The 10 best Xbox Series S|X Games under $20 in 2024

The Xbox Series consoles have been released for a few years now, and whilst Microsoft struggles to match the might of the PS5, they’ve nevertheless built up a seriously strong library.

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 2024. Let’s take a look at the best of the bunch:

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. DOOM Eternal

A first-person shooter game developed by id Software. As ever, 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.

8. 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.

7. 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 may 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.

6. 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 a must play for…well, anyone.

Buy it here.

5. Dead Space

One of the most demanded and anticipated re-makes of the last decade, Dead Space released last year to critical and commercial acclaim. Being available for now at such a cheap price feels like a rounding error or something – and there’s no excuse not to try it out now.

Players take control of Isaac in what could best be described as ‘Resident Evil 4 in Space’, donning the over-the-shoulder view for some close-quarter cosmic horror action. The weapons in Dead Space are some of the best ever contrived, and the gameplay encourages limb slicing and dicing and concocting invenitve ways to dispose of your enemies.

Grab it here from Amazon.

4. Grand Theft Auto V

What more is there to say about GTAV, one of the best-selling videogames of all time? Remastered yet again for the next-gen consoles, GTA V has never played or felt better than on the Xbox Series S|X.

Take control of three main protagonists around Los Santos, a parody Los Angeles, as you embark on a wild story in a trademark GTA sandbox. With GTAVI on the horizon, there’s no better way to get your fix than grabbing GTAV on the cheap. I wouldn’t bother with the online mode though…

Check it out here on Amazon.

3. Sonic Origins Plus

Sonic has had more than his fair share of game compilations over the years, but Origins Plus represents the most generous and substantial of the bunch. 16 games across the Game-Gear and Mega-Drive eras, these are the best the blue hedgehog has to offer.

What’s more, each game has had additions and improvements applied, including new stages, playable characters and modes. Haven’t we all wanted to play as Amy in Sonic 2? And how about Knuckles in Sonic CD? Good times.

Check it out here from Amazon.

2. Guardians of the Galaxy

For fans of Marvel, the absolute worst thing they could do is pick up a copy of The Avengers – one of the most botched projects of the past few generations. Instead, they should get what The Avengers could’ve been – The Guardians of the Galaxy game from Edios-Montreal.

GotG is a brillaintly polished and focus single-player joyride from start to finish – which is something the Xbox catalogue sadly lacks in comparison wit the PS5’s library. Thankfully GotG stands up alongside Sony’s powerhouses like Spider-man and God of War and represents one of the best single-player experiences on Xbox.

Grab it from Amazon here.

1. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

If you like RPGs, space, and immersive narratives that change with your own actions and decisions then there’s only one game that’s for you, and that’s Starfield. Just kidding, don’t go there. Instead, you should buy what is easily the best space-faring RPG series ever made, remastered in 4k glory in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition.

Featuring all three games in the series, lovingly recrafted to bring them up to modern standards. You take the role of Captain Sheppard as you journey across the galaxy with your crew on the SSV Normandy, fighting off the Reapers, and uncovering the mystery of what they’re up to. It’s probably Bioware’s best series, and shouldn’t be missed by any RPG fan.

Grab it here from Amazon.

Check out more fun gaming lists here.