Xbox Series S Games List: Top Picks for Every Kind of Gamer

The Xbox Series S is proof that size isn’t everything. This little white box might not look like a powerhouse, but fire it up and you’ll see why it’s winning over gamers everywhere. It’s fast, compact, doesn’t cost the earth, and still runs a ton of blockbuster titles with the kind of speed and clarity you’d expect from a much pricier console, and with that comes Xbox Series S games discussion as well.

The only catch? The game library is huge, and scrolling endlessly through titles can feel like falling into a black hole. What do you download first? Which games actually shine on the Series S, and which ones are better left untouched? 

To save you the trial and error, we’ve rounded up the best Xbox Series S games across genres—shooters, sports, adventures, horror—you name it. And if your console ever misbehaves (because yes, even next-gen tech can throw tantrums), remember that Gadget Surgery is always around to help. 

We’re not here to sell you shiny new consoles—we’re here to repair the one you already own, whether it’s a dodgy controller, a power issue, or a glitch that just won’t quit.

Book a Repair

Halo Infinite – Master Chief’s Big Comeback

There’s no way to talk about Xbox without talking about Halo. With Halo Infinite, the franchise circles back to what made it iconic: tight gunplay, unforgettable environments, and battles that make your palms sweat.

The campaign feels familiar but fresh. Zeta Halo’s open sections let you play at your own pace—rush in with guns blazing or sneak around picking off enemies with precision. The grappling hook is a game-changer, turning every encounter into a playground.

And the multiplayer? It’s free, addictive, and constantly updated. On the Series S, everything runs buttery smooth, with quick loads and zero lag to ruin your momentum. If you’ve been missing that Halo magic, Infinite brings it home.

Forza Horizon 5 – Driving Never Looked This Good

Forza Horizon 5 is basically a love letter to cars and open roads. Forget dry racing sims—this one throws you into a giant festival set across Mexico, and it’s all about freedom.

One minute you’re drifting through a desert dust storm, the next you’re tearing past volcanoes or weaving between palm trees. The map is massive, colourful, and alive. And then there are the cars—hundreds of them, from classic retro beasts to futuristic hypercars.

Even on the Series S, the visuals shine. You’ll stop mid-race just to snap photos, then jump right back into the chaos of community challenges and live races. It’s more than a racing game; it’s pure escapism.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Living the Viking Dream

Step into the boots of Eivor and suddenly you’re a Viking leading raids across England’s rivers. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla nails that mix of brutal combat and sweeping landscapes.

The story draws you in, but it’s the little things—building your settlement, recruiting allies, deciding the fate of rival clans—that make it stick. Every choice feels like it matters.

Valhalla is a time-sink, in the best way possible. The Series S handles the sprawling world surprisingly well, and you’ll lose track of hours sailing, raiding, and exploring.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II – Multiplayer at Its Peak

If adrenaline is your thing, Modern Warfare II keeps the pressure on from start to finish. The campaign feels like a Hollywood thriller, throwing you from one explosive mission to the next.

But let’s be honest—it’s the multiplayer that keeps people hooked. The maps are tight, the weapons feel spot-on, and the pace is relentless. You finish one round, swear you’ll quit, and then hit “Play Again” without thinking.

On Series S, matches load fast and run without stutter, which means less waiting and more action. For competitive players, it’s a must.

Elden Ring – Beauty Meets Brutality

Few games have made the impact Elden Ring has. It’s vast, intimidating, and beautiful all at once. You don’t just play it—you survive it.

The Lands Between is full of secrets, and the game doesn’t spoon-feed you. That’s the point. Every cave explored, every enemy defeated, feels like your victory. The combat is tough, yes, but oh so rewarding.

On the Series S, performance is steady enough that nothing gets in the way of the experience. It’s the kind of game you’ll remember years from now.

FIFA 23 – Football, Perfected

For sports fans, FIFA 23 is the ultimate companion. The animations feel more lifelike thanks to HyperMotion 2, making every match flow like the real thing.

Whether you’re grinding through Career Mode, building your dream team in Ultimate Team, or just hopping into casual online matches, FIFA 23 offers endless replayability. And the cross-play feature finally connects you to a bigger, more competitive community.

It’s slick on the Series S, with gameplay that doesn’t skip a beat.

Resident Evil Village – Chills Guaranteed

Want a game that keeps your heart racing? Resident Evil Village blends gothic horror with frantic action, creating one of the most memorable survival horror experiences of the past decade.

The environments are gorgeous in a terrifying way. One moment you’re exploring a castle dripping in detail, the next you’re lost in a shadowy village with monsters lurking around every corner.

Series S players get the full experience—smooth visuals, creepy lighting, and no compromises on the fear factor.

Minecraft – Creativity Without Limits

It’s impossible to ignore Minecraft. Despite its blocky looks, it’s still one of the most beloved games ever made.

The magic lies in its simplicity. You can spend hours building, exploring, or just hanging out with friends across different platforms. The Series S upgrades the experience with snappier loads and smoother play, giving this classic a fresh coat of polish.

It’s one of the best family-friendly options on the console and perfect for creative minds.

Starfield – To the Stars and Beyond

Bethesda’s Starfield takes exploration to a whole new level. Space has always fascinated gamers, and this one delivers galaxies of content.

With hundreds of planets to visit, deep RPG systems, and customisable ships, you can carve your own path as an explorer, trader, or adventurer. It’s ambitious, but the Series S handles it with surprising ease.

If you’ve ever wanted to live your own space odyssey, this is the one.

Why Game Selection Matters on Series S

The Xbox Series S games might not match the raw power of the Series X, but smart optimisation makes it shine. Picking the right titles ensures you get crisp graphics, short load times, and gameplay that feels fluid rather than compromised.

From massive RPGs to quick multiplayer rounds, the Series S offers variety without forcing you to sacrifice quality.

When Things Go Wrong – Gadget Surgery Steps In

Here’s the thing: no matter how good your console is, hardware eventually needs TLC. Maybe your controller starts drifting, maybe the console overheats, maybe it just refuses to start up. That’s when you need someone reliable.

At Gadget Surgery, we don’t push you to buy new gear—we repair what you already own. Our services include:

• Fixing hardware issues like power supply failures or broken ports.

• Sorting out controller problems—sticky buttons, faulty triggers, joystick drift.

• Tackling software headaches, from update errors to system crashes.

• Clear communication—we explain the issue before we touch a screw, so you know what’s happening.

We get it: downtime is frustrating. That’s why we aim for quick repairs without cutting corners. Your Xbox Series S deserves to stay in the game, and so do you.

Xbox Series S Games You Must Try for Next-Gen Fun

The moment the Xbox Series S launched, it instantly sparked debate. Some players saw it as the “budget” version of the Series X, while others brushed it off as a stepping stone console. 

But here’s the thing—once you actually spend some time with it, you realize it’s more than just a cheaper sibling. This compact little box can handle a huge chunk of next-gen titles with surprising finesse. The trick, of course, is knowing which games bring out the best in it.

If you’ve just picked up a Series S, or you’re still deciding whether it’s worth the leap, let me tell you—pair it with the right titles, and you’ll see why so many gamers swear by it. 

Let’s walk through some of the must-play Xbox Series S games that make the Series S a console worth having in your setup.

Gears 5 – Brutality at Its Finest

Gears 5 has that unmistakable “Xbox DNA.” If you’ve ever revved up a chainsaw bayonet, you know what I mean. It’s gritty, loud, and packed with explosive set pieces that feel ripped straight from a Hollywood action flick.

On the Series S, it runs like a champ. The campaign takes you through massive, semi-open levels that break away from the old corridor shooter formula, and multiplayer still feels as addictive as ever. 

Whether you’re into Horde mode with your friends or competitive matches, Gears 5 shows that the Series S can still deliver blockbuster visuals and gameplay.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps – Beauty in Motion

Not every game needs to be a blockbuster. Ori and the Will of the Wisps proves that sometimes the smallest games carry the most emotional punch. It’s a platformer, but calling it just that doesn’t do it justice—it’s a moving piece of art.

The hand-painted visuals look like a living painting, and the soundtrack is breathtaking. On the Series S, it’s fluid and vibrant, the kind of experience that makes you stop mid-game just to admire what’s on screen. 

If you want something heartfelt and different from your typical AAA lineup, Ori is a must.

Call of Duty: Warzone – Free Mayhem That Keeps You Hooked

Whether you love it or roll your eyes at it, Warzone dominates the online shooter scene. Drop into a massive map with 100+ players, scavenge for gear, and fight your way to the last squad standing—it’s chaotic, nerve-wracking, and ridiculously fun.

The Series S makes it approachable for anyone who doesn’t want to spend big on a high-end system. Performance is steady, and since the game is free-to-play, it pairs perfectly with the console’s digital-only design. 

If you’ve got friends online, chances are at least one of them is playing Warzone.

Why the Series S Deserves More Credit

Let’s be honest—people love to pit the Series S against the Series X or even the PlayStation 5, as if it’s some sort of underdog that can’t keep up. But here’s the thing: not everyone needs native 4K or a giant tower of a console humming in the corner of their living room. 

The Series S proves that you can still enjoy the heart of next-gen gaming without breaking the bank. It’s small, easy to set up, and gets the job done—sometimes that practicality feels even more refreshing than the bells and whistles of its pricier competitors.

The Real Joy of Game Pass on Series S

Another thing people don’t talk about enough is just how liberating Game Pass feels on this console. Back in the day, you had to really think before buying a new release—was it worth dropping sixty bucks just to try something you might not even like? 

Now, with a Series S and Game Pass, you can hop from a massive RPG to a tiny indie platformer in the same night, no pressure. 

Some of my favorite experiences came from games I’d never have paid for outright, and that sense of discovery is what keeps the Series S constantly exciting.

Hidden Gems on Game Pass – Endless Surprises

Here’s the thing about the Xbox Series S games: without Game Pass, you’re only scratching the surface. This subscription is basically the console’s secret weapon. Beyond the big names, you’ll find gems like Hades, Psychonauts 2, Grounded, and dozens more.

It’s almost overwhelming how much is available for the price. Honestly, you could own a Series S and never buy another game outright and still stay busy for years. That’s the kind of value that makes this console stand out in today’s gaming landscape.

Conclusion – The Xbox Series S Library Is Stronger Than Ever

When you look at the best Xbox Series S games, one thing is clear: this little console holds its own. From Halo Infinite’s nostalgic battles to the endless creativity of Minecraft, the horror thrills of Resident Evil Village, and the cosmic adventure of Starfield, there’s something for every mood and every type of gamer.

And if your console hits a snag, don’t panic—Gadget Surgery is here to put things right. Because at the end of the day, gaming is about enjoying the experience, not stressing over broken tech.

So, grab your controller, build your library, and let the Series S prove that big fun can come in a small package.