Thanks to backwards compatibility across all Xbox consoles, the launch of the Xbox Series X is going to be jam packed with games. There aren’t that many new ones, or exclusives, but whether one is focused on single-player experiences or multiplayer ones, there’s something for everybody. Along with old games are enhanced versions for the new console, like Borderlands 3, Fortnite, and Sea of Thieves.
It should also be mentioned that Watch Dogs: Legion will be available at launch but the multiplayer portion won’t be ready until December. Also of note, the optimized versions of Destiny 2: Beyond Light won’t be ready until December 8 even though it will be a launch game technically. So with those caveats out of the way, there are ten new multiplayer games that will be ready to play at launch.
10 Dirt 5
Dirt 5 actually released a couple days before the Xbox Series X on the older hardware but it’s still new enough to count. It’s been getting good reviews on those multiple platforms so it stands to reason that the new hardware should run it better. Every new system needs a racing game at launch and Dirt 5 is the big new get. It’s no Forza Motorsport, Microsoft’s exclusive racing series, but it’ll do until the next main game and or spinoff hits presumably in 2021.
9 Fuser
Fuser is the latest music contribution from Harmonix aka the Rock Band people. It’s sort of a sequel to DropMix, which was sort of like a Toys to Life experience wherein players could collect cards based on music tracks and drop them into their deck in order to remix music. This game then has a similar DJ mentality but without the expensive cost of having to buy physical cards. Become a DJ and rule the world with hot beats alone, with a friend, or go against some online competition.
8 NBA 2K21
Alongside racing games, players often want a sports title to help thicken out their library. NBA 2K21 is the only new game on the block.
It actually released back in September and didn’t too hot across all launch platforms for reviews unlike Dirt 5. However, that doesn’t mean it will be bad on the new hardware. It might be better but only time will tell.
7 Tetris Effect: Connected
Technically this is an old game as Tetris Effect launched on the PS4 in 2018. However, this new version adds multiplayer which is enough new content to count it as a new game. The original was great in VR and hopefully it will be just as groundbreaking when playing against friends or random people online. Pop those headphones in and let the music whisk one away.
6 Just Dance 2021
Just Dance 2021 wont be available until November 12 alongside the PS5 launch. It should also be noted that the Xbox Series X will not support the Xbox One Kinect so in order to play this motion game, one needs a phone with the Just Dance app and an internet connection to stream the game. It’s more complicated than past setups and more complicated than the other consoles that don’t need internet and that have motion controls. Setups aside, this should be a great party game for the whole family to dance to.
5 WRC 9: World Rally Championship
WRC 9: World Rally Championship also won’t be available until November 12. It’s another racing game and one that has a similar vibe to Dirt 5.
The game launched in September on the old hardware and got almost identical praise to Dirt 5 in terms of scoring. What will be the best racing game to choose at launch? That’s a gamble for Xbox Series X players but both look promising.
4 Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
The latest Call of Duty won’t be available until the thirteenth which is the latest release in launch week. Last generation Call of Duty: Ghosts fell with a thud as a launch title. Will history repeat itself or will Cold War be one of the greats? Review questions aside one can at least be sure it will be filled with plenty of multiplayer options from killing zombies with a friend in co-op to the new Fireteam mode which acts as a smaller Warzone experience.
3 Kingdom Hearts: Melody Of Memory
Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is a rhythm based game similar to Theatrhythm Final Fantasy On 3DS. This will also be available on the thirteenth but as a backwards compatibility game as it will only be launching on the PS4, Xbox One, and Switch in 2020. Even though it isn’t technically an Xbox Series X game it is new and a big game to boot so it was deemed worth enough to mention. It will have a versus mode for multiplayer just to note.
2 Rogue Company
For those looking to save some money there will be two free to play shooters available at launch. Rogue Company is one of them which actually first launched a few weeks ago in October. The diversity of modes in this four player co-op team shooter are basic as of now, so there is room to grow. Think of it like Overwatch meets James Bond with more edge, and that’s Rogue Company.
1 Enlisted
The other free to play shooter is Enlisted, which based on the name, should be telling. It’s a World War II themed first-person shooter, but one with a huge scope in terms of the battlefields. The developers are going so far as to call it a MMO although don’t expect it to be anything like World of Warcraft. It’s another one those free to play games that looks like it potential, but may have a few rough weeks and or months at launch.
NEXT: 10 Xbox One Games Announced This Generation (That Still Aren’t Out)
