10.Watch Dogs: Legion
Despite being one of the few launch games for the Xbox Series X|S,Watch Dogs: Legiondidn’t garner much critical acclaim.
But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a worthwhile open-world game, especially since developer Ubisoft is in the habit of keeping its games well-supported after launch.
Watch Dogs: Legionsupports ray tracing, meaning the hallmark of video game graphics—wet pavement—looks as spectacular as you’d expect.
9.Control
Controlwas one of the first games to really show off ray tracing when it hit PCs back in 2019. WithControl: Ultimate Edition, it’s bringing ray tracing (and a host of other graphical features) to the Xbox Series X|S.
And that’s not all!Control: Ultimate Editionnot only turns up the pretty on consoles, but it also includes all the DLC that was previously sold alongside the original game. If you have yet to playControl, there’s no better time than now.
Related:The Best Shooter Games on Xbox Game Pass, Ranked
8.Tales of Arise
TheTalesseries hasn’t had an easy time in the years leading up to the release of this entry.Tales of ZesteriaandTales of Berseriawere quality games by franchise standards, but they looked like PlayStation 3 games—mostly because they were.
Tales of Arisemoved up to using the Unreal Engine, and the franchise has seen a major graphical upgrade in the process. Add to this beautiful environment art and solid combat mechanics, and you’ve got a game worth playing through all of its 60+ hours.
Related:The Best RPGs on Xbox Game Pass
7.Doom Eternal
Yes,Doom Eternalis technically impressive. The first time you find yourself staring at ray traced reflections in a pool of demon blood is certainly an interesting moment. But the art is what really puts this graphical powerhouse over the top.
WhileDoomoften kept things claustrophobic,Doom Eternal’senvironments make better use of space and verticality. Plus, the disturbing vistas in certain levels look even better on the Xbox Series X|S consoles than they did on the Xbox One.
6.Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragonwas another game that arrived near the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, and regardless of what console you play on, the game looks fantastic—but it’s better on the Xbox Series X|S.
The realistic city environments combined with the over-the-top enemies and combat make this a game that’s hard to stop gawking at. As if the fantastic combat and storytelling weren’t enough, there’s plenty of the weird factor thatYakuzaseries fans love, too.
Related:The Best Action Games on Xbox Game Pass, Ranked
5.Dirt 5
The game may be calledDirt 5, but it’s got plenty of DNA from Codemasters' criminally overlookedOnrush. That was a great looking game thanks to its sense of speed and use of color.
Dirt 5keeps the color and sense of speed, but combines it with the “simcade” feel of theDirtseries. Rally racing games aren’t often that graphically impressive, butDirt 5is a wonderful exception.
Related:The Best Racing Games on Xbox Game Pass, Ranked
4.Gears 5
A word of warning:Gears 5’sstory isn’t going to make much sense if you haven’t already played through at leastGears of War 4(and probably the three games leading up to that one). Of course, if you’re only going to play online or just want to blow stuff up in the campaign, that’s not a big deal.
WhileGears 5launched as an Xbox One game, it’s been enhanced for the Xbox Series X|S consoles. Already an impressive-looking game, it looks even better on the newer hardware.
Related:The Best Local Multiplayer (Couch) Games on Xbox Game Pass
3.Halo: The Master Chief Collection
While you’re waiting forHalo Infinite, why not brush up on the Master Chief saga withHalo: The Master Chief Collection? UnlikeHalo 5: Guardians,The Master Chief Collectionactually has enhancements for the Xbox Series X|S consoles.
There’s also a whole lot of game here since it includesHalo 1–4as well asHalo: ReachandHalo: ODST. Did we mention it’s on Xbox Game Pass? Yeah. Now you have no reason not to play it.
2.Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Assassin’s Creed Valhallamay not reinvent the series' trademark open-world gameplay, but it sure does look nice. Whether you’re running on the Xbox Series X|S or even the Xbox One X,Assassin’s Creed Valhallais a game that’s constantly nice to look at.
It’s also a long game, even before you glance at DLC. If you’re looking for a great-looking game to last you a while on your Xbox,Assassin’s Creed Valhallais absolutely worth picking up.
Related:The Best Assassin’s Creed Characters
1.Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 4was already a gorgeous game with its Xbox Series X|S enhancements, butForza Horizon 5was built specifically for the new consoles. The fact that this latest installment in the series takes place in the picturesque county of Mexico doesn’t hurt either.
Much of the gameplay is similar to what we saw inForza Horizon 4, but that’s not a bad thing.Forza Horizonhas been at the top of the open-world driving game genre for a while now, thanks to its mix of thrilling racing and relaxing exploration.
Even ifForza Horizon 5only offers more of the same in a beautiful new setting, that’s no problem at all.
