The Most Underrated Xbox Series X Games Ranked

The Xbox Series X library has grown significantly since its launch, offering a vast array of titles ranging from blockbuster exclusives to innovative independent projects. While flagship franchises often dominate the conversation, many high-quality experiences frequently slip through the cracks of mainstream attention. These underrated titles offer unique mechanics, compelling narratives, and technical prowess that showcase the power of the hardware. From atmospheric adventures to strategic combat systems, these hidden gems provide exceptional value for players looking to explore beyond the most popular hits.

‘Chorus’ (2021)

Nara, a former cultist, pilots a sentient starfighter named Forsaken to dismantle the organization that created her. Developed by Deep Silver Fishlabs and published by Deep Silver, the game features high-speed dogfighting in open-space environments. Players unlock supernatural abilities, such as teleportation and psychic attacks, to gain an advantage in combat. The narrative focuses on Nara’s quest for redemption while exploring ancient structures and vast nebulae. This title utilizes the Xbox Series X hardware to deliver 4K resolution at 60 frames per second.

‘Haven’ (2020)

Two lovers, Yu and Kay, escape to a forgotten planet to stay together while navigating a mysterious world. Developed and published by The Game Bakers, the title focuses on the relationship between the two protagonists through dialogue and exploration. Players glide over the landscape to collect flow and clean rust from the environment to restore the planet’s health. The combat system requires coordinating both characters simultaneously to defeat corrupted creatures. Its vibrant art style and lo-fi soundtrack contribute to a unique atmosphere on the console.

‘Trek to Yomi’ (2022)

A young swordsman named Hiroki embarks on a journey through the underworld to protect his village from invading bandits. Developed by Flying Wild Hog and published by Devolver Digital, the game features a distinct black-and-white visual style inspired by classic samurai films. The combat focuses on precise parries and strikes using a katana against human and supernatural foes. Side-scrolling exploration reveals hidden secrets and cinematic camera angles that enhance the narrative’s tension. The story explores themes of duty and sacrifice within a mythological Japanese setting.

‘The Gunk’ (2021)

Two space haulers land on a seemingly barren planet and discover a parasitic slime that is consuming the environment. Developed by Image & Form and published by Thunderful Publishing, the game tasks players with using a powerful vacuum tool to suck up the titular gunk. Clearing the corruption allows the local flora and fauna to thrive, opening up new paths for exploration. The narrative follows the growing tension between the two partners as they decide whether to save the planet or exploit its resources. The game showcases lush alien landscapes optimized for the Xbox Series X hardware.

‘Harold Halibut’ (2024)

Set on a spaceship submerged in an alien ocean, a lab assistant named Harold explores the vessel while searching for a way to find a more hospitable home. Developed and published by Slow Bros., the game utilizes a unique stop-motion aesthetic created with real-life handmade models. Players interact with a diverse cast of characters and complete various tasks to progress the narrative. The story emphasizes friendship and the search for belonging within a confined and peculiar environment. This title stands out for its meticulous art direction and character-driven storytelling.

‘Evil West’ (2022)

A vampire hunter named Jesse Rentier fights against supernatural threats in a reimagined Wild West setting. Developed by Flying Wild Hog and published by Focus Entertainment, the game combines third-person shooting with visceral melee combat. Players use a gauntlet powered by electricity to perform devastating combos and special abilities against hordes of monsters. The campaign features a mix of linear levels and boss encounters designed for both solo and cooperative play. Its over-the-top action and unique aesthetic offer a refreshing take on the supernatural Western genre.

‘Still Wakes the Deep’ (2024)

An offshore oil rig worker must survive a supernatural disaster that strikes his isolated station in the North Sea. Developed by The Chinese Room and published by Secret Mode, the game focuses on atmospheric horror and environmental navigation. Players must contend with rising water levels, collapsing structures, and an unknown entity stalking the corridors. The narrative is driven by voice-acted dialogue and a high level of environmental detail that builds a sense of claustrophobia. This title emphasizes psychological tension over traditional combat mechanics.

‘Sable’ (2021)

A young woman named Sable embarks on a rite of passage called the Gliding to find a mask that defines her identity. Developed by Shedworks and published by Raw Fury, the game features a striking cel-shaded art style inspired by European comics. Players explore a vast desert on a customizable hoverbike, solving puzzles and climbing ancient ruins. The experience is non-combat focused, encouraging players to discover the lore of the world at their own pace. Its atmospheric soundtrack by Japanese Breakfast complements the sense of wonder and isolation.

‘The Artful Escape’ (2021)

Francis Vendetti, a teenage guitar prodigy, journeys through a psychedelic multiverse to develop his own stage persona. Developed by Beethoven & Dinosaur and published by Annapurna Interactive, the game blends platforming with musical performances. Players use Francis’s guitar to interact with the environment and engage in rhythm-based sequences against cosmic beings. The narrative explores themes of identity, legacy, and the creative process through vibrant visuals and a high-fidelity soundtrack. Its cinematic presentation features voice work from notable actors like Michael Johnston and Bill Nighy.

‘Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden’ (2024)

In 1695, two ghost hunters named Antea and Red navigate the haunted wilderness of New England to protect the living from lingering spirits. Developed by DON’T NOD and published by Focus Entertainment, the game features a dual-character combat system where players switch between the living Red and the spectral Antea. Decisions made during the investigation of hauntings significantly impact the story and the ultimate fate of the protagonists. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the moral weight of one’s actions. The world is filled with lore-heavy environments and challenging supernatural encounters.

‘As Dusk Falls’ (2022)

An interactive drama explores the lives of two families whose paths cross during a botched robbery in small-town Arizona. Developed by Interior Night and published by Xbox Game Studios, the game features a unique painted art style and branching dialogue choices. Players make decisions that determine the fate of various characters across several decades. The experience supports multiplayer, allowing groups to vote on key decisions that shape the narrative. Its grounded story deals with heavy themes such as trauma, family loyalty, and the consequences of crime.

‘Lost in Random’ (2021)

A young girl named Even journeys through a dark, fairytale kingdom to rescue her sister from a wicked queen. Developed by Zoink and published by Electronic Arts under the EA Originals label, the game features a unique combat system involving dice rolls and card collection. Players use a sentient die named Dicey to freeze time and activate various weapons and spells. The world is divided into six distinct realms, each themed after a different side of a die. Its gothic art style and whimsical narrative are inspired by the works of Tim Burton.

‘Nobody Saves the World’ (2022)

A featureless character named Nobody finds a magical wand that allows them to transform into various different forms, such as a knight, a horse, or a dragon. Developed and published by DrinkBox Studios, the game is an action RPG with a heavy emphasis on form-switching. Players complete quests and explore procedurally generated dungeons to gain power and unlock new transformations. Mixing and matching abilities from different forms is essential for overcoming complex challenges and bosses. The game’s humorous writing and vibrant art style make it a standout experience on the platform.

‘Scarlet Nexus’ (2021)

In a futuristic society, elite soldiers use psychokinetic powers to defend humanity from alien monsters known as Others. Developed by Bandai Namco Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, the game features a fast-paced action combat system. Players can choose between two protagonists, Yuito and Kasane, each offering a different perspective on the overarching conspiracy. Combat involves using melee attacks in conjunction with environmental objects thrown via telekinesis. The “brain punk” aesthetic combines traditional anime styles with high-tech urban environments.

‘Immortals Fenyx Rising’ (2020)

Fenyx, a mortal hero, embarks on a quest to save the Greek gods from a powerful curse cast by the titan Typhon. Developed by Ubisoft Quebec and published by Ubisoft, the game features a vast open world filled with puzzles, combat, and mythological lore. Players utilize the wings of Daidalos and various god-like abilities to explore the Golden Isle. The narrative is narrated by Zeus and Prometheus, providing a humorous and self-aware take on classic myths. Combat involves managing stamina and utilizing a variety of weapons against legendary beasts.

‘Dodgeball Academia’ (2021)

A student named Otto arrives at a prestigious academy where dodgeball is the primary discipline and the key to social hierarchy. Developed by Pocket Trap and published by Humble Games, the title is a sports-themed RPG with real-time combat. Players build a team of unique characters, each with their own specialized dodgeball techniques and elemental powers. The game features a main story campaign, side quests, and various tournament modes to test the player’s skills. Its colorful, cartoon-like art style and energetic soundtrack enhance the competitive spirit of the gameplay.

‘Gears Tactics’ (2020)

Set years before the original ‘Gears of War’, a squad of soldiers led by Gabe Diaz fights to stop a Locust scientist named Ukkon. Developed by Splash Damage in collaboration with The Coalition and published by Xbox Game Studios, the game is a turn-based tactical experience. Players customize their units with various gear and skill trees to handle increasingly difficult encounters. The combat emphasizes aggressive play, rewarding players for executions and high-risk maneuvers. The transition of the ‘Gears’ franchise into the strategy genre preserves the series’ signature gritty aesthetic and cinematic flair.

‘Jusant’ (2023)

A lone traveler climbs a massive, abandoned tower in a world where the water has vanished, accompanied by a small creature made of liquid. Developed and published by DON’T NOD, the game focuses entirely on the mechanics of climbing and rope management. Players must carefully place pitons and manage their stamina while ascending various biomes within the tower. Environmental storytelling through letters and ruins reveals the history of the civilization that once lived there. The meditative pace and lack of combat create a focused experience centered on perseverance and discovery.

‘Prodeus’ (2022)

This title is a modern first-person shooter designed with a retro aesthetic that mimics the look of classic 1990s games. Developed by Bounding Box Software and published by Humble Games, it features high-speed combat and a heavy metal soundtrack. Players fight through a variety of levels filled with secrets and massive hordes of enemies. The game allows players to toggle between 3D models and 2D sprites, offering a customizable visual experience. Its visceral gore effects and smooth gunplay have been praised for capturing the essence of the “boomer shooter” subgenre.

‘Nine Sols’ (2024)

In a world blending Taoist mythology with futuristic technology, a hero named Yi awakens to seek vengeance against the nine rulers of a forsaken land. Developed and published by Red Candle Games, the title is a 2D action-platformer with a focus on deflect-heavy combat. Players must master timing to parry attacks and unleash powerful counter-strikes against challenging bosses. The narrative explores dark themes and philosophical concepts within a meticulously hand-drawn “Taopunk” setting. Its demanding difficulty and precise controls offer a rewarding experience for fans of the genre.

‘Chants of Sennaar’ (2023)

A traveler explores a massive tower where different peoples live in isolation, unable to communicate because of language barriers. Developed by Rundisc and published by Focus Entertainment, the game is a puzzle-adventure focused on linguistic translation. Players must observe symbols in the environment and talk to NPCs to gradually decipher various languages. Solving these linguistic puzzles allows the player to bridge the gaps between the cultures and progress higher into the tower. The game’s art style is inspired by the works of artist M.C. Escher and European architectural traditions.

‘The Forgotten City’ (2021)

A traveler is sent back in time to an ancient Roman city where a curse dictates that if one person sins, everyone will die. Developed by Modern Storyteller and published by Dear Villagers, the game is a narrative-driven mystery that utilizes a time loop mechanic. Players must investigate the lives of the city’s inhabitants and find a way to prevent the catastrophe from occurring. The story features multiple endings based on the player’s choices and moral dilemmas. Originally a popular mod for ‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’, this standalone version features enhanced visuals and expanded gameplay.

‘Citizen Sleeper’ (2022)

An escaped worker in a digitized human body arrives at a lawless space station and must find a way to survive while being hunted by a corporation. Developed by Jump Over the Age and published by Fellow Traveller, the game uses tabletop RPG mechanics such as dice rolls to determine the success of actions. Players must manage their energy and condition while building relationships with the station’s diverse inhabitants. The narrative explores themes of transhumanism, capitalism, and community in a desolate sci-fi setting. The evocative character art and atmospheric writing create a deeply immersive experience.

‘Tunic’ (2022)

An adorable small fox explores a mysterious land filled with ancient ruins, dangerous monsters, and hidden secrets. Developed by the TUNIC Team and published by Finji, the game is an action-adventure title that pays homage to classic top-down explorers. A central mechanic involves collecting pages of an in-game manual that provides clues, maps, and instructions in a fictional language. Combat requires careful timing, dodging, and the use of various magical items found throughout the world. Its vibrant art style hides a complex and challenging series of puzzles that reward player curiosity.

‘Pentiment’ (2022)

In 16th-century Bavaria, an artist named Andreas Maler becomes entangled in a series of murders spanning over twenty-five years. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios, the game features a visual style inspired by illuminated manuscripts and woodcut prints. Players make choices in dialogue and investigations that significantly affect the town of Tassing and its residents. The narrative focuses on historical accuracy, exploring themes of religious reform, social class, and the passage of time. It is a dialogue-heavy experience that emphasizes player agency and narrative consequence.

‘Death’s Door’ (2021)

A small crow working as a soul reaper is tasked with tracking down a stolen soul in a world untouched by death. Developed by Acid Nerve and published by Devolver Digital, the game features a top-down perspective with challenging combat and exploration. Players navigate through surreal landscapes and face off against giant bosses using a sword, bow, and various magical spells. The narrative explores themes of mortality and bureaucratic stagnation with a mix of humor and melancholy. Its clean art style and smooth animation make it one of the most visually appealing titles on the console.

‘Cocoon’ (2023)

A small insectoid creature journeys through diverse alien biomes that are contained within orbs that can be carried and entered. Developed by Geometric Interactive and published by Annapurna Interactive, the game is a puzzle-adventure that utilizes world-within-world mechanics. Players must manipulate these orbs and use their unique properties to solve complex environmental puzzles and defeat large guardians. The game features no dialogue, relying entirely on visual cues and environmental design to tell its story. Its innovative design and polished execution make it a standout title for the Xbox Series X.

Tell us which of these underrated Xbox gems you plan to play next in the comments.