The Best Xbox Series X Games That Can Run At 4K & 60 FPS (August 2023)
The Xbox Series X is a huge technical jump from its older sibling the Xbox One. While still playing catch up to what PCs can do, the system’s specs are still a big deal for consoles. Packed with 4K capabilities and the potential to do 120 frames per second gaming, the Xbox Series X (and Microsoft) can deliver optimal performance, although it varies greatly from game to game.
Gaming is a few years into the current generation, and there are only a couple of exclusives for the Xbox Series X. However, most games are optimized for it, plenty of which look and perform really well on the new console. While there are many, here are some huge Xbox Series X games that run at 4K and 60 FPS.
Updated August 28, 2023 by Mark Sammut: The Xbox Series X is gradually starting to build a proper current-generation library, an effort that is set to gain a big boost with the introduction of Starfield. While Bethesda’s massive RPG will not offer 4K and 60 FPS on the Xbox Series X, plenty of other games do.
Quite a few Xbox Series X games use a dynamic resolution; consequently, while they aim to reach 4K, the resolution might dip during intensive sections.
Armored Core 6: Fires Of Rubicon
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
August 25, 2023
Developers
FromSoftware
Amazon Listing Page
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon
FromSoftware spent the best part of the last decade establishing and popularizing the Soulslike genre, an endeavor that culminated in the very successful Elden Ring. Almost all of the developer’s mainstream reputation hinges on Soulsborne projects, to the point that there must be countless fans who have never tried Armored Core, a franchise that has been around for decades. Consequently, Fires of Rubicon is likely to be a lot of people’s first foray into the publisher’s mecha series, something FromSoftware presumably predicted as the 2023 release is the IP’s most accessible entry. That said, Armored Core 6 is still very difficult, perhaps even more so than most Soulslikes.
Fires of Rubicon is all about building the optimal mecha to counter a specific mission’s challenges, and players should be constantly customizing their load-outs rather than sticking to one creation or playstyle. Missions take place in self-contained maps that are basically arenas, although they can vary somewhat in size; that said, they are never particularly big since exploration is not the point of Armored Core 6. In terms of performance, FromSoftware’s game offers 4K and 60 FPS, along with the option to reduce the frame rate in favor of enabling ray tracing.
Stray
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
August 10, 2023
Developers
BlueTwelve Studio
Originally a PlayStation console exclusive, Stray entered the Xbox ecosystem in August 2023, and the game has not lost an ounce of charm since its 2022 debut. Set in a cyberpunk world, players take control of a cat that has found its way into an underground city featuring only robots. Looking to make its way back to the surface, the adorable feline must jump and purr its way through a string of visually impressive locations they can freely explore to an extent, all the while following a linear storyline.
Stray is not long by any stretch of the imagination, and most playthroughs should not require more than a handful of hours. It is very much designed to be consumed over the span of a weekend. That said, the game is quite the looker in its own right, even rivaling bigger AAA projects in a few places. Performance-wise, Stray delivers 4K and 60 FPS on the Xbox Series X.
Diablo 4
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
June 5, 2023
Developers
Blizzard Team 3, Blizzard Albany
Amazon Listing Page
Diablo 4
Blizzard’s last few years have not been without controversy. Despite featuring solid gameplay, Diablo Immortal attracted quite a bit of controversy due to its monetization, and there were fears about what this could mean for the next mainline entry. Although not free of microtransactions, Diablo 4 has been largely well-received, especially critically, and the core experience is enjoyable. At its heart, the sequel delivers the traditional Diablo gameplay loop, albeit one altered to complement an open-world design. The decision to go down this route had many people concerned prior to the game’s launch, and while not necessarily superior to its predecessors’ more curated structures, Diablo 4’s open-world is generally fun to explore and works well in the endgame.
As an isometric RPG, Blizzard’s 2023 title is not the most visually impressive game of the year, at least in terms of scale and presentation. Therefore, unsurprisingly, Diablo 4 runs at 4K and 60 FPS on the Xbox Series X, which makes sense considering the game also came out on last-generation hardware.
Hi-Fi Rush
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
January 25, 2023
Developer
Tango Gameworks
Released out of nowhere in January 2023, Hi-Fi Rush is a highly enjoyable rhythm-action game with hack and slash combat and platforming sections. Utilizing cel-shaded visuals, Tango’s title is absolutely gorgeous, and it runs smoothly on the Xbox Series X. Hi-Fi Rush supports native 4K and 60 FPS, and the latter is especially important since the gameplay revolves around timing button presses to match the soundtrack.
Cast as Chai, players have to make their way through linear levels that typically switch up the music genre and conclude with a boss battle. Hi-Fi Rush looks and plays great, and it is an Xbox Series X/S console exclusive.
Halo Infinite
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
November 15, 2021 (Multiplayer Beta) December 8, 2021 (Full Game)
Developer
343 Industries
Amazon Listing Page
Halo Infinite
For Xbox’s 20th anniversary celebration, Microsoft staged a doozy of a celebration. Along with announcing the final additions to the Xbox’s Backwards Compatibility Program, games that also received a performance boost, Microsoft dropped Halo Infinite multiplayer beta roughly three weeks prior to its full release.
This mode is free-to-play and does not require any sort of subscription, so anyone with an Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, or PC can jump into the fps franchise’s latest entry. Xbox Series X and some PC owners can play Halo Infinite at 60+ FPS and 4k resolution, allowing them to experience Microsoft’s flagship property at the peak of its power.
Monster Hunter Rise
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
January 20, 2023
Developer
Capcom
Originally released as a Switch exclusive, Monster Hunter Rise has steadily expanded its platforms; nowadays, Capcom’s action RPG is available on essentially every modern system, including the Xbox Series X/S. Unsurprisingly, a Switch port easily reaches 4K and 60 FPS on the Xbox Series X, and Rise goes a step further by also offering a 5K resolution option. However, people who want the best of both worlds should probably stick to the Default setting.
Monster Hunter Rise is just plainly a great game, and it is among the most accessible entries in Capcom’s long-running franchise. Compared to Monster Hunter World, Rise’s levels are less open-ended, but the game nails its combat system.
Tunic
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
March 16, 2022
Developer
Andrew Shouldice
Tunic is a top-down action-adventure game that wears its Legend of Zelda influence on its sleeve. Comparisons to Nintendo’s legendary franchise can be a double-edged sword since Zelda sets the bar ridiculously high, but Tunic manages to reach that lofty standard. Do not be fooled by the cute protagonist and colorful art style as this game packs quite a punch, both in its surprisingly complex combat and the many brain-teasers scattered across the campaign.
Tunic sets its sights on delivering a proper adventure, one that expects players to craft their own path. This goes beyond exploration and into the gameplay mechanics. While Tunic’s battle system seems basic at first, depth lies in its flexibility and adaptability. Players need to investigate the tools at their disposal to figure out the optimum way to take on this world’s decent selection of enemies.
Alan Wake Remastered
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
October 5, 2021
Developers
Remedy Entertainment, D3T
Amazon Listing Page
Alan Wake Remastered
In 2021, Remedy Entertainment’s Xbox 360 fan-favorite title received a much-needed remastering, one that not only improved Alan Wake’s performance but also made it available to PlayStation players for the first time. The game is not a full-blown action experience and has more than its share of quiet moments designed to let players soak up Bright Falls’ atmosphere, and the town looks better (and creepier) than ever on the Xbox Series X.
A couple of minor changes and additions aside, the remaster’s selling point is its higher resolution and steady frame rate.
Tales Of Arise
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
September 10, 2021
Developer
Bandai Namco Studios
Amazon Listing Page
Tales of Arise
Bandai Namco’s latest entry in the Tales franchise has a contender for the best combat system in the license’s history, and that is a claim that can’t be made lightly. Tales of Arise tells a story steeped in discrimination and opts for a dark tone throughout its opening few hours, although the series’ trademark banter does eventually come in.
Tales of Arise supports 4K and 60 FPS on the Xbox Series X, ensuring this version delivers an optimized experience when it comes to the game’s fast-paced battle system. Although the JRPG is available on the Xbox One, the Xbox Series X version of Tales of Arise still feels like a ninth-generation title.
WWE 2K23
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
March 17, 2023
Developers
Visual Concepts
Amazon Listing Page
WWE 2K23
Visual Concepts has done an admirable job of rehabbing the WWE 2K brand following the disastrous 2020 entry. WWE 2K22 was a huge step in the right direction, both in terms of modes and gameplay. Its sequel wisely focuses on fine-tuning the basics and expanding on what came before, resulting in a similar but improved package. For instance, WWE 2K23’s MyGM Mode is considerably better than its counterpart in the 2022 game, and the same can be said for MyRise.
WWE 2K23 might not be as taxing as, say, an open-world project, but the game is still quite the looker. The character models are generally great, and the combat system runs smoothly on most hardware, including the Xbox Series X. The console supports 4K and 60 FPS, which really should be the minimum for any fighting game. Ultimately, this title is somewhat difficult to recommend to anyone who is not already a big fan of WWE, but it is nevertheless one of the more mainstream and accessible wrestling games in a while.
Scarlet Nexus
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
June 25, 2021
Developers
Bandai Namco Studios, Tose
Amazon Listing Page
Scarlet Nexus
Bandai Namco’s new action RPG was received well by both critics and players, perhaps signaling that the future could include further missions with the OSF. Visually, Scarlet Nexus is not the most impressive game on the Xbox Series X, particularly when it comes to its environments and textures; however, the characters look great and, most importantly, the gameplay is fantastic.
Requiring two playthroughs to see everything the story has to offer, Scarlet Nexus will keep players entertained for over 50 hours.
Hades
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
August 13, 2021
Developer
Supergiant Games
Amazon Listing Page
Hades
Supergiant Games’ Hades is a roguelite about Zagreus, the son of the titular god, trying to escape from the Underworld to reach Mount Olympus. As is tradition for this acclaimed studio, Hades looks stunning, plays brilliantly, and has a captivating storyline that holds a number of surprises, both in terms of its plot and the way it plays around with conventions.
Roguelites and roguelikes are not for everyone, but Hades shakes things up by not wiping the slate clean after every failure. While players will be spending their time running through the same levels over and over again, the story progresses when Zagreus dies; consequently, it rarely feels like time has been wasted.
Doom Eternal
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
June 29, 2021
Developer
id Software
Amazon Listing Page
Doom Eternal
Id Software’s Doom Eternal is now available for the Xbox Series X and PS5, a change that makes a world of difference. Next-gen versions offer three graphics settings, with Balanced Mode delivering 4K resolution and 60 FPS. Performance Mode reduces the resolution to 1800p but elevates the frames per second to 120. Last but not least, Ray Tracing Mode delivers 1800p and 60 FPS.
Doom Eternal is controlled chaos, as the Doom Slayer must remain constantly on the move to avoid certain death.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
March 24, 2023
Developer
Capcom
Amazon Listing Page
Resident Evil 4
Capcom’s Resident Evil games generally run very well on the Xbox Series X, and that holds true for 2023’s remake. The 2005 original is an all-time action-horror classic, to the point that the remake would have been a notable step down if it achieved anything less than near-perfection. For the most part, Capcom delivered the goods, crafting an experience that honors Resident Evil 4’s stature while fine-tuning a few things to offer a more consistent experience. While not superior to its predecessor, which is an impossible task since the remake could never hope to match the original game’s industry-wide influence and importance, the 2023 release is comfortably among the best third-person shooters and horror games on modern systems.
In terms of performance, Resident Evil 4 allows Xbox Series X owners to decide whether to emphasize 4K resolution or 60 FPS. However, the modes try to offer both simultaneously, so the choice comes down to preference. That said, prioritizing framerate is the way to go, especially since RE4’s dynamic 4K resolution still results in a generally gorgeous experience.
Persona 5 Royal
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
October 21, 2022
Developer
P-Studio
Once upon a time, the thought of Persona appearing on an Xbox console, let alone Game Pass, seemed like nothing more than wishful thinking. Now, Xbox owners can play one of the best JRPGs of all time, Persona 5 Royal, in glorious 4K and 60 FPS. Anime-style visuals and turn-based combat might not seem like they would benefit too much from the jump in presentation and performance, but it could not be understated just how gorgeous P-Studio’s game is. Yes, it might not be as realistic or detailed as something like A Plague Tale: Requiem, but P5R makes up for it through sheer style and personality.
Xbox Series X has an OK selection of JRPGs, and P5R is undoubtedly the genre’s greatest representative on Microsoft’s console. Boasting a lengthy campaign lasting roughly 100 hours, this game can keep someone engaged for months on end.
Deathloop
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
September 20, 2022
Developer
Arkane Lyon
Amazon Listing Page
Deathloop
Originally a PS5 console exclusive, Deathloop made its way to the Xbox Series X/S a year later, and the latter might be the game’s definitive edition. On the Xbox Series X, Arkane’s project has four performance modes, two of which aim for 4K and 60 FPS. The difference between the two is their focus, as one prioritizes resolution while the other emphasizes a steady frame rate. Consequently, players can decide which area is the most important to them. Users who would prefer 120 FPS can select another mode that reduces the resolution to 1080p.
Deathloop cast players as Colt, an assassin who must eliminate eight targets in a single day. Failure resets the day, forcing them to go through the process from scratch. While not endlessly replayable, Deathloop is a fun first-person shooter by a developer known for them.
F1 23
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
June 16, 2023
Developer
Codemasters
Amazon Listing Page
F1 23
After the decent F1 22, Codemasters has returned with an improved sequel that is also the franchise’s best release since returning to EA Sports. As has been the case for years, the series provides a realistic and detailed look at the current motorsport scene, and F1 23 comes with staples like MyTeam and Career. These modes will likely keep racers busy for a long while, but the game does come with a few other options as well. For one, F1 23 includes the second part of the Braking Point story, which finds Jackson joining a fictional team. While an appreciation for cutscenes will determine someone’s mileage with this mode, chapter 2 is arguably superior to its predecessor in most ways.
F1 World is a new addition that acts as a quick way to streamline daily events. These races are effectively exhibitions, although the mode does feature a car upgrade system to incentivize people to keep coming back for more. Although not quite as enjoyable as a standard career, F1 World could hit the spot for F1 23 players who just want to do an occasional race.
Rogue Legacy 2
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
April 28, 2022
Developer
Cellar Door Games
Building on the rock-solid foundations of the original Rogue Legacy, the sequel refines an already stellar formula to perfection. The basic gameplay loop has remained largely intact: players control a knight who runs through a castle facing bosses and finding loot. Once they die, players spawn as one of the knight’s kin so they can do it all over again. While each class comes with unique weapons and skills, each character also has a randomly-generated trait that adds a fun twist to the next playthrough.
Rogue Legacy 2 is an addictive game that can keep someone entertained for months. With more than 10 classes, this roguelike comes jam-packed with variety, and mastering each type of character will take quite a long time. In due time, most people will identify a few preferred classes, but the core combat is fun enough to ensure no playthrough feels like a waste of time.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
March 12, 2021
Developer
Toys for Bob
Amazon Listing Page
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
The classic Sony mascot is no longer confined to just PlayStation systems, a fact that works in Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time’s favor. Debuting in 2020, Crash 4 made its way to ninth-generation consoles a few months later, allowing the game to take advantage of the new hardware’s power.
Crash 4 is gorgeous and vibrant, making it a perfect candidate to showcase the Xbox Series X’s 4K potential. The gameplay is smooth even on last-gen systems, but the Series X greatly reduces the load times for levels.
Dead By Daylight
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
November 12, 2020
Developer
Behaviour Interactive
Amazon Listing Page
Dead By Daylight
Dead By Daylight works well for both survivors and killers. Quicker response time for the survivors to get away or do tasks, while the killers are more mobile and get their targets faster. What makes this game a good example of what the Xbox Series X can do is its graphical upgrade.
The already spooky-looking maps are even scarier thanks to its next-gen overhaul. Much like most games that got an update for the new console, everything got better, so playing on the Series X is a noticeable change.
Far Cry 6
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
October 7, 2021
Developer
Ubisoft Toronto
Amazon Listing Page
Far Cry 6
Ubisoft’s Far Cry franchise is nearly always a front-runner in the visuals department, even if the games do not quite push the envelope as far as some other releases. Far Cry 6 is an absolutely gorgeous first-person shooter set within a lush open-world that is also quite dense with content.
Criticized for sticking too close to the license’s basic formula, Far Cry 6 ultimately offers more of the same; while this will put off people who have grown weary of Ubisoft’s structure, this also means that the game retains most of the franchise’s major strengths. For instance, the gameplay is as frantic and satisfying as ever, particularly on modern consoles.
Borderlands 3
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
November 12, 2020
Developer
Gearbox Software
Amazon Listing Page
Borderlands 3
The good thing about the Borderlands titles is that they’re not physically demanding, and the current-gen systems run them better than ever. The 4K update makes it feel like Borderlands 3 is a new game.
Colors are richer and more vibrant, and with the 60 frames per second, the chaos feels more focused. Plus, just everything about the game feels better just because it’s on the new console, as the updated graphics bring more life to its worlds. It’s like night and day in how the new hardware changes Borderlands 3.
Psychonauts 2
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
August 25, 2021
Developer
Double Fine
Amazon Listing Page
Psychonauts 2
Double Fine’s highly-anticipated sequel finally dropped in 2021, and Psychonauts 2 not only successfully retains the magic of its 2005 predecessor but greatly expands on its ideas. Raz is a Psychonaut in training and enters the Motherlobe, the organization’s main base. While there, he sets out to unlock the mystery of the original Psychonauts, a journey that is both action-packed and emotionally complex.
Psychonauts 2 is a fun platformer with action elements, with Raz’s Psi-Powers providing a decent amount of variety when it comes to facing enemies and completing puzzles. The boss fights are also epic. More importantly for this article, Psychonauts 2’s level design and aesthetic are both mesmerizing; this is one of the best-looking games on the Xbox Series X.
Ori And The Will Of The Wisp
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
November 10, 2020
Developer
Moon Studios
Amazon Listing Page
Ori and the Will of the Wisp
This already stunning platformer looks even better on the new console. The 4K works really well with games like Ori and the Will of the Wisps because of the depth of the colors. The light colors really pop out and they give the game a different feel. While the darker ones blend in really well with the background.
It’s no wonder why Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of the best-looking games of 2020. The frame rate is also consistent on the Xbox Series X. The title is quite hard as it’s mostly about timing, so having smoother gameplay can help the players beat the game.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
November 10, 2020
Developer
Ubisoft Montreal
Amazon Listing Page
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Ubisoft is known for making the Assassin’s Creed landscape and cityscape as life-like as possible. The latest in the series is not an expectation. Playing on the new console, players can visit some gorgeous-looking scenes in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and see what the Series X has to offer. The increase in frames translates into smoother combat. Players can time their attacks faster and execute them more efficiently.
These games are huge, especially Valhalla, so it’s amazing seeing the loading time is cut down more than half on the Xbox Series X. This was probably the first game to really show what the new console could do.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
November 17, 2020
Developer
NetherRealm Studios
Amazon Listing Page
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
Shortly following the launch of the current console generation, NetherRealm Studios released PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate. Using a dynamic resolution, the fighting game reaches 4K and 60 fps on a reasonably consistent basis, so players can look forward to a smooth and gorgeous experience.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate’s gameplay is arguably the finest in the franchise’s history, and it is certainly the most strategic. By removing things like the run option, battles play out like chess matches that demand participants master both the offensive and defensive sides of the equation. The multiplayer is quite active, while the single-player campaign captures Mortal Kombat at the peak of its powers. The story is ridiculous, charmingly cheesy, and unapologetically violent; basically, it is perfect.
Forza Horizon 5
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
November 9, 2021
Developer
Playground Games
Similar to its predecessor, Forza Horizon 5 is a visual delight. It also plays pretty darn well across all platforms, although it naturally shines the brightest on the Xbox Series X and high-end PCs. This time around, the Horizon crew heads to Mexico, a destination that proves to be gorgeous, versatile, and perfect for jumping off cliffs in cartoonish daredevil stunts.
Forza Horizon 5 is a contender for the best arcade racer on the market, only competing with previous entries in the franchise. Even those who are not fond of racing games should consider giving this title a try; it is relaxing, charmingly silly, and breathtakingly gorgeous.
Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
November 10, 2020
Developer
Capcom
Amazon Listing Page
Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition
After a long, agonizing stretch, in 2019, Capcom finally graced the world with a proper sequel to Devil May Cry 4. The fifth entry set a new bar for stylish action games, delivering three very different playable characters, a host of unforgettable boss fights, and a more “realistic” graphic style that does not undermine the franchise’s over-the-top spirit.
The Special Edition brought Devil May Cry 5 to the Xbox Series X/S and PS5, introducing Vergil as a playable character along with some new features like Turbo Mode. Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition comes with a variety of performance modes, including “High Frame-Rate Mode” that offers 120 FPS at the cost of native 4K resolution. “Normal Mode” offers the best of both worlds.
Gears 5
Release Date (Xbox Series X)
November 10, 2020
Developer
The Coalition
Amazon Listing Page
Gears 5
Gears 5 is one of those games that is considerably different on the Xbox Series X. It’s what is underneath the hood that makes it a different game from the Xbox One version. On the new console, Gears 5 looks amazing.
On top of that, the frame rate helps the online action, allowing for smoother and more satisfying gameplay. Playing on the newer console just feels all-around better, and the turnaround time between online matches is even faster.
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