The Xbox Series S has proven that you don’t need a top-tier console to enjoy some of the best gaming experiences available today. With impressive performance packed into a compact design and access to Xbox Game Pass, the Series S is one of the most affordable and powerful ways to get into next-gen gaming. And 2025 is shaping up to be a phenomenal year for Xbox Series S owners.
From massive RPGs to cinematic action adventures, high-intensity shooters, and indie gems, the lineup this year delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re diving into expansive new worlds or replaying upgraded classics, these are the best Xbox Series S games you shouldn’t miss.
Avowed
Obsidian Entertainment returns to form with Avowed, a sprawling first-person RPG set in the world of Eora. With deep lore, impactful choices, and a fluid mix of swordplay and spellcasting, Avowed brings the best elements of fantasy role-playing to the Xbox ecosystem.
On the Series S, Avowed is optimized to run smoothly with excellent lighting effects and tight combat. It’s a must-play for fans of immersive storytelling and character customization, and a perfect title for those who love branching narratives and replayability.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Ubisoft has finally brought the Assassin’s Creed series to feudal Japan, and it delivers. Assassin’s Creed Shadows lets you play as both a stealthy shinobi and a powerful samurai, offering two completely different playstyles in a beautifully rendered historical setting.
The Series S handles the large open world impressively well, allowing players to sneak, slash, and explore without compromise. This entry revitalizes the franchise while remaining accessible for newer players, making it one of the best Xbox Series S games available this year.
Monster Hunter Wilds
The newest entry in Capcom’s iconic hunting series, Monster Hunter Wilds brings improved combat mechanics, seamless open-world regions, and expanded multiplayer support. It introduces new environmental hazards and monster interactions that change dynamically during fights.
Series S players will appreciate the optimized performance and faster load times, making it easier than ever to dive into hunts with friends. Whether you’re soloing massive beasts or teaming up for epic battles, this game offers endless content for action fans.
Doom: The Dark Ages
Doom: The Dark Ages flips the modern Doom formula by taking players back in time—literally. Set in a medieval-inspired universe, this new entry introduces brutal melee combat, heavy weapons, and massive armored enemies, while retaining the speed and fury the series is known for.
The Series S version maintains the fast-paced fluidity that Doom fans expect. The darker setting and creative weapon designs make this a standout for both longtime players and newcomers.
Ninja Gaiden 4
The return of Ninja Gaiden is something fans have waited years for, and Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers with high-speed, high-stakes action. This time, the visuals are flashier, the combat is tighter, and the story carries more weight, giving players a full spectrum of stylish ninja gameplay.
Series S owners can enjoy smooth frame rates and crisp visuals while slicing through enemies with brutal elegance. It’s a perfect pick for gamers who crave skill-based combat and rewarding challenge.
South of Midnight
South of Midnight is one of the most atmospheric and creative titles of the year. Set in a haunting Southern Gothic world, the game blends magical realism with dark folklore. You play as Hazel, a young woman navigating a world where myth and reality intertwine.
This game emphasizes story, exploration, and a distinct art style that pops even on the Series S. It’s a slower-paced but deeply emotional game that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
If you’re looking for a turn-based RPG with style and substance, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is your game. Its art direction is visually stunning, and the combat system feels fresh, combining strategic positioning with reactive mechanics.
Series S users get the full experience with high-definition visuals and minimal load times. It’s an excellent title for fans of narrative-driven gameplay and deep RPG mechanics.
Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 dives deeper into the horror and mystery of the original, building a world that’s as terrifying as it is beautiful. With improved combat, dual protagonists, and an expanded narrative, it redefines psychological horror for the new generation.
The Series S version manages to maintain excellent performance while delivering immersive lighting and atmospheric effects. It’s a must-play for horror fans and a strong continuation of one of the most unique game stories in recent memory.
The Outer Worlds 2
Obsidian’s space-faring RPG returns with more planets, more factions, and more chaotic freedom. The Outer Worlds 2 improves on its predecessor with larger environments, smarter AI, and deeper companion dynamics.
The Series S handles this game impressively well, and its stylized visuals translate beautifully to 1440p performance. Fans of humor, satire, and player-driven stories will love diving back into this quirky universe.
Borderlands 4
Borderlands 4 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it polishes it to perfection. With even more guns, characters, and irreverent humor, the newest entry in the series amps up everything fans love.
The Series S delivers a strong co-op experience without frame drops or visual compromise, making it one of the best multiplayer games to enjoy with friends. Add in new skill trees and branching missions, and there’s more than enough to keep loot hunters busy for months.
Why the Series S Is Perfect for This Lineup
The Xbox Series S continues to shine in 2025 due to its access to Game Pass, fast SSD load times, and strong optimization from developers. These games are all either available through Game Pass or have versions tailored for the console’s performance specs, making it an unbeatable choice for budget-conscious gamers.
Thanks to developers focusing on scalable assets and Microsoft’s own software tools, Series S players enjoy the same core experiences as Xbox Series X users—just in a compact, wallet-friendly form.
Quick Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Series S
- Use an external SSD or storage expansion card to install more games without running out of space.
- Turn on 120Hz support in your display settings to take advantage of higher frame rate modes in supported titles.
- Keep your system updated to benefit from performance patches and new features.
- Explore Game Pass regularly—many of these titles hit the service day one, saving you money on top-tier games.
- Use Quick Resume to swap between games like Alan Wake 2 and South of Midnight instantly without losing progress.
Final Thoughts
2025 is a stellar year for Xbox Series S owners. Whether you’re slicing through demons in Doom: The Dark Ages, exploring haunted landscapes in Alan Wake 2, or getting lost in the fantasy worlds of Avowed and Clair Obscur, there’s something for every kind of player. With a mix of AAA blockbusters and creative indie titles, the Series S continues to prove it's one of the smartest buys in gaming.
If you're gaming on a budget but want premium experiences, the Xbox Series S and its 2025 lineup make a powerful combination that’s hard to beat.
