Opening the Xbox Game Pass catalog can easily cause decision paralysis. With hundreds of games available, it can be difficult to make a choice and easy to miss some of the best titles the service has to offer.
If you’re looking for a unique game to play that will leave a lasting impression long after you’ve put the controller down, then you shouldn’t be ignoring these indie gems. As of August 2024, they are all available as part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan.
5. Planet of Lana
Planet of Lana by the small developer team at Wishfully Studios is a charming puzzle platformer, in which you join a young protagonist and her adorable sidekick on a mission to save the fading planet.
Giving it a 9/10 score in our Planet of Lana review, we described it as a “game crafted from the heart,” one that isn’t just an excellent puzzle-filled platformer, but one “that will leave you with a wonderful afterthought.”
Boasting a vibrant world and heartfelt story, this is an indie gem on Xbox Game Pass players should not miss out on.
4. GRIS
If you want to kick back and relax with a combat-free atmospheric title that will take you on a heart-wrenching, yet empowering emotional journey, GRIS by Spanish indie developer Nomada Studio should be on your to-game list.
This platform-adventure game follows a girl’s journey through sorrow, which can be seen and felt through a meticulously designed world. Starting with a gray scenery, the surrounding environment slowly regains colors as she builds strength and changes her view of the world.
Now is the perfect time to play it, as Neva, the upcoming title from the same studio, is set to launch on Xbox Game Pass later this year.
3. Celeste
Celeste is a precision platformer that tests your perseverance as you make your way through the challenging rooms filled with treacherous traps.
Your demise is never longer than a few seconds away, while the death counter keeps reaching new heights. Yet, despite its brutal difficulty, it never feels punishing.
Underneath the deadly challenges lies a profoundly emotional story about mental health. It carefully portrays overcoming anxiety and making friends with your inner demons through the scaling of a literal mountain.
Authentic characters and heartfelt dialog encourage you to press on, even after death number 4,378. If you’re up for a challenge with an empowering moral, Celeste should be your next pick.
2. Sea of Stars
Sabotage Studio’s Sea of Stars is a 16-bit turn-based RPG that has clearly been inspired by the classics from the 90s.
With its gorgeous pixelated art style, it oozes nostalgia and will remind anyone of Chrono Trigger. Yet, it adds a modern spin and meticulously designed details to immerse you in its enchanting world.
You embark on an engaging linear story with unexpected twists and turns surrounding its group of endearing characters. On your mission, you face off against foes big and small with a clever turn-based combat system.
It won Best Independent Game at The Game Awards 2023 for a reason, and shouldn’t be missed.
1. Hollow Knight
The number one among the indie gems you can play on Xbox Game Pass must be Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight.
Lauded for its enchanting atmosphere, slick combat, and overall challenge, it has gone down in history as one of the best Metroidvanias ever made, making it a must-play for every fan of the genre.
The upcoming sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, is one of the most anticipated games of the year. To be part of the hype or to kill time until the sequel’s release, now is the best time to play this excellent platformer.
Which ones do you think are the best indie games on Xbox Game Pass that players shouldn’t miss out on? We would love to hear about your favorite titles and recommendations in the comments below.
