The Best Xbox Games From Each Year of the Past Decade
When you look back at the past decade of Xbox gaming, it’s impossible to ignore how much the brand has evolved. From the late Xbox One years to the Xbox Series X|S generation, Microsoft has shifted strategies, invested heavily in Game Pass, and taken risks with new franchises and live-service experiments.
Even though Xbox exclusives aren’t as tightly locked down as they used to be—many eventually arriving on PC and sometimes rival platforms—the console still delivered a strong lineup of memorable titles. These games ranged from ambitious AAA blockbusters to creative indie projects, each representing the best of what Xbox had to offer in its respective year.
So, let’s take a trip through time and highlight the best Xbox game from each year of the past decade, celebrating the hits that kept players coming back.
2016 – Gears of War 4
A New Beginning for a Classic Franchise
The Gears of War franchise has always been a cornerstone of the Xbox brand, and in 2016, Gears of War 4 showed that it still had plenty of fight left. While the original trilogy was held in higher regard, the fourth entry introduced new heroes, refined combat, and next-generation visuals that pushed the Xbox One to its limits.
The campaign drew some criticism for its storyline, but the gameplay carried the experience. The revamped Horde mode and competitive multiplayer gave fans reasons to stick around long after finishing the story. It also marked a successful transition of the series to The Coalition, proving the franchise could thrive under new leadership.
2017 – Cuphead
Hand-Drawn Hell with Style
Few games in modern gaming are as instantly recognizable as Cuphead. This indie gem launched in 2017 as an Xbox console exclusive, and its hand-drawn, 1930s-inspired cartoon art style made it stand out from everything else on the market.
But don’t let the charming animation fool you—Cuphead is brutally difficult. Its boss battles test patience and reflexes, yet the challenge feels rewarding rather than unfair. Paired with jazzy music and smooth run-and-gun mechanics, the game became a cultural phenomenon. Even today, it remains one of the most celebrated Xbox titles of the past decade.
2018 – Sea of Thieves
A Pirate Adventure That Grew Over Time
When Sea of Thieves launched in 2018, many players were disappointed by its lack of content. But Rare stuck with it, releasing free updates, quality-of-life improvements, and even massive crossover events like the Pirates of the Caribbean expansion.
Now, Sea of Thieves is a robust pirate simulator where players can sail with friends, search for treasure, battle rival crews, and face off against legendary sea monsters. It’s a true Game Pass success story, evolving into one of Xbox’s most popular live-service titles and proving that sometimes patience really does pay off.
2019 – Gears 5
Bigger, Bolder, and Better
Multiplayer also got a major boost, with new modes like Escape joining fan favorites such as Horde. The game eventually received enhancements for Xbox Series X|S, making it even more impressive technically. While debates continue about where it ranks among the franchise, Gears 5 is widely regarded as one of the strongest shooters of the decade.
2020 – Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Beauty Meets Challenge
The first Ori was already a masterpiece, but in 2020, Ori and the Will of the Wisps elevated the series even further. This Metroidvania-style platformer delivered jaw-dropping visuals, an emotional story, and finely tuned gameplay that balanced challenge with accessibility.
Every jump, dash, and combat sequence felt smooth and rewarding, making exploration addictive. Beyond its mechanics, the game’s music and art direction created an atmosphere that players still talk about years later. It quickly became one of the highest-rated Xbox titles of the decade, cementing Ori as a modern classic.
2021 – Halo Infinite
Reinventing a Legend
Halo is the backbone of Xbox, and in 2021, Halo Infinite arrived with the tough task of reviving a franchise that had lost some of its magic. While its story didn’t quite reach the epic heights fans hoped for, the gameplay more than made up for it.
The introduction of the grappling hook changed the way players approached combat and exploration, while the semi-open world design gave freedom rarely seen in the series. Multiplayer leaned into classic Halo gameplay, winning praise for its core mechanics, even if live-service missteps slowed its momentum.
Despite mixed opinions, Halo Infinite showed that Master Chief still had a place in modern gaming and that Xbox wasn’t ready to let its most iconic series fade.
2022 – Grounded
Honey, I Shrunk the Survival Game
Obsidian took a big creative risk with Grounded, a survival game where players are shrunk down to the size of insects in a suburban backyard. What sounded like a quirky experiment in early access grew into one of 2022’s standout Xbox titles.
The full release brought polished systems, engaging multiplayer, and a surprising amount of lore. Exploring giant blades of grass, battling spiders, and crafting tools for survival felt both familiar and fresh. Supported by ongoing updates and community engagement, Grounded carved out a loyal fanbase and became another Game Pass highlight.
2023 – Hi-Fi Rush
Rhythm Meets Combat
Nobody saw Hi-Fi Rush coming. Dropped as a surprise release in 2023, this rhythm-based action game from Tango Gameworks (better known for horror titles like The Evil Within) became an instant hit.
Blending stylish cel-shaded visuals with hack-and-slash combat tied to the beat of the music, Hi-Fi Rush felt unlike anything else on the market. It was polished, fun, and overflowing with charm. Critics and players alike praised it as one of the best rhythm-action games ever made.
Though its studio faced unfortunate layoffs afterward, the game itself stands as a shining example of Xbox’s ability to surprise the industry with bold, creative exclusives.
2024 – Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
A Hero Reborn
When MachineGames took on the challenge of creating a new Indiana Jones adventure, expectations were high. In 2024, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle exceeded them, delivering a cinematic, narrative-driven action game that appealed to both long-time fans and newcomers.
With immersive environments, clever puzzles, and thrilling combat sequences, the game captured the spirit of the iconic archaeologist while introducing fresh ideas. Its success proved Xbox could compete directly with PlayStation’s narrative blockbusters, giving fans hope for more story-driven exclusives in the future.
2025 – Avowed
Obsidian’s Fantasy Epic
In 2025, Obsidian returned to its RPG roots with Avowed, set in the world of Pillars of Eternity. While comparisons to Skyrim were inevitable, Avowed brought its own flavor, combining first-person combat with a strong emphasis on player choice and consequences.
The richly detailed world, branching narratives, and mix of magic and melee combat reminded fans why Obsidian is considered one of the best RPG developers in the industry. Though some critics noted it wasn’t as deep as earlier RPGs, it still stood out as one of Xbox’s strongest exclusives of the year.
Looking Back: A Decade of Xbox Highlights
From the gritty firefights of Gears of War to the artistic beauty of Ori, and the creativity of Hi-Fi Rush to the blockbuster scale of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Xbox’s last decade has been anything but boring.
Yes, there were missteps, and yes, PlayStation often dominated the conversation with its exclusives. But Xbox carved its own path, experimenting with bold ideas, investing in Game Pass, and giving smaller studios the chance to shine alongside heavy hitters.
If this past decade is any indication, the future of Xbox will continue to blend big-budget experiences with unique, genre-bending titles that keep players guessing—and keep the brand relevant in a constantly shifting gaming landscape.
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