A huge chunk of the year's biggest gaming announcements are all happening at E3 2021, and Microsoft didn't pull any punches when they joined the fray. The Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021 just concluded, and it was filled with game announcements, reveals, and trailers from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda Softworks, and third-party partners.
The 90-minute show was busy enough that it could be easy to miss an important announcement, so we've compiled everything from Xbox and Bethesda at E3 2021 into one convenient place. Here's everything that was announced during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021.
Related: The best games of E3 2021
Games shown off by Xbox and Bethesda at E3 2021 are heading to gaming platforms like Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC, PS5, PS4, and Switch. Many of the games that made an appearance are also heading to Xbox Game Pass and even Xbox Cloud Gaming. We could be looking at the next era of best Xbox games and best PC games.
All your gaming needs, in one subscription.
Is the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate the best value in all of gaming? It's possible. Ultimate bundles your Xbox Live Gold subscription, an Xbox Game Pass subscription for both Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, and Xbox Cloud Gaming for on-the-go. The Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021 just concluded, and many of those games are heading to Xbox Game Pass.
What are the major announcements from Xbox and Bethesda at E3 2021?
The Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021 was filled to the brim with announcements, trailers, and reveals. If you're only interested in the biggest news and dropped bombs, we've compiled them all right here. These are the major announcements from the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021.
Starfield trailer
Bethesda may now be a part of the Xbox family, but we've understandably yet to see a new game from the legendary studio arrive since the acquisition. This all changes today, as we've finally gotten our first gameplay look at Starfield during the Xbox and Bethesda event and a beautiful new trailer for the first new IP from Bethesda in a very long time.
Starfield could be absolutely massive for Xbox and Bethesda, as it introduces a brand-new sci-fi world in a big RPG setting. As expected, Starfield is going to be exclusive to Xbox platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and (of course) Xbox Game Pass. Starfield is releasing November 11, 2022.
Of course, less than an hour before the event saw the official Starfield trailer from the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase actually leak, giving excited fans an early look at the upcoming sci-fi RPG before its full launch late next year.
Halo Infinite multiplayer gameplay & trailer
One of the only games that can compete with Starfield for sheer levels of hype and excitement is Halo Infinite, undoubtedly the biggest Xbox Game Studios title of the year. It was inevitable that Halo Infinite would be one of the most significant headliners for the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021, and 343i and Xbox delivered with an epic new trailer showcasing multiplayer gameplay and cinematic moments.
We now also know that Halo Infinite officially releases for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC on Holidays 2021. Halo Infinite is launching into Xbox Game Pass for consoles and PCs day one, preorders are now available for the campaign, and the cross-platform multiplayer is going free-to-play. There's never been more to love about Halo.
Of course, it wasn't enough just to show the game, Xbox also needed to give players a way to partake in all the hype and awesomeness. During the Xbox and Bethesda event at E3 2021, Xbox also announced the planned Beta for Halo Infinite, where dedicated fans will be able to try the game out early and submit feedback. The Halo Infinite Beta begins Summer 2021.
A new Great Journey awaits
Halo Infinite is the biggest Xbox game of the year by far, and based on what we saw at E3 2021, it looks like it's going to be fantastic.
Forza Horizon 5 reveal & gameplay
Joining Halo Infinite in the glorious trifecta of major announcements is Forza Horizon 5. Playground Games and Xbox officially revealed Forza Horizon 5 during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase, breathing life into the numerous rumors and speculation we've heard up until this day. Forza Horizon 5 continues the excellent Forza Horizon racing series, and will let players explore Mexico in a wide variety of cars and vehicles.
Forza Horizon 5 is heading to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC on November 9, 2021. Of course, like every other Xbox Game Studios title, Forza Horizon 5 launches day one into Xbox Game Pass for consoles and PCs, which means it's never been easier to jump into a Forza Horizon game on launch day. Playground Games is delivering gorgeous visuals and some updated mechanics to keep gameplay fresh and interesting.
Full speed ahead to Mexico
Forza Horizon 5 ventures to Mexico, with an upcoming virtual road trip trekking across barren deserts, luscious rainforests, and historical cities. There are more cars than ever, with its largest open world yet, headed to Xbox consoles and PC.
Psychonauts 2 release date
Concluding the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021 trifecta of major announcements is Psychonauts 2, a game that follows a sixteen-year-old cult classic and has steadily gained hype since its announcement in 2015. During the Xbox event at E3 2021, Psychonauts 2 finally got a definitive release date, and officially heads to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC on August 25, 2021. Psychonauts 2 is also heading to Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming on day one.
Psychonauts 2 follows the continued story of Razputin Aquato as he dives into the crazy and wildly varied minds of different people, to unravel a conspiracy theory in the Psychonauts organization seeking to reanimate a long-dead serial killer. Like the original, Psychonauts 2 is expected to wow with clever and comical writing, unique and gorgeous platformer worlds, and more.
The next saga for Raz.
Psychonauts 2, the latest adventure from Double Fine, is officially releasing on August 25, 2021 for Xbox consoles and PC. Ahead of its release, players can go ahead and preorder Psychonauts 2 directly from Microsoft. Psychonauts 2 will follow the next journey for Razputin Aquato as he unravels a mystery inside the Psychonauts organization.
The Outer Worlds 2 reveal
Obsidian Entertainment is turning out to be one of the strongest additions to the Xbox Game Studio family, and are working on a wide range of high-quality projects. Obsidian surprised fans during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase by announcing The Outer Worlds 2, the follow-up to the excellent RPG The Outer Worlds.
With Obsidian working on plenty of other games at the moment, it's almost certain that The Outer Worlds 2 is quite a ways away from a full launch. When it does arrive, though, we're sure it's going to launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC at least, as well as being available on Xbox Game Pass day one. It was great seeing The Outer Worlds 2 make an appearance, and we can't wait to see more of what Obsidian is going to deliver with their next sci-fi RPG.
Redfall (Project Omen) reveal
Arkane Studios is another excellent studio that has churned out truly amazing games like Prey and Dishonored 2. Today, Arkane announced that they're appealing to the vampire game fans by announcing their long-rumored Project Omen title. Project Omen is officially Redfall, and it's already shaping up to be an exciting new game for Xbox and Bethesda.
Redfall is farther along than expected, and arrives in Summer 2022. We do expect it to come to Xbox Series X|S and PC when it arrives, as well as launching day one into Xbox Game Pass. Arkane's signature style of games is a perfect fit for the nocturnal and supernatural powers associated with vampires, so we're incredibly hyped to see what the studio can pull off with this one-to-four-player shooter, Redfall.
Contraband (Project Typhoon) reveal
Another long-rumored game to be finally brought into the light is the announcement of Project Typhoon, or Contraband, which comes from Avalanche Studios. Contraband is a co-op action heist 'em up that revolves around the players' vehicles and Avalanche's insane vehicular combat to create an action-packed and customizable experience.
Contraband is coming exclusively to Xbox platforms, and we're expecting it to arrive on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Game Pass when it launches. We also know that Contraband is a "game-as-a-service," which means it'll continuously evolve with new features and content over time. We can't wait to see more of this game. At the moment, there's no release date for Contraband.
Microsoft Flight Simulator for Xbox release date
Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the best games to come from Microsoft in the last few years, but it's been a PC exclusive since launch. While we've known for ages that Microsoft Flight Simulator for Xbox is coming, we've yet to get a release date. That all changed at the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021, when we finally got a release date for Microsoft Flight Simulator for Xbox.
Microsoft Flight Simulator for Xbox lands on Xbox Series X|S and PC on July 27, 2021, meaning we only have weeks to wait before we can explore the gorgeously-rendered world in Microsoft Flight Simulator in a wide variety of intricately detailed airplanes. For fans who have been asking for a great flight simulator on Xbox, the time is now. Microsoft Flight Simulator also showed off a sneak peek at an upcoming expansion releasing later this year.
Grounded: The Shroom and Doom Update
Obsidian Entertainment is making another appearance during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021 with Grounded, their charming and unique survival game that shrinks players down to the size of insects. Grounded is currently in early access, and Obsidian took to the Xbox and Bethesda event to share details about the next major content update for Grounded, which aims to be bigger and grander than any previous update.
We already saw a few of the features planned for this update, which releases June 30, 2021, like new building pieces, Photo Mode improvements, and more, but now we also know the next major content update for Grounded will include pets, a new boss spider, Achievements, and much more. Grounded is available now in early access on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Xbox Game Pass.
It's a big(ger) world out there.
Obsidian Entertainment makes its exclusive debut on Xbox One and PC with Grounded, a unique survival experience that literally makes all of your problems much, much bigger. Join your friends as you're shrunk down to the size of an ant and are forced to survive in a dangerous backyard.
Sea of Thieves: A Pirate's Life update
Sea of Thieves has been an absolute gem in the Xbox Game Studios lineup, with Rare showering it with constant updates and support since its initial launch. This pirate sandbox adventure game shared a sneak peek at its future with a look at a major content collaboration with Pirates of the Caribbean and Sea of Thieves during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021.
Some iconic characters will make an appearance in Sea of Thieves alongside a ton of new content and features, marking an exciting time for the millions of Sea of Thieves players who still love to sail the seas. Sea of Thieves is currently available for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Xbox Game Pass. Sea of Thieves: A Pirate's Life arrives on June 22, 2021.
There's never been a better time to play Sea of Thieves.
Sea of Thieves has more content than ever and many of the core complaints from critics have been addressed with the rollout of Seasons. If you're curious to uncover what awaits on the seas, now's the time to rally the crew!
Battlefield 2042 gameplay
Battlefield 2042 was officially revealed earlier in E3 2021, but the action-packed first-person multiplayer shooter from EA and DICE made another appearance at the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021 to for the official Battlefield 2042 gameplay reveal. The short-ish trailer shows some sweet moments of classic Battlefield gameplay combined with the epic world events and grand maps promised in Battlefield 2042.
Battlefield 2042 is officially available for preorder, and heads to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, PS5, and PS4 on October 22, 2021. The game will support up to 128-player multiplayer on current-gen consoles and PC, is multiplayer-only, and intends to set the bar for Xbox multiplayer shooters going forward.
Battlefield goes back to the future
Battlefield 2042 debuts Electronic Arts' next-generation vision for the military shooter, supporting up to 128 players, the largest-ever maps, and is shaping up as its most ambitious entry to date.
Bethesda Softworks & Xbox Game Pass
Of course, Xbox Game Pass got a ton of attention during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021, with many of the games shown off or revealed heading to Xbox Game Pass on day one. One of the more specific Xbox Game Pass news, however, was the announcement that Xbox Game Pass is gaining ten new Bethesda games. The ten games join the plethora of other Bethesda games that are already on the service.
The new Bethesda games joining Xbox Game Pass include Arx Fatalis, Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, DOOM (2016), Fallout, Fallout 2, Fallout 3, Fallout: Tactics, Rage, The Evil Within 2, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus. These games are coming to a mix of Xbox Game Pass platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl release date
Not only was STALKER 2 renamed to STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl immediately after sharing the first look at its gameplay, we also got a release date for this Xbox Series X|S and PC exclusive shooter. The Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021 trailer looked beautiful and haunting, and did a great job highlighting why STALKER 2 should be on your shortlist.
Even more importantly, we finally have a release date. STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl officially releases on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Game Pass on April 28, 2022. Yes, we still have a bit of a wait to go, but it's a lot better than not having any release window at all.
A love letter to STALKER fans.
STALKER 2: Heart of Chinobyl officially releases on April 28, 2022 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, and now it's available for preorder. There are three different editions to choose from, with preorder bonuses for committing to STALKER 2 a little early.
Hades Xbox release & Xbox Game Pass
Hades is widely considered to be one of the best indie PC games to release in recent memory, and fans of the game (and players hoping to try it) have been asking for Hades to come to Xbox Game Pass for PC for ages. At the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021, Hades fans got what they asked for and more.
Hades is officially heading to Xbox and Xbox Game Pass. That's right, Hades is launching on Xbox Game Pass for PC, but it's also making its debut on Xbox consoles, is Xbox Series X|S Optimized, and launches on Xbox Game Pass for consoles day one. Hades heads to Xbox and Xbox Game Pass on August 13, 2021.
Conquer the Underworld.
Hades is one of the highest-rated rogue-likes in the world, and a huge number of players all around the world have already fallen in love with it. Now, Hades is heading to Xbox consoles and launching day one on Xbox Game Pass. You can now preorder Hades.
A Plague Tale: Requiem reveal
A Plague Tale: Innocence is a well-received dark and broody adventure game, and fans want more of it. Fortunately, the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021 delivered exactly that with the reveal of A Plague Tale: Requiem, and it looks grim and gorgeous.
A Plague Tale: Requiem continues the story, and it's coming to Xbox Series X|S and PC in 2022. Of course, it also launches day one on Xbox Game Pass, adding it to the extensive lineup of Xbox Game Pass-bound titles at the Xbox and Bethesda event.
Diablo II Resurrected release date
Diablo 2 Resurrected is the faithful remaster of a classic action-RPG from Blizzard Entertainment, and it looks to satiate the appetites of any fan of the genre. During the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021, we not only got another look at gameplay in Diablo 2 Resurrected, we actually got a release date!
Diablo 2 Resurrected heads to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, & PC on September 23, 2021. No, Diablo 2 Resurrected is not coming to Xbox Game Pass, but it is launching on PS5, PS4, and Switch as well, with full cross-save support across platforms.
A legendary ARPG.
Diablo 2 is a legendary action-RPG beloved by many fans of the genre, and its coming back in a big way with Diablo 2 Resurrected. Launching September 23, 2021, players can now pre-order Diablo 2 Resurrected ahead of its release on Xbox and PC.
Age of Empires IV release date
We already knew about Age of Empires 4, and that it was heading to PC and Xbox Game Pass for PC. We also weren't surprised to see the game make an appearance during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021. What was surprising was the reveal of the Age of Empires 4 release date, which officially launches on October 28, 2021.
Age of Empires 4 is now available for preorder, and those who get in early can get an expansion for Age of Empires 2 included for free. Every look at this game has indicated it's going to be a fantastic entry in the real-time strategy genre, and a true return-to-form for the Age of Empires franchise. There's no word on whether or not Age of Empires 4 has any plans to come to Xbox at some point.
Coming October 28, 2021.
Age of Empires 4 is a continuation of the legendary RTS series with a focus on historical accuracy, asymmetrical warfare, and deep strategy.
Xbox Mini Fridge
The Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021 was filled with games, games, and more games. Directly after the event, however, was another trailer. The meme that became an internet sensation after the Xbox Series X was revealed is being brought to life, and Microsoft just announced a release window for it. The Xbox Mini Fridge officially launches Holidays 2021.
There's not a ton more to say about the Xbox Mini Fridge. It is a premium mini fridge modelled to look near-identical to an Xbox Series X, although instead of made to stay cool it's made to make cool. There's no pricing or order information available yet, but we shouldn't have to wait too much longer to get our hands on that.
What is every announcement from Xbox and Bethesda at E3 2021?
Of course, there was a lot more to the Xbox and Bethesda event at E3 2021 than just the major announcements. We have, in chronological order, absolutely everything shown off at the event. Here's every announcement from the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021.
Starfield trailer
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 gameplay & release date
Back 4 Blood Xbox Game Pass
Contraband reveal
Sea of Thieves: A Pirate's Life update
Yakuza: Like a Dragon Xbox Game Pass
Battlefield 2042 gameplay trailer
12 Minutes
Psychonauts 2 release date
Bethesda & Xbox Game Pass
Fallout 76: Steel Reign reveal
Fallout 76: Expeditions — The Pitt teaser
The Elder Scrolls Online console enhanced launch
Party Animals
Hades Xbox announcement
Somerville
Halo Infinite campaign cinematic
Halo Infinite multiplayer trailer
Diablo II Resurrected
A Plague Tale: Requiem
Far Cry 6 gameplay overview
Slime Rancher 2 reveal
Shredders trailer
Atomic Heart
Replaced
Grounded: The Shroom and Doom Update
Among Us 15-player lobbies
Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising & Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
The Ascent
Age of Empires IV gameplay
The Outer Worlds 2 reveal
Microsoft Flight Simulator for Xbox release date & expansion
Forza Horizon 5 reveal & release date
Forza Horizon 5 gameplay overview
Redfall reveal
Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase roundup
Xbox Mini Fridge premiere
Xbox Game Pass announcements
What are the Xbox Game Pass announcements from Xbox and Bethesda at E3 2021?
The vast majority of the games shown off or revealed at the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021 are heading to Xbox Game Pass day one, and there were even more revealed during the event that were mentioned once again today. Here's absolutely every single game announced or shown during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021 that's heading to Xbox Game Pass in the future.
- Starfield (Xbox Series X|S Optimized & PC) — November 11, 2022
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chinobyl (Xbox Series X|S Optimized & PC) — April 28, 2022
- Back 4 Blood (Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Xbox One) — October 12, 2022
- Contraband (Xbox Series X|S & PC) — No release date
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, & PC) — June 13, 2021
- 12 Minutes (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — August 19, 2021
- Psychonauts 2 (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — August 25, 2021
- Arx Fatalis (PC) — June 13, 2021
- Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — June 13, 2021
- DOOM (2016) (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, & PC) — June 13, 2021
- Fallout (PC) — June 13, 2021
- Fallout 2 (PC) — June 13, 2021
- Fallout 3 (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — June 13, 2021
- Fallout: Tactics (PC) — June 13, 2021
- Rage (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — June 13, 2021
- The Evil Within 2 (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — June 13, 2021
- Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — June 13, 2021
- Party Animals (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — 2022
- Hades (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, & PC) — August 13, 2021
- Somerville (Xbox Series X|S Optimzed, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — 2022
- Halo Infinite (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — Holidays 2021
- A Plague Tale: Requiem (Xbox Series X|S Optimized & PC) — 2022
- Slime Rancher 2 (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — 2022
- Shredders (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — December, 2021
- Atomic Heart (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — No release date
- Replaced (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, & PC) — 2022
- Among Us (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, & PC) — 2021
- Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — 2022
- Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — 2023
- The Ascent (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — July 29, 2021
- Age of Empires IV (PC) — October 28, 2021
- The Outer Worlds 2 (Xbox Series X|S Optimized & PC) — No release date
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (Xbox Series X|S Optimized & PC) — July 27, 2021
- Forza Horizon 5 (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — November 9, 2021
- Redfall (Xbox Series X|S Optimized & PC) — Summer 2022
- Dungeons and Dragons: Dark Alliance (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — June 22, 2021
- Aragami 2 (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — September 17, 2021
- Sable (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — September 23, 2021
- Scorn (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — Fall 2021
- The Anacrusis (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — Fall 2021
- Hello Neighbor 2 (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — 2021
- The Gunk (Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — 2021
All your gaming needs, in one subscription.
Is the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate the best value in all of gaming? It's possible. Ultimate bundles your Xbox Live Gold subscription, an Xbox Game Pass subscription for both Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, and Xbox Cloud Gaming for on-the-go. Subscribe to Xbox Game Pass to gain access to many of the games shown off during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021.
