Ready to fire up your new Xbox? These five standout games-from breathtaking open worlds to pulse-pounding action-are the perfect way to kickstart your next-gen adventure and see what your console can really do.
Happy holidays, or maybe it’s your birthday – or you simply decided to treat yourself to a brand-new Xbox Series X (or Series S). Now what? Sure, you could peruse AELGAMES’s list of the 22 best Xbox games, or the 25 best games on Xbox Game Pass. But you don’t have time for that! You’re probably reading this on your phone right now while your new Xbox whirs merrily away installing all of its fancy-new-console updates. The clock is ticking, and I’ve got you.
Here’s what you should install first on your new Xbox.
Tetris Effect: Connected
Tetris Effect: Connected reimagines the classic puzzle game with a mesmerizing blend of audiovisual artistry and innovative mechanics, making it a standout choice for new Xbox owners. The game features over 30 visually stunning stages, each with dynamic music and effects that sync with your gameplay, creating an immersive and almost meditative experience. Its unique “Zone” mechanic allows you to pause time and clear multiple lines for big rewards, while the “Connected” multiplayer mode lets you team up with friends-across platforms-to battle A.I.-controlled bosses in a cooperative, rhythm-driven challenge that’s both fresh and deeply engaging. Whether you’re looking for a solo adventure or collaborative fun, Tetris Effect: Connected offers a beautiful and modern take on Tetris that’s perfect for showcasing your new console.
Originally released under the title Tetris Effect in 2018 and later updated into Tetris Effect: Connected in 2020, this gorgeous and mind-melting Tetris experience has a lot more going on than just, well, Tetris. (That said, regular degular Tetris is one of the absolute greatest games ever made, period, so there is that.) Eye-popping visuals and the pulse-pounding music accompaniment will have you feeling like a Tetris super-god, be it in single-player or multiplayer (co-op and competitive modes are available, both online and locally, for 2-4 players). High-quality headphones are highly recommended to fully immerse yourself in the vibes.
Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 invites players to immerse themselves in a vibrant, ever-evolving open world set in Mexico, offering the largest and most diverse map in the series yet. With hundreds of the world’s greatest cars, dynamic weather events, and a deep campaign packed with adventure missions and challenges, the game delivers limitless driving action and endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re racing through lush jungles, braving dust storms, or customizing your ride and sharing creations with friends, Forza Horizon 5 stands out as the definitive racing experience and a must-play title for any new Xbox owner.
There’s a reason that racing games are often held up as showcases of what new consoles can do, and Forza Horizon 5 fits that bill perfectly, offering truly stunning drive-by vistas. Mexico is the setting for this one, which means there’s a huge diversity in climes – from beaches to jungles to swamplands – not to mention very realistic-looking weather simulation. You don’t even have to be that good of a driver to appreciate this one.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is the ultimate entry point for newcomers and a nostalgic reunion for longtime fans, bundling together the first six mainline Halo games-Halo: Reach, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo 4-into a single, seamless experience optimized for Xbox and PC. With over 120 multiplayer maps, 67 campaign missions, and regular content updates, the collection offers the most comprehensive and feature-rich Halo experience available, making it a must-play for anyone looking to dive into the iconic sci-fi universe. Whether you’re exploring the series’ rich story for the first time or revisiting classic multiplayer battles, this collection is the definitive way to experience Master Chief’s legendary journey.
This collection of Halo games includes a lot of games, and many of them are old, so they aren’t exactly going to show off the power of your brand-new console in the same way as Tetris Effect: Connected or Forza Horizon 5. But if this is your first time owning an Xbox console, you’ve simply gotta check out one of the most influential game series to date. If you’re really not sure where to start and you don’t want to go back in time too far, go with Halo 3 (2007) and see how it feels.
Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is a critically acclaimed space exploration adventure that invites you to unravel the mysteries of a solar system trapped in an endless time loop. As the newest recruit of Outer Wilds Ventures, you pilot a rickety spaceship across bizarre, ever-changing planets, piecing together clues left by an ancient alien civilization while racing against the clock-every 22 minutes, the sun explodes, resetting your progress and challenging you to learn from each cycle. With its open-ended gameplay, haunting atmosphere, and innovative puzzles, Outer Wilds stands out as one of the most memorable and unique experiences available on Xbox, especially for those seeking thought-provoking storytelling and exploration.
This game doesn’t have any weapons; it’s all about exploration and uncovering the mysteries of an ancient civilization. But even though it may not require the swift reaction times of the previous games on this list, Outer Wilds might be the most challenging game of the bunch, because it’ll really put your brain to the test. As you explore each of the planets in a relatively small but carefully crafted solar system, you’ll have to think laterally and allow your mind to be slowly blown as each of the pieces falls into place. Like I said, it’ll be hard – but in the end, you’ll find it to be one of the greatest stories you’ve ever experienced.
Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s subscription service that gives you instant access to a vast library of hundreds of games, including new releases available on day one, across console, PC, and cloud streaming. With Game Pass Ultimate, you also unlock online multiplayer, EA Play membership, exclusive member discounts, and regular in-game perks and rewards, making it one of the best values in modern gaming. Whether you’re looking for blockbuster exclusives, indie hits, or classic favorites, Game Pass is your gateway to endless entertainment.
I could be telling you to install Assassin’s Creed Origins, which is the best Assassin’s Creed game, but at this point, I’m gonna stop messing around and start getting real. If you’ve played the other games on this list and you want to know what to install next on your Xbox, the answer is Xbox Game Pass (and Assassin’s Creed Origins). Or you could save yourself some cash and get Game Pass first, because Forza Horizon 5 is on there, along with Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Tetris Effect: Connected and Outer Wilds used to be on there, too, but they aren’t anymore – still, that’s evidence that almost every amazing Xbox game will get its time in the Game Pass rotation, making the service a very worthy investment.
Which of these five games will redefine my Xbox gaming experience first
Among the five games frequently recommended as the best first experiences for a new Xbox-Starfield, Forza Horizon 5, Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps-Forza Horizon 5 stands out as the one most likely to immediately redefine your Xbox gaming experience.
Forza Horizon 5 leverages the full power of the Xbox Series X with stunning visuals, expansive open-world exploration, and buttery-smooth gameplay, making it a showcase title for the console’s capabilities. Its accessible yet deep racing mechanics, breathtaking environments, and multitude of activities provide an instant sense of immersion and excitement, setting a high bar for what you can expect from your new system.
While other games like Starfield offer epic sci-fi adventures and Ori delivers a masterful platforming experience, Forza Horizon 5 is widely regarded as the quintessential Xbox Series X game that both looks and feels next-gen from the moment you start playing.
Which game offers the most groundbreaking visuals on Xbox Series X first
Among the most commonly cited games for groundbreaking visuals on Xbox Series X, Forza Horizon 5 is often highlighted for its breathtaking open-world realism and technical prowess, making it a standout for your first play. However, if you are seeking the absolute most cutting-edge, next-level visual experience that truly pushes the console to its limits, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is frequently regarded as the current pinnacle of graphical achievement on Xbox Series X, featuring unparalleled facial animation, lighting, and environmental detail that feels almost cinematic.
To summarize:
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Forza Horizon 5: Offers stunning open-world visuals and is an excellent showcase for the console’s power.
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Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II: Delivers the most groundbreaking, movie-like visuals currently available on Xbox Series X.
While Forza Horizon 5 will dazzle with its beauty and scale, Hellblade II is the game most likely to redefine your expectations for what is visually possible on the platform. If you want to experience the most groundbreaking visuals first, Hellblade II is the top choice. However, note that Hellblade II is not always included in the typical “starter five” lists, so if you are limited to the original five games (Starfield, Forza Horizon 5, Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, Ori and the Will of the Wisps), Forza Horizon 5 is the most visually impressive among them.
If you can choose any game, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is the most visually groundbreaking. If you must stick to the original five, Forza Horizon 5 is the graphical standout.
