From the Xbox 360 to the Xbox Series X/S, the 2010s witnessed the release of numerous exclusive games on the Xbox platform. These games, ranging from third-party exclusives to in-house developments, stood out as some of the best titles of their respective years.
To keep things interesting, only one game per series is included in this list, featuring major franchises like Gears of War and smaller indie gems. Despite facing challenges, Xbox managed to deliver a variety of high-quality exclusives, ensuring players had a continuous stream of entertainment.
10 2010: Halo Reach
Signaling the End of an Era
Halo Reach, Bungie's final Halo installment before 343 Studios took over, received critical acclaim upon its October 2010 release. The game, seen as a culmination of Halo's mechanics, appealed to both franchise veterans and newcomers.
9 2011: Witcher 2
A Leap Forward in Fantasy RPGs
Witcher 2 bridged the gap between the original Witcher and the acclaimed Witcher 3, offering a rich narrative following Geralt of Rivia's adventures. With memorable characters and a sprawling world, Witcher 2 stands out as more than just a precursor to its successor.
8 2012: Trials Evolution
A Gem in a Transitional Year
Trials Evolution, released during a shift to next-gen gaming, was lauded for its content and polished gameplay. As one of the best arcade titles of its time, it captivated players curious about the genre.
7 2013: Dead Rising 3
A Standout in the Console Launch Lineup
Dead Rising 3, released alongside the Xbox One, offered a vast open-world experience, a departure from its predecessors. The game delivered the expected mayhem and marked a solid addition to the series.
6 2014: Titanfall
Innovative FPS Gameplay
Titanfall, a brainchild of FPS pioneers, introduced unique movement mechanics and mech combat. Despite being underrated, Titanfall's influence can be seen in subsequent titles like Apex Legends.
5 2015: Rare Replay
A Nostalgic Compilation
Rare Replay, a collection of classic Rare titles, celebrated the developer's legacy. Despite some omissions, the game offered a nostalgic trip through Rare's iconic games, marking a resurgence for the studio.
4 2016: Forza Horizon 3
Revving Up Down Under
Forza Horizon 3, set in Australia, continued the series' tradition of excellence. With a visually stunning open world, the game stood out as a graphical marvel on the Xbox One.
3 2017: Cuphead
Artistic Excellence in a Platformer
Cuphead, drawing inspiration from classic animations, offered a challenging run-and-gun experience. Initially an Xbox exclusive, the game later expanded to other platforms, captivating players with its unique art style.
2 2018: Sea Of Thieves
Pirate Adventures on the High Seas
Sea of Thieves, an early Xbox exclusive, focused on multiplayer pirate escapades. Its inclusion in the Game Pass lineup bolstered its popularity, offering players a unique and evolving gameplay experience.
1 2019: Gears 5
A Strong Entry in a Beloved Franchise
Gears 5, a return to form for the series, delivered engaging gameplay and an intriguing narrative. Despite comparisons to its predecessors, the game found success with its combat mechanics and immersive world, becoming a standout Xbox exclusive.