The 10 Best Xbox Series X|S Games under $20 in 2023

The Xbox Series consoles have had a couple of years to settle in nicely and become real powerhouses of next-generation gaming.

Whilst there are many excellent games available on the Netflix-esque Game Pass, there are so many gems that can be picked up to own for less than 20 bucks in 2023. Let’s take a look at some of the best:

10. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

A platform-adventure game developed by Moon Studios, you control Ori, a small white guardian spirit, as they journey through a beautiful and dangerous forest to discover the truth behind the power of the Wisps and uncover the mysteries of Ori’s past.

Like its predecessor, Ori has beautiful hand-drawn artwork and animation, accompanied by an emotional and immersive musical score, as well as its challenging, tight and responsive platforming mechanics, providing a satisfying and emotional experience.

Buy it here.

9. Gears 5

A third-person shooter game developed by The Coalition. Players take on the role of Kait Diaz, a member of the Gears of War team, as they battle to save humanity from the Locust horde. As with every Gears game, it features intense combat, a rich narrative, and a robust multiplayer mode.

The game’s fast-paced and intense action, as well as its cover-based mechanics, are considered hallmarks of the series and are done well here. The game’s visuals and sound design are brilliant, with the story also engaging and well-written. The multiplayer mode is also a laugh, with players enjoying the variety of modes and the ability to play with friends. Gears of War 5 is considered a must-play for fans of the series and third-person shooters in general.

Grab it here.

8. The Outer Worlds

A first-person RPG game developed by Obsidian Entertainment, in The Outer Worlds you take on the role of a colonist who wakes up from cryosleep to find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy that threatens the fate of the colony. The game features a compelling story, interesting characters, and a unique take on the open-world format.

The real star of the show is its character-driven story, with the depth of the world-building, the freedom of player choice and the colorful and well-written characters making for an engaging and immersive experience.

Buy it here.

7. Minecraft Dungeons

An action RPG game developed by Mojang Studios, players take on the role of a hero, embarking on an epic quest through a series of randomly generated levels, battling fierce monsters and uncovering valuable treasures.

Dungeons has a brillaint combat system, colorful art style, and best of all is accessibility for both new and experienced players. The game also allows for co-op play with friends, making it one of the best couch-mutiplayer experiences on the Xbox.

Buy it here.

6. DOOM Eternal

A first-person shooter game developed by id Software. You take on the role of the Doom Slayer, a powerful warrior who must battle hordes of demons across multiple dimensions. The game features fast-paced combat, a large variety of weapons and enemies, and a robust multiplayer mode.

As with its predecessor DOOM 2016, Eternal is praised for its fast-paced and intense gameplay, its challenging difficulty and its incredible sound design and visuals. Additionally, the game features a variety of weapons and abilities that players can use to take down hordes of demons in creative and satisfying ways, making it a great game for fans of action-packed and gory shooter games.

Buy it here.

5. Rogue Legacy 2

Rogue Legacy 2 is a 2D side-scrolling action platformer game and a sequel to the popular Rogue Legacy. You take on the role of a descendant of a previous character and must navigate through procedurally generated dungeons, fighting enemies and collecting treasure along the way. Each descendant has unique abilities and traits, adding to the game’s replayability. The game also features a variety of weapons and equipment to collect, as well as a skill tree system that allows players to upgrade their abilities.

Like its predecessor, RL2 boasts tight gameplay, challenging difficulty, and replayability. The concept of playing as descendants with unique abilities and traits is a unique aspect which allows players to experience the game in different ways. It’s a must-play for fans of the genre and those who enjoyed the first game.

Buy it now from the Xbox Store.

4. Gears Tactics

A turn-based strategy take on the franchise developed by Splash Damage and The Coalition. Players take on the role of Gabe Diaz, as he commands a squad of Gears to take on an powerful and relentless enemy. The game features deep, tactical gameplay, a wide variety of units and abilities, and an engaging story.

As well as its engagin gameplay, the game also allows for customization of characters, weapons and upgrades, providing a high level of depth and strategy. Additionally, Tactics features a visually stunning and detailed art style that immerses players into the game’s gritty, war-torn world.

Buy it here.

3. The Master Chief Collection

The Master Chief Collection is a bundle of the first four main games in the Halo series, plus Reach and ODST, remastered for the new generation. The games feature updated graphics and improved multiplayer functionality. It also includes all DLC and map packs for the games.

The MCC is simply a must-have for fans of the series and first-person shooters in general, as it offers hours of gameplay and a chance to experience the origins of one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. Halo smay have lost its way as a franchise after 343 took the helm, but there Bungie-built classics are still as fun to play as when they first hit the scene.

Buy it here.

2. Hades

Hades is an action-RPG developed and published by Supergiant Games. The game is set in the Greek underworld and players control the immortal prince Zagreus, who is trying to escape the underworld and reach Mount Olympus. Featuring fast-paced combat, a variety of weapons and abilities, and a cast of colorful characters, Hades also has a unique “roguelike” aspect, where each time the player dies, they must start over from the beginning, but with the ability to keep certain upgrades and items.

Hades has received widespread critical acclaim for its tight gameplay, engaging story, and colorful art style. The game’s unique blend of Greek mythology and “roguelike” elements has also been praised. It’s considered one of the best indie games of the year, and amust play for…well, anyone.

Buy it here.

1. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus – A first-person shooter game developed by MachineGames, players take on the role of B.J. Blazkowicz as he wages a one-man war against the Nazi regime in an alternate history where the Nazis won World War II.

The game is praised for its fast-paced, brutal and action-packed gameplay, its engaging story and its high level of player choice and player agency. TNC also features a detailed and visually striking art style that immerses players into the game’s alternate history setting, as well as a wide variety of weapons and abilities that players can use to take down hordes of enemies in creative and satisfying ways. Any FPS fan should snap it up.

Buy it here.

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