TheXbox Series Xoffers a huge technical jump from its older sibling the Xbox One. While still playing catch up to what PCs can do, the system’s specs are still a big deal for consoles. Packed with 4K capabilities and the potential to do 120 frames per second gaming, the Xbox Series X (and Microsoft) can deliver optimal performance, although it varies greatly from game to game.
Gaming is a few years into the current generation, and there are only a couple of exclusives for theXbox Series X.However, most games are optimized for it, plenty of which look and perform well on the new console. While there are many, here are some hugeXbox Series X games that run at 4K and 60 FPS.
Quite a few Xbox Series X games use adynamic resolution; consequently, while they aim to reach 4K, the resolution might dip during intensive sections.
FromSoftware spent the best part of the last decade establishing and popularizing the Soulslike genre, an endeavor that culminated in the very successfulElden Ring. Almost all of the developer’s mainstream reputation hinges on Soulsborne projects, to the point that there must be countless fans who have never triedArmored Core, a franchise that has been around for decades. Consequently,Fires of Rubiconis likely to be a lot of people’s first foray into the publisher’s mecha series, something FromSoftware presumably predicted as the 2023 release is the IP’s most accessible entry. That said,Armored Core 6is still very difficult, perhaps even more so than most Soulslikes.
Fires of Rubiconis all about building the optimal mecha to counter a specific mission’s challenges, and players should be constantly customizing their load-outs rather than sticking to one creation or playstyle. Missions take place in self-contained maps that are essentially arenas, although they can vary somewhat in size; that said, they are never particularly big since exploration is not the point ofArmored Core 6. In terms of performance, FromSoftware’s game offers 4K and 60 FPS, along with the option to reduce the frame rate in favor of enabling ray tracing.
Ubisoft Montpellier’sPrince of Persia: The Lost Crownreveal garnered a mixed response, largely stemming from disappointment that the franchise’s next game would not be a full 3D entry likeThe Sands of Timeremake. As the project’s debut approached, the discourse surrounding it shifted as more information started to be released. This momentum culminated in a successful launch that generated widespread positivity, establishingThe Lost Crownas one of the best entries in a seriesthat has produced quite a few great games.
A 2.5D Metroidvania that balances action, platforming, and puzzles, the 2024 title tells a surprisingly robust story that takes nearly 30 hours to complete. Featuring some of the best gameplay in the franchise’s history, the game is an absolute blast that somehow manages to avoid overstaying its welcome, which is hardly an easy task due to its lengthy campaign. More importantly,The Lost Crownruns like a dream on the Xbox Series X, offering 4K and 120 FPS. Now, admittedly, the game’s graphics are nothing special and cannot be compared to AAA releases likeAvatar: Frontiers of Pandora, but they are perfectly fine as well.
Originally a PlayStation console exclusive,Strayentered the Xbox ecosystem in August 2023, and the game has not lost an ounce of charm since its 2022 debut. Set in a cyberpunk world, players take control of a cat that has found its way into an underground city featuring only robots. Looking to make its way back to the surface, the adorable feline must jump and purr its way through a string of visually impressive locations they can freely explore to an extent, all the while following a linear storyline.
Strayis not long by any stretch of the imagination, and most playthroughs should not require more than a handful of hours. That said, the game is quite the looker in its own right, even rivaling bigger AAA projects in a few places. Performance-wise,Straydelivers 4K and 60 FPS on the Xbox Series X.
Released out of nowhere in January 2023,Hi-Fi Rushis a highly enjoyable rhythm-action game with hack and slash combat and platforming sections. Utilizing cel-shaded visuals, Tango’s title is gorgeous, and it runs smoothly on the Xbox Series X.Hi-Fi Rushsupports native 4K and 60 FPS, and the latter is especially important since the gameplay revolves around timing button presses to match the soundtrack.
Cast as Chai, players have to make their way through linear levels that typically switch up the music genre and conclude with a boss battle.Hi-Fi Rushlooks and plays great, and it is an Xbox Series X/S console exclusive.
For Xbox’s 20th anniversary celebration, Microsoft staged a doozy of a celebration. Along with announcingthe final additions to the Xbox’s Backwards Compatibility Program, games that also received a performance boost, Microsoft droppedHalo Infinitemultiplayer beta roughly three weeks prior to its full release.
This mode is free-to-play and does not require any sort of subscription, so anyone with an Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, or PC can jump into the shooter franchise’s latest entry. Xbox Series X and some PC owners can playHalo Infiniteat 60+ FPS and 4k resolution, allowing them to experience Microsoft’s flagship property at the peak of its power.
Originally released as a Switch exclusive,Monster Hunter Risehas steadily expanded its platforms; nowadays, Capcom’s action RPG is available on essentially every modern system, including the Xbox Series X/S. Unsurprisingly, a Switch port easily reaches4K and 60 FPS on the Xbox Series X, andRisegoes a step further by also offering a 5K resolution option. However, people who want the best of both worlds should probably stick to the Default setting.
Monster Hunter Riseis just plainly a great game, and it is among the most accessible entries in Capcom’s long-running franchise. Compared toMonster Hunter World,Rise’s levels are less open-ended, but the game nails its combat system.
Tunicis a top-down action-adventure game that wears itsLegend of Zeldainfluence on its sleeve. Comparisons to Nintendo’s legendary franchise can be a double-edged sword sinceZeldasets the bar ridiculously high, butTunicmanages to reach that lofty standard. Do not be fooled by the cute protagonist and colorful art style as this game packs quite a punch, both in its surprisingly complex combat and the many brain-teasers scattered across the campaign.
Tunicsets its sights on delivering a proper adventure, one that expects players to craft their own path. This goes beyond exploration and into the gameplay mechanics. WhileTunic’s battle system seems basic at first, depth lies in its flexibility and adaptability. Players need to investigate the tools at their disposal to figure out the optimum way to take on this world’s decent selection of enemies.
Bandai Namco’s latest entry in theTalesfranchise has a contender for the best combat system in the license’s history, and that is a claim that can’t be made lightly.Tales of Arisetells a story steeped in discrimination and opts for a dark tone throughout its opening few hours, although the series' trademark banter does eventually come in.
Tales of Arisesupports 4K and 60 FPS on the Xbox Series X, ensuring this version delivers an optimized experience when it comes to the game’sfast-paced battle system. Although the JRPG is available on the Xbox One, the Xbox Series X version ofTales of Arisestill feels like a ninth-generation title.
Supergiant Games’Hadesis a roguelite about Zagreus, the son of the titular god, trying to escape from the Underworld to reach Mount Olympus. As is tradition for this acclaimed studio,Hadeslooks stunning, plays brilliantly, and has a captivating storyline that holds a number of surprises, both in terms of its plot and the way it plays around with conventions.
Roguelites and roguelikesare not for everyone, butHadesshakes things up by not wiping the slate clean after every failure. While players will be spending their time running through the same levels over and over again, the story progresses when Zagreus dies; consequently, it rarely feels like time has been wasted.
Id Software’sDoom Eternalis now available for the Xbox Series X and PS5, a change that makes a world of difference. Current-gen versions offerthree graphics settings, with Balanced Mode delivering 4K resolution and 60 FPS. Performance Mode reduces the resolution to 1800p but elevates the frames per second to 120. Last but not least, Ray Tracing Mode delivers 1800p and 60 FPS.
Doom Eternalis controlled chaos, as the Doom Slayer must remain constantly on the move to avoid certain death. The action moves at a blistering and ferocious pace, and mistakes are punished severely. Consequently, an improved FPS makes a world of difference.
