The calm of early autumn is officially over; a packed release slate is keeping the momentum high and the hype even higher. From atmospheric adventures to adrenaline‑pumping action, there’s something for every kind of player. With plenty of exciting titles on the way, these are the games the LifeIsXbox team is most excited for this October, arranged in chronological order.
Gears of War: E-Day (Xbox Series X/S, PC) – October 6 and Available Day One with Game Pass Ultimate
Set fourteen years before the original Gears of War, E‑Day rewinds to the moment the Locust Horde first erupted from beneath Sera. Players step into the boots of young Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago as humanity faces its first desperate fight for survival in the city of Kalona. Built entirely in Unreal Engine 5, this prequel reimagines the series’ gritty cover‑shooter combat with modern movement and visuals, marking a fresh yet faithful origin story for Xbox’s iconic saga.
Hellraiser Revival (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, Switch 2) – October 8
Saber Interactive’s Hellraiser Revival pulls players into Clive Barker’s nightmarish world of pain and temptation. As survivor Aidan Lynch, you’re drawn into the Labyrinth after the Lament Configuration reopens the gateway to Hell. With tense exploration, brutal encounters, and Pinhead’s chilling presence, it promises a faithful return to the franchise’s twisted roots.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, Switch) – October 15
Set in 1499, Belmont’s Curse follows Rose Belmont as she wields the legendary Vampire Killer to confront new horrors in the streets of Paris. This 2D action‑adventure blends fast, fluid combat with gothic exploration, marking a bold new chapter for the long‑running series.
Final Fantasy Resonance (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, Switch, Switch 2) – October 22
Final Fantasy Resonance brings the series’ signature crystal‑driven drama into a striking HD‑2D world. Set in Grandshelt, its story follows Rain and Lasswell as the shattering of the Earth Crystal pulls them into a conflict with the enigmatic Veritas of the Dark. With classic turn‑based combat and a modern pixel‑art presentation, it aims to blend nostalgia with fresh energy for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
The Wolf Among Us Remastered (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PC, Switch, Switch 2) – October 29
Telltale’s noir fairy‑tale thriller returns with a full visual overhaul and enhanced performance. Set in Fabletown, it follows Bigby Wolf as he investigates a string of brutal murders among exiled storybook characters. With updated lighting, animation and refined audio, this remaster brings the gritty charm of the original back to life for a new generation.
With the LifeIsXbox team bringing such a broad mix of tastes to the table, narrowing the shortlist was anything but simple. Plenty of other favourites were pushed forward during our discussions, each earning its moment of praise. These are the titles that came close but ultimately missed out on a final spot:
- Valor Mortis
- Phantom Blade Zero
- Tales of Eternia Remastered
- Disney/Pixar Toy Story: Retro Roundup!
- Bluey’s Happy Snaps
- Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve
- Tenebris Somnia
- Neon Abyss 2
- Stupid Never Dies
- Agefield High: Rock the Stall
- Ratatan
Avid gamer for over 30 years who lives and breathes Xbox, I enjoy talking video games and can often be found on X.
