E3 2021 | Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase Recap
Microsoft came out of the gates swinging with this year’s showcase. Let’s take a look at all of their exciting reveals and announcements.
Starfield
Bethesda’s highly anticipated new game showed off a gorgeous cinematic trailer. It will land exclusively on Xbox November 11, 2022 and will be on Game Pass Day One.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl
This looks incredible so far! The dystopian vibes are strong, the characters look great, and the gameplay is quick and powerful. It’s coming to Xbox as a timed exclusive on April 28, 2022 and will be on Game Pass Day One.
Back 4 Blood
We have another look at this upcoming monster slay-fest. Snag this on October 12, 2021 on Xbox and PC and play Day One on Game Pass.
Contraband
Avalanche Studios teased their new co-op game in this short clip.
Sea of Thieves: A Pirate’s Life
Jack Sparrow in Sea of Thieves? Yes please! You can play this original story content June 22, 2021.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
This new entry in the acclaimed franchise is turn-based, features a new protagonist, and is available now on Game Pass!
Battlefield 2042
The futuristic setting looks amazing, and new additions such as tornadoes and the return of planes and helicopters adds some spice to this multiplayer title. You can snag this on October 22, 2021.
12 Minutes
James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and Willem Dafoe lend their vocal talents to this console launch exclusive. The characters are stuck in a twelve minute loop, and it’s up to you to save them from horrible deaths. You can play this temporal trip on August 9, 2021.
Psychonauts 2
New gameplay is shown off as we step back into Raz’s shoes. Epic platforming, gorgeous visuals, and humorous dialogue amp up the already high anticipation. Go on this colorful mind trip August 25, 2021. This will be available Day One on Game Pass.
Fallout 76: Steel Reign
This new DLC expansion drops July 7, 2021 and will be free for anyone who owns Fallout 76.
Fallout 76: Expeditions- The Pitt
This upcoming Fallout 76 DLC will be available in 2022.
Party Animals
This is just too adorable. The rag doll physics and cute animals make for what looks to be a silly yet fun multiplayer fighting game. Control these little guys Day One on Game Pass in 2022.
Hades
Hades is coming to Xbox! Play this popular rogue-like on Xbox and Day One on Game Pass on August 13, 2021.
Somerville
This mysterious, intriguing post-apocalyptic game is coming to Xbox and PC as a launch exclusive in 2022.
Halo Infinite
We were treated with a brand spanking new look at the latest Halo game’s campaign and multiplayer (the latter of which will be free to play). It will also be available to play in 120 FPS for the first time on console. Master Chief resurfaces Holiday 2021 on Xbox and PC.
Diablo II Resurrected
This remaster features updated graphics, Series X/S optimization, cross progression, eight player co-op, and up to 4K 60 FPS. Whew! Slay your demons September 23, 2021.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
This surprise sequel is absolutely stunning! The epic story about a brother and sister’s continued journey through a rat-infested world comes to Game Pass Day One in 2022.
Far Cry 6
Chorizo! Explosions! Mayhem! Flying dune buggies! All barreling your way October 7, 2021!
Slime Rancher 2
More adorable slime action is headed our way in 2022! Sucking up and shooting these cuties looks like a blast.
Shredders
Shred that sweet, sweet snow and become the best snowboarder in December 2021.
Atomic Heart
Taking place in 1955 alternate history Soviet Union, this sci-fi game appears to be weird yet fascinating. This will be on Game Pass Day One.
Replaced
The beautiful pixel art really pops in this brutal apocalyptic game and the combat seems solid. Become replaced in 2022 on Day One with Game Pass.
Grounded: Shroom & Doom Update
This update adds pets, sitting (really), mushrooms, a new enemy called the Brood Mother, and achievements. This will be available on June 30.
Among Us
Fifteen player lobbies will be added to the console edition of this popular game. Become sus soon!
Eiyuden Chronicles: Rising/Hundred Heroes
Gorgeous visuals and exciting combat burst from the screen in this trailer for these two RPGs. Rising comes out in 2022; Hundred Heroes follows in 2023.
The Ascent
Havoc is being wreaked in this stunning neo-futuristic environment. Fight back by teaming up and taking control. Ascend July 29, 2021 Day One on Game Pass.
Age of Empires IV
The latest installment in the uber popular historical franchise arrives October 28 Day One on Game Pass.
The Outer Worlds 2
The sequel to the amazing sci-fi RPG looks stunning and appears to up the ante with enemies and combat. Hype is building for this.
Microsoft Flight Simulator/Top Gun Maverick Expansion
The exquisite flight sim is finally landing on Xbox Series X/S July 27, 2021. Also, if you’re a fan of Top Gun, you’re in luck. A free expansion themed around the upcoming film will be coming in Fall 2021.
Forza Horizon 5
More fun racing is ahead of us. This is just breathtakingly beautiful. Race beautiful cars and whoop your friends on November 9, 2021. This is an Xbox exclusive and will be available Day One on Game Pass.
Redfall
Arkane Austin’s new IP is visually gorgeous, humorous, and full of bombastic action and awesome weapons. Mysterious powers also make their way into the fold. Get your mitts on this in Summer of 2022. Available Day One on Game Pass.
Whew, that was a lot of game announcements! Microsoft absolutely crushed it this year.
