Though we’re already three months into the year, the Xbox Series X has yet to have a moment in the spotlight when it comes to new game releases. That will change in May with Forza Horizon 6, but things are kicking into first gear this month thanks to some strong third-party support and Game Pass additions.
Whether you’re dipping into one of last year’s best games for the first time or engaging in pottery brawls, there’s something new for you to check out on Xbox Series X this month, aside from heavy hitters like Pragmata and Invincible Vs.
1
Replaced
Release date: April 14
A sci-fi game eight years in the making, Replaced is finally making its way to Xbox this month after a series of long delays tied to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Developed by Sad Cat Studios, the 2.5D game is described as a “cyberpunk thriller” centered around an AI trapped in a human body. That setup alone is timely enough to make it worth checking out, but its stylish art might be the real eye-catcher here. Replaced sports some painstakingly detailed pixel art that has given the trailers a distinct neo-noir vibe. If the game’s free-flowing combat lives up to the brutal brawls we’ve seen in trailers, this should be a special one.
2
Hades 2
Release date: April 14
Did you miss out on Hades 2 last year thanks to its timed Nintendo Switch 2 console exclusivity? Well, your time has come. Supergiant’s roguelike sequel hits both PS5 and Xbox Series X on April 14 — and it’s coming to Xbox Game Pass on that date, too. You probably don’t need me to tell you to check it out, but I will anyway. Hades 2 is another fantastic game from the ever-consistent Supergiant, giving players countless ways to craft unpredictable builds that make its fast-paced battles feel a little different on every run. With tons of Greek gods to meet, a farm to manage, and even two separate roguelike paths to run through, Hades 2 will keep you busy for a very long time.
3
Vampire Crawlers
Release date: April 21
Following up the success of its bullet-heaven hit Vampire Survivors, developer Poncle is back with a variation on a theme. Vampire Crawlers turns its previous game into a dungeon crawler with a card-based battle system. You’ll navigate mazes and fight monsters while strategically playing your cards in an order that maximizes your damage. Its demo impressed us during Steam Next Fest, so it’s exactly the kind of indie you’ll want to check out if you want something you can sink your fangs into. It will also launch on Xbox Game Pass on April 21 for those of you who have an active subscription.
4
Kiln
Release date: April 23
Last year, Double Fine surprised players with Keeper, an offbeat little game about a walking fighthouse and its bird pal. Its next project is just as surprising, if not more so. Kiln is a multiplayer game where players create a piece of pottery and take it into team-based 4v4 battles. What’s especially enticing, though, is that you can make any fighter you want out of clay. A small little teacup? An enormous vase? You’re free to experiment with shapes and sizes to create the best creation for the job. Considering Double Fine’s track record, Kiln should at least be another neat curiosity from a studio with no shortage of creative ideas.
5
Inkonbini: One Store. Many Stories
Release date: April 30
If narrative-driven games are more your speed, keep your eye onInkonbini: One Store. Many Stories. Set in 1990s Japan, the cozy game puts you in the shoes of a college student who is spending her summer break working at a convenience store. You’ll stock the shelves and chat with customers in a slice-of-life game about a small town’s tight-knit community. In a month that promises a lot of hectic sci-fi action and superhero fights, I’m looking forward to a chill little game where my biggest worry is how I’m going to arrange a manga shelf.
