As we move forward in 2021 with our brand new consoles (or getting ready to buy one, or maybe even the Xbox One!), We have a long list of games waiting for us that leave our hearts racing with excitement and anticipation.
Microsoft is looking to continue its trend to bring quality titles to the Xbox Game Pass that we can’t wait to dive into, especially when many of them are coming on the same day of launch. It will be a great year to see how powerful the Xbox Series X is | S, since many titles push them to the limit.
From small indie titles to huge AAA games that will set the benchmark for what the next generation can offer, Xbox owners have a lot to look forward to in 2021, so we highlight 30 titles that we think should be on your radar.
Note: this list was originally published in early January, but we’ve updated it below!
Editor: Square Enix / Developer: Square Enix
With the platform genre back in action, Balan Wonderworld is trying to add fire to the fire on March 26th. Before that date, you can check out a completely free demo now on Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, and although it has received mixed reviews so far, the colorful visuals and wonderful art direction still interest us, and we were intrigued to get your hands on the final game. I hope you are a winner!
- Release date of: March 26, 2021
- Xbox Game Pass? No
Editor: Electronic Arts / Developer: Hazelight
An outlet redefined what a cooperative game could do, using a prison as a central setting and focusing on two characters who planned to break free and get their lives back. Two follows a similar pattern of play, but this time creating a cheerful story based on a couple, arriving on March 26th. The genre-changing gameplay looks much more visceral than A Way Out, with platforms, boss battles and puzzles to solve. Honestly, it looks very charming and has the potential to be a surprise success in 2021.
- Release date of: March 26, 2021
- Xbox Game Pass? No
Editor: Square Enix / Developer: People can fly
Outriders it’s pure and explosive multiplayer fun. Developed by the same team that worked on the fantastic Bulletstorm, the same chaotic energy has been infused here, with a free demo available now. Focused on cooperative teamwork, with elements of RPG elements, it is a promising start and we have high hopes for the post-launch of the game.
- Release date of: April 1, 2021
- Xbox Game Pass? No
Editor: MLB / Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
MLB The Show has remained exclusive to PlayStation since its debut in 2006, but incredibly, the PlayStation Studios title is coming to Xbox One and Xbox Series X with MLB The Show 21. The game will still feature crossplay across all systems and, although there is no support for Smart Delivery or Xbox Game Pass for this one, we are delighted to see the world-premiere baseball series finally coming to Xbox in 2021.
- Release date of: April 20, 2021
- Xbox Game Pass? No
Editor: Square Enix / Developer: Toylogic
NieR: automata is a masterpiece, there is no doubt about it, and NieR replicator it seems to take the gameplay that defined the automata and infuse it into a remake of the original on April 23. Technically, the remake is a remake of a reworked version of the original, but going down the rabbit hole leads to confusion, so let’s say that – NieR Replicant seems to be one of the most action-packed RPGs to hit the Xbox family this year and we can hardly wait to revisit the original within the Automata engine.
- Release date of: April 23, 2021
- Xbox Game Pass? No
Editor: SEGA / Developer: SEGA
As if having the entire Yakuza series on Xbox wasn’t enough, SEGA decided to bring Judgment for the Xbox Series X. Although the game is still set in the same universe, it follows a different path, as players control a detective who solves a series of murders. It’s a different tone, but just as good as any of the other entries. Complete with refined visuals, 60 frames per second and faster load times – this is the definitive version of the game.
- Release date of: April 23, 2021
- Xbox Game Pass? No
Editor: Focus Home Interactive / Developer: Digital Juice
If you’ve ever looked at Robin Hood and thought he was begging for an online multiplayer game, then you’re in luck. Hood: Outlaws and Legends takes the classic Sherwood tale and puts his own four-on-four spin on it. As rival gangs, you will be tasked with stealing a wealth of riches from an AI opponent, dodging the guards and being as stealthy as possible. It’s an interesting concept and we can’t wait to see it happen.
- Release date of: May 10, 2021
- Xbox Game Pass? No
Editor: Capcom / Developer: Capcom
Looks like resident Evil series is returning to annual entries, with the previous two seeing a remake of Resident Evil 2 and 3, but we are not complaining. Since Resident Evil VII acted as a smooth restart of the series, things improved and Villa it looks grotesque, disturbing and scary in all the right ways. Returning to the first-person aspect of VII, the action will have players staring at threats from horrible zombies that roam the streets. Take us back to the scare now!
- Release date of: May 7, 2021
- Xbox Game Pass? No
Editor: Electronic Arts / Developer: BioWare
THE Mass effect trilogy is nothing short of a game changer. He created a cinematic RPG universe that players embraced with open arms and cherished. While many will contest its ending, there is no denying that the trip there was phenomenal. So with Mass Effect Legendary Edition on the horizon, enthusiasm for the series returned. Promising updated visuals and refined gameplay throughout the collection, it will be a perfect excuse to revisit old friends, before the next sequel.
- Release date of: May 14, 2021
- Xbox Game Pass? No
Editor: THQ Nordic / Developer: Experience 101
There is probably no other game on this list that looks as strange and unique as Biomutant, and that’s one of the reasons why we love it. In the game, you control a mutant animal in a world full of creatures. As an open-world RPG, you’ll complete quests, level up your character, and explore a wide variety of environments. It looks crazy and somewhat refreshing between strings and familiar IPs.
- Release date of: May 25, 2021
- Xbox Game Pass? No