The delaying of launch games for Microsoft’s next-gen console did seriously hamper theXbox Series X/Slaunch, but things are looking up in 2021. Not only are key delayed games likeHalo InfiniteandThe Mediumreleasing in 2021, but there are plenty of multi-platform games coming to bolster the system as well. As much as backward compatibility and cross-gen games have bolstered Microsoft’s launch thus far, it’s not until next year where Xbox’s true next-gen experience will shine. Xbox may not have as many high profile sequels coming as the PS5 does, but Microsoft’s got a lot of promising exclusive projects in the works for Xbox Series X/S as well.
Of course, a game likeHalo Infinitewill be the defining “Xbox” experience, but 2021 is already bringing a slew of other games toXbox Series X/Sas well. Horror fans in particular have a lot to look forward to on Xbox Series X, with games likeThe MediumandScorn. Action/adventure players andHellbalde: Senua’s Sacrificefans have the sequel to look forward to next year as well. Not to mention Microsoft’s numerous studio acquisitions bring the likes of Bethesda’s games to Xbox (perhaps exclusively, too), though none of them have exact 2021 release dates yet. If fans are in any way disappointed by a lack of next-gen games, 2021 could be a very big year for Xbox.
Every 2021 Xbox Series X/S Game with a Release Date
2021’s game releases are divided into three distinct categories: titles with definitive release dates announced for 2021, tentative or vague release windows for 2021 that could potentially change, and to-be-confirmed games for 2021 that have a higher likelihood of a delay. Starting with definitive release dates, there are already several confirmed games releasing on Xbox Series X early next year, and they’re not all just Xbox One backward compatible or cross-gen games either. Several of the upcoming games in 2021 arenext-gen exclusive titles likeThe Medium. These are all the currently known games that are, at the moment, releasing definitively in 2021:
Highlights from the coming six months (so far) for Xbox Series X/S include the exclusive psychological thrillerThe Medium, the next big MMO/looter-shooterOutriders, Agent 47’s next adventure inHitman 3, as well as the long-rumoredPrince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake. The only exception to the rule in this category isTennis World Tour 2, which has an exact month pinpointed but the specific day has not been confirmed yet.
Every Xbox Series X/S Game with a Tentative/Vague Release Window
The lion’s share of Xbox Series X/S games releasing in 2021 doesn’t have exact release dates yet. Many have opted for vague “2021” release windows, announcing a release month, release quarter, or otherwise unspecific release timing. Several have been announced for a long time, though these games have likely opted for vague “2021” release windows due to2020’s pandemic and its ongoing effect on game development methods. Additional games are expected to utilize these vague windows of release in the near future and are subject to change. This is every Xbox Series X/S game announced with an unspecific release window:
Every Xbox Series X/S Game Planned to Release in 2021
Last are the unknowns, all of which have a “2021” release window without any further specification. These are the games that could potentially be delayed or have no official release timing yet.Games likePsychonauts 2orScorn, which are confirmed to exist and are planned to release in 2021 but haven’t shown much, fall into this category. Additionally, some exceptions likeDying Light 2are also included here due to a prolonged lack of information on their release timing, but were already planned for next-gen consoles. Here’s every Xbox Series X/S game with a vague “2021” release window that’s more likely to change.
As of this writing, that’s every single Xbox Series X/S game planned to release in 2021. There are still numerous additional games coming to Xbox Series X/S, likePragmata,Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, andDragon Age 4, but these games have all been announced for 2022. Any other omissions from this list (The Elder Scrolls 6,Starfield,Forza Motorsport,Fable, etc.) haven’t announced any release dates, or do not have any confirmed platforms for release at this point. This is also not including any re-releases or additions to Xbox Game Pass, which follows a different release schedule and also largely includes many Xbox exclusives.
Sure, Xbox Series X/S may not have had the exciting launch it was originally planning, but next year will truly be where the console thrives.
