15 Must-Play Original World Games Heading to Xbox in 2025
We have gathered a substantial list of colossal open-world Xbox titles making their debut in 2025, to the extent that narrowing down this selection was incredibly challenging! Nevertheless, we have to set some boundaries, so we’ve chosen to showcase 15 of the most exciting open-world games set to arrive on Xbox Series X and Series S (and occasionally, Xbox One) in the coming year.
This article initially began as a video, and you can check out the video version above if you wish!
Of course, there exists a possibility that postponements might arise (GTA 6, anyone?), and we are likely to discover additional new Xbox releases for 2025 as the year progresses, but these are the titles that we’re particularly excited about as things currently stand.
Let’s proceed with the list – but don’t forget, we have plenty of other guides like this spread throughout Pure Xbox as well!
Alright then! Here’s our list of the top open-world Xbox games set to launch in 2025:
GTA 6 (Xbox Series X|S)
Let’s get straight to the point – Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto 6 is undoubtedly the most awaited game of 2025, despite rumors suggesting a possible delay to 2026. So far, we have only seen one trailer, yet we’ve already been introduced to the two protagonists: Lucia and the unnamed fellow.
We’re returning to the captivating world of Vice City, with its sandy beaches, lively nightlife, and murky swamps. And naturally, expect plenty of high-octane excitement, alligators, chaos, and hammer-wielding characters to engage with at your leisure. You know, the typical shenanigans associated with this beloved open-world franchise.
We are fairly confident that we’ll be obsessed with GTA 6 for at least the next decade, so here’s hoping it doesn’t slip into the following year… let’s cross our fingers we see it in 2025.
- Release Date: TBD 2025
- Xbox Game Pass? No
Elden Ring: Nightreign (Xbox Series X|S)
Rise, you wretched Tarnished, because it appears FromSoftware isn’t finished with you just yet! The critically acclaimed open-world action RPG is set to receive a standalone multiplayer addition this year by the name of Elden Ring: Nightreign.
Instead of the usual “you died,” prepare for “we died… together, as a trio,” because this time, the classic Elden Ring experience will be playable in 3-player co-op. Nightreign evokes strong vibes of battle royale/extraction zones – somewhat akin to Hunt: Showdown. While we’re not certain how the team dynamics will work, we’re anticipating a quest to conquer the nightlord boss at the center of each gameplay session.
Laugh all you want, but we can already visualize a blue fiery ring closing in, hearing “where we dropping boys” echoing in our minds. Although, there’s no indication of an Elden Ring-themed Battle Bus… so who knows?
All we know is that we’re excited, and we will need to recruit more friends before it releases. Wish us luck!
- Release Date: TBD 2025
- Xbox Game Pass? No
Fable (Xbox Series X|S)
If you swap fast cars for fantastical adventures, as the racing team at Playground Games has done, it’s bound to attract attention with curiosity regarding what the developers can create. This new entry in Fable is looking quite impressive, just take a look at Big Richard over here (commonly referred to as Dave the Giant from the Fable trailers).
Fable was a massive success in the ’00s, featuring a trilogy of memorable games – some better than others, but overall, an engaging fantasy tale. It looks like we’ll be crafting a customizable hero once more, wielding swords, casting spells, and battling iconic creatures, including Big D from the old legends.
Chances are, it’ll be utilizing the Forzatech engine, so we can expect some stunning visuals to accompany the journey. Feeling cautiously optimistic, we are.
- Release Date: TBD 2025
- Xbox Game Pass? Yes
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 (Xbox Series X|S)
It appears one lengthy tale of revenge isn’t quite enough for our 15th-century protagonist, Henry. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, the sequel to Warhorse Studios’ 2018 adventure, continues the story of our orphaned peasant turned noble lord.
If it’s anything like the original game, we can expect a well-measured dose of historical accuracy, intense combat mechanics, and the kinds of social interactions that will challenge our conversational skills through branching dialogues that impact Henry’s destiny. This time, there are no mythical creatures—just a classic villain in the form of a ruthless lord that Henry must bring to justice.
And the best part? It’s not too far off – Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 launches on February 4th!
- Release Date: 4th February 2025
- Xbox Game Pass? No
Avowed (Xbox Series X|S)
Our next open-world expedition comes from Obsidian Entertainment, one of the best in the industry. Avowed is yet another grand fantasy narrative slated for 2025, and in our opinion, if Xbox aims to rekindle enthusiasm within the gaming community, this is the game to accomplish it with.
Unlike our previous entry, Avowed is filled with lore and magic. You’ll be casting spells, wielding swords, and even blasting enemies with a magical blunderbuss. Character classes aren’t the main focus here – instead, the game functions more like Skyrim, with perk constellations acting as skill trees allowing you to shape the hero you wish to be.
The game is set in Eora, a world familiar to those acquainted with Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity, featuring its medieval ambiance. Rumor has it that Avowed won’t feature one large open-world map but instead smaller, more focused areas to explore. Oh, and it’s another early release, launching on February 18th!
- Release Date: 18th February 2025
- Xbox Game Pass? Yes
Monster Hunter Wilds (Xbox Series X|S)
February is shaping up to be quite busy, with Monster Hunter Wilds joining Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 and Avowed on the release calendar. Capcom’s next monster hunting adventure takes place in the Forbidden Lands, a vast landscape…