The Xbox Series S might look like a mini console that just showed up to quietly support its bigger sibling, the Xbox Series X. But don’t let the size or the price tag fool you; this little powerhouse is full of surprises.
Compact, digital-only, and budget-friendly, the Xbox Series S is built to deliver next-generation performance without demanding a huge investment. And while it does not run games in native 4K like the Series X, it punches well above its weight when it comes to smooth gameplay, quick load times, and high visual quality at 1080p and 1440p resolutions.
So let’s cut to the chase. You came here to know which games run impressively well on this mini beast. Here are ten titles that prove the Xbox Series S is no slouch when it comes to serious gaming.
1. Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite brings back Master Chief in a way that lives up to its top-tier status, with thrilling shootouts, massive areas to explore, speedy vehicles, and that epic futuristic vibe. But what makes it extra special is how well it performs on the Xbox Series S.
You get up to 1440p resolution with a stable 60 frames per second, all while enjoying snappy load times thanks to the SSD. Multiplayer is fluid, and the campaign feels just as immersive. For a game with this scale and pedigree, the Series S holds its own beautifully.
2. Forza Horizon 5
If visuals were cars, Forza Horizon 5 would be a luxury supercar. At 1080p resolution, you still get a steady 60 frames per second, and the vibrant world of Mexico pops with life, color, and detail.
Dynamic weather rolls in like a movie, lighting feels natural, and loading into races is nearly instant. The experience is smooth, punchy, and wildly addictive, proving that you do not need a top-tier console to enjoy a premium racing title.
3. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
This one is pure eye candy. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a hand-painted dream that plays like a charm on Xbox Series S. Not only does it run at 1080p, but you can push it to a staggering 120 frames per second if your display supports it.
The fast-paced platforming and combat benefit massively from the high frame rate, making everything feel buttery smooth. It is emotional, beautiful, and a technical marvel on the Series S.
4. Gears 5
Gears 5 got the next-gen treatment, and yes, that includes the Xbox Series S. This third-person shooter is packed with high-quality textures, better lighting, ray-traced shadows, and solid frame pacing. You get 60 frames per second at 1080p during campaign and multiplayer.
It looks great, plays better, and the updated visuals breathe new life into an already solid action game. Gears 5 is the game to play if you are craving intense action and some solid teamwork in battle.
READ ALSO: PS5 Pro vs Xbox Series X: Which One Should You Buy?
5. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
With a lightsaber in your hand and the Force at your fingertips, this Star Wars game demands smooth performance. Jedi: Survivor might be a visually demanding title, but the Xbox Series S handles it well.
You get a reliable 1080p experience with stable frame rates, fast loads between zones, and fluid animations during lightsaber duels. It is a cinematic action-adventure that feels right at home on the Series S.
6. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
Cyberpunk 2077 had a rough start. But with the Phantom Liberty expansion and a mountain of patches, the game has been completely rebalanced for modern consoles. And surprisingly, the Xbox Series S now offers a very playable experience.
At 1080p and 60 frames per second, Night City finally feels alive without dragging your hardware through the mud. While you will not get ray tracing, the textures, lighting, and gameplay all hold up surprisingly well.
7. No Man’s Sky
This galaxy-sized game has gone through an evolution since its rocky beginnings, and the next-gen version on Xbox Series S is a pleasant surprise. You can explore lush planets, battle in space, and manage your base, all at a stable 60 frames per second with improved lighting and detail.
You will notice minimal wait times, sharp graphics, and a gaming atmosphere that pulls you in completely. If space exploration is your thing, this is a great game to showcase the Series S’s potential.
8. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Open-world games can be heavy, but Valhalla sails smoothly on the Xbox Series S. You get consistent 60 frames per second at 1080p resolution, with excellent draw distances and detailed environments.
Load times are impressively short, and the world of Norse mythology feels vast and alive. Whether you are raiding enemy camps or exploring snowy peaks, the Series S keeps the experience running like a well-oiled Viking ship.
9. Mortal Kombat 11
Fighting games live and die by their performance. Lag and frame drops are a dealbreaker, but Mortal Kombat 11 has no such problems on the Xbox Series S. It runs at a clean 1080p and locks in 60 frames per second.
Whether you play competitively or just for fun, Mortal Kombat 11 stands out as a strong choice in the fighting genre. If you are into competitive or casual fighting games, MK11 is a solid pick.
10. Hades
This indie gem is pure fast-paced magic. On Xbox Series S, Hades plays fast, feels smooth, and looks absolutely beautiful on screen. You get crisp 1080p graphics, sharp art direction, and a locked 60 frames per second for that perfect dodge-dash-slice rhythm.
It is easy to pick up, hard to put down, and a textbook example of how well-optimized design can bring out the best in any hardware.
Final Thoughts
The Xbox Series S is not just an affordable backup console or a stopgap until you find a Series X. It is a smart, capable machine that can handle a wide range of games without breaking a sweat.
So if you already own one, you can rest easy knowing that you are not missing out on the next-gen fun. And if you are thinking about buying a console on a budget, this list should be more than enough proof that the Xbox Series S is worth every bit of your attention.
Ready to play smarter, not harder? Load up these ten games and see for yourself how smooth the Xbox Series S experience really is. Follow Virtual Oplossing for more useful updates like this.