Best Xbox Game Pass Indie Games
Looking for the best Xbox Game Pass Indie games? If you’re a fan of the big-name, blockbuster games like GTA 5 and FIFA 23, you’ll also be glad to hear that Xbox’s subscription service also offers a wide range of indie games to its already impressive roster of games for one low price per month.
This list of the best Xbox Game Pass indie games features a diverse selection of genres, from old-school point-and-click adventures to challenging roguelike games, retro-inspired platformers, and more. Some of these indie games might be a little out of your comfort zone, but with so many to choose from, you’re bound to find at least one game that will change your mind.
Eastward
From developer PixPil, Eastward is a pixel art adventure game with intuitive puzzles and a strange, almost dystopian setting. Set in a world where giant monsters roam the land and survivors are forced to live in the safety of underground shelters, Eastward is an immersive and atmospheric experience from start to finish.
Norco
Geography of Robots’s Norco is a point-and-click adventure with a Southern Gothic and science fiction twist. You play as David, a former housekeeper who is forced to investigate the disappearance of his former master, the inventor of androids. With beautiful, hand-drawn backgrounds and characters, Norco is a joy to play, and its charming, dark story will stay with you long after you complete it.
Return to Monkey Island
After more than 20 years since the original game’s release, beloved character Guybrush Threepwood is back. Reunite with series creator Ron Gilbert for this point-and-click adventure game inspired by the classics of the genre, with a modern take on the original gameplay.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
If you grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, you’ll probably have fond memories of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade games by Konami. This retro beat-'em-up from the same developers takes players back to the streets of New York and beyond as the Turtles and the Foot Clan battle it out for control.
Prodeus
A fast-paced, run-and-gun first-person shooter that’s reminiscent of Doom and Quake, Prodeus is a challenging, adrenaline-pumping ride from start to finish. With tight controls, fun weapons, and a variety of enemies to take on, Prodeus is perfect for those who miss the classic shooters of yesteryear.
Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a roguelike Metroidvania game that produces some incredibly challenging combat, but permanent upgrades and multiple game modes keep things interesting. Even after you’ve died, Dead Cells never feels frustrating – instead, you’ll want to keep playing to see what else you can discover.
Bramble: The Mountain King
Inspired by Norse fables, Bramble: The Mountain King is a beautiful and terrifying horror-adventure game. As farmer Bramble, you’ll need to face the horrors of the mountains to save your sister and the other villagers who have been abducted. Navigating the mountains and the forest beyond, you’ll encounter a range of dangerous creatures, from murderous trolls to giant spiders.
Planet of Lana
If you grew up with Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, you’ll be familiar with the magical worlds and imaginative creatures that the animation studio produces. Planet of Lana is another Ghibli-inspired game, with a vibrant world that’s full of danger. Navigating through this world, you’ll need to help the villagers that have been abducted by monsters, avoiding the many pitfalls along the way.
Soma
From Frictional Games, Soma is an atmospheric horror game that puts you in the shoes of an unnamed protagonist who must navigate an underwater facility called Pathos-II. As you explore the facility, you’ll encounter equally-unnamed androids who appear to be completely separate from the human race, and your only goal is to uncover the secrets of Pathos-II.
Signalis
Signalis is a sci-fi survival horror game where you play as an android in a dystopian future. Described as “Shadow of the Colossus meets Ico”, Signalis puts you in the role of an android with a special mission on a strange, deserted island. Along the way, you’ll meet various strange creatures and even stranger characters, all of which add to the mystery of the island.
Mulaka
Mulaka is a third-person action game that takes players to the heart of the Tarahumara Meseta in northern Mexico. As a Sukurawe, a Tarahumara shaman, you’ll need to face off against the forces of Xotli in order to protect the land and its residents.
