Best Indie Games On Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass is now home to big-name titles such as DOOM, Call of Duty, and Hellblade. On top of that, Microsoft’s platform also showcases a gigantic variety of indie games. In fact, a lot of these indie titles are often at the forefront of the Game Pass page.

This is important, as indie games often take risks that big studios don’t. These smaller titles are frequently innovative, daring, and have a lot of heart behind them. Of course, it’s easy to miss some of these titles because of their sheer quantity. Here are the best indie games on Game Pass that are worth your time.

10 Dead Cells

A Castlevania Inspired Rogue-lite

Dead Cells is a 2D action platformer that combines the best elements of roguelike games and Metroidvanias. The premise is simple: You progress through the 2D levels by killing enemies, finding and upgrading gear, and leveling up your attacks and health. The visual effects and the character design are phenomenal, and so is the soundtrack.

This game has a plethora of weapons and items, meaning you can do each run with a different playstyle. Speaking of which, if you die at any point in the run, you go back to the start.

Despite that, Dead Cells manages to be very enjoyable because of its fluid combat and fast pace. It’s highly addicting and hard to put down.

9 Rollerdrome

Tony Hawk meets Max Payne

Have you ever wondered what a shooter that plays like Tony Hawk would feel like? That’s an odd question to ask, but Rollerdrome is the answer to it. In this game, you’re thrown into the arena with a pair of roller skates and dual pistols.

Your objective is to kill every enemy in sight while grinding rails, doing backflips, and dodging bullets. Needless to say, it’s very different from other skating games like Skater XL and Session.

Performing tricks replenishes your ammo, and dodging at the right time slows down everything around you, similar to Max Payne.

It’s quite a challenge, as you probably haven’t played a game similar to it prior. However, once you get into the flow of it, it is deeply satisfying. It helps that the art style and soundtrack are also great.

8 Sifu

A Kung-fu Game with an Interesting Premise

Single-player games that focus on martial arts are rare these days, which is why Sifu feels so unique. It features intense Kung-fu action, a gorgeous cel-shaded art style, and a very interesting premise: You age each time you die.

As you age, your character becomes stronger in combat because of a higher damage output. The catch is that your health also decreases each time.

Melee attacks are your bread and butter, but you also get some weapons to play around with. Landing combos and parrying or blocking at the right time is highly important. The gameplay is fluid, polished, and sometimes looks straight out of a movie.

It’s one of those rare AA games with AAA appeal. Considering this is the developer Sloclap’s second title, it’s impressive how refined this action-packed game is.

7 Amnesia: The Bunker

Psychological Horror Perfected

Amnesia: The Bunker brilliantly continues what made the original Amnesiaa staple in the horror genre. This new game captures the psychological terror the series is known for, but with a survival twist that ramps up the tension.

Set in a claustrophobic World War I bunker, the game gives you enough resources to survive, but never enough to feel safe. In this bunker, there’s a generator that you need to keep running to protect yourself from the darkness and the atrocities that lurk within it.

Your approach will vary with each playthrough, as the location of resources is a bit randomized. The terrifying part is the relentless monstrous creature that stalks you through the dark.

You never know what’s right around the corner, and you’re constantly on edge as a result. It’s a masterclass in psychological horror.

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6 Death’s Door

Dungeon Crawling Has Never Been Better

Death’s Door is the perfect example of what you get when a developer decides to blend multiple genres into one. The game has exploration similar to Zelda, Souls-like combat, and some Metroidvania aspects.

This title has a darker melancholic tone, and the story revolves around a crow working as a grim reaper. Naturally, your job is to collect souls in a dreamlike and bizarre universe.

The combat is methodical and fast-paced, as you’ll have to time your dodges, manage stamina, and learn enemy patterns. It’s very rewarding, and the bosses stand out as massive skill checks.

What’s cool about this game is the fact that it blends this combat with clever world design and a whimsical art style. With a fair challenge and a tonne of mysteries and secrets to uncover, Death’s Door has a lot to offer.

5 Tunic

Much More Than A Zelda Clone

Tunic takes a lot of inspiration from The Legend of Zelda, but if you’re expecting a fun and easy adventure, you’re in for a ride. While the art style and dungeons are a bit Zelda-like, the game plays more like Soulslike.

You play as a small fox exploring a mysterious world full of challenging enemies, hidden paths, and secrets. However, there’s no handholding here. You have to figure out where to go all on your own, and the same is true for combat.

Fighting enemies is tough and requires you to master dodging, blocking, and timing your attacks. Even basic enemies can be punishing if you’re not careful, and the bosses demand a high level of skill and patience.

Amidst all that, what makes Tunic truly special is its sense of discovery. It’s a challenging but deeply satisfying adventure that rewards perseverance.

4 Cocoon

A Highly Creative Puzzle Adventure

Cocoon is a game that will make you appreciate puzzle games. Even if you’re not a fan of the genre, the game-satisfying gameplay loop of carrying entire worlds on your back will keep you enthralled.

You play as a small, insect-like creature navigating beautiful abstract environments full of complex puzzles. As you progress, you discover new systems and mechanics that can help you solve these puzzles.

The game constantly pushes your understanding of space and logic, and the entire story is told without any dialogue. Its visual storytelling is masterful, and the vibrant colors and minimalistic world design complement the sense of discovery further.

The mystery and wonder the game has to offer is fantastic. If you value a game that rewards creativity, Cocoon is the perfect title to try.

3 Celeste

A Pixel Art Platformer That Tackles Mental Health

2D platformers are known for tight-level design, challenging gameplay, and a catchy soundtrack. While Celeste has all of that, the more important thing is that it’s a game that tackles mental health.

You play as Madeline, a young girl who sets out to reach the summit of Celeste Mountain. This in itself is a metaphor for overcoming personal struggles and facing one’s inner demons.

The main antagonist in the game is Madeline’s own inner negative voice. On top of that, the gameplay asks you to try each level again and again, putting the attitude of tenacity at the forefront.

Between all that, you also get to enjoy one of the most polished and satisfying platformers of the last decade. The levels are thoughtfully designed, the mechanics are flawless, and the 8-bit-inspired soundtrack is sublime.

2 Terraria

A Highly Addicting Survival/Sandbox Game

Terraria is a fantastic survival game that offers a rich and immersive world with a lot to discover. The vast procedurally generated world is filled with hidden treasures, various biomes, and interesting enemies.

This game leans heavily into combat, and the core loop is focused on fighting enemies, upgrading your gear, and beating formidable bosses. Each time you die, you spawn back at your base.

Like most survival games, there’s a lot of exploration and building involved. However, all of that is meant to lead you to more challenging fights. With seemingly endless items and weapons, there are various ways you can tackle each challenge.

It appears simple because of the art style and graphics, but Terraria has a deep and interesting world that will keep you hooked for a long time.

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1 Hollow Knight

The Perfect Metroidvania Game

Hollow Knight is challenging, charming, and captivating. The game takes place in the hauntingly beautiful world of Hallownest, a sprawling landscape full of secrets, challenges, and stunning areas.

Like most modern Metroidvania titles, there’s a lot of inspiration taken from Dark Souls. This, of course, means that the game never holds your hand.

You have to figure out where to go next on your own, and the world is full of tough boss fights. It’s easy to get lost in Hallownest, but the exploration is highly rewarding. Each new area is distinct from the previous one.

The hand-drawn art style is striking and perfectly complements the darker tone. With its intricate level design, challenging combat, and fantastic soundtrack, it’s one of the finest indie games out there.

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