Our 10 Most Anticipated Xbox One Games Of 2018

by Brian Shea on Jan 24, 2018 at 10:52 AM

With 2017 completely behind us, the time for looking back on what a fantastic year it was for gaming is over. Now, it's time to look ahead at what the rest of 2018 holds. While we've already shared our overall 20 Most Anticipated Games of 2018, this list focuses on the upcoming games we're most excited about for Xbox One. Xbox's first-party support hasn't been stellar as of late, but Xbox One owners still have plenty to look forward to. In addition to what looks like a strong year of third-party multiplatform titles, we'll also see a few promising titles that are coming exclusively to Xbox One and PC. This list was debated by the Game Informer staff, and put together with Xbox gamers in mind. Our picks may (and probably will) change as more games get announced and some of the titles on this list get delayed out of 2018, but as of now, here are the games we're most excited to play on Xbox One in 2018.

For more of our most anticipated games of 2018, check out the following lists:

10. Sea of Thieves
Release: March 20
Platform: Xbox One, PC
Rare's open-world pirate game lets players live out their swashbuckling fantasies in ways no other game has before. Rare has been fine-tuning the gameplay and the world by working closely with its community, and the game has been better each time we've checked it out. Sea of Thieves looks to be a lighthearted adventure that can be played with friends day after day. By allowing players to join up with friends to complete mission in a massive, gorgeous world, it could very well become one of the go-to titles for Xbox One players when it launches in March.

9. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Release: TBA
Platform: Xbox One, PC
2015's Ori and the Blind Forest is a beautiful side-scrolling action title that pleased fans of Metroid and Castlevania. During Microsoft's 2017 E3 press conference, the game's sequel was announced through a stunningly somber teaser trailer. We don't know much about Ori and the Will of Wisps just yet, but we're hopeful it carries on the legacy of the first title by delivering rewarding exploration and brutally difficult platforming sequences.

8. Metro Exodus
Release: Fall
Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC
The third installment in 4A Games' post-apocalyptic FPS series, Metro Exodus has Russian protagonist Artyom setting out for greener (and hopefully less radioactive) pastures. This time around players can expect to battle Metro's horrific monsters in more open sandbox environments, in addition to the linear and claustrophobic tunnels that the series is known for. Metro Exodus also boasts dynamic weather and a day-night cycle, which should make the survival-oriented action all the more immersive. Players can start stocking up on ammo and air filters sometime this fall.

7. A Way Out
Release: March 23
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Directed by Josef Fares – whose previous work includes Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons – A Way Out follows the adventure of two convicts who escape from prison and remain on the lam. The unique twist to this prison break is that the entire game is built around split-screen co-op, and must be played with another player, either locally or online. This means that while one player is engaged in a certain task, they will always see the progress their partner is making in a separate window. For example, while one player distracts a guard, the other player might hunt around for a tool to aid their escape. We're still not sure if players can keep their attention split throughout an entire game, but we're excited to see how this oddball take on co-op actually plays.

6. Valkyria Chronicles 4
Release: 2018
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch
With a gorgeous watercolor art style, memorable characters, and intriguing mix of real-time action and tactical gameplay, Valkyria Chronicles has long been a cult favorite in the G.I. offices. That's why we're so happy to see that Sega is finally bringing the series back to consoles after two PSP sequels. In addition to a new grenadier class, Valkyria Chronicles 4 features an all-new cast of characters and a more grounded setting that harkens back to the original game. Given the missteps of the recent Valkyria Revolution spin-off, we're ready for a return to form.

5. Far Cry 5
Release: March 27
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Montana may not be the most exotic location in Far Cry's history, but it does offer an enticing perk: a co-op companion. For the first time in series history, players can play the entirety of Far Cry 5 with a friend, which should make all the flying, shooting, and exploding even more fun. A wide-open map allows players to take on Far Cry 5's town-occupying cult anyway they see fit – provided it includes copious amounts of mayhem.

4. State of Decay 2
Release: 2018
Platform: Xbox One, PC
The original State of Decay was ripe with technical problems, but we loved the tense atmosphere of this particular brand of zombie survival horror. Fortunately, Undead Labs' second outing looks more polished. Additionally, you now can be team up with up to three other players as you gather resources, shore up your base of operations, and fend off endless waves of the undead. However, State of Decay 2 still features permadeath, so don't expect this outing to be any less tense.

3. Anthem
Release: 2018
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Mass Effect may currently be in cryosleep, but that doesn't make us any less excited for BioWare's new sci-fi series. Up to four players can rocket around Anthem's expansive open world in jet-propelled exosuits, and the E3 demo showed off plenty of gorgeous locations, deadly weapons, and strange alien creatures. EA clearly hopes that Anthem will be its answer to Destiny, and while we have many unanswered questions, we can't wait to learn more about the game in the coming year.

2. Kingdom Hearts III
Release: 2018
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
It might star Donald Duck and Goofy, but Kingdom Hearts III is serious business. Fans have been waiting over 10 years for the next numbered sequel in Square Enix's action RPG series, which promises more party members from Disney's ever-expanding cast of characters, bigger worlds to explore, and new weapon transformations for Sora's iconic Keyblade. All that plus the long-anticipated ending to Xehanort's story arc has G.I.'s Kingdom Hearts fans jumping up and down in anticipation.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2
Release: 2018
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
We still don't know a whole lot about Red Dead Redemption 2; Rockstar has only released two trailers for the game since its announcement in 2016. However, those all-too-brief glimpses promise players the kind of meticulously crafted open-world experience that only Rockstar can provide. In addition to exploring the vast American frontier, we're particularly excited to see how Rockstar translates the GTA Online formula to the Wild West; we're guessing pistol duels at high-noon, backroom poker games, and high-speed train robberies are only the beginning of what Rockstar has in store.