The Most Anticipated Games of 2022 (According to Team Xbox)

The new year is finally upon us, so it’s time to finish up those 2021 gaming backlogs in anticipation of the games coming out in 2022. Here at Team Xbox, we’re always looking forward to what’s just over the horizon, so we’ve been giving some thought to our most anticipated titles releasing in 2022. What that in mind, we’ve decided to poll various members of the team. There’s something for everyone this year, from big-budget blockbusters like Starfield (spoiler: it actually made the list twice) and Elden Ring to indie darlings like Tunic and Atomic Heart.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the games that we can’t wait to play on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC in the coming year, including plenty that are coming day one to Xbox Game Pass.

Somerville (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)

It’s just stunning – with art and audio that is beautiful and visceral, wrapped around the story of a family navigating the perils of post-apocalyptic earth. The moment the Jumpship team shared their vision with me years ago, I was hooked. Because at its core, this game is about doing all you can to protect those you love. What in life is more important? – Sarah Bond, CVP, Game Creator Experience and Ecosystem.

Coming day one to Game Pass on PC, console, and cloud.

Starfield (Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)

There are so many great games coming out this year, but if I had to pick the game that I am most excited about, it would have to be Starfield. I love the worlds and experiences that Todd Howard and the team at Bethesda Game Studios have created over the decades, as The Elder Scrolls and Fallout are two of my all-time favorite franchises. I really like how Todd talks about it isn’t just a game they are creating in Starfield, but also a universe. I can’t wait to escape into this new science fiction universe and explore everything they will bring to life with Starfield. – Bonnie Ross, Head of 343 Industries

Coming day one to Game Pass on PC, console, and cloud.

Redfall (Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)

Sometimes you see a game’s trailer and you just know it’s going to be special. Squadding up in an open world full of vampires is definitely going to scratch a very specific, but long-standing, itch and I’m all for it. Then again… there’s something about venturing into the darkness alone that is calling my name. Either way, Redfall has me counting down the days until it releases later this year. Oh, and who could forget that sick reload animation from Layla? – Malik Prince, Communications Manager, Content Creator Relations

Coming day one to Game Pass on PC, console, and cloud.

Slime Rancher 2 (Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)

In this follow up to the squishy smash hit Slime Rancher, you’ll be able to continue your adventure as Beatrix LeBeau on her trek to Rainbow Island in Slime Rancher 2. Collect slime, build a conservatory, and discover more of what made 10-million players happy with slime. As a bonus, it is coming on day one to Xbox Game Pass! – Larry Hryb, Xbox’s Major Nelson

Coming day one to Game Pass on PC, console, and cloud.

Tunic (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC)

I can’t wait to play Tunic. I love action-adventure games and that tiny fox in a big world stole my heart at E3 2018. I’m looking forward to the exploration, combat and discovering the secrets of this world. – Mary McGuane, Studio Head, Xbox Game Studios

Marvel’s Midnight Suns (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC)

In addition to seeing how Sea of Thieves evolves in 2022, I’m looking forward to Marvel’s Midnight Suns. I love the bold choice in character roster as well as the art style and I’m a big fan of the Firaxis team and Marvel comic-related storylines. This game feels made for me. – Craig Duncan, Rare Studio Head

Atomic Heart (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)

I’m a sucker for first-person, story-driven games, having had the opportunity to see the insane visuals for Atomic Heart and the crazy, brilliant world that Mundfish has created, I can’t wait to play and experience it firsthand. I’m looking forward to seeing what the millions of Game Pass players think too! – Matt Percy, General Manager of Xbox Business Planning

Coming day one to Game Pass on PC, console, and cloud.

Gotham Knights (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC)

Gotham Knights is one of my most anticipated games in 2022. Rocksteady redefined DC’s Batman universe and created one of my personal favorite franchises with the Arkham series of games. I can’t wait to see how WB Montreal expands it even further with four new characters and co-op action gameplay. – Jason Ronald, Head of Xbox Platform

Rainbow Six Extraction (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)

After spending the holidays playing The Division 2 with my husband and my son, I’m super excited for Rainbow Six Extraction coming out on January 20 (especially now that it is hitting Game Pass on day one).  Co-op PVE shooters FTW in the McKissick household! – Ashley McKissick, CVP of Gaming Experiences Engineering

Coming day one to Game Pass on PC, console, and cloud.

Destiny 2: The Witch Queen (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC)

The setup for Savathûn in 2021 has been a lot of fun for The Witch Queen. From the crafting updates that have been discussed to the ability to wield my own Glaive in battle, this Guardian is ready to squad up and see what kind of journey Bungie is about to take us on. See y’all starside! – Josh Stein, Xbox Social Media Manager

A Plague Tale: Requiem (Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)

So. Many. Rats. Seriously, all of the rats. Just all of them. A Plague Tale: Innocence left me with a “what is up with this boy and why are there SO MANY RATS AND WHAT IS GOING ON” feeling, so I’m excited to resolve that in Requiem, and maybe just to see how many rats they really can animate on screen at the same time. I expect it’s a lot… (also should go without saying, but excited for day one with PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass!) – Megan Spurr, Community Lead for Xbox Game Pass

Coming day one to Game Pass on PC, console, and cloud.

Dying Light 2 (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC)

Not gonna lie: I’m not usually a huge expansive open-world action zombie survival guy. But 500 hours sounds great, so for 2022 I’m looking forward to Techland’s expansive open-world action zombie survival game. – Seth Schiesel, Director of Executive Communications for Xbox

Starfield (Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)

My most anticipated game of 2022 is the first new universe in 25 years from the incredibly talented minds at Bethesda Game Studios. It reminds me of the magic of early space exploration and I expect that it will be a game that defines the next generation. – Aaron Greenberg, General Manager of Games Marketing

Coming day one to Game Pass on PC, console, and cloud.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC)

Like a lot of people my age, Star Wars has been a big part of my life for, well, my whole life. I love the LEGO Star Wars games because they’re the perfect way to pass my Star Wars love on to the little padawans in my life and this collection will allow us to play through LEGO-fied versions of all nine movies. I just hope my fellow Kiwi Temuera Morrison voices Jango and Boba Fett like he has in other Star Wars games. – Tom Mahoney, Director of Third-Party Games Marketing

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl (Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Day One to Game Pass)

I always have a soft spot for a post-apocalyptic adventure and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is right on point for what I enjoy. It’s got everything: Moody visuals, a foreboding world, and characters with personality. – Brian Fargo, Studio Head, inXile entertainment

Coming day one to Game Pass on PC, console, and cloud.

Saints Row (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC)

The Saints Row series has provided me with vivid gaming memories: hot dropping onto a rooftop to Kanye in Saints Row 3, becoming a superhero in Saints Row 4, laughing til I cried playing minigames in the original. I was always down for whatever the next Saints Row would be, but looking like that surprise announce trailer? Give it to me now. – Jeff Rubenstein, Director of New Platforms

Elden Ring (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC)

Ohhhhhhhhhh, Elden Ring. From the original Dark Souls to Sekiro, I’ve beaten all of From Software’s action-RPGs multiple times, relishing in that incredibly satisfying feeling of besting every challenge that’s been thrown at me. I’m also a sucker for open-world games, having sunk hundreds of hours into games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. There’s pretty much nothing that appeals to me more than an open-world From Software title, and that’s exactly what I’ll be getting when Elden Ring drops in February. I absolutely can’t wait to battle massive bosses with nothing but a sword and my reflexes. Bring it on! – Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief