Officially dubbed the Xbox Series X, Microsoft’s Project Scarlett has the potential to be one of the best gaming consoles ever. With the platform’s improved technical capabilities and access to a massive backward compatible library, Scarlett will be a force to be reckoned with.

For all we currently know about the console, however, its launch game lineup is still largely unidentified. Many announced games have yet to provide a date, while other annual franchises have yet to identify their upcoming games. While not all of these games are guaranteed to launch with the console, all of these titles will hopefully come out within the system’s initial months.

10 Halo Infinite

This upcoming Halo sequel was one of the first officially announced games for Scarlett and is sure to please fans of the storied franchise. As only the second game in the series to serve as a launch game for an Xbox console, Microsoft is definitely counting on 343 Industries’ latest product to sell consoles. 

Following Halo 4’s solid campaign and mediocre multiplayer and Halo 5’s reversal of its predecessor’s formula, fans have hope that 343 will finally be able to put the two modes together as it attempts to live up to Bungie’s legendary work.

9 Forza Motorsport 8

After declining to release a game in 2019, the typical annual Forza franchise is likely to provide an entry for the new console. Although not officially announced yet, the typical Forza calendar alternates between Motorsport and Horizon. Barring a surprise third series, expect Motorsport 8 to join the launch library.

The new Forza game can be expected to be one of the most visually stunning titles in the early days of the console, as racing games are famous for broadcasting the technical chops of new gaming hardware. For racing fans, this will undoubtedly be a must buy.

8 Minecraft

Microsoft spent big bucks to acquire the Minecraft franchise and its parent studio, Mojang, in 2014. Five years later, the block-based game has continued to dominate on the charts despite its age. Whether Microsoft continues to support the original Minecraft or decides to release a sequel, the game is sure to remain popular as the Scarlett library finds its footing. Don’t be surprised if Minecraft is available for both the Scarlett and PS5 but releases on the Xbox first.

Two advantages that Minecraft has that have helped maintain its relevance is its accessibility and freedom. The game was released on nearly every platform imaginable and is only constrained by the player’s imagination.

7 Fortnite

One of the most popular games in the world, Fortnite capitalized on the popularity of the battle royale genre and free to play. With the ability to cater to both experienced gamers and younger audiences because of its gameplay and price, Fortnite would be foolish to not be a Day One release on the next-gen consoles.

Fortnite, like Minecraft, will undoubtedly continue its popularity regardless of whether the game released is the original or a sequel. With Fortnite, however, it is more likely that it simply continues into a new season instead of producing a new game.

6 Rainbow Six Siege

A tactical shooter, Rainbow Six Siege has amassed a large following after a rocky initial start. Because of its dedicated user base and past claims that there is a roadmap of support and operators for years to come, Siege will likely receive an early entrance to the new consoles. Whether the port gets graphical upgrades or not, the game is almost too popular not to bring up or at least be a highlight of backward compatibility.

Siege also has the advantage of filling a unique role among shooters because of its distinctive gameplay. While many other games focus on quick reflexes, Siege requires the player to master its maps, operators, and strategy to win.

5 Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

The sequel to 2017’s indie hit, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice II was revealed at The Game Awards 2019. While there are still many questions about the newly announced game, players can probably expect it to be released within the first year of the console.

Even though there is not a lot known about Hellblade II, fans of the first can rest assured that the quality will undoubtedly be high. We may not be certain yet whether the game will be an Xbox exclusive or when its release date will be, but fans should expect a game of the year caliber experience.

4 Gears Tactics

Gears Tactics, a strategy game that will be analogous to Halo Wars for Xbox’s other cornerstone shooter franchise, has so far only been confirmed for PC. However, Xbox may be saving the announcement of a Scarlett release for closer to the console launch date.

The lack of official confirmation of a next-generation version should not worry fans of the series or strategy games. Tactics could potentially fill an important role in the launch lineup’s genre diversity. Any fan of strategy or the Gears of War franchise should be excited about the possibilities offered by this game.

3 Assassin’s Creed: Ragnarök

After taking a year off in 2019, the Assassin’s Creed franchise is expected to resume its annual schedule in 2020 to roughly coincide with the release of the new gaming platforms. The Viking-themed game is expected to be a cross-generational title for both the Xbox and PlayStation ecosystems.

The recent RPG overhaul of the series and the positive reception of the change from both critics and fans has raised the bar for the beloved franchise. Ragnarök will be facing some of the highest expectations of any individual game in 2020.

2 MLB The Show

Sony shocked the gaming world with an announcement that its baseball franchise would be coming to other platforms. While The Show and baseball may not be as universally popular as Madden, FIFA, or NBA 2K and their respective sports, the franchise remains a quality addition to the Xbox library.

MLB: The Show, unlike many of the other games on this list, is unlikely to be a launch title for the new Xbox. Sony’s current deal with the MLB has to expire first, and previous iterations of the franchise on PlayStation suggest that the first Xbox edition will not be available until spring.

1 Call Of Duty: Black Ops 5

Activision has mixed up the developmental schedule of one of the best-selling franchises in video game history. Treyarch is leading the project instead of Sledgehammer, and the studio’s signature Black Ops series will undoubtedly be a headlining game for the new console.

Black Ops 5 will reportedly be set during the Cold War and should see the return of the campaign after Treyarch decided to omit the single-player experience in Black Ops 4 to focus on multiplayer. Based on the history of the franchise, Call of Duty will be one of the games with the highest attach rates on the new console and will fight Halo for the best-selling launch title.

NEXT: Xbox 2020: 10 Franchises That Could Return Come Next-Gen