Summary
For many, the term “adventure game” might immediately conjure upimages of obtuse puzzlesthat one could not possibly solve without luck or a guide. The genre has since evolved to put a greater focus on storytelling over puzzles, but some modern titles still have players putting their thinking caps on during gameplay.
Xbox Series X and S playershave plenty to choose from when it comes to adventure games with both classic and modern sensibilities. The best ones listed below are split between puzzle-filled quests and more cinematic experiences meant to get players engrossed in the world and characters. Some of them ride the line between the two styles.
Updated July 31, 2025, by Jason Wojnar:Adventure games are ideal for those looking to put their mind to the test and experience an engaging story at the same time. Countless options exist, but not all of them are easy to access, especially for gamers who are limited to only one console. That said, Xbox Series X/S players still have a range of adventure titles to choose from, and many of them are sure to scratch the adventure itch. With so much to choose from, this article has been updated to feature only the best adventure games available on the Xbox Series X/S.
TheSherlock Holmestitles from Frogwares have always remained faithful tothe detective genreeven after introducing more combat mechanics.Chapter Oneis a prequel to the other games in the series, showing players the character’s origins. It is also an open-world title, being a first for the series.
The younger version of the character is not quite as self-assured as one would expect and is racked with the weight of his past. Throughout the course of the game, the character takes some steps toward resolving his grief, but players will have to try the game out for themselves to see how it wraps up.
Though it is the first open-worldSherlock Holmesgame, it is not the first open-world game from the developer.The Sinking Citytook place in an open-world environment and featured plenty of side quests for gamers to pursue.
Fans who lamented that Telltale games never made aStar Trektitle can rejoice knowing thatStar Trek: Resurgenceexists. Developer Dramatic Labs was founded by former members of the notable studio, so fans of what Telltale had to offer will find much to love here.Resurgencecontributes to thetypical narrative-focused formularefined by the company by adding more mini-games to the mix.
While these were an object of criticism, they can definitely be overlooked for those looking for a solid story set in theStar Trekuniverse. Players can expect all the hallmarks of a good Telltale game here, including branching storylines and important decisions that affect the narrative.
Call of the Seaputs players directly into the shoes of Norah Everhart as she looks for her missing husband ona mysterious island. Though it is played from a first-person perspective, players shouldn’t not expect any combat.
Like most true adventure games,Call of the Seais all about solving puzzles. The isolated setting, past time period, and relationship between the main character and her husband make the game unique in a sea of sci-fi and fantasy titles that gamers are so accustomed to seeing.
As Dusk Fallstakes the adventure game and lets multiple players take part in the fun. The game is purely about decision-making,and with multiplayer, decisions are made based on the general consensus of the group.
This makes it a great choice for those with less gaming experience. It’s also a pretty aesthetically pleasing title, being mostly made up of still images that look like rotoscoped photos, similar to Richard Linklater’sA Scanner Darkly.
For more narrative-focused co-op games that don’t require fast reflexes or precise inputs, gamers should check out theDark Pictures Anthologyseries from Supermassive Games.
Those who decide to partake in theLife is Strangeseries can be sure that they are in foran emotional adventure. Like the preceding titles,True Colorsis all about human relationships in a grounded setting impacted by something supernatural.
In this case, the protagonist can directly sense and control people’s emotions. Unlike the other games in the series that were released episodically,True Colorsis a single release and is the length of a full game, taking about ten hours to beat. With puzzles to solve and an engaging story, fans of the adventure genre have a great deal to enjoy inTrue Colors.
3Syberia: The World Before
Metacritic Score: 81
Adventure game enthusiasts will fondly recall the first twoSyberiagames from the early 2000s. The series made a comeback in the last decade with remasters, a third game, and finallySyberia: The World Beforein 2022. The game follows two timelines - one following recurring protagonist Kate Walker and one taking place in the 1930s.
It is the last in the series worked on by series creator Benoit Sokal, who passed away in 2021 during the game’s development. Though it was made in recent years,The World Before’s gameplay feels right at home with the older entries and offers a great adventure experience for fans of the genre.
While there were sequels to 1991’sMonkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge, they did not have input from series creator Ron Gilbert. 2022’sReturn to Monkey Islandsaw him return to the director’s chair for a truesequel to that second game.
The title manages to feel like the series hasn’t skipped a beat after more than 30 years, retaining the absurdist humor and lovable characters. The puzzles here are almost as hard as they would be in any 90s adventure game, but an in-game hint system will help players more easily figure out solutions without becoming too frustrated.
Immortalityis compromised entirely of live-action footage. Marissa Marcel has gone missing, and it is the player’s job to sort through all the clips of the movies she has filmed and find key items in the footage to unravelthe mystery of her disappearance.
The dynamic way the story unfolds means players will find different clues at different times, which means that not everyone’s experience will be the same. Marissa’s story will stick with players long after they reach the credits.
