Update: As mentioned, we’re updating this feature on a monthly basis, and it’s now been adjusted for August. We’ve taken a few games away, added a few in, and changed a handful of dates around for games that are coming up.
With 2026 now starting to kick into gear, it’s time to look ahead at what this year has in store for us! There are hundreds and hundreds of games that will be releasing on Xbox in 2026, and we’ve whittled down the current list into just 30 Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S titles that we’re most looking forward to this year as things stand.
We do this every year, of course, but things are a little different for the 2026 version. Firstly, we’re sticking to just the official descriptions rather than just waffling on about each game ourselves — this means we have more time to constantly keep updating the article with new additions (and taking older ones out) on a monthly basis, which should hopefully prove useful as the year rolls on. You’ll also find trailers for each game in this big list, although you can also click on the game pages to get more information and other news articles we’ve covered for them.
As mentioned, these are far from the only games releasing on Xbox this year, and in addition to this article, we provide weekly and monthly guides tracking them all. There’s also an Xbox Game Pass in 2026 guide that’s obviously focused around every single Game Pass title announced for this year.
Let’s get cracking with 30 Xbox Series X|S games to look forward to in 2026!
Publisher: EA Sports / Developer: EA Sports
Release Date: 13th Aug 2026 (USA)
“Run the league one decision at a time. EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 27, powered by the all-new Persona Engine, transforms Franchise into a reactive, always-evolving league where every NFL athlete has a distinct, realistic personality that informs their motivations, demands and reactions.”
Release Date: August 13, 2026
Xbox Game Pass? No (but there’s a 10-hour free trial)
Publisher: Team17 / Developer: Expression Games
Release Date: 13th Aug 2026 (USA)
“Step into the explosive fury of war with Hell Let Loose: Vietnam. Play a decisive role in one of the most iconic conflicts in history with expansive 50v50 player battles, where teamwork, tactics and an arsenal of destructive weapons combine to shape the battlefield in your favour.”
Release Date: August 13, 2026
Xbox Game Pass? No
Publisher: Humble Games / Developer: Chuhai Labs
Release Date: 13th Aug 2026 (USA)
“Take to the skies with the Blue Bombers! As Bowie Stray, you’ll lead a squadron of pilots through high-speed dogfights, master responsive on-rails combat, and uncover the secrets of a world under siege. From Chuhai Labs, Wild Blue Skies is the definitive modern evolution of the classic arcade rail-shooter.”
Release Date: August 13, 2026
Xbox Game Pass? No
Publisher: Playground Productions / Developer: Mega Cat Studios
Release Date: 18th Aug 2026 (USA)
“The arcade-style classic is back – and it’s leveling up. With enhanced gameplay, new game modes, and all the humor & charm of the original, this is Backyard Baseball like it was always meant to be played. Wishlist now for Opening Day on July 9th. Are you ready to play like a kid again?”
Release Date: August 18, 2026
Xbox Game Pass? No
Publisher: Frogwares / Developer: Frogwares
Release Date: 18th Aug 2026 (USA)
“Explore the flooded city of Arkham in this Lovecraftian survival horror as you search for a way to undo the effects of a dreaming ritual gone wrong that has left your soulmate trapped between our world and a world of unfathomable monsters.”
Release Date: August 18, 2026
Xbox Game Pass? No
Publisher: PlayStack / Developer: Cold Symmetry
Release Date: 20th Aug 2026 (USA)
“Their Flesh Is Your Weapon. Mortal Shell II is a standalone sequel action-RPG with adrenaline-charged, high-stakes combat. Possess warrior Shells, dethrone false gods, redeem a ravaged world.”
Release Date: August 20, 2026
Xbox Game Pass? No
Publisher: Daybreak Game Company / Developer: Cold Iron Studios
Release Date: 25th Aug 2026 (USA)
“Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 drops up to four players into the boots of Colonial Marines deployed to the most hostile corners of the Aliens universe. This is not a rescue mission – it’s a fight for survival.”
Release Date: August 25, 2026
Xbox Game Pass? No
Publisher: NetEase Games / Developer: NetEase Games
Release Date: 25th Aug 2026 (USA)
“Once Human is a Strange Worlds Survival Game set in a strange, post-apocalyptic future. Unite with friends to fight monstrous enemies, uncover secret plots, compete for resources, and build your own territory. Once, you were merely human. Now, you have the power to remake the world.”
Release Date: August 25, 2026
Xbox Game Pass? No (free-to-play)
Publisher: Konami / Developer: Konami
Release Date: 27th Aug 2026 (USA)
“In addition to Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (HD Collection version), this collection includes the series’ first handheld game and a digital soundtrack as purchase bonuses.”
Release Date: August 27, 2026
Xbox Game Pass? No
Publisher: Focus Entertainment / Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: 27th Aug 2026 (USA)
“Embark on an original story, prequel to the award-winning games: A Plague Tale. As Sophia, journey to the Minotaur’s Island, outsmart deadly foes, unravel ancient secrets, and confront a mythical creature at the heart of a devastating curse.”
Release Date: August 27, 2026
Xbox Game Pass? Yes