The 10 Best Xbox Exclusive Games in 2025

The year 2025 marked a significant turning point for the Xbox ecosystem. After years of promises and the building of internal studios, Microsoft finally reaped the rewards of deep investments, resulting in a more abundant, varied, and ambitious exclusive catalog.

With games ranging from cinematic adventures to independent experiences, including RPGs, cooperative titles, and works that explore horror in new ways, Xbox presented the world with a renewed identity focused on creative diversity, technology, and respect for the communities connected to Game Pass.

Among great games, anticipated sequels, and bold projects, 2025 was marked as the best year for platform exclusives since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S. Most interestingly, even with different production scales, all the games share a purpose: to show that the brand isn't chasing numbers, but rather works that make the player more connected to Xbox.

In this article, we've compiled a list of the 10 best Xbox exclusive games of 2025, each with an analysis and highlights that make them unique experiences within the platform's catalog.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Temporary Exclusive)

"Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" arrived on Xbox with the responsibility of adapting one of the most iconic film franchises in history and the ambition of showing how a studio like MachineGames could reinvent the exploration and adventure genre in a modern game. Although it was a timed exclusive, the impact on Xbox was immense, thanks to the careful attention to setting, cinematic pacing, and the protagonist's unmistakable charisma.

The narrative brings us around an archaeological conspiracy involving ancient artifacts linked to the mysterious "Great Circle", a concept that blends mythology, astronomy, and lost cultures. The game brings back the best of 80s adventure cinema, with chases, tombs, puzzles, and memorable characters, but with a touch of depth that helps make the new Indy more human, vulnerable, and interesting.

In terms of gameplay, the game combines first-person exploration with action sequences and the use of the hero's classic tools, such as the whip and notebook. Physics and interaction with the environment give a special character to the puzzles, which range from simple discoveries to more elaborate enigmas that require observation and reasoning.

The game also impresses visually, with detailed scenarios that take the player from submerged temples to deserts, passing through deeply reconstructed historical cities. It's a grand, refined experience with a lot of personality. Although it was released on December 8, 2024, the title stood out as one of the big names on Xbox in 2025.

Grounded 2

Grounded 2 represents a giant leap for Obsidian Entertainment and the franchise that began as an experimental project within Xbox Game Studios. The first game won over thousands of fans by combining survival and cooperation, with the player in the role of children shrunk to the size of insects. The sequel expanded on this, transforming the experience into something deeper and more engaging.

The story now plays a central role, with a more structured and cinematic campaign. The plot explores the consequences of the experiment that shrunk the protagonists, deepening their conflicts and revealing more about the mysterious Dr. Tully, whose past is given complex psychological explanations. The backyard world, which was once a hostile but limited environment, now becomes more alive and dynamic, with biomes that react to the player, creating unpredictable micro-events that make each playthrough unique.

The gameplay maintains the essence of survival, but with building systems, reimagined biomes, and more varied enemies, such as ant colonies with social hierarchy, giant wasps, spiders with their own behaviors, and even bioluminescent nocturnal creatures. The crafting system has been improved; players can create bases, improvised mechanical contraptions, traps, and vehicles, increasing exploration possibilities.

The cooperative mode, a focus of the first game, is more robust. Playing in a group is more interesting for players due to the higher difficulty level and environmental challenges, such as storms that can destroy bases or insect invasions. The sense of progress is better, and the world truly seems to evolve around the team.

Visually, Grounded also impresses, with vibrant colors and a level of detail that makes each blade of grass a small work of design. Obsidian has managed to transform a creative experiment into a solid franchise.

Avowed

Avowed is the RPG from Obsidian Entertainment that finally put the Xbox in contention with the big names in the genre. The game takes place in the universe of Eora, the same as Pillars of Eternity, presenting a completely new adventure, accessible to those who’ve never played the previous titles and full of references for longtime fans. It mixes dark fantasy, ritualistic magic, and political conflicts, creating an immersive world.

The narrative is deeper and full of moral decisions. The player takes on the role of a special envoy to a land ruined by a mysterious evil, where religious forces, tribes, factions, and rulers fight for control. Obsidian is known for writing deep dialogue, and in Avowed it takes this to an even higher level, with characters carrying more personal details, motivations, and dilemmas that make the player rethink their choices.

The first-person combat mixes action elements with the use of spells, traditional weapons, and special abilities. Spells can be combined to create destructive and utilitarian effects, encouraging the player to... Experiment with various elements. The progression system is extremely flexible, allowing the player to create their own play style in more open ways than in traditional RPGs.

The world features varied biomes, from mystical forests to regions overrun by fanatical cults, ancient fortresses, and caves with supernatural entities. The art direction balances the fantastic and the macabre, creating a sense of mystery.

Keeper

Keeper arrived as a surprise within the Xbox exclusive catalog in 2025. Developed by Double Fine Productions, the game quickly drew attention for its atmospheric approach, unique narrative, and minimalist yet emotionally powerful art style. The game speaks of isolation, responsibility, and the pressure involved in protecting something valuable in a strange and threatening world.

The player takes on the role of a lighthouse keeper, the Keeper, who, accompanied by a seabird, is responsible for maintaining and protecting an isolated land in the middle of an ocean. The story is told in a fragmented way, addressing existential themes, lost memories, and personal sacrifices. However, what truly sets the game apart is how it combines narrative, environment, and survival mechanics, creating an atmosphere of unease and beauty.

The gameplay explores small islands, and the lighthouse keeper must bring life through light, facing mysterious creatures that emerge at night. Unlike survival-focused titles, Keeper bets on contemplation and atmosphere, with a slow but enchanting pace.

The tower represents the protagonist's home, memory, and identity. As the player discovers their history, the relationship between the protagonist and the world gains more depth. Nothing is explicitly given; everything depends on the player's sensitivity and curiosity.

Although it's a small game, Keeper demonstrates how Xbox Game Studios encourages independent projects that receive space and visibility. It's a poetic, melancholic, and beautiful work, one of the most remarkable exclusives of 2025.

South of Midnight

South of Midnight is one of Microsoft's most artistically daring projects and one of the most distinctive and memorable exclusives of 2025. Developed by Compulsion Games, the game showcases the folklore of the American South, with supernatural creatures, blues music, and a visual style that blends stop-motion with animation. The result is a game that feels both old and new, familiar and strange.

The protagonist, Hazel, must rescue her mother and confront mythical entities that inhabit swamps, ruined mansions, haunted forests, and small towns forgotten by time. The story addresses themes of grief, cultural roots, and the power of stories passed down through generations. The narrative is dense, but never loses the charm of fantastical elements.

The gameplay mixes exploration, platforming, and combat with magic, based on sound patterns with blues, jazz, and folk music. Each enemy has its own behavior, and some battles require synchronization with specific melodies, creating a unique feeling of being inside the game. The areas are large enough to explore, yet carefully designed to maintain a steady pace.

But the highlight is the aesthetic. Each frame looks like a moving painting, with shadows, textures, and meticulously crafted lighting reminiscent of cinematic works of gothic horror. The soundtrack is another spectacle in itself.

South of Midnight showcases Xbox's investment in original and cultural projects. It's one of the platform's most original exclusives and an experience that stands out for its unique personality.

Winter Burrow

Winter Burrow is a charming game that combines adventure, survival, and a cozy style inspired by illustrated children's books. The player controls a small mouse who returns to his hometown during winter only to discover that his house has been destroyed and his aunt has disappeared. From there, a story of reconstruction, mystery, and discovery begins.

The world of Winter Burrow is small in scale but enormous in sensitivity. The icy forests, hidden caves, and small villages of anthropomorphized animals create a welcoming environment, even when the weather and dangers threaten the protagonist. The art direction is impeccable: every leaf, branch, and snowflake seems to have been hand-painted.

The gameplay combines resource gathering, crafting, and small quests offered by the inhabitants of the region. However, the game never falls into excessive repetition; each activity is connected to the story and the protagonist's development. Rebuilding the house represents healing old memories and reconnecting with one's own identity.

Combat is minimal, almost nonexistent. The focus is on exploration, overcoming the cold, and solving small puzzles. The soundtrack has a cozy tone, with soft melodies and acoustic instruments that maintain warmth amidst the harsh winter.

Winter Burrow is one of the most delicate Xbox exclusives. It's not grandiose or epic; its beauty lies precisely in its simplicity. It's the kind of game that leaves the player with a warm heart upon finishing the story.

33 Immortals

33 Immortals presents a bold proposition: a cooperative roguelite for up to 33 simultaneous players, blending chaos, intense battles, and collective progression. Developed by Thunder Lotus, known for Spiritfarer, the game combines hand-drawn aesthetics and a frenetic pace that challenges group coordination.

Players take on the role of condemned souls rebelling against final judgment. Each execution, defeat, or victory is part of a cycle of resistance against celestial forces attempting to maintain divine order. There’s strong religious and mythological symbolism, but it's handled with subtlety and a focus on action.

Each session features procedurally generated maps with hordes of enemies, mini-bosses, and encounters against supernatural bosses. The chaos is intense, but never out of control. Thunder Lotus has created mechanics that encourage group collaboration, such as quick rescues, support abilities, collective buffs, and events that require dividing the group into simultaneous objectives.

Visually, the game is a spectacle. The hand-painted art style creates angelic and infernal creatures, vibrant colors, and fluid animations. The game has a fast pace, but never loses its beauty.

Progression offers permanent and temporary upgrades, as well as defined classes. The social factor is one of the biggest attractions; playing with dozens of people creates unpredictable, funny, and even heroic moments.

Towerborne

Towerborne is a game by Stoic Studio, creators of The Banner Saga, and features a combination of cooperative action, fantasy, and live service structure. Instead of the epic melancholy of the previous trilogy, Towerborne brings an atmosphere of adventure and optimism, with charismatic characters and a constantly evolving world.

The player is an Aspirant, who must defend the imposing Tower, humanity's last safe haven, and explore regions threatened by shadowy creatures known as "Echoes". The story unfolds episodically, with periodic updates expanding the world and introducing new characters, keeping the community active.

The gameplay is a major highlight. Combat is fast-paced, responsive, and customizable. Players can choose from different weapons, styles, and abilities, allowing for everything from heavy blows to acrobatic combos. The dodge and parry system is intuitive, creating dynamic confrontations, especially in groups of up to four players.

The art direction blends modern cartoon style, colors, and animations. The settings vary between forests, ruins, and regions imbued with magic, always with a visual style reminiscent of children's stories, but with an adult aesthetic.

With each mission, the player returns to the Tower to upgrade equipment, unlock regions, talk to NPCs, and participate in seasonal events. Unlike other games, Towerborne focuses on lightness and accessibility, avoiding excessive grinding and keeping everything fun. In practice, it's a game that combines friendship, cooperation, and fantasy in a balanced way.

Dead Static Drive

Dead Static Drive is one of the most original titles of the year. Described as a Grand Theft Cthulhu, the game blends road trip, Lovecraftian horror, and an 80s aesthetic to tell a story about escaping incomprehensible horrors while trying to keep your life going. It's deeply atmospheric, tense, and aesthetically unique.

The adventure begins when the protagonist realizes that something terribly wrong is happening in their world; creatures appear out of nowhere, people disappear, and reality seems to be crumbling. The player embarks on a journey through deserted roads, small towns, and abandoned gas stations, trying to understand the collapse and survive long enough to make choices.

The gameplay mixes exploration, stealth, and basic resource management. The car is an extension of the player; it needs repairs, fuel, and constant maintenance. At the same time, the protagonist needs to find tools, supplies, and temporary allies. The creatures aren’t confronted directly most of the time; escape is almost always the best option, and this creates constant tension.

The highlight is the aesthetics, colors, shadows, and art style that blends retro with surrealism. Everything seems familiar, yet slightly displaced, which creates a disturbing tone. The electronic soundtrack leaves a feeling of strangeness.

The narrative is fragmented, non-linear, and full of optional discoveries. The game doesn't provide ready-made answers; it's up to the player to piece together their understanding of what's happening. This makes each playthrough different, with alternative endings based on choices and survival.

Routine

Routine is one of the most tense and cinematic games in the 2025 exclusive catalog. Set in an abandoned lunar base, the game blends retrofuturistic science fiction with psychological horror and first-person exploration mechanics. After years in development, the result lived up to expectations and delivered one of the most terrifying and immersive experiences of the year.

The player takes on the role of an engineer sent to investigate the abrupt interruption of communication with the base. Upon arrival, they discover that the station is overrun by malfunctioning robots, hostile automated systems, and disturbing signs of experiments that should’ve never been conducted. The atmosphere is dense, claustrophobic, and silent. The silence is, in fact, a narrative device used intelligently.

The retrofuturistic aesthetic, inspired by 1980s technology, creates a contrast between analog technology and modern horror. Exposed cables, CRT computers, monitors, and dark metallic corridors create a unique visual style, reminiscent of classic sci-fi films like Alien and Blade Runner.

The gameplay focuses on stealth and exploration. The player rarely confronts enemies directly. Survival depends on hiding, observing patterns, manipulating old systems, and improvising escape routes. Each encounter with the hostile machines is tense, unpredictable, and often deadly, creating a sense of vulnerability.

The story unfolds through recordings, documents, and clues scattered throughout the station. The further the player progresses, the more disturbing the understanding of what actually happened becomes. The game is impactful and prompts reflection on scientific ethics, artificial intelligence, and psychological isolation.

Conclusion — A Historic Year for Xbox

2025 will be remembered as the year Xbox finally gave full force to its ecosystem. The exclusives from this period demonstrate creativity, a variety of genres, and a willingness to invest in both AAA games and independent projects. From RPGs to intimate experiences, passing through supernatural adventures, sci-fi horror, and multiplayer, the platform embraced all forms of creativity.

Each of these titles showcases the new identity of Xbox, with memorable stories, new visual styles, innovative mechanics, and creator freedom. This year is also an indication of the platform's future; for gamers, this is one of the most exciting moments in Xbox history, and the diversity of games proves it.