The most anticipated Xbox Series X|S games of TheGamer team for 2024

The year 2023 was not an easy year for Xbox home consoles. Several exclusive titles did not perform as well as originally predicted, and some proved to be disappointing additions to the Xbox Game Pass library. However, with surprise hits like Hi-Fi Rush, blockbusters like Starfield, and enchanting indie games like Venba, the Xbox Series X|S consoles were far from defeated, and the year 2024 clearly indicates that this positive trend will continue.

In the year 2024, we can expect an impressive selection of games, including Senua's Saga 2, Dungeons of Hinterberg, and Microsoft Flight Simulator, just to name a few. We here at TheGamer are more than excited about this year's lineup of Xbox releases, and here are our most anticipated titles.

Clockwork Revolution

Amanda Hurych, Evergreen Content Lead

I am rather indifferent to steampunk as a setting for a game, but I am absolutely thrilled by well-executed time-bending mechanics. (The time-travel mission in Dishonored 2 still makes my heart beat faster.) So, as soon as I saw the trailer for Clockwork Revolution, I knew I had to play it to avoid the risk of a future version of myself showing up and beating me up for missing out on what could be the greatest gaming experience of my life.

It is an first-person shooter developed by inXile Entertainment, the creators of the famous Wasteland franchise. The game features steampunk-like robotic soldiers, time travel, and a magnificently sounding villain. To claim that it is my most anticipated game of 2024 might be wishful thinking, but hey, here's to dreaming in clockwork!

The Wolf Among Us 2

Helen Ashcroft, Evergreen Trainer and Editor

It took a long time, but soon Bigby will return, and I can't wait. The first installment of The Wolf Among Us has ingrained itself in my love for dark fairy tales, mysteries, and strong storytelling. I was completely immersed in the unfolding story as I was taken from one dark and mysterious place to another, discovering so much about a complex world full of myths.

Now, the wait is finally over, and I can once again put on my detective hat, assuming that I will need it, discard my razor blade, embrace my inner beast, and dive headfirst into whatever lies ahead of me.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Stacey Henley, Editor-in-Chief

If we ignore the misstep of Redfall, Xbox seems finally ready to showcase a lineup of great exclusive titles in the next 12 months. I'm not sure if Hellblade is my absolute most anticipated game releasing on Xbox next year, but I'm rooting for the company to deliver some heavy hitters.

The original Hellblade had something special at its core but was somewhat rough around the edges and a bit short and simplistic in terms of the themes it addressed. The sequel is doubling down on photorealistic graphics, but if it can improve its storytelling and mechanics to consistently reach the heights of Senua's Sacrifice, it will be a pivotal game for Xbox. Among all the games slated to release next year, it's the one that fascinates me the most.

The Lord Of The Rings: Return To Moria

Ben Sledge, Features Editor

Of course, the Lord of the Rings fan chose a Lord of the Rings game. But let's be honest, doesn't it look amazing? I wasn't sure what to expect from "Return to Moria" - the initial previews made me fear it might be a microtransaction-filled mobile game similar to Evony - but the recent previews at Gamescom have piqued my interest.

A survival game set in Khazad-dûm? You lead a team of dwarves who dig too greedily and too deep? Tolkien professor Corey Olsen is providing advisory support? I usually don't delve into the survival genre, but "Return to Moria" will definitely change that.

Killing Floor 3

James Troughton, Cross-Department Editor

There aren't enough good zombie arcade games nowadays. Back 4 Blood was a chaotic attempt to replicate the glory days, Call of Duty Zombies became just another cog in Activision's bloated money-making machine, while Dead Island and Dying Light didn't fulfill that special charm.

We're starving out here, but Killing Floor 3 could satiate our bloodlust. Sure, the enemies aren't technically zombies (although they're referred to as "Zeds"), but slaughtering wave after wave of experiments while earning money to buy new weapons is the purest form of zombie experience I crave. I just hope Tripwire manages to deliver and brings back the British humor sorely missed in the second game.

Dungeons Of Hinterberg

Joshua Robertson, News Editor

The big first-party titles from Xbox never really appeal to me, and it's always the smaller titles like Hi-Fi Rush and the Ori series that keep me from throwing my Series X into the nearest trash bin.

Dungeons of Hinterberg is the indie game of 2024 that convinced me to keep my Xbox for another year. Its unique art style and intriguing blend of monster hunting, exploration, and puzzle-solving immediately captivated me when it was announced earlier this year. Plus, you can also go snowboarding, ride rail sleds, and even ride tornadoes, making it essentially the perfect package.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

David W. Duffy, Database Editor

I have a habit of starting a Game Pass subscription and then not doing anything with it. It's only when I realize that I've spent a considerable amount of money without getting anything in return that I cancel it. Originally, I bought a Series S solely for the flight simulator to relax when combat-based games exhaust me (which happens more often at my advanced age), but then I never really played it.

According to the trailer, the 2024 edition will offer various careers such as deliveries to remote locations, rescue missions, pest control, and storm chasing. As someone who needs some structure in a game to stay interested, I will finally sign up and actually make use of the Game Pass - and enjoy the impressive map technology that made the 2020 flight simulator so appealing.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Axel Bosso, Evergreen Trainer and Editor

Yes, I'm making the decision. Even though we haven't heard anything from Team Cherry since the Xbox event in June 2022, my gut feeling tells me that we could see this long-awaited sequel in 2024. Years have passed since the announcement, and the irregular flow of new information may be concerning for some, but let's face reality: Hollow Knight is one of the best video games of our century. Period. How can they release a new game that has at least the same quality? It sounds impossible, but perhaps the team has the chance to capture lightning in a bottle twice.