We have already discussed all the hardware you will need to get the most out of your Xbox One X, but what about the games? The biggest feature of the Xbox One X is the enhanced 4K output and with that you want to get the games to really show off the console for all it’s worth. While Microsoft has said that it will not be producing exclusive games for the Xbox One X, several upcoming games will be made with the Xbox One X in mind and really push the console to maximize the visuals.
There are currently 130 enhanced games confirmed for the new console. Although the console is capable of supporting 4K/HDR at 60 frames per second not all games will support all of those features. Some games will support only some of those features. Based on what games are coming out for the console and what patches have been made available, we can gather which will be using the console to its full capacity.
Keep in mind that since the console has yet to release, and developers can change patches at any time, these games could still be changed before release to add or remove features.
Halo 5: Guardians
A Halo game included in a list of the best games to grab for a new Microsoft console? I know I really went out on a limb here. While Halo 5 was not exactly the greatest Halo game, it was still, well, Halo. Halo is a flagship for Microsoft and given that Halo 6 is no where to be seen, Microsoft wants the series to plant its flag in the Xbox One X with a strong showing. Featuring 4K/HDR and 60 frames per second, Halo 5 should really pop on the Xbox One X, and the 60 frames per second will be a welcomed addition for the multiplayer maps.
Middle Earth: Shadow of War
The October sequel to the surprisingly solid Shadow of Mordor is a great game to show off some of the dark textures in 4K. While the game is not slated to be running at 60 frames per second, the graphics alone make this a must grab. From what we have seen so far the game is packed with rich textures and amazing graphics especially in low light. Using the 4K/HDR console to show off those graphics will add even more depth to what’s already looking like a solid game.
Gears of War 4
Although the game itself was released last year, upcoming enhancements to the game for the Xbox One X almost make it a required title. Adding Dolby Atmos audio along with 60 frames per second and the 4K/HDR visuals essentially make playing the game a new experience. Gears of War has been a series that typically had some difficult areas to see visually, luckily the upgraded graphics allows for the textures and color pallet to really flesh itself out. Details emerge that were previously too low-res to really register.
PlayerUnknown Battlegrounds
The PC smash success is the closest thing Microsoft has to a legitimate launch title for the Xbox One X. Console players have been champing at the bit to get a chance to dive into the battle royal phenomenon and the Xbox One X is their chance. Featuring 4K/HDR and 30 frames per second, the upgraded visuals should allow the game to impress visually while frenetically running around the map looking for that chicken dinner.
Final Fantasy XV
This one really is a no-brainer. The JRPG is already stunning visually, but pushing that into the 4K/HDR resolution should be absolutely jaw dropping. The game itself is a visual treat that takes the time to soak in the world as you casually drive through areas of the game. Taking time to look around during the drive while 4K landscapes surround you should be heaven for fans of the franchise. As an added bonus Prompto’s pictures are going to look absolutely epic in 4K.
Sea of Thieves
While the game itself is not scheduled to come out until 2018, Microsoft is really pushing the game as a must own for the Xbox One X. The game is an MMO pirate adventure that supports cross play between Windows 10 and Xbox. The 4K/HDR graphics should look beautiful with the stylized cartoon aesthetic of the game. Water is always something that tends to look fantastic with upgraded graphics and considering the game itself takes place on the water, it’s no wonder Microsoft is pushing it so hard as a way to show off the X.
Assassin’s Creed Origins
As with most of the Assassin’s Creed games, the setting is the biggest draw for a lot of people. Ancient Egypt is a wonderful setting to show off with the Xbox One X. Exploring monuments and cities has never felt as vivid and lifelike that when you can see every tiny detail rendered with the best visuals. It is however disappointing that the game did not opt for 60 frames per second, the 4K graphics should be more than enough to make up for it without feeling like you are missing out.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
It may be weird putting an older game, 2015 release, as a must have for a new console. Rise of the Tomb Raider has been completely overhauled for the Xbox One X featuring 4K/HDR graphics and 60 frames per second. The low-light graphics are incredibly stunning running on the Xbox One X. Considering the game itself spends so much time in caves and in low-light scenarios; you realize just how impressive the game will be with all those details rendered as Lara makes her way through tombs.
Resident Evil 7
If there has been one consistent with all of the enhanced games mentioned it is has been how graphics improve low-light games. It should come as no shock then that the recent horror classic is on this list. Horror games work best in dark environments where anything can jump from the shadows and make your pulse rise. While the enhanced graphics won’t save you from swamp folk wanting to flay you; at least it will look beautiful while it’s happening, so tiny wins!
This is in no means a complete list of all the enhanced games you should check out but it gives you a good start to really see what the Xbox One X has to offer. For the most up to date enhanced games coming out check out Xbox’s website. The Xbox One X is coming at the beginning of November, how are you preparing for it? What games are you looking forward to on the new console?
