Most anticipated Xbox Series X games coming in 2022
Microsoft really found its footing in 2021, particularly in the latter half of the year. After years of acquiring various studios and game developers, the potential finally started to come to fruition as each month saw a new exclusive of some sort. From The Ascent to Forza Horizon 5 to Halo Infinite, 2021 gave us a glimpse of a promising future for Xbox.
As we turn the calendar page to 2022, Microsoft hasn’t divulged too much of its plans. I’m sure the year will feature plenty of surprises, but for now, here’s what we can look forward to on Xbox Series X next year.
Starfield (November 11, 2022)
Microsoft acquired Bethesda is a massive deal in early 2021. The immediate impact was most of the publisher’s backlog coming to Xbox Game Pass — a tremendous value in and of itself. But in the long term, Microsoft gained a tremendous portfolio of existing IPs as well as the potential for some new ones.
In 2022, Bethesda will release its first new IP in 25 years when Starfield launches exclusively for Xbox Series X and PC.
Not much is known specifically about Starfield except that it’s been referred to as “Skyrim in space.” That’s a heck of a description as Skyrim is one of Bethesda’s best games. Hopefully Starfield can live up to expectations because right now it’s one of the most anticipated Xbox Series X games in 2021.
Redfall (Summer 2022)
Redfall is another game coming from Bethesda, specifically from Arkane Studios. It’s an open-world, co-op FPS in which players fight back against a legion of vampires who have overtaken the town of Redfall, Massachusetts.
Again, we only got a glimpse of this game during its reveal, but the premise looks awesome. It’s got a diverse cast of intriguing characters, each with their own abilities and loadouts.
Redfall has a summer 2022 release window which I’m hoping doesn’t get delayed. It’s announced for Xbox Series X and PC.
Avowed (late 2022, hopefully)
Microsoft acquired Obsidian Entertainment three years ago and Avowed is their first major RPG coming exclusively to Xbox. It currently has a late 2022 release window, although that could be pushed to 2023.
Other than it being a first-person RPG set in a fantasy world called Eora, not much is known about the game. But it’s from Obsidian, who specialize in RPGs, so there’s clearly a lot of hype for this game. I’m hoping we get it in 2022, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it come in 2023 given how little we’ve seen so far.
Beyond these upcoming games, I’m also excited for the continued content planned for Halo Infinite. The latest installment in Microsoft’s flagship franchise launched at the end of 2021 and it’s been well-received. In 2022, 343 Industries will hopefully deliver co-op to the campaign as well as Forge mode. And, of course, we can look forward to the free-to-play multiplayer getting continuous updates throughout the year.