Best Xbox Exclusives of 2024

As the Xbox strategy around exclusive games continues to evolve, we may be nearing the end of the age of tentpole Xbox exclusive days.

We’re not there yet, so we celebrate the following games that made owning an Xbox worth our time. On paper, it was a down year for the Xbox brand, but there were still great exclusives to choose from in 2024. Plus, thanks to Xbox Game Pass, you can access these games on the day of their release.

Our list will cover console exclusives, as every Xbox game is available on PC.

6 Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Finally landing safely

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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Systems

Released: November 19, 2024
Engine: Asobo’s
ESRB: e

While Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 suffered from a turbulent launch, it has improved significantly following post-release updates.

The Flight Simulator franchise has always excelled in the visual department; this year’s version is no exception. It is absolutely gorgeous and one of the best-looking games ever released on Xbox Series X|S.

The best part, though, is the impressive amount of content. From the traditional campaign and Challenge League to simply messing around and flying over your house, there’s so much to see and do here.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 may not be as impressive as the game’s 2020 release, but it’s still a wonderful accomplishment and a worthy addition to the Xbox library.

5 Age of Mythology Retold

The gods must be crazy

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Age of Mythology: Retold

Systems

Released: September 4, 2024
Engine: BANG! Engine
ESRB: T For Teen Due To Violence
Steam Deck Compatibility: Unknown
OpenCritic Rating: Strong

Bringing a real-time strategy game to a console is always challenging, especially one from a beloved franchise. Age of Mythology: Retold faithfully recreates the 2022 RTS with modern visuals.

The game’s campaign remains as enjoyable as it was 20 years ago, and quality-of-life improvements are always welcome. Using God Powers today is as fun as ever, helping it stand out from the more realistic Age of Empires games.

While the strategy genre is nowhere near as popular as it was back then, games like Age of Mythology: Retold prove they’re still worthy of our time and attention.

The modern remake is a love letter to the high point of the Age franchise, delivering an enjoyable experience for franchise veterans and newcomers alike.

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4 Senua’s Saga: Hellbade 2

A work of art

Systems

Released: May 21, 2024
Engine: Unreal Engine 5
ESRB: m
How Long To Beat: 7 Hours
OpenCritic Rating: Strong

It may not reach the same heights as its predecessor, but Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is still a masterpiece.

We just discussed Flight Simulator 2024 as one of the best-looking games on Xbox; Hellblade II arguably has it beat. This game is a work of art that delivers a cinematic experience not often seen in a game. Yes, its gameplay is shorter, but it’s an adventure well worth it. Plus, it’s on Game Pass!

Senua’s Saga expands on its predecessor’s narrative, presenting a dark, haunting experience that is both traumatic and satisfying. Best of all, the jump scares don’t rely on traditional horror tropes. This game isn’t afraid to mess with your mind, resulting in a haunting experience that plays on our anxieties and fears. It’s well worth it, provided you’re brave enough to give it a shot.

Do it; you won’t regret it.

3 Dungeons of Hinterberg

The best game you didn’t play this year

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Dungeons of Hinterberg

Systems

Released: July 18, 2024
Developer: Microbird Games
Publisher: Curve Games
Engine: Unity
ESRB: Everyone 10+ // Fantasy Violence, Alcohol Reference
How Long To Beat: 15 Hours
Metascore: 82
OpenCritic Rating: Strong

In recent years, the Xbox has enjoyed several dungeon crawlers, but none are as good as Dungeons of Hinterberg. It’s able to balance the aesthetic of a cozy game and the gameplay of a more “traditional” game.

Taking place in the Austrian Alps, the setting doubles as a charming location with memorable characters and an excellent background for its dungeons. From enjoyable puzzles that have the right balance of challenge and intuitiveness to satisfying gameplay, it’s easy to get sucked into the game.

Best of all, a surprising amount of content is available outside adventuring through dungeons. Interacting with the town’s characters is reminiscent of Stardew Valley, while the game offers plenty to see and do outside its dungeons.

There’s a chance Dungeons of Hinterberg wasn’t on your radar at the start of the year, but it deserves your time and attention.

2 STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Radioactive

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STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Systems

Platform(s): Xbox Series X and Series S , Microsoft Windows
Released: 2024-00-00
Developer(s): GSC Game World
Publisher(s): GSC Game World
Engine: Unreal Engine 5
ESRB: m

Another Xbox exclusive with a rough launch, STALKER 2 has enough going for it that it’s developed a loyal fanbase.

As developer GSC World continues to polish the bugs, we’re left with a miraculous achievement in gaming. Its survival sandbox is one of the best in gaming, combined with a tense story and ambitious ideas that come together for the most part.

Few first-person shooters can deliver the intensity of STALKER 2, which will only get better with time and more post-release updates.

The post-apocalyptic wasteland that awaits is unlike any other in gaming, and it’s arguably enhanced by the game’s remaining bugginess and jank.

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1 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Belongs in a museum

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Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Systems

Released: December 9, 2024
Engine: id Tech 7
ESRB: N/A
PC Release Date: December 9, 2024
Xbox Series X|S Release Date: December 9, 2024
PS5 Release Date: Spring 2025
X|S Optimized: Yes
Number of Players: 1
Steam Deck Compatibility: Unknown
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

It turns out that the best way to pay homage to Indiana Jones’s legacy is to make a video game, not sequels decades after the original trilogy.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle proves that developer MachineGames is one of the best studios in the industry today. Capturing the magic of the Indiana Jones movie with excellent gameplay.

It’s a tour de force with a profound narrative and enjoyable side quests. Yes, comparisons to Uncharted are bound to happen, but then again, Indiana Jones inspired the Uncharted franchise.

With Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, the Xbox brand has a new marquee franchise. It’s one of the year’s best games and a must-play for any Xbox owner.