Looking for your next first-person shooter title that’s ready for the Series X? This fast-paced genre sees some of the most benefits from frame-rate improvements and smoother, faster loading times, so Series X optimization is one of the best features to look for! We’re running down the top titles to try for your next shooting adventure or multiplayer obsession with the Xbox Series X — take a look!
Further reading
- The best free Xbox Series X games
- The best upcoming Xbox Series X games
- Xbox Series X tips and tricks
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Infinity Ward
Publisher
Activision Blizzard
Release
October 28, 2022
A few entries in, and the latest Call of Duty game is really beginning to look like a true current-generation game. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II puts you back in the role of the members of Task Force 141 in another globetrotting adventure that mixes all the best aspects of the series, including sniper missions, high-octane chases, and even a few brand new mechanics we won’t spoil here. Of course, this game has a fast and frenetic multiplayer as well, which is considered one of the best efforts the series has had in years. It’s been a while since fans could say it, but Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II feels like a full package in every respect.
Read our full Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II review
Halo Infinite
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
343 Industries
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
November 15, 2021
A series of delays couldn’t keep Halo Infinite down, and now the game has finally arrived in all its glory. You can trust that Microsoft and 343 made sure Halo Infinite was optimized for the Series X, so expect a smoother frame rate and better graphics than ever before, including support for 4K, HDR10, Dolby Atmos, and more. This Halo also supports a more open-world map concept that allows for a greater amount of exploration and more dynamic missions. Plus, the multiplayer brings back the arena-style gameplay from the original trilogy — there’s even console keyboard and mouse support included, so get ready to get competitive.
Read our full Halo Infinite review
Apex Legends
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Respawn Entertainment
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release
February 04, 2019
Apex Legends stealth released as a new battle royale right when the market seemed to be overflowing with games attempting to cash in on the craze. However, coming from the talented team that brought us the criminally overlooked Titanfall series, Apex Legends brings a fresh take on the formula that propelled it to one of the genre’s best. Characters have unique skills like hero shooters, and the game is built around squads of three players with fast-paced action. While not quite at the level of a Titanfall, movement in Apex Legends is fast, fluid, and adrenaline-pumping. This is also where the ping system first showed up, which was quickly copied by all other big BR titles after it.
Read our full Apex Legends review
Overwatch 2
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher
Blizzard Entertainment
Release
October 04, 2022
If you want a traditional hero shooter, there’s no alternative to Overwatch 2. This sequel is really more just a large expansion to the first game since everything from that game has carried over here. Every single hero released for the first game has made a comeback, plus a few new ones with more on the way. Each role and character is fully unique and has uses in every match, giving you tons of heroes to experiment with and find your favorite. If you’ve got a solid group of friends to party up with, there are not many games out there as fun to play as Overwatch 2.
Resident Evil Village
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia, PlayStation VR2
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
Capcom Development Division 1
Publisher
Capcom
Release
May 07, 2021
Not all FPS games are pure power fantasies, which we first learned with Resident Evil 7. Resident Evil Village, the next mainline installment in the massive and enduring survival horror franchise, continues that FPS experience but is tuned slightly more on the action side of things. Don’t get it twisted, though, this game will scare you. It’s just that you also have plenty of opportunities to relieve some of that stress by blasting some werewolves and other creatures of the night. It’s an incredibly well-designed experience, with action, puzzles, and, of course, scares. You’ll get lost in this one and love every second of it.
Read our full Resident Evil Village review
Call of Duty: Warzone
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Infinity Ward
Publisher
Activision
Release
March 10, 2020
Oh, we aren’t done with CoD yet: If you really don’t want to pay for Vanguard and are looking for an excellent CoD experience to share with your friends, we highly recommend Warzone. It’s somewhere between popular battle royale games like Apex Legends and traditional CoD gameplay, with a combat arena that can hold up to 100 players. The support for 120 frames per second will work well with a high-quality TV and the Series X, too. Best of all, the game is free to download, so you don’t lose anything by trying it out.
Read our full Call of Duty: Warzone review
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter, Tactical
Developer
Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher
Ubisoft Entertainment
Release
December 01, 2015
Optimized for Series X and ready to go, Rainbow Six Siege is focused on 5v5 action with a long list of different “operators” to choose from, each with their own tools and loadouts depending on what you prefer to play. Find the abilities you like best, from traps and drones to infrared vision and more. It’s a great pick if you like the idea of multiplayers like Overwatch, but prefer games with more realistic shooting experiences. Rainbow Six Siege continues to be updated with new operators and events, although it does have a credits system you’ll need to use if you want to purchase lots of add-ons or cosmetics.
Far Cry 6
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
Ubisoft Toronto
Release
October 07, 2021
If you’ve played a Far Cry game before, Far Cry 6 isn’t going to change your mind on how you feel about the series. However, if you know you enjoy the formula of these open-world FPS titles, then Far Cry 6 will check all your boxes. It features a vast, beautiful world to explore with tons of collectibles, quests, guns, and fun interactions to be had. You can do things at your own pace, either alone or in co-op, and just generally have a great time with all the toys the game gives you. The new location is also extremely detailed and a blast to shoot your way through.
Splitgate
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
1047 Games
Publisher
1047 Games
Release
May 22, 2019
Splitgate is a unique, free-to-play FPS that’s a perfect choice if you really want to try something new and don’t know what to look for next. The multiplayer shooter is all about creating and using portals. The goal is to master portal use for all kinds of trick shots, evasive moves, perfect grenade throws, and much more. It generally rewards innovation and constantly improving skills, with both casual and competitive options for gameplay. The downside is that there’s no campaign to speak of and no news if there will be any updates beyond the current 20 maps.
DOOM Eternal
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter
Developer
id Software
Publisher
Bethesda Softworks
Release
March 20, 2020
It’s a very good thing that Doom Eternal is optimized for the Series X, because it’s a blast to play and even more fun with graphics and frame-rate improvements. The phrase “mindless fun” applies to a lot of Doom’s blast-away gameplay, but it’s not all mindless — you have to master the flow of killing and ripping apart enemies to harvest more health and energy. Don’t stop fighting if you want to survive. Mastering an increasing roster of weapons is also a challenge of its own. If you haven’t played before, note that between blasting demons, Eternal has a bit more platforming than many of the other picks on our list.
Read our full DOOM Eternal review
Destiny 2
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Tactical, Adventure
Developer
Bungie
Publisher
Activision
Release
September 06, 2017
Destiny 2 is optimized for Series X — and beyond the graphics boost that will make it more fun than ever to jump, soar, cast, shoot, and smash, the Series X also helps with the game’s loading times, which can get a little depressing on older, slower systems. There’s a ton to do in Destiny 2 if you haven’t played yet, so make sure you grab a buddy to help fill in the details and explain all the space magic, or make friends with others in the Tower.
Read our full Destiny 2 review
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