Here are the most anticipated Xbox games of 2023 and beyond so far. 2022 was a quiet year for Microsoft, but that all looks to change.
Even by Microsoft’s admission, the PlayStation has had the better exclusives. However, Xbox looks to claw it back in 2023 and it has some fantastic exclusives to look forward to.
However, this list has been restricted by the number of inclusions. It’s worth keeping in mind that release dates and windows can change at any given time.
Games included in this list will be exclusive or time-exclusive. That being said, here are my most anticipated Xbox Games for 2023 and beyond (so far).
Starfield (PC/Xbox Series X|S)
Announced during E3 2018, by the time Starfield launches in 2023, it will be five years in the making. Well, at least from our perspective. When Bethesda announced Starfield to the world, it was revealed that this is the first intellectual property by Bethesda in 25 years.
So, it’s fair to say that this sci-fi RPG has been a long time coming. Starfield is not only one of the most anticipated in 2023 for Xbox but also of all time.
Starfield promises to be an absolute mammoth of an RPG. While we don’t know for sure, its size is rumoured to be about 20% bigger than the likes of Skyrim and Fallout 4. However, we do know for sure that it will feature over 100 galaxies with a total of over 1,000 planets to explore.
Starfield will feature the Bethesda RPG gameplay that we know and love, but on a much grander scale for the new generation.
Embark on quests, interact with NPCs, indulge in space battles, create your own character, customise your spaceship and explore space at your leisure. We can’t wait for Bethesda’s next epic RPG offering.
Starfield will release for PC and Xbox Series X|S sometime during early 2023.
Redfall (PC/Xbox Series X|S)
Another sure-hit from Bethesda arrives in 2023 with the vampiric co-op multiplayer game, Redfall. Developed by Arkane Studios, the company responsible for the likes of Dishonored, and Deathloop, you’ll know that Redfall comes with great pedigree backing.
In the town of Redfall, Massachusetts, the place has been overrun by blood-thirsty vampires and unless you slay the creatures of the night once and for all, the whole world could become a blanket of darkness. Redfall combines high-octane first-person action with the elemental powers seen in other titles from Arkane.
It doesn’t matter if you play Redfall on your own or with three other players for 4-player co-op action, we’re sure you’ll have a blast bathing in the blood of the rabid vampires.
Redfall will release for PC and Xbox Series X|S sometime during early 2023.
The Outer Worlds 2 (PC/Xbox Series X|S)
The Outer Worlds 2 is a strange entry on this list because officially, we know little about this game. All we have to go on, are assumptions based on the first game which was released in 2019.
The Outer Worlds and its sequel is developed by Obsidian Entertainment. This team brought us the likes of Fallout: New Vegas, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, Neverwinter Nights 2 and South Park: The Stick of Truth.
So, what do we know about this sequel? Practically nothing, and its reveal trailer mocked that fact with developers’ signature, satirical humour. Regardless, we’re sure that with Obsidian Entertainment now being a first-party Microsoft studio, The Outer Worlds 2 will be bigger, better and more sarcastic than ever.
At this time, The Outer Worlds 2 does not have a release date, but it will release for PC as well as Xbox Series X|S.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (PC/Xbox Series X|S)
Announced during The Game Awards in 2019, the sequel to Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is one that I have high expectations for. However, at this time, much like with The Outer Worlds 2, we don’t know a lot about Hellblade 2. Though at least we’ve seen this game in action.
The original Hellblade was not one of the best-looking games for its time when it was released in 2017. It also combined satisfying combat as well as some head-scratching puzzle-solving. Oh, and to this day, developers Ninja Theory have implemented some of the best sound designs I have ever experienced.
Hellblade was also a game that explored the struggles of mental health (namely psychosis) in a way that was not only relatable, but it made you feel a part of Senua’s journey and struggles.
The Hellblade sequel continues Senua’s path, however, she seems more confident and empowered than ever before. What’s more, judging by the trailers, Senua is now leading an army. Yep, she’s a proper badass!
Ninja Theory is now a first-party property of Microsoft, meaning that the Hellblade sequel will be an exclusive.
At this time, we do not have a release date, however, Senua’s Sacrifice: Hellblade 2 is expected to release in 2023 or 2024 for PC and Xbox Series X|S.
Fable 4 (PC/Xbox Series X|S)
Technically, this game isn’t called “Fable 4” as it’s going to be a reboot of the series. However, for added simplicity, it was easier to introduce this game as the fourth numbered entry in the series.
The first Fable was released in 2004 for the original Xbox. As well as garnering two sequels, the OG Fable also received a remake in 2014 on its 10th anniversary for the Xbox 360.
We’ve not had a new Fable game since 2017. This 2017 entry was a Kinect-only game called Fable: The Journey. However, we’ll all be forgiven if we forgot that game ever existed.
Announced during the Xbox Showcase in 2020, other than being a reboot, all we know is that Fable will be a “new beginning” for the series. It will also be developed by Playground Games, a studio at this point that has only developed the Forza Horizon series.
We do not have a release date for Fable. We only know for sure that it will release for PC and Xbox Series X|S. However, when Fable does finally release, hopefully, it will be a return to form for the beloved series.
Forza Motorsport (PC/Xbox Series X|S)
Announced during an Xbox Games Showcase in June 2020, Microsoft announced that the Forza Motorsport series will be getting a reboot.
By the time this game releases in 2023, it would have been on a six-year hiatus following FM7 in 2017. Of course, not including the spin-off Horizon series. While the game is still in development, we can expect Microsoft to go big with this series to rival Sony’s Gran Turismo series once more.
Forza will look and play better than ever
Forza Motorsport will render at 4K (3840 x 2160) at 60fps on Xbox Series X. Whereas the Series S version renders at 1080p (1920 x 1080) at 60fps.
Obviously, depending on the PC, you can expect a whole lot of customisable visual and performance options. Forza Motorsport will also feature a dynamic day/weather cycle that can impact a race on the fly.
We pretty much know what to expect from the Forza series, but that won’t stop it from being one of the most anticipated Xbox games to come in 2023.
There will likely be an Xbox Games Showcase event sometime during early 2023, so hopefully, we’ll get to see more of Forza Motorsport in action in the near future. Forza Motorsport is expected to release during Spring 2023 for PC and Xbox Series X|S.
That concludes my list of the most anticipated games for Xbox in 2023 and beyond (so far). Of course, plenty of games never made this list, so be sure to sound out your favourites across our social media channels.
While you’re here, be sure to check out our video of the week. 10 of the scariest horror games of all time are shown off. What is your favourite horror game?
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