Updated for April 2023: We're blasting through 2023 and, just three months in, we've already had a bunch of fantastic titles already land on Xbox consoles with the likes of Hogwarts Legacy, Resident Evil 4 Remake and Hi-Fi RUSH giving players plenty to shout about.
Looking ahead to the rest of the year, what's next? Well, with that question in mind, we've put together a list of our most-anticipated releases that are due to rock onto our consoles and Xbox Game Pass between now and the end of the year.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what we've got to look forward to over the coming months. Let's jump in!
EA Sports PGA Tour (Xbox Series X|S)
It's been a good old while now since EA took to the fairways for a round of digital golf. Indeed, we have to look all the way back to 2015 and Rory McIIroy's turn as the cover star for the last effort from the studio.
EA Sports PGA Tour sees a return this April, however, and it's looking set to be an all-encompassing effort that utilises the Frostbite engine to deliver fantastically realistic courses and player models. What we've seen so far looks photo-realistic in all honesty and, if the gameplay can match the graphics - and EA has a fair bit of experience in knocking out a golf game - then we could be in for a cracker in just a few weeks time.
- Release Date? 7th April 2023
- Xbox Game Pass? No
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened (Xbox Series X|S)
Frogwares returns to its excellent Sherlock Holmes series of games with this remake of 2007's detective adventure.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened has, we're sure, been a difficult endeavour for the studio. This is a project they've worked on under tough conditions given the war in Ukraine, but from what we've seen so far it looks like a slick reworking of a thoroughly entertaining slice of Holmes action that sees the famous detective embroiled in all manner of Lovecraftian antics as he's drawn into the world of Cthulhu. There's an expanded storyline, completely rebuilt game world and surprises aplenty for players to jump into here, and we're excited to don our deerstalker and jump into action very soon.
- Release Date? 11th April 2023
- Xbox Game Pass? No
Ghostwire: Tokyo (Xbox Series X|S)
Tango Softworks' supernatural action adventure, Ghostwire: Tokyo, released on PlayStation consoles last year and finally makes the jump to Xbox this April. This slick and stylish slice of action sees players investigate a fantastically atmospheric Tokyo that's been overrun by ghostly forces as the entire population disappears in the wake of a mysterious fog.
Fleshed out with lots of interesting lore and tons of details from Japanese folklore, Ghostwire's world has an authentic lived in vibe that's full of interesting side stories to engage in as you deal with the game's main threat through flashy first person magical attacks. It doesn't hurt that the whole thing looks so spectacular either.
- Release Date? 12th April 2023
- Xbox Game Pass? Yes
Minecraft Legends (Xbox Series X|S)
Let's face it, an action strategy game set in the iconic Minecraft overworld is gonna be excellent, innit. This single player action game sees players defend the Overworld from invading Piglins and, judging from the trailer, the battles have a sweet cel-shaded vibe to them and feature some wonderfully chaotic action against an impressive number of foes. With all our favourite mob types and heroes making cameos and plenty of lush biomes to explore and conquer, we reckon this is gonna be a highlight of this year if Blackbird Interactive can land it properly.
- Release Date: 18th April 2023
- Xbox Game Pass? Yes
Dead Island 2 (Xbox Series X|S)
Dead Island finally returns in 2023, and this time the madcap zombie-slaying action takes place in L.A. as players hack and slash and mutilate hordes of foes making full use of Dead Island 2’s unique gore tech, F.L.E.S.H, (Fully Locational Evisceration System for Humanoids) to paint the City of Angels a wonderfully violent shade of red. Gameplay trailers for this one show off the game's shockingly detailed dismemberment animations alongside plenty of slapstick humour and some impressively destructible environs, making for a brutal playground that we can't wait to wade into once release day rolls around.
- Release Date: 21st April 2023
- Xbox Game Pass? No
The Last Case of Benedict Fox (Xbox Series X|S)
If you're the kind of person whose ears prick up when you hear the words "fantastical Lovecraftian Metroidvania", well, we believe Plot Twist may just have the very game for you. Yep, we got really excited about The Last Case of Benedict Fox when its trailer was revealed back at the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase in 2022, as it's right up our street with its ultra stylish world full of demons and death and twisted terrors. Here you play as Benedict Fox, a detective on the brink of sanity as he dives into his very last case, a case that brings him face to face with secret organisations, forbidden rituals and cold-blooded murders. Benedict must explore the memories of deceased victims and fight shadowy demons as he explores Metroid-esque environments packed full of puzzles and secrets. It looks great, it sounds great, fingers crossed it's gonna be great when it lands on Game Pass in the spring of 2023.
- Release Date: 27th April 2023
- Xbox Game Pass? Yes
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (Xbox Series X|S)
Cal Kestis returns in this highly anticipated sequel to Respawn's original 2019 outing, and we're anticipating a bigger, bolder and more action-packed affair this time around. The official trailer certainly shows off plenty of cool new tricks and combat manoeuvres, alongside some stunning looking environments, and really, as long as Star Wars Jedi: Survivor can provide a good story whilst tidying up a few of the rougher edges of its predecessor, we could be looking at a Star Wars all-timer with this one. May the force be...etc etc.
- Release Date? 28th April 2023
- Xbox Game Pass? No
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Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn (Xbox Series X|S)
We've seen this game in action a few times over the past few months, and it's continued to build up plenty of hype in that time, especially considering it's slated for an Xbox Game Pass release at launch! Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is described as a new action-RPG open-world adventure, developed by the team behind Ashen, and everything we've seen so far suggests it's going to be one to look out for when it arrives on Game Pass in the near future. It looks like we might be playing this one in the first half of 2023 as well!
- Release Date: Spring 2023
- Xbox Game Pass? Yes
Planet of Lana (Xbox Series X|S)
Planet of Lana is a Studio Ghibli-inspired adventure puzzle game from Swedish dev Wishfully that, judging by its trailer, also has a little bit of the Ori games about it. This is sumptuous looking, hand-painted puzzler that sees you play as Lana, a little girl accompanied by a black sootball companion as you venture across stunning vistas and through dark and dangerous forests, battling machine foes and solving environmental headscratchers in order to proceed. It certainly has the atmosphere and look of things nailed down, so let's hope the gameplay matches the presentation when it launches on Game Pass in the spring of 2023.
- Release Date: Spring 2023
- Xbox Game Pass? Yes
Redfall (Xbox Series X|S)
Yep. We had Arkane Austin's Redfall in our list of games to look forward to in 2022, and here we are again. We know much more about the game now at least, we've got ourselves some sweet gameplay footage to drool over, it's been confirmed you can play through the whole thing co-op or solo, and what we've seen of the action confirms this is a title that sticks closely to Arkane's strengths within narrative, world-building, level design and meshing supernatural powers with lots of fun traversal options. In short, it's looking like a bit of a banger, and is definitely one of our most anticipated Xbox exclusives of 2023. We're looking forward to getting down to some sick four player vamp-slaying business in the mid-section of this year!
- Release Date: 2nd May 2023
- Xbox Game Pass? Yes
Comments 60
starfield thats the one im most looking forward to
My top 5 anticipated games on Xbox are:
1. Stalker 2
2. Hogwarts
3. Resident Evil 4
4. Diablo 4
5. Starfield
I'm still expecting delays for some games. I didn't know that Pragmata was coming to Game Pass.
some good looking games, heres hoping most are on time and relatively bug free.
#1 Diablo IV
#2 Persona 4
#3 Starfield
#4 Monster Hunter
#5 Hellblade II
1. Wo long
2. Zelda
3. Starfield
4. Diablo 4
5. Final fantasy 16
Add 30 days onto the end of each release to play these games after they've patched launch bugs & you'll be good to go lol
Top 10 Games im looking forward to:
1. Hogwarts Legacy
2. Spiderman 2
3. Final Fantasy 16
4. Stellar Blade
5. Starfield
6. Resident Evil 4
7. Last Case of Benedict Fox
8. Replaced
9. Atomic Heart
10. Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League
@fraser where is the source that says Pragmata is coming to game pass?
I'd like to think there will be quite a few 2D indie hidden gems that will be released in 2023.
@fraserg Hellblade 2 says "Game Pass? No" on your list. Great list btw thanks! I'm really looking forward to "The Finals" as well on the multiplayer fps scene.
1) Starfield
2) Persona 4 Golden
3) Assassins Creed Mirage
4) Replaced
5) STALKER 2
Almost would put Robocop here but Nacon has been more miss than hit this gen.
If I was to include PS and Switch games:
1) Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
2) Starfield
3) Persona 4 Golden
4) Assassins Creed Mirage
5) Spider-Man 2
There is a lot in that list I’m interested in, but that’s my top 5.
@Trmn8r Hellblade 2 is definitely coming to Game Pass day one. I’m sure Fraser will correct it. I’d like to know if Pragmata is coming to Game Pass though?
@MaccaMUFC Of course it is. That's why I brought it to his attention. Pretty sure Pragmata is the opposite mistake on the post. I don't see anywhere that it's coming to Game Pass.
Damn, That lineup is insane.. 2023 is the year of Xbox..
I wouldn’t get my hopes up on a lot of these!! Redfall, Hellblade 2, Starfield??? We shall see……..
Apologies folks, a couple of the Game Pass listings were incorrect here. Pragmata hasn't been announced for XGP, but obviously Hellblade 2 has.
Unfortunately you'll be able to re-post this list exactly one year from today. You'll only have to change it to "2024" and update a couple of games.
Not trying to be flippant as I really appreciate the work that went into creating this list. However there's no way Avatar and Alan Wake 2 are coming out in 23. I'll stop there before even moving through the alphabet...
I am looking forward to Starfied and am cautiously optimistic we will see it in 23.
I don't see enough love for Eiyuden Chronicles. That and the Suikoden 1 and 2 Remasters look great.
In no particular order
Hellblade 2
Forza Motorsport
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Resident Evil 4
Street fighter 6
Goldeneye 007
Starfield
Redfall
Kirbys Return to Dreamland Deluxe
If all of this really drop this year I don't think I'll have the time to play and finish 5 games. I'd be surprised if Hellblade 2 drops this year. Otherwise Starfield, Jedi Survivor , Hogwarts Legacy, Stalker 2 and Atomic Heart are my top picks. But if I get the time then Avatar, Mirage, Replaced, Lies of P, Wo long. That's a stacked year. Hopefully everyone have a wonderful year.
Going to be a great year for games.
Robocop is it!!!!!
Give me Wanted: Dead
The number of big games on this list that aren’t even first party coming to GamePass is insane. Gonna be a great year!
Some real bangers here. I'd say I'm interested in about 10-12 titles.
No love for One Piece Odyssey
Starfield
Test Drive Unlimited
Replaced
Redfall
Skull and Bones.
Also really hope Robocop is good.
By far the most anticipated: Starfield
Other than that Stalker 2, Robocop and Dead Space(when it eventually comes to GP)
By far the least interesting: Suicide Squad
Numerous games to look forward to - although I am not too bothered if they ALL release within the next year. I tend to look forward to the 'next' new game arriving - which for me will be Dead Space.
After that, it will likely be Hogwarts, Atomic Heart and then Star Wars Jedi Survivor. Of course this could change as games get release dates. It's possible to see some of the games expected in first half of 2023 releasing before the end of March.
As much as I am looking forward to Starfield, Hellblade 2 or STALKER 2 for example, I can't get too excited or really look forward to 'playing' it until its 'next' to release. I am keen to see and hear more about these, but I am generally looking forward to the 'next' game I expect to 'play'. The rest are just letting me know that the 'near' future has a lot of reasons to be optimistic beyond the 'next' game I want to Play...
It's too easy to be too excited about something and it will never live up to expectations and if delays or it releases with some issues, people get extremely disappointed and/or angry. Therefore, I try to only focus on the week, month or, at most, the 'quarter' coming up, the 'games' I can and/or will be playing and only looking forward to what's coming 'next' - which for me will be Dead Space...
My prediction is Hogwarts Legacy will be a big letdown, and Atomic Heart the biggest of surprises. It looks so, so good.
On Xbox it's all about Starfield for me this year (as well as new season(s) of Halo Infinite)
On Nintendo I'm looking forward to Fire Emblem Engage and Zelda Tears of the Kingdom.
And finally, on PS5 I can't wait for Horizon Forbidden West DLC to drop, and I hope Stellar Blade gets a release date.
If I get all these 6 games/updates this year, I'll consider it a very good year. Anything else that releases on time is considered a bonus in my book.
Not sure if I'll even play my Series S this year. Not being able to handle 1080p with 60 fps is a let down. At least my PS5 can always run like that.
@PJOReilly Where is Project Zero: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse??
1. Wanted: Dead
2. Street Fighter 6
3. Dead Space remake
4. Forza Motorsport
5. Redfall
@Cassislight
Yes, the lack of acknowledgement for it here on Pure Xbox is disappointing. Even if the writers don't care for it, it'd be cool if they listed on this website in the upcoming games category.
@Gamer83
Agree
@Cassislight @Gamer83 That's the thing, it's not about how much the writers care about certain games but to make them visible because everybody knows about Starfield and Forza Motorspor, as much as we all like them and as little as has been shown.
Are the Persona games connected? Do you miss out on character development and plot by not playing earlier titles?
Looking forward to Hogwarts Legacy on Xbox this year.
@KonstantTrouble
No they are all different.
I'm looking forward to/:
1) that Alice in wonderland game (forgot the title)
2) Redfall
3) Atomic Heart
4) Starfield
5) Diablo (if in gamepass) if not then Hellblade 2
Starfield, Hogwarts Legacy, Diablo 4, Darktide, Redfall all look great
My top 3 anticipated games are:
1. Hogwarts Legacy
2. Diablo 4
3. Starfield
Plus there are probably 2 dozen other games that look really cool! Yikes!
Ready for Starfield, myself. Hoping Suicide Squad turns out well, but I can see that one being a train wreck. Redfall is one that may surprise me, so I feel okay about that one.
Also, Street Fighter is one I've been conditioned to like but wait for other editions before buying.
Hogwarts Legacy, AC Mirage and Star Wars Jedi Survivor are on my list. A few others there that sound interesting too!
Updated the list for February 2023 and beyond.
January's games have been removed and replaced with four new additions, and we've also got a fancy new video roundup!
For all the talk of 2022 being a poor year, and perhaps it was for Xbox AAA, I still had an amazing time, and Game Pass really delivered. Too many great experiences to count, and not enough time to get to half of them.
2023 looks like an absolute banger right now, especially for AAA. But I always feel this needs to come with a huge asterisk as games get delayed more and more for seemingly longer and longer - i'm sure several of those games listed won't make 2023. Still if even half of it makes it and hits we're in for a very special year. Happy gaming!
@themightyant I know, right? Too much complaints about 2022 being "dry" on games, but we had a blast last year with absolute bangers on each front (Xbox, PS, Nintendo)! This year looks great too, tbh.
About the list, the most anticipated, for me, is Hellbalde 2 even though I doubt it will see the light of day this year. I am happy just to get it whenever it is ready
On Xbox im excited for Starfield, fingers crossed!
I'm also all in for Motorsport. I was previously not so excited as for that style of game, I love the extra subtle control you can get with gyro steering. Ive now bought a zim nexus, just to get gyro steering on xbox, so it had better be good! 😀
I have Hogwarts pre ordered, which is a rare thing for me...
Ryu Ga Gotoku is the best studio in the world now. Their games are just relentlessly good, so packed full of stuff, and better written and voice acted than anything else.
I'm looking forward to Ishin! Street Fighter 6 and Starfield. Oh and Forza Motorsport.
@HarmanSmith Hellblade 2 does look great, and I loved the first one… but as you said I don’t see it releasing this year.
Though It was one of the first games shown for the XSX way back in 2019 so I hope it would be sooner rather than later.
For me there is a lot to look forward to this year. Its already off too a great start with Hi-Fi Rush!
Forza Motorsport
Jedi Survivor
Assassins Creed Mirage
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown
Resident Evil 4
Where is System Shock!? =)
Thank you for this list, as I was able to go through all the pages and then bookmark the games that look interesting to me - so I don't forget about them during the year.
tons of great games but i really need starfield rn!
List has been updated for April - December! 👍
You can tell when the Suicide Squad blurb was written lol.
LOADS to look forward to. On Game Pass alone i'm most awaiting:
1. Starfield
2. Hollow Knight Silksong
3. Redfall
4. Lies of P
5. Last case of Benedict Fox
6. Planet of Lana
Sea of Stars (not GP) is also high up my list.
I suspect at least a few here will slip to 2024+ including Black Myth Wukong, Avatar, Replaced, Stalker 2 and maybe the Cyberpunk DLC,
If you look forward to all 50 of these games then you are going to very busy this year.
I hope benedict fox is as interesting as I want it to be!
Planet of Lana looks lovely - hope it has gameplay to match.
Dead Island 2 looks like all the dumb fun I want in a Zombie title, so I'm looking forward to that too.
So much else to look forward to - its going to be a good year!
Thank you for this list, very useful!!!!
Robocop is the BIG ONE that I would like to try!
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