“Unveiling the Ultimate Metacritic Top 10 List for Xbox Series X|S in 2025”

Occasionally, we take a moment to check in on Metacritic to see how the games are performing with critics. Even though we are not yet two months into the year, we have already compiled our first top 10 list for 2025.

For those who are unfamiliar, Metacritic ranks games only after they receive at least seven positive reviews for that particular platform. So far, 13 Xbox games have met this criterion for 2025, and we will highlight the ten with the highest scores. The rankings from Metacritic are based on averages, and in this case, we are using the reviews for Series X|S.

1. Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (89)
2. Monster Hunter Wilds (89)
3. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (87)
4. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black (81)
5. Avowed (81)
6. Dynasty Warriors: Origins (79)
7. PGA Tour 2K25 (79)
8. Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter (78)
9. Eternal Strands (75)
10. Sniper Elite: Resistance (73)

However, if we broaden our scope to include all platforms, we surprisingly find additional Xbox Series X|S titles making the list!

The explanation for this is that certain games—like Citizen Sleeper 2 and Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders—have not yet received enough positive reviews on Xbox, but they do on another platform.

The rankings shift as well; for example, Monster Hunter Wilds has a score of 90 for PS5 but only 89 for Xbox.

Here’s how the top 10 looks when we include all platforms:

1. Monster Hunter Wilds (90)
2. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (90)
3. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth (89)
4. Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (89)
5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (88)
6. Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders (87)
7. The Root Trees are Dreary (85)
8. Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (84)
9. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 1 (84)
10. Dynasty Warriors: Origins (84)

The key takeaway here is that scores can vary significantly from one platform to another, so it’s wise not to place too much emphasis on Metacritic rankings. However, they do offer interesting insights from a broader perspective, and we have already witnessed some fantastic games in 2025, even though we are just a few weeks into the year!

There is still plenty that could change in the upcoming month, especially with titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Atomfall, Split Fiction, and many more on the horizon in March. We are particularly keen to see which Xbox exclusive will rise to the top by the end of 2025—could it possibly be DOOM: The Dark Ages or perhaps South of Midnight?!

What are your thoughts on these Metacritic rankings for early 2025? Let us know in the comments below.