Why hidden gems matter
The Xbox Series X library gets discussed mostly in terms of blockbusters and Game Pass headliners. That means some solid games get lost. These five picked up strong internal scores from us but low awareness outside enthusiast circles.
Hi-Fi Rush — Before Microsoft shut down Tango Gameworks, they made this: a rhythm-action game with a strong visual style and combat that actually syncs to the music in a way that feels meaningful rather than cosmetic. It's on Game Pass. Play it.
Pentiment — Obsidian's narrative game about a medieval illuminated manuscript and a murder mystery. Not for everyone. Absolutely for the right person. If you like text-heavy games with unusual visual design and stories that respect your intelligence, this is exceptional.
Grounded — A survival game set in a backyard where you're shrunk to the size of an ant. Sounds gimmicky. Is genuinely one of the better survival crafting games on console, especially in co-op.
Psychonauts 2 — Double Fine's sequel is clever, warm-hearted, and mechanically solid. The level design is inventive. The performance on Series X is smooth. It's a game that feels like it was made by people who care about what they're doing.
Immortals Fenyx Rising — A Ubisoft open-world game, so your mileage varies, but this one has an unusual sense of humour and a more interesting combat system than most of the publisher's output. Worth trying if it goes on sale.
What works
- All five games are available on Xbox Series X
- Most available on Game Pass — low risk to try
- Each offers something distinct from the standard blockbuster template
What doesn't
- None of these are perfect — context matters for each recommendation
- Some are older releases that have had time to accumulate patches
Verdict
If you own an Xbox and feel like you've played everything obvious, these five are worth your time. Hi-Fi Rush and Pentiment in particular are genuinely excellent games that most people haven't heard of.
See our editorial policy.