As avid gamers, we are always on the lookout for the next immersive experience that will captivate our senses and challenge our skills. However, keeping track of the myriad of new releases can be quite overwhelming, especially when countless titles are announced for various platforms. Fortunately, this comprehensive guide is provided to help navigate the exciting landscape of upcoming Xbox One games 2022, ensuring that no standout title is missed.
The video presented above offers a fantastic glimpse into some of the most anticipated releases slated for the Xbox One console in the upcoming year. This supplementary content is designed to delve deeper into these remarkable titles, providing additional context, gameplay insights, and expectations for what each game is expected to deliver. A closer look will be taken at the diverse offerings, ranging from intense shooters and sprawling RPGs to compelling narrative adventures and creative simulators, all scheduled to enrich the gaming libraries of Xbox One players.
January 2022: Kicking Off the Year with Action and Adventure
Rainbow Six: Extraction
Kicking off the year with a bang is Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Extraction, which is slated for release on January 20. This unique cooperative first-person shooter (FPS) from Ubisoft was an unexpected yet welcome addition to the tactical series. The success of special event modes within Rainbow Six Siege evidently convinced the developers that a dedicated horde-style shooter could thrive, taking inspiration from classics like Left for Dead or the popular zombie modes often seen in the Call of Duty franchise. This installment reportedly takes the familiar precise gunplay and operator abilities from Siege, subsequently enhancing the gameplay with an intense co-op experience where a team of three must fend off an evolving alien menace.
While this particular direction is considered a significant departure from the grounded realism typically associated with the Tom Clancy universe, it offers a fresh, sci-fi twist for fans of cooperative PvE experiences. The core mechanics of strategy and team coordination are expected to remain paramount, despite the shift to an extraterrestrial threat. Conversely, some long-time fans may find the fantastical elements a challenging adjustment from the series’ roots, yet the opportunity for novel tactical engagements against alien adversaries is a tantalizing prospect for many.
Life is Strange Remastered Collection
Following closely on February 1, the Life is Strange Remastered Collection is poised to reintroduce players to the emotionally charged narrative of Chloe Price and Max Caulfield. This collection, from the acclaimed developer Dontnod, promises a significant visual overhaul for all five chapters of the original indie darling. Enhancements are expected across textures, lighting, character models, and potentially even environmental details, allowing both returning fans and new players to experience the magic and beauty of Arcadia Bay with heightened fidelity. For fans of the series, the soundtrack is considered integral to the emotional resonance of the experience, and there is an optimistic hope for further musical additions or improvements within this collection.
The narrative-driven adventure style, where choices have tangible consequences, remains at the heart of the experience, allowing for a deeply personal journey. This remaster provides an ideal opportunity for those who missed the original to immerse themselves in a critically acclaimed story, while existing enthusiasts can revisit a cherished tale with a fresh coat of polish. The collection’s appeal is firmly rooted in its compelling character development and intricate storytelling, rather than complex gameplay mechanics, and this focus remains undisturbed by the visual upgrades.
Dying Light 2
On February 4, fans of post-apocalyptic survival will be able to dive into Dying Light 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Techland’s acclaimed parkour and zombie shooter hybrid. The original game’s blend of fluid movement and visceral combat garnered a strong following, and this successor aims to build upon that foundation by introducing more robust role-playing elements and impactful player choices. These decisions are promised to have a significant effect on the game’s overarching narrative and the state of its sprawling open world, adding layers of depth to the zombie-infested landscape. While the bloodthirsty infected remain a central threat, the game’s narrative reportedly emphasizes the importance of human connections and the complex web of relationships forged amidst the desolation.
The expanded urban environment, traversable with an enhanced parkour system, promises even more verticality and exploration opportunities. Crafting, combat, and exploration are expected to be refined, creating a more responsive and engaging gameplay loop. This sequel is positioned to be more than just a zombie game, offering a profound commentary on humanity’s struggle for survival and identity in a world on the brink. The ability to shape the world and its inhabitants through player actions represents a significant evolution for the series, contrasting with the more linear paths often found in genre counterparts.
February & March: Blockbusters and Niche Gems Hit Xbox One
Saints Row
Towards the end of February, on the 25th, a soft reboot of the beloved Saints Row franchise is expected to launch, promising a fresh take on the bombastic open-world action genre. This reimagining, from Deep Silver, aims for a slightly more grounded tone than its most outrageously goofy predecessors, yet many of the series’ signature chaotic antics and irreverent humor are retained. A significant new feature is the greatly expanded character customization system, allowing players to meticulously craft their unique Boss, enhancing personal immersion within the game’s vibrant world. The game also features a seamless drop-in, drop-out cooperative mode, facilitating shared rampages and ensuring that friends can easily join in on the city’s chaotic offerings.
This reboot seeks to strike a balance between attracting new players with a more accessible entry point and satisfying long-time fans who appreciate the series’ distinctive personality. The open world itself is envisioned as a playground for player creativity, offering diverse environments and numerous activities beyond the main story. While some may miss the extreme absurdity of previous installments, the updated approach aims to provide a robust, engaging experience that still celebrates the core tenets of the franchise’s identity. The focus on customization and co-op clearly indicates a move towards fostering player agency and shared experiences.
Elden Ring
February 25 also marks the arrival of one of the most highly anticipated action RPGs in recent memory: Elden Ring. FromSoftware, the revered creators of iconic titles such as Bloodborne, Dark Souls, and Sekiro, are back with what is arguably their most ambitious project to date. This sprawling fantasy epic, developed in collaboration with George R.R. Martin, promises another meticulously crafted world teeming with challenging combat, cryptic lore, and breathtaking vistas. Players are expected to embark on a quest to restore the titular Elden Ring, navigating a vast open world filled with formidable foes and ancient secrets. The game is known for its punishing difficulty, but rewards dedicated players with an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.
The signature FromSoftware design philosophy—emphasizing exploration, deliberate combat, and environmental storytelling—is expected to be fully realized on a grander scale than ever before. Unlike their previous, more linear titles, Elden Ring introduces a seamless open world, offering players unprecedented freedom to explore and tackle challenges in any order they choose. The sheer scope and artistic vision behind this game have generated immense excitement, solidifying its position as a potential Game of the Year contender and a must-play for fans of challenging action RPGs. Its unique blend of dark fantasy and open-world mechanics sets it apart from typical entries in the genre.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong
The World of Darkness franchise expands its interactive narrative offerings in February with Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong. This title is not a continuation of the popular Bloodlines series but rather a distinct, story-driven experience set within its own intricate world. Drawing inspiration from critically acclaimed narrative games like Detroit: Become Human and those from Telltale, Swansong places players in control of three different vampires, each possessing their own unique perspective and interwoven storyline. The game emphasizes investigative gameplay, social manipulation, and difficult moral choices, immersing players in the treacherous political landscape of the Camarilla. Players will need to use their vampiric disciplines and cunning to navigate complex situations, uncovering conspiracies and striving to maintain the Masquerade.
Details regarding the precise gameplay mechanics have been scarce, but the focus is clearly on deep storytelling and character interaction rather than traditional combat. The choices made for one character are expected to ripple through the narratives of the others, creating a branching storyline with multiple outcomes. This approach allows for a rich exploration of the World of Darkness lore, appealing to fans of tabletop RPGs and those who appreciate intricate narratives with significant player agency. Conversely, those seeking action-oriented gameplay might find the emphasis on dialogue and investigation a less direct experience.
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
March 18 will bring a truly unconventional entry into the venerated Final Fantasy series with Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. This spin-off from Square Enix has been characterized as possibly the “weirdest Final Fantasy game ever,” largely due to its striking blend of modern aesthetics and classic Final Fantasy themes, alongside its unique narrative approach. The real-time combat system appears engaging and fluid, offering a fast-paced action experience that diverges significantly from the turn-based or ATB systems traditionally associated with the franchise. However, the character designs, often described as coming across as “cosplay-esque” or “out of place,” contribute to its distinctly unusual presentation.
The game explores the origins of the first Final Fantasy, reinterpreting its premise with a darker, more aggressive tone. Players embody Jack and his allies, who are on a mission to kill Chaos. This reinterpretation includes a job system and familiar creatures from the Final Fantasy universe, albeit presented through a new lens. While the stylistic choices and narrative direction may divide opinion, the game’s bold willingness to experiment with the established formula could potentially yield a surprisingly compelling experience. Its distinctive approach contrasts sharply with the more traditional entries in the series, offering a fresh perspective for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
On March 25, Gearbox Software invites players back into the zany universe of Borderlands with Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, a new standalone looter shooter adventure. This game is set within the imaginative mind of Tiny Tina, taking the signature over-the-top action and humor of the Borderlands series and injecting it with a high-fantasy, tabletop RPG twist. Instead of relying solely on explosions and machinery, players are encouraged to embrace magic and mythical creatures in their quest. This transition from traditional sci-fi weaponry to spellcasting and enchanted blades adds a fresh dynamic to the familiar gunplay and extensive loot systems.
Players will be able to create and customize their own multiclass hero, combining different skill trees to develop unique playstyles. The game promises an expansive campaign filled with outlandish characters, fantastical environments, and a torrent of procedural loot, all narrated by the unpredictable Tiny Tina herself. While retaining the distinct art style and irreverent humor of Borderlands, Wonderlands aims to offer a fresh gameplay experience by blending familiar mechanics with a novel fantasy setting. This creative departure ensures that while the core loop remains satisfyingly addictive, the overall atmosphere and player agency are markedly different.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns
Also arriving in March 2022 is Marvel’s Midnight Suns, a unique tactical RPG that offers a fresh spin on the superhero video game formula. Developed by Firaxis Games, renowned for their work on the XCOM series, this title takes players into a grim and edgy corner of the Marvel universe. Players step into the shoes of iconic characters like Blade, Wolverine, Doctor Strange, and Ghost Rider, engaging in turn-based tactical combat against demonic forces led by Lilith. The gameplay system, which incorporates a card-based ability mechanic, may initially seem intimidating for newcomers to the tactics genre. However, it is designed to offer deep strategic possibilities and allows players to unleash devastating combos using their favorite Marvel heroes.
The game emphasizes a strong, character-driven story where players create their own customizable hero, The Hunter, who serves as the key to uniting the diverse roster of heroes. Base-building and social interactions at the Abbey between missions are expected to add layers of depth, influencing character relationships and unlocking new abilities. Fans of tactical gameplay and the darker, more supernatural side of Marvel comics are likely to find this title particularly compelling. Its blend of strategic combat, rich narrative, and beloved characters provides a refreshing alternative to traditional superhero action games.
Beyond Spring 2022: Highly Anticipated Titles on Xbox One
Gotham Knights
Warner Bros. Games Montreal is set to release Gotham Knights next year, offering a fresh narrative experience that departs from Rocksteady’s acclaimed Arkhamverse. This game focuses not on Batman himself, who is presumed dead, but on his four key proteges: Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing, and the Red Hood. Together, these heroes are tasked with protecting Gotham City and uncovering a vast conspiracy involving the elusive Court of Owls. While the gameplay retains a familiar feel reminiscent of the Arkham titles, the inclusion of RPG elements, which introduce more numbers and progression systems, brings it closer to experiences found in games like Assassin’s Creed. Notably, the game is heavily focused on cooperative play, allowing friends to seamlessly drop in and out of the experience, fostering shared exploration and combat.
Each of the four playable characters boasts unique combat styles and abilities, encouraging players to experiment and find their preferred hero. The open-world Gotham City is expected to be a dynamic environment, evolving as players progress through the story and confront various criminal factions. The narrative promises a deep dive into Gotham’s hidden history and an exploration of what it means to be a hero in Batman’s absence. This co-op focused action RPG provides a different angle on the iconic DC universe, offering both familiar elements and innovative features for Xbox One players.
Hogwarts Legacy
The Wizarding World is poised to expand its interactive footprint significantly with Hogwarts Legacy, an ambitious open-world action RPG set to release next year. This highly anticipated title takes place years before the events of J.K. Rowling’s books and films, offering players the unique opportunity to create and embody their own Hogwarts student. Extensive customization options are provided, allowing players to personalize everything from their house affiliation to their wand and appearance. This game is envisioned as the ultimate fantasy fulfillment for Harry Potter fans, delivering an experience that Pottermore might have been with a substantially larger budget and scope.
Players will attend classes, master spells, brew potions, tame fantastic beasts, and explore the iconic castle and its surrounding areas, including the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade Village. The narrative reportedly involves an ancient secret that threatens the wizarding world, placing the player character at the center of a profound struggle. This immersive RPG experience promises unparalleled freedom and agency within a beloved fictional universe, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Its detailed world and character-driven progression are expected to satisfy the magical itch many have felt for years.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Next year will also bring the ultimate brick-built adventure with LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, a monumental entry in the beloved LEGO video game franchise. This game remarkably packs all nine films of the iconic Space Opera series into bite-sized, humorous LEGO versions, offering a comprehensive retelling of the entire Skywalker saga. It is brimming with the same goofy humor and charming antics that the franchise is known for, alongside a slew of bonus content that expands well beyond the cinematic narrative. This includes a vast roster of playable characters, even those from popular TV series such as The Mandalorian, providing an unprecedented level of fan service.
The core gameplay loop, familiar to fans of LEGO games, involves linear levels where players build objects, solve puzzles, and engage in light combat. However, The Skywalker Saga distinguishes itself with a significantly expanded open-world hub that connects the various planets and storylines, encouraging exploration and discovery. The level of detail and care invested in replicating the vastness of the Star Wars universe in LEGO form is expected to be unparalleled. This title is not merely a collection of past games but a fully reimagined and cohesive experience, making it a must-have for Star Wars and LEGO enthusiasts alike on Xbox One.
Kerbal Space Program 2
For those with a penchant for science and simulation, Kerbal Space Program 2 is slated for release in 2022, albeit with an unspecified date. This sequel to the highly acclaimed aerospace simulator from Private Division promises to add even more layers of complex machinery and realistic physics to the challenging endeavor of space flight. The original game was celebrated for its blend of educational value and engaging gameplay, allowing players to design, build, and launch their own rockets and spacecraft. This follow-up aims to expand upon that foundation with new interstellar travel options, colony building, and more sophisticated parts and technologies.
While the development journey has seen various changes, the anticipation for this next-generation space flight simulation remains high, building on the original’s success as a beloved and highly respected title in the gaming community. The inclusion of new features like orbital construction and simplified onboarding for new players is expected to make the complex world of rocketry more accessible, without compromising the depth for veteran Kerbalnauts. This title is poised to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible within educational simulation games, earning its place among the best in its genre.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake
Ubisoft’s plan to revive its classic action-adventure platformer, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake, has experienced a few setbacks since its initial announcement. Fortunately, the developers have demonstrated a commendable commitment to player feedback, delaying the game to address questionable changes and concerns raised by the community. According to the development team, this remake is intended to feel fresh and updated while remaining true to the spirit and narrative of the original beloved title. Players can expect a faithful recreation of the Prince’s journey through the Sultan’s palace, manipulating time with the Dagger of Time to overcome obstacles and formidable enemies.
New details regarding the improvements made during the delay have been scarce, suggesting that significant work is being undertaken behind the scenes to ensure a high-quality product. This dedication to refining the experience indicates a genuine desire to honor the legacy of the original game, which is widely regarded as a classic in the action-adventure genre. The narrative, centering on the Prince’s heroic efforts to undo his mistake of unleashing the Sands of Time, remains as compelling as ever. Anticipation continues to build for this polished return to a cherished series, offering a nostalgic yet enhanced experience for Xbox One gamers.
Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One
Frogwares presents another intriguing take on Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective in Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One, which is also expected to arrive on Xbox One next year. This iteration of Sherlock Holmes delves into his early days as a small-time, ambitious detective on the Mediterranean island of Cordona, long before the arrival of Dr. Watson and his established fame in London. The game is explicitly an origin story, portraying a younger, more inexperienced Sherlock, distinct from the popular portrayals by Robert Downey Jr. or Benedict Cumberbatch. Players will explore his formative years, piecing together clues and solving cases that shape him into the legendary sleuth he is destined to become.
While the game has already been released for new-generation consoles, the developers are actively working to tweak and optimize its performance for the older PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles. This ensures that a wider audience can experience this unique narrative journey without significant technical compromises. The core gameplay involves complex investigations, deduction mechanics, and moral choices that can influence the story’s outcome. It offers a fresh perspective on a timeless character, inviting players to participate in the making of a legend and providing a thought-provoking experience for fans of mystery and narrative-driven adventure on their Xbox One console.
