10 Best Twin-Stick Shooters on Xbox Series X|S

If you’re a fan of fast-paced action, intense shootouts, and dynamic gameplay, then twin-stick shooters are a genre you can’t miss. The Xbox Series X|S offers a solid lineup of these exciting games, giving players complete control to dodge, shoot, and take on enemies in all sorts of exciting ways. These games combine precision aiming, quick reflexes, and a variety of weapons to create an adrenaline-pumping experience. With that in mind, here are the Best Twin-Stick Shooters on Xbox Series X|S.

10. Black Widow: Recharged

One thing that makes Black Widow: Recharged super cool in the list of Twin-Stick shooters is how it brings an old-school arcade classic into the modern era. Initially released in the 1980s, Black Widow now offers better graphics and smoother gameplay but still keeps that addictive, simple action. You control a spider, shooting enemies like bugs and insects coming from every direction. The retro vibes are strong, but the visuals, sound, and smoother controls give it a more exciting experience for today’s players.

9. Streets of Rogue

What really makes Streets of Rogue stand out is how much freedom it gives players. It’s not your typical twin-stick shooter where you just fight enemies in set patterns. Instead, this game lets you approach each mission however you want. Want to go in guns blazing? Go for it. Prefer to sneak around and use stealth? You can do that too. The levels are procedurally generated, meaning you’ll never play the same one twice. It’s perfect for anyone who loves experimenting with different playstyles and having fun while exploring the game’s open world.

8. KILL KNIGHT

KILL KNIGHT stands out in the twin-stick shooter genre by focusing on intense melee combat. Players control a knight, slicing through enemies with swords and other sharp weapons. Now, the fun doesn’t stop there; there’s a combo of smooth controls and fast-paced action that makes every fight feel satisfying. If you’re looking for something different from the usual twin-stick shoot-and-dodge, KILL KNIGHT is the game. 

7. Renegade Ops

Renegade Ops features one of the most thrilling vehicular combats. Instead of running around on foot, players get to control a military vehicle loaded with heavy artillery. This means players will be mowing down enemies, dodging explosions, and racing through large open environments. Navigating these large maps while battling your way through waves of enemies keeps the game immersive and full of adrenaline. For those who love vehicular combat and want to feel like a true action hero, Renegade Ops delivers in a big way.

6. Halo: Spartan Assault

Halo: Spartan Assault takes the beloved Halo universe and packs it into a twin-stick shooter. Players take control of Spartan soldiers, battling through waves of enemies from the Halo world. From the familiar weapons to the iconic enemies, this game brings Halo fans right into the action. Additionally, the story, missions, and characters blend in nicely with the original Halo narrative. Ultimately, this twin-stick adaptation delivers a perfect fast-paced action game experience while staying true to the franchise’s roots.

5. Xeno Crisis

Xeno Crisis is a true throwback to the old-school 16-bit era but with an interesting twist. Actually, the game plays like a modern shooter. While it might look retro, the game feels surprisingly smooth and polished. The combat is fast-paced, and the levels are packed with tons of enemies. Players take on waves of monsters in challenging environments. Notably, it’s one of those games that’s just fun to jump into for a quick session. It mixes the best of the past with modern gameplay. For players who love retro visuals but want something that feels fresh and new, Xeno Crisis delivers the perfect balance.

4. Tesla vs Lovecraft

One of the coolest things about Tesla vs Lovecraft is the way it lets you use power-ups to turn the tide of battle. The game has a unique “Tesla” system that powers up your character in various ways. From summoning mechanical minions to unleashing high-powered weapons, the power-ups give you more tools to fight back against the  Lovecraftian monsters. For anyone who loves using cool abilities to blast through enemies, Tesla vs Lovecraft offers a power-up system that keeps the game feeling fresh.

3. The Ascent

The world of The Ascent is full of cyberpunk atmosphere. However, what really makes it shine is the RPG elements that mix with the twin-stick shooter mechanics. Now, players don’t just fight; there’s a deep character progression system where they can upgrade their weapons and abilities. Furthermore, the game offers plenty of tactical depth because you’re not just shooting; you’re planning and customizing how you approach combat. For players who enjoy a mix of fast-paced shooting with deeper customization, The Ascent provides the best of both worlds.

2. Enter the Gungeon

Enter the Gungeon might seem like any other shooter, but it’s not. The game stands out with its bullet hell mechanics. Instead of just dodging a few shots, you’ll be dodging thousands of bullets at once. The game fills each level with intricate enemy attack patterns that keep players on their toes. The variety of weapons is equally impressive, ranging from standard guns to bizarre, unique guns that make combat exciting.  For anyone who loves challenging shooters with a huge variety of weapons and intense, bullet-dodging action, Enter the Gungeon will keep you on the edge of your seat.

1. Assault Android Cactus

When it comes to twin-stick tactical shooters, Assault Android Cactus stands for its unique character-switching mechanic. This aspect of the game makes it incredibly dynamic, adding a strategic experience that other shooters often lack.

In Assault Android Cactus, you don’t just stick with one character throughout the game. Instead, the game offers a wide selection of androids, each equipped with its own unique set of skills and weapons. From laser guns to rocket launchers, each character brings something new to the table. Consequently, it offers the flexibility to tackle combat in different ways.  This means that, during combat, you can switch strategies instantly depending on what kind of enemies you’re facing.