These are the best backwards compatible Xbox games. All of these games are Xbox One games that are compatible with Xbox Series X|S. Many of the entries on the list take advantage of the FPS Boost and the Enhanced features of the Xbox Series X. The list is not ranked in any order.
Red Dead Redemption & Red Dead Redemption 2
I include both Red Dead Redemption games in one entry in order to keep the list from getting overly cluttered. By now, I imagine that many of you have played either one of these masterpieces, and the next-gen versions are available now. Both of these games see great improvements thanks to backward compatibility. The original Red Dead Redemption has the capability of enhanced Xbox Series X features and so does the second game. Unfortunately, none of the two games has the FPS Boost capabilities.
Alan Wake Remastered
The remaster of the brilliant story-focused horror game Alan Wake sees many capabilities on the Xbox Series X/S other than being backwards compatible. There are 4K Ultra HD capabilities and it also has FPS Boost capabilities. This game is a real gem, so check it out if you haven’t done so already. Even if you have already played, it’s worth playing again!
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt receives great enhancements for all platforms including the PC. The game was rebranded as The Witcher 3: Complete Edition and received new content. Anyway, it’s fully backward-compatible and has FPS boost and Xbox Series X-enhanced features. It can be experienced in 4K Ultra HD.
Blasphemous
Blasphemous is a game with rich and quaint lore and brilliant gameplay but many players overlook it, unfortunately. This great Metroidvania souls-like is fully backward-compatible but there aren’t any capabilities for an FPS boost or enhanced features of Xbox Series X. It’s still 100% worth playing though, and you really don’t need 60FPS in this game and it has pixel graphics, so…
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition
Skyrim Anniversary Edition is either a love-it-or-hate-it kind of situation. Many gamers seem mad because Bethesda just keeps re-releasing the game with nearly non-existent new content. But anyway, it’s backward compatible and it even has FPS Boost and Xbox Series X enhanced capabilities. There even are mods you can get for the Xbox Series versions and that’s really great.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Mass Effect is one of the greatest RPGs in history. The Legendary Edition is the definitive way to experience this beloved franchise. It has capabilities for FPS Boost and is Xbox Series X enhanced. You can play it in 4K Ultra HD too!
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 now delivers up to its expectations, despite its hazardous launch. It’s a game that’s definitely worth playing. Besides being backward-compatible, it’s optimized for Xbox Series X, which means FPS Boost capabilities and it’s enhanced for Xbox Series X. You can experience it in 4K Ultra HD.
Yakuza 0
Yakuza 0 is an absolute gem and it’s one of my personal favorite games. While it doesn’t get many enhancements or optimizations for the Xbox Series X/S, it’s still backward compatible and definitely worth checking out.
NieR: Automata
NieR: Automata is one of the most philosophical stories ever told in video game history. It is one of the best lore-rich video games and has one of the saddest video game stories. Thankfully, it’s enhanced for Xbox Series X. You can experience this uniquely beautiful game in 4K Ultra HD.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring continues to receive regular updates from the developers and today, they even added an update with new multiplayer elements. In this day and age, it’s somewhat rare for developers to care so much about their game and the fans, especially since the game in question is a single-player game first and foremost.
There really is not much I need to say about Elden Ring except that it’s a masterpiece every gamer should experience. It’s fully optimized for Xbox Series X|S and you can play it in 4K UHD.
What do you think are the best backwards compatible Xbox games? Let us know on the forums!
