In the vast landscape of gaming, some letters feel more adventurous than others. The letter X stands out for its sense of mystery, science fiction flair, and indie bravado. This guide explores games that start with x, from classic computer RPGs to modern strategy blockbusters, and from board games to tabletop experiences. Whether you are a completionist collector, a casual browser, or a researcher chasing niche titles, you’ll find a thorough overview of X-initial games, their histories, and where to find them today.
What counts as a game that starts with X?
The phrase games that start with x encompasses a broad spectrum. Some titles begin with the literal letter X, while others use X as a prefix or a stylistic logo that leads with X in naming. For the purposes of this guide, we consider:
- Video games where the first word begins with X (for example, XCOM or Xenogears).
- Board games and tabletop games that begin with X in their official title (for example, X-Wing Miniatures Game or X-COM: The Board Game).
- Hybrid and digital adaptations of board games that retain the X-initial branding.
- Strategic or RPG titles where the X marks the starting letter, even if the name is stylised (Xenoblade Chronicles, XIII, etc.).
While the set of games that start with x is smaller than captions starting with more common letters, the quality of games with X in their titles is notable. The list below is organised to help you navigate the space quickly, with dedicated sections for video games, board games, and notable honourable mentions.
Video games that start with X
XCOM series: strategic combat and tactical management
The XCOM franchise is one of the defining names in modern strategy gaming. From the original X-COM: UFO Defense to the contemporary XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2, the series blends turn-based tactics with global strategy and management. Players take on the role of a clandestine paramilitary unit tasked with defending Earth from alien incursions. The charm is in the tension: you must balance base-building, resource management, soldier development, and mission planning, all while facing increasingly ruthless alien tactics.
Xenogears: classic JRPG depth and narrative
Xenogears is a landmark JRPG from the late 1990s that fused large-mecha combat with intricate storytelling. While its dialogue-heavy narrative and ambitious scope sparked debate among players, it remains beloved for its character-driven plot, deep combat system, and philosophical themes. On the surface, it’s an adventure about war and identity; beneath, it explores ideas about memory, belief, and the nature of consciousness. For fans of RPGs that push beyond straightforward battles, Xenogears represents a bold, unforgettable experience that still earns praise on retro and emulation platforms.
Xenoblade Chronicles series: expansive open-world RPGs
The Xenoblade Chronicles franchise has defined modern JRPG design on Nintendo platforms. Starting with Xenoblade Chronicles on the Nintendo Wii and evolving through Xenoblade Chronicles X and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, the series offers sprawling worlds, real-time action combat, and interwoven stories about human resilience, exploration, and friendship. The later instalments integrate thinner UI, improved quality of life, and impressive world scale, making them essential entries for fans of expansive, story-driven RPGs that begin with X.
XIII: stylised sci‑fi shooter with bold visuals
XIII (pronounced “X three”) is a distinctive first-person shooter known for its cel-shaded art style and comic-book presentation. While it may not be the largest franchise, XIII carved out a niche for players who adore stylish visuals and fast-paced action. The game is recognisable not just for its X-starting title but for its retro charm and memorable aesthetic that stands out amid more photorealistic shooters.
X-Wing and X-Wing Miniatures: space flight and tactical combat
Although primarily associated with tabletop play, the X-Wing universe has a longstanding presence in digital formats as well. Star Wars fans will recognise X-Wing (and its later expansions) as a board game series that simulates space combat with miniatures, fleet design, and tactical dogfights. The experience scales in complexity from casual skirmishes to highly strategic campaigns, showing how an X-prefixed title can cross media boundaries while retaining its essence.
Xenowerk and other indie X-titles: niche and novelty
Indie developers frequently experiment with X-prefixed titles, emphasising unique mechanics or genre blends. Xenowerk (and related indies) showcase action roguelike elements and dark, atmospheric worlds. These smaller games may not have the same reach as major franchises, but they contribute to the diversity of games that start with x, offering tight loops, clever level design, and fresh takes on familiar genres.
Board games and tabletop games that start with X
X-Wing Miniatures Game: aerial combat with starships
In the world of board games, X-Wing Miniatures Game stands as a flagship title. Players build fleets of ships from the Star Wars universe and engage in tactical dogfights across tabletop skies. Its modular approach—upgrades, pilots, and manoeuvres—makes it a perennial favourite for hobbyists who love strategy, painted miniatures, and narrative battles that unfold in play sessions lasting from 45 minutes to several hours.
X-COM: The Board Game: strategic adaptation of a digital classic
Adapting the famous digital strategy into a board game format, X-COM: The Board Game challenges players to coordinate resources, secure cities, and deploy a responsive counteralien strategy. While not as instantly approachable as the video games, the board game captures the essence of a multi-layered campaign with cooperative tension and careful planning. It’s ideal for groups who enjoy puzzle-like coordination under pressure, just as games that start with x demonstrate in many forms.
Xiangqi: Chinese chess and heritage
Xiangqi, often transliterated with an X, is the traditional Chinese chess played across Asia and in chess circles worldwide. It is a historical and cultural entry in the list of games that start with x, offering deep strategic play and distinctive piece movement. For modern players, Xiangqi provides a bridge between classical board game theory and contemporary online and in-person play, proving that X-initial titles can span centuries of strategic thinking.
Xeno Shyft and related titles: sci‑fi deck-building on the tabletop
Deck-building and sci‑fi themes converge in titles such as Xeno Shyft and similar games. These titles tend to emphasise asymmetric play, faction dynamics, and variable player powers, offering a modern twist on the X-starting category. If you enjoy strategic card play with high replay value, these games demonstrate the breadth of games that start with x beyond digital formats.
Other categories where X titles appear
Expanding horizons: RPGs, adventures and digital hybrids
Beyond traditional video games and board games, X-starting titles appear in role-playing games, online adventures, and cross-platform hybrids. Players find X-initial RPGs with modular character progression, or digital adventures that blend text-based storytelling with choices and outcomes. Exploring these titles reveals how the letter X serves as a symbol of novelty and exploration across genres.
Crossovers and collaborations
In the gaming world, collaborations often produce crossovers that begin with X to signal a fresh entry point. Whether a special edition, a crossover event, or a publisher collaboration, these games extend the games that start with x theme into new territories, inviting fans to discover unexpected angles and refreshed mechanics.
Why X-based titles are intriguing for players
There are several reasons why games that start with x attract attention. First, the letter X is often associated with space, conclave, and the unknown—narrative and mechanical themes that appeal to players seeking something slightly off the beaten track. Second, the rarity of X-initial titles creates a sense of discovery; players may feel they are exploring a niche corner of the gaming landscape and uncovering hidden gems. Third, many X-named titles bring bold visual styles, ambitious world-building, and memorable character sets that leave a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
How to discover more games that start with X
Search strategies for games that start with x
To find more X-initial games, combine broad searches with narrowing keywords. Try phrases such as “X games list,” “X prefix video games,” or “X-titled board games.” Include platform names where relevant (PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox) to filter results. Don’t overlook regional variations or translations that begin with X in non-English markets, which sometimes reveal additional titles worth exploring.
Library and retailer exploration
Public libraries, university libraries, and local game shops often carry collections of both classic and contemporary titles that begin with X. Staff can recommend lesser-known games that satisfy your interest in X-named titles or point you toward archived manuals and catalogs that document older releases. Online retailers frequently feature “X-titled” or “X-prefix” catalog filters, making it easier to discover both mainstream and indie options.
Online communities and digital databases
Forums, fan wikis, and digital databases are excellent resources for discovering obscure X-starting games. Communities of retro gamers, tabletop enthusiasts, and strategy fans share insights about titles that may not dominate mainstream pop culture but remain highly engaging. Following threads about X-named titles can lead you to hidden gems, fan translations, and homebrew projects that expand the roster of games that start with x.
The future of X-initial titles
As the gaming industry continues to diversify, the potential for new X-starting titles grows. With the rise of indie developers and digital distribution, unique ideas—ranging from experimental narratives to AI-driven strategy simulations—are likely to find homes under the X banner. The combination of strong visual identity, crisp branding, and distinctive mechanics will help future games that start with x capture the imagination of players who crave something a little different from more conventional naming patterns.
Practical recommendations and starter packs
If you’re dipping into the world of X-initial titles for the first time, here are practical recommendations to build a well-rounded starter library:
- For strategy fans: XCOM 2 and X-COM: Apocalypse offer contrasting takes on alien threats and tactical depth. Start with XCOM 2 for modern mechanics, then explore X-COM: Apocalypse for a classic-era challenge.
- For RPG enthusiasts: Xenogears remains a landmark for narrative ambition, while Xenoblade Chronicles X and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 demonstrate contemporary open-world design and robust combat systems.
- For board game lovers: X-Wing Miniatures Game provides a tactile, stylish entry into starfighter battles, and Xiangqi offers a cultural deep dive into a traditional chess variant.
- For indie curious players: Xenowerk and similar titles are excellent entry points into compact, focused experiences that emphasise atmosphere and tight game loops.
Glossary of highlighted titles
- XCOM – a cornerstone of modern tactical strategy games, with a mix of base management and turn-based combat against an alien threat.
- Xenogears – a classic JRPG noted for its ambitious plot and mecha-based combat.
- Xenoblade Chronicles – a highly regarded RPG series with expansive worlds and deep storytelling.
- XIII – a stylistically cel-shaded FPS with a distinct comic-book look.
- X-Wing Miniatures Game – a tabletop Star Wars flight combat game with detailed miniatures and tactical play.
- Xiangqi – traditional Chinese chess, offering rich strategic depth and cultural heritage.
- Xenowerk – an indie action roguelike with a dark, atmospheric setting.
- X-COM: The Board Game – a strategic tabletop adaptation that captures the tensions of the digital originals.
Conclusion: embracing the uniqueness of games that start with X
Words about games that start with x reveal a domain that, while slender in volume, is rich in variety. From strategic masterclasses to narrative epics, from physical battlefields on the table to digital worlds on your console, the X-initial catalogue offers something for curious players of every stripe. The distinctiveness of X-based titles invites exploration, discussion, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. If you relish discovering titles that challenge convention and expand your gaming horizons, delving into these X-starting games is a rewarding endeavour that will add depth to your shelves, your screen, and your imagination.