Biggest Xbox One Games To Play In 2018

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When examining the 2018 Xbox One gaming calendar, the standout characteristic is exceptional variety across multiple genres and styles. This year’s roster showcases an impressive blend of fresh intellectual properties including Sea of Thieves, highly anticipated follow-ups such as Red Dead Redemption 2, and carefully crafted remasters like System Shock 2. These represent only the confirmed titles we currently know about.

With publishers increasingly adopting shorter announcement-to-release cycles, major industry events including GDC, E3, and Gamescom could reveal additional surprises. Current highlights include pirate adventures on open seas, supernatural medical practice in Victorian London, and beloved franchise revivals like Psychonauts and Darksiders. Continue reading for comprehensive coverage of the most significant Xbox One releases scheduled for 2018.

For gamers interested in 2018’s biggest titles across different platforms, we’ve created dedicated guides covering the most exciting PlayStation 4 games, PC releases, and Nintendo Switch offerings. Additionally, our main feature provides an overview of the year’s most prominent games regardless of platform.

Platform exclusives also form a crucial part of the 2018 landscape. Detailed breakdowns are available for Xbox One exclusives, PlayStation 4 exclusives, PC exclusives, and Nintendo Switch exclusives.

Previous Dragon Ball Z titles have consistently struggled to capture the distinctive visual flair and explosive combat pacing of the source material. Dragon Ball FighterZ appears poised to break this pattern, elevating the franchise beyond mediocre fighting game adaptations to achieve genuine excellence. Developed by Arc System Works—creators of acclaimed fighting series including Guilty Gear Xrd, BlazBlue, and Persona 4 Arena—this project aims not merely to replicate the anime experience but to establish itself among 2018’s premier fighting games.

The roster draws from the complete Dragon Ball Z universe, incorporating elements from Dragon Ball Super, creating a comprehensive fighting experience featuring intense three-versus-three combat that demolishes environments and tests character capabilities to their maximum potential. Departing from the three-dimensional battlefields of Raging Blast and Xenoverse, FighterZ adopts classic two-dimensional combat perspective—significantly enhancing visual presentation and gameplay clarity. Characters execute spectacular, screen-dominating special techniques while performing lightning-fast evasive maneuvers to gain tactical advantages—every animation frame contributes meaningfully to the overall experience, achieving unprecedented visual fidelity that previous games failed to deliver from the television series.

Longtime Dragon Ball Z viewers recognize the franchise’s unique aesthetic identity, and FighterZ meticulously integrates numerous iconic series moments into its fundamental gameplay systems. With additional characters awaiting announcement, coupled with an unexpectedly detailed Story Mode, substantial content remains undiscovered. Based on current demonstrations, this fighter appears to fulfill virtually every expectation dedicated DBZ enthusiasts could reasonably anticipate.

Numerous compelling factors generate excitement surrounding Kingdom Hearts 3. The thirteen-year interval separating Kingdom Hearts 2 from its numerical successor represents one significant factor. Another involves the groundbreaking Toy Story world reveal, marking the series’ inaugural incorporation of Pixar film properties. Additionally, the franchise’s debut on Xbox platforms introduces an entirely new audience to the unique Disney-Final Fantasy hybrid experience.

Regardless of individual motivations, Kingdom Hearts 3 immerses players directly into the culminating conflict of the Dark Seeker narrative arc, integrating storylines and characters from numerous interim spin-off titles. Throughout the journey, you’ll discover multiple brand-new environments—Rapunzel and Big Hero 6 settings have received preliminary teasers—while confronting Heartless enemies using diverse abilities apparently inspired by actual Disney theme park attractions. Few games face the challenge of meeting over ten years of accumulated anticipation, yet Kingdom Hearts 3 strives to provide a conclusive resolution to the enduring struggle between darkness and light.

For comprehensive gaming coverage across all major platforms, our specialized features provide detailed analysis of 2018’s most anticipated PlayStation 4 exclusives, PC-only releases, and Nintendo Switch dedicated titles. Each platform offers unique gaming experiences worth exploring based on your preferred play style and available hardware.

Understanding platform-specific advantages can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Each system offers distinct benefits—Xbox One provides robust online services, PlayStation 4 delivers exceptional exclusive narratives, PC enables unparalleled customization options, and Switch offers innovative portable gameplay. Our complete Battlefield 6 guide provides essential strategies for mastering modern military combat, while the BF6 weapons unlock guide details optimal loadout configurations. For strategic class selection advice, consult our comprehensive BF6 class selection guide to maximize your battlefield effectiveness.

Following THQ’s dissolution in 2012, the acclaimed Darksiders franchise faced an uncertain future until Swedish publisher THQ Nordic secured the intellectual property rights. Despite initial skepticism from dedicated fans about the relatively unknown company’s capabilities, THQ Nordic consistently demonstrated commitment through releasing enhanced versions of the first two installments while maintaining that a new chapter was actively in development. The long-awaited revelation finally occurred this year with the official announcement of Darksiders III.

Set concurrently with preceding series events, players assume the role of Fury—one of the legendary Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse—on her mission to eradicate corporeal embodiments of the Seven Deadly Sins currently devastating Earth. Development reassurance comes from Gunfire Games, a studio housing numerous core personnel from original developer Vigil Games. With a projected 2018 launch window, anticipation builds for what innovations Gunfire will introduce to this beloved action-adventure series.

As a pioneering title in the immersive simulation subgenre that subsequently influenced major franchises like Bioshock and Dishonored, the original System Shock from Looking Glass Studios established foundational principles for a revolutionary first-person experience. Players embody a skilled hacker confronting the malevolent artificial intelligence SHODAN while progressively acquiring advanced abilities and weaponry aboard a desolate space station infested with grotesque mutations. Night Dive Studios delivered an upgraded version in 2015, followed by a successful crowdfunding initiative supporting a comprehensive ground-up remake.

Despite featuring groundbreaking systems and mechanics during its 1994 debut—drawing inspiration from Ultima Underworld and similar first-person RPG predecessors—many gameplay elements now feel antiquated by contemporary standards. The forthcoming remaster preserves the core experience while implementing modernized narrative and gameplay refinements. Joining the project are several System Shock 2 veterans alongside esteemed RPG writer Chris Avellone, who is crafting an enriched storyline incorporating deeper character backgrounds and expanded crew documentation.

Although immersive sims have undergone sophisticated evolution across decades, System Shock’s enduring impact continues resonating with gaming enthusiasts. The 2018 complete remake offers genre devotees an opportunity to experience a revitalized interpretation of the hacker’s climactic showdown with SHODAN throughout Citadel Station.

Vampyr synthesizes Dontnod Entertainment’s proficiency in third-person close-quarters combat demonstrated in Remember Me with the consequential dialogue systems from Life Is Strange. These elements combine with intensive investigative exploration mechanics, positioning Vampyr as a distinctive detective narrative with supernatural elements. Departing from cyberpunk Paris or Pacific Northwest high school settings, the game unfolds in post-Victorian London populated by vampire societies.

An fascinating dynamic emerges where Spanish flu survivors coexist alongside vampires, though underlying tensions persist. This conflict manifests through protagonist Dr. Jonathan Reid, a physician recently transformed into a vampire. Dontnod emphasizes his ethical conflict between medical ethics and vampiric necessities by enabling completion without lethal encounters—a challenging proposition when confronting aggressive vampire adversaries. Additionally, pacifist approaches substantially restrict character progression and skill development.

Notably, following two titles that risked typecasting Dontnod as specialists in temporal manipulation mechanics, Vampyr appears devoid of chronology-altering systems. However, given Reid’s persuasion capabilities and proficiency with ranged/melee weaponry, his undisclosed supernatural talents remain intriguingly mysterious.

Considering previous geographical settings throughout the Far Cry series, Far Cry 5’s rural American backdrop represents one of the few remaining frontiers capable of maintaining Ubisoft’s first-person shooter franchise vitality. The expansive farmlands and dense woodlands of fictional Hope County, Montana provide ideal environments for maximizing Far Cry’s signature open-world emergent gameplay. Far Cry 5 also upholds the series’ reputation for memorable villains through Joseph Seed, leader of the apocalyptic Eden’s Gate cult, who demonstrates Pagan Min’s strategic cunning combined with Vaas Montenegro’s fanaticism.

Far Cry 5’s enhanced promise stems from integrating beloved features including Far Cry 4’s cooperative multiplayer and Far Cry Primal’s animal companion mechanics. Combined with extensive vehicle and weapon arsenals plus wildlife that can be weaponized against foes, players should encounter abundant creative methodologies for dismantling Eden’s Gate operations.

Crackdown elevates the superhero experience through extraordinary physical capabilities including enhanced strength and accelerated movement. Players gain access to an extensive collection of advanced weaponry and specialized vehicles that enhance tactical options. While comparisons to Grand Theft Auto and Saints Row are understandable, Crackdown distinguishes itself by creating genuine superhuman sensations that transform urban navigation and combat encounters.

The game’s verticality mechanics allow for unprecedented freedom of movement across city landscapes. Strategic positioning becomes crucial as you leverage rooftop vantage points for tactical advantages. Understanding enemy patterns and environmental interactions significantly improves mission success rates.

Sea of Thieves represents Microsoft’s long-term investment since its E3 2015 announcement, finally reaching players in 2018. This pirate-themed adventure emphasizes cooperative multiplayer experiences across expansive oceanic environments and island explorations. Gameplay diversity spans from intense naval engagements and maritime navigation to treasure hunting expeditions and resource accumulation.

The visual presentation features a vibrant, approachable art style with cartoon-inspired aesthetics and forgiving physics systems. However, these design choices don’t diminish the adrenaline rush during massive sea battles with cannon projectiles arcing through the air or the pressure of landing precise shots with single-shot flintlock firearms. Beyond player-versus-player conflicts, AI-controlled adversaries introduce challenging PvE scenarios within the shared world environment. Sea of Thieves stands among limited titles supporting cross-platform play between PC and Xbox One, enhancing community sustainability. Initial gameplay indicators suggest deep character development systems that encourage long-term investment, potentially adding personality layers to an already charismatic experience.

Mastering ship navigation requires understanding wind patterns and wave mechanics for optimal speed. Communication with crew members proves essential for efficient sail management and cannon coordination during combat situations.

Hyper-realistic cloud formations. Intense aerial dogfighting sequences. Dramatic military narratives that rival Metal Gear Solid’s storytelling. These elements define the Ace Combat legacy. Longtime series enthusiasts generally concur that recent installments disappointed due to excessive imitation of Western military shooter conventions.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown represents a deliberate course correction as the first numbered sequel in a decade. The numerical designation carries intentional significance. Development team Project Aces, under Kazutoki Kono’s direction, aims to restore the franchise’s distinctive character, refocusing on their fictional universe where creative liberties enable richer political intrigue and emotionally resonant character development. This narrative approach complements years of refinement to the series’ accessible aircraft combat controls and high-intensity battle scenarios. The revival of this previously celebrated Namco property must execute flawlessly to recapture its former prominence.

Advanced players should prioritize mastering energy management during aerial maneuvers to maintain combat effectiveness. Understanding weapon systems’ effective ranges significantly improves engagement success rates against advanced AI opponents.

Frontier Developments’ Planet Coaster unquestionably ranks among the premier construction and management simulations in recent memory. It establishes genre benchmarks through intuitive yet sophisticated building tools, exceptional artistic direction, and robust community development support. Gamescom 2017 revealed Frontier’s development of another management simulation, this time featuring the Jurassic World license—a significant development.

The Jurassic franchise historically struggled with video game adaptations (Lego Jurassic World arguably represented the most successful attempt in recent years), though Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis from 2003 achieved notable critical acclaim as another construction and management simulation. This historical context explains the excitement surrounding Jurassic World Evolution’s contemporary reinterpretation of this combination.

Players can anticipate creating personalized dinosaur theme parks complete with entertainment attractions similar to Planet Coaster, while simultaneously managing scientific research and dinosaur reproduction systems. Genetic experimentation situated adjacent to vacationing families inevitably raises questions about potential complications. Optimism remains high given Frontier’s proven track record with management simulations.

Effective park layout requires strategic enclosure placement to maximize visitor visibility while maintaining safety protocols. Regular facility maintenance prevents catastrophic system failures that could compromise park security measures.

This side-scrolling action-RPG originates from the development team responsible for the innovative fighting game Skullgirls in 2012. Indivisible chronicles the journey of rebellious protagonist Ajna, who resides with her father near a tranquil village until circumstances dramatically shift, awakening latent supernatural abilities within her. She acquires the power of “incarnations” to enlist diverse companions throughout her adventure.

Following an Indiegogo campaign that secured over $2 million, Indivisible represents a compelling case study in successful video game crowdfunding. The campaign concluded in 2015, making the 2018 release date a substantial development period. Fortunately, prototype versions currently available on PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac, and Linux provide early access for eager prospective players.

Combat system mastery involves understanding character synergy and timing-based attack sequences. Proper resource management during exploration ensures adequate supplies for challenging boss encounters and environmental puzzles.

Monster Hunter World represents a monumental leap forward for Capcom’s beloved franchise, building upon the solid foundation established by previous Nintendo 3DS entries. While earlier installments successfully introduced Western audiences to Japan’s premier hunting experience, this iteration elevates the formula through comprehensive quality-of-life improvements and technical enhancements. The transition to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC platforms delivers unprecedented visual fidelity, but the true revolution lies in refined gameplay mechanics and enhanced online functionality that could finally catapult the series into mainstream recognition.

A groundbreaking feature enables players to seamlessly join ongoing hunts mid-mission, revolutionizing cooperative play. This eliminates cumbersome preparation phases, allowing immediate assistance for struggling friends or emergency backup during critical encounters. The redesigned training arena provides comprehensive weapon experimentation with detailed combo demonstrations and strategic breakdowns. Most importantly, global multiplayer connectivity (though platform-restricted) leverages the famously supportive Monster Hunter community, making team formation remarkably straightforward for both veterans and newcomers.

Despite these accessibility improvements, Monster Hunter World maintains the intricate complexity that defines the series. Similar to how Dark Souls and Bloodborne demonstrated market appetite for challenging yet rewarding experiences, this installment preserves deep mechanical complexity while providing clearer pathways for mastery. New players now have superior tools to comprehend the passionate dedication that fuels the hunting community’s enthusiasm.

The musuo genre, historically associated with Koei Tecmo’s Dynasty Warriors franchise, has undergone remarkable rehabilitation in recent years. Following decades of dismissal as simplistic combat experiences with niche appeal, successful crossovers like Hyrule Warriors and Fire Emblem Warriors have revitalized this distinctive sub-genre. These collaborations demonstrated the formula’s versatility when adapted to beloved intellectual properties.

Dynasty Warriors 9’s upcoming release generates unexpected anticipation nearly two decades after the series-defining Dynasty Warriors 2 launched on PlayStation 2. The introduction of a genuinely expansive open world marks the franchise’s most significant evolution to date. While maintaining the core premise of singular warriors decimating thousands of enemy troops, the established mechanics feel refreshingly contemporary within this new structural framework.

A Way Out continues the creative vision of Josef Fares, following his critically acclaimed work on Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. That innovative title pioneered dual-character control using both analog sticks simultaneously, creating uniquely challenging platforming and environmental puzzles. Beyond mechanical innovation, Brothers delivered profound emotional resonance through its narrative of siblings seeking salvation for their ailing father.

Similar to its predecessor, A Way Out emphasizes concurrent character storytelling and experience. The narrative shifts to two incarcerated individuals coordinating their prison escape. Successful execution demands perfect synchronization—one prisoner distracts guards while the other secures escape routes or acquires essential tools. Developer Hazelight Studios promises multiple interactive characters and non-prescriptive problem-solving approaches that necessitate constant player communication, whether playing locally or online. The gameplay framework presents intriguing possibilities, but the narrative execution holds particular promise. Potential character conflicts could transform the cooperative premise into unexpectedly competitive dynamics, subverting player expectations.

State of Decay 2 addresses the most significant omission from its predecessor through comprehensive multiplayer integration. The original game from Undead Labs and Microsoft emerged as an unexpected success, offering expansive open-world survival mechanics with persistent zombie threats. The absence of cooperative functionality felt particularly conspicuous given the genre’s social nature.

The sequel incorporates Dark Souls-inspired cooperative mechanics, allowing players to launch signal flares requesting assistance. Drop-in/drop-out collaboration enables collective zombie combat, resource gathering, and base fortification. Survivor management remains crucial, with extensive skill trees and personality archetypes requiring careful development. These characters become vital to ensuring your community’s survival and prosperity. Beyond multiplayer enhancements, Undead Labs significantly expands role-playing elements, delivering the comprehensive feature set fans have eagerly requested.

Among the gaming releases scheduled for 2018, Rockstar’s highly anticipated sequel to Red Dead Redemption stands as potentially the most impactful title. The studio’s other flagship series, Grand Theft Auto, has achieved unprecedented cultural dominance, with Grand Theft Auto V maintaining remarkable sales performance throughout 2017—over four years following its initial launch—consistently ranking among monthly best-sellers across American markets.

The original Red Dead Redemption earned widespread critical acclaim through its compelling narrative and immersive sandbox environment. The central question now revolves around how Rockstar will adapt the massively successful GTA Online framework to a historical Western context. While accumulating extravagant vehicles and advanced weaponry aligns naturally with GTA’s urban landscapes, the economic systems of the Old West present different monetization challenges. Alternatively, the sequel might focus exclusively on single-player storytelling, aiming to surpass the emotional depth established in the previous installment.

This follow-up carries substantial expectations from both critics and players. Regardless of its ultimate reception, Red Dead Redemption 2’s development journey and launch will undoubtedly represent a defining gaming narrative throughout 2018.

Accelerating along highways with convertible tops lowered, wind rushing through your hair, outpacing rival competitors… Can anything surpass the thrill of high-performance automobiles?

Indeed, there are experiences that rival fast cars: high-speed watercraft and agile aircraft, with The Crew 2 incorporating all three vehicle categories simultaneously. Beyond this comprehensive inclusion, the game enables instantaneous transitions between vehicle types—creating absurd scenarios like materializing a racing boat atop metropolitan skyscrapers, delivering genuinely comedic moments.

These mechanics collectively enhance The Crew 2’s overarching theme of unrestricted exploration. While the initial game’s open-world environment provided substantial liberation, the sequel offers expanded tactical flexibility in mission approaches, featuring multiple pathway options during racing events. The game world now delivers unprecedented accessibility and discovery potential.

This makes the recent announcement of The Crew 2’s postponement particularly disappointing. The revised launch window now falls within Ubisoft’s 2018-19 fiscal first half, indicating an April through September 2018 release timeframe. However, this extension should ultimately benefit the final product, providing developers additional opportunity to refine gameplay systems and optimize performance.

For players anticipating these major releases, strategic preparation can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Understanding core mechanics before launch reduces learning curves and accelerates proficiency development. For those interested in tactical shooters, our comprehensive Battlefield 6 Complete Guide provides essential foundational knowledge for similar high-profile releases.

Common mistakes include underestimating the time investment required to master new game systems. Allocate approximately 15-20 hours for initial proficiency in complex open-world games, with mastery requiring 40-60 hours depending on gameplay complexity. Advanced optimization involves studying map layouts and mission structures during early access periods.

The integration of multiplayer economies presents particular challenges for Western-themed games. Unlike contemporary settings where weapon customization and vehicle collections drive engagement, historical contexts require different progression systems. Players should research whether currency accumulation will focus on property acquisition, gang development, or resource management systems.

Vehicle-based games like The Crew 2 benefit from understanding class specialization early. Similar to how our BF6 Class Selection Guide explains tactical role selection, identifying your preferred vehicle type early maximizes progression efficiency. Weapon systems in such games often mirror the customization depth found in our BF6 Weapons Unlock Guide, though applied to transportation rather than firearms.

Development delays, while frustrating, typically result in more polished final products. Use extended waiting periods to complete previous titles in series, study developer patterns, and connect with community forums for early strategy development. This preparatory work pays dividends when games finally launch.

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