5 new Xbox Series X games in April
Although 2026 is already three months old, the Xbox Series X hasn’t been in the spotlight yet in terms of new game releases. That will change in May with Forza Horizon 6, but thanks to strong support from third-party developers and expansions in Game Pass, development is already picking up speed this month.
Whether you’re diving into one of last year’s best games for the first time or getting into pottery battles, there’s plenty of new stuff to discover on Xbox Series X this month besides heavyweights like Pragmata and Invincible Vs.
Replaced
Publication date: April 14
The sci-fi game Replaced, which has been in development for eight years, is finally being released this month for the Xbox Series X, after repeated delays due to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Developed by Sad Cat Studios, the 2.5D game is described as “Cyberpunk thriller”, which centers on an AI in a human body.
This premise alone makes the game interesting, but the stylish art style is arguably the real eye-catcher. Replaced impresses with its detailed pixel art, which lends the trailers a distinctive neo-noir atmosphere. If the fluid combat system lives up to the brutal battles shown in the trailers, Replaced is poised to be a truly special game.
Hades 2
Publication date: April 14
Those who missed Hades 2 last year because of its exclusive release for the Nintendo Switch 2 now get their chance. The roguelike sequel will be released on April 14th for PS5 and Xbox Series X – and will also be available from this date in the Xbox Game Pass.
Hades 2 is another fantastic game from the ever-reliable developer Supergiant. It offers players countless ways to create unpredictable character builds, making the fast-paced combat feel slightly different each time you play. With numerous Greek gods to encounter, a farm to manage, and even two separate roguelike paths to explore, Hades 2 will keep you entertained for a long time.
Vampire Crawlers
Publication date: April 21
Following the success of the bullet-hell hit Vampire Survivors, developer Poncle returns with a new variation on the theme. Vampire Crawlers transforms the previous game into a dungeon crawler with a card-based combat system. You’ll traverse labyrinths and battle monsters by strategically playing your cards to inflict maximum damage. Vampire Crawlers will also be available on Xbox Game Pass for all subscribers on April 21.
Kiln
Publication date: April 23
Last year, Double Fine surprised gamers with Keeper, an unusual little game about a walking lighthouse and his feathered friend. Their next project is at least as surprising, if not more so. Kiln is a multiplayer game for the Xbox Series X where players sculpt ceramics and use them in team-based 4v4 battles. The particularly appealing aspect is that you can create any fighting character you like from clay.
From teacups to giant vases, you can experiment to your heart’s content with shapes and sizes and create the perfect piece. Given Double Fine’s previous successes, Kiln should at least be another interesting new product from a studio that certainly isn’t lacking in creative ideas.
inKONBINI: One store. Many stories.
Publication date: April 30
If you prefer story-based games, you should definitely check out “inKONBINI: One store. Many stories.” on Xbox Series X. This cozy game is set in 1990s Japan and puts you in the role of a college student spending her summer vacation working in a supermarket. You stock shelves and chat with customers – an authentic slice-of-life game about the close-knit community of a small town. “inKONBINI: One store. Many stories.” also went online on Steam.
