls VI or the role-playing game Starfield could potentially be more exclusive titles for Xbox Series X/S.
