Amidst the plethora of game studios it acquired, Microsoft has released an array of challenging titles for the Xbox Series X and S, spanning various genres. Within this extensive catalog, some games stand out for their extreme difficulty, attracting dedicated fans.

These Microsoft-published titles provide a tough gaming experience that pushes players to their limits.

6 Psychonauts 2

GameFAQs Difficulty Rating: 2.91

After a sixteen-year wait, fans of the quirky Psychonauts dove into Raz's shoes for another psychological adventure. The game's thirteen unique levels and challenging bosses demand players to utilize all available powers, providing a formidable but ultimately manageable experience.

5 Sea Of Thieves

GameFAQs Difficulty Rating: 2.96

Sea of Thieves presents a challenging solo experience, with relentless enemies and a grind-heavy gameplay, which can be mitigated in cooperative play.

4 Ori And The Will Of The Wisps

GameFAQs Difficulty Rating: 3.24

Ori and the Will of the Wisps amps up the difficulty from its predecessor, requiring players to master various skills to navigate the challenging platforming and combat sections.

3 Gears Tactics

GameFAQs Difficulty Rating: 3.29

Gears Tactics introduces permadeath and formidable boss battles, providing a challenging twist within the turn-based action genre.

2 Halo Infinite

GameFAQs Difficulty Rating: 3.37

Halo Infinite presents a challenging and varied sandbox experience, with a faster pace and diminished auto-aim, offering a tough yet rewarding gameplay.

1 Grounded

GameFAQs Difficulty Rating: 3.71

Grounded conceals its intense difficulty behind a colorful facade, offering a survival experience that steadily increases in challenge, making it the most brutal Microsoft-published title for the recent consoles.