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"Xbox Games Series: A Tier Ranking"

by Ellie May 20,2025

After a strong Xbox Developer Direct to kick off 2025, the future looks bright for Microsoft and its impressive lineup of first-party studios. The question on everyone's mind is: which Xbox game series excites you the most? Which series brought you the most joy during the golden era of the Xbox 360? And for those who've never owned an Xbox, which series are you eagerly anticipating on other platforms, as Microsoft continues to expand its library to include PlayStation and beyond?

With Microsoft's acquisitions of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, the pool of legendary game series has grown significantly. This tier list includes series from Xbox, Bethesda, and Activision Blizzard, provided they have more than one entry. Unfortunately, that means newer series like MachineGames' Indiana Jones can't make the cut—yet. We hope to see a sequel soon! Note that this isn't an exhaustive list of all Xbox game series but rather a selection based on current relevance and historical impact. Here's my personal tier list, reflecting my favorite experiences over the years:

Simon Cardy's Xbox Games Series Tier List

For me, Doom easily secures an S-tier spot. The recent entries rank among my all-time favorite first-person shooters, and Doom: The Dark Ages looks promising, suggesting id Software is still at the top of its game. Forza Horizon also earns an S-tier rating, as these games, perhaps only rivaled by Burnout 3 and Burnout Revenge, are the best racing games I've ever played. While Halo lands in the A tier, I recognize that Halo 2 and 3 are among the finest campaign shooters ever made, but recent inconsistencies prevent it from reaching the top. Personally, I lean more towards Fallout than Elder Scrolls—I'd choose power armor over a dragon any day.

Do you disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you think Gears of War is the crown jewel of Xbox? Or are you a staunch defender of Fuzion Frenzy? Why not create your own tier list and compare your S, A, B, C, and D tiers with the IGN community?

Xbox Games Series Tier List

Have we overlooked an Xbox series that you feel deserves recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments, and explain your rankings.