TheXbox Series X/Slibrary continues to be one of the most versatile across all consoles, and this weekend’s standout titles prove just how wide-ranging and rewarding that versatility can be for gamers. With a mix of re-releases, beloved mainstays, and brilliant live-service games in their best-ever shape, there’s no shortage of excellent experiences ready to pull players in. Whether you’re in it for the combat, the narrative depth, the nostalgia, or the vibes, the currentXboxlandscape offers something that hits just right.
What makes these games especially compelling now is how well they serve different types of play. Somegames are easy to pour hours into, others can be savored in short bursts. Some offer the kind of storytelling that lingers long after the controller is put down, while others simply want the player to have a good time. Each entry on this list is more than just a filler game in a backlog; they’re worth returning to, worth diving into for the first time, and worth the hype.
Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP
Fans of the 2012 cult classic have a lot of reasons to celebrate this week. From a new anime to a new game,Lollipop Chainsawhas multiple projects fueling its revival. Known for its magnetic hack-and-slash gameplay, comic-book-style visuals, and an absolutely immaculate soundtrack,Lollipop Chainsawis a deceivingly witty game that turns the concept of a teenage comedy on its head. It’s campy, vibrant, and a perfect game for players looking for a weekend of fun. There’s no better time to jump into it and discover what makes it a cult classic, just in time to join the revival’s hype. And 2024’sLollipop Chainsaw RePOPbrings this irreverent game to modern consoles.
Juliet Starling realizes on her eighteenth birthday that her high school is the epicenter of a zombie outbreak. As a cheerleader caught in a dire situation, she decides to decapitate her boyfriend to save his life, carrying his head around her waist as if he’s some sort of cursedLabubu. After discovering her family has a history of zombie hunting, Juliet armors herself with a chainsaw to confront Swan, the goth student intent on unleashing more zombies onto the world.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition
Few RPGs haunt players as much asThe Witcher 3does. Before CD Projekt Red redeemed itself with the post-launchtimeline ofCyberpunk 2077,TheWitcher 3established the studio as a leader in role-playing storytelling. Featuring exceptional quest design, memorable characters, and a lot of Gwent,The Witcher 3is certainly among the best RPGs ever made. Xbox Series X/S owners should be especially interested in picking up a copy ofThe Witcher 3: Wild Huntbecause it is currently on sale.
The game centers on Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter and witcher—a human altered through magic and alchemy to gain superhuman abilities. Geralt’s quest is to locate his adopted daughter, Ciri, who is fleeing fromthe Wild Hunt. The Wild Hunt is composed of magical beings that signify an impending war, and Geralt races against time to find her before they do. On the journey, Geralt discovers why the Wild Hunt is hunting Ciri, reconnects with old allies and loves, and embarks on an adventure across a gritty, Eastern European-inspired continent that harbors the darkest of secrets.
Destiny 2
With The Final Shape closing out the Light and Darkness saga,Destiny 2is in a rare sweet spot: providing both a satisfying conclusion and a fresh beginning. The upcoming “Year of Prophecy” introduces Edge of Fate and Renegades, which will kick off the next major arc, The Fate Saga. AlthoughEdge of Fate has had a few rocky launch issues, Bungie has been quick to respond, making this a prime time to dive in, catch up, and get comfortable before the next wave hits. Whether a player is returning or brand new, the game is currently rich with content, loot, and opportunities to shape a Guardian’s legacy.
Set in a mythic sci-fi world,Destiny 2places players in the role of a Guardian: one of the last defenders of Earth’s final city. With the power of the Light, players will face down alien threats, ancient gods, and the creeping power of the Darkness. The game’s narrative stakes had never been higher than in Final Shape, which players can enjoy before getting a fresh start withDestiny2’s Fate Saga, as it’s poised to introduce new enemies, moral rifts, and world-shifting consequences. There’s no better time to get invested in this expansive universe.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
It’s true that life-simmers who play exclusively on consoles may have a rougher time finding titles to love. However, fans of the genre can rejoice at the fact thatDisney Dreamlight Valleyis available for Xbox Series X/S owners and Xbox Game Pass holders.Disney Dreamlight Valleyhas quickly become agold standard in the cozy gaming space, serving as a true blueprint for others to follow. With its relaxing gameplay loops, adorable content, and continuously updated story, there’s never a lack of things to do inDreamlight Valley.
A mysterious event known as “The Forgetting” has afflicted a once-magical village. The player arrives at Dreamlight Valley, and, through potent magic, is able to remove the Night Thorns that are plaguing the formerly idyllic place. With Merlin’s help, the player restores Dreamlight Valley to its former glory and meets some of Disney’s most iconic characters along the way. While playing, players can engage in all the cozy gaming staples and more: crafting, fishing, decorating, and making friends.
