Uncover the Ultimate Indie Game Gems in Xbox Game Pass

Look no further than the Xbox Game Pass library for an incredible variety of games. While big-name titles attract attention, it's important not to overlook the hidden gems of indie games. These innovative and daring experiences highlight the incredible achievements of small, dedicated studios. Discover the true diamonds in the Xbox Game Pass collection as we reveal the top indie games that deserve your time.

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17 Amnesia: The Bunker

Amnesia: The Bunker aims to reignite the indie horror scene with its mesmerizing gameplay. If you found Amnesia: Rebirth too linear and restrictive in its storytelling, get ready for a jaw-dropping surprise with The Bunker. This remarkable roguelike Amnesia installment offers an experience you didn't even know you craved. Step into the shoes of a French soldier during World War I, grappling with a hazy recollection of events. Your ultimate goal? Escape the confines of the underground bunker that has ensnared you.

Armed with a lone pistol and a handful of expendable resources, you step out from your solitary "safe" chamber to search for the necessary tools to escape from there. With the relentless pursuit of the Amnesia monster whenever a sound is made, each cautious venture beyond the confines of your manually saved sanctuary increasingly resembles a perilous journey in a horror roguelike game. Once immersed in this mindset, the sheer resourcefulness demonstrated in Amnesia: The Bunker illuminates even more brightly than those dazzling flare traps encountered along the way. It is yet another triumph for Frictional Games.

16 Goat Simulator

Goat Simulator embraces the exhilarating concept of stepping into the role of a goat and takes it to new heights in this charming indie simulation game. While it may not accurately portray the everyday life of a real goat, it is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable "simulator" games out there, and it brings sheer delight to be included in the Xbox Game Pass library.

In this game, being a goat means causing absolute mayhem wherever you wander. Obliterate individuals with your powerful bleat, indulge in licking random objects and effortlessly carry them with your flexible tongue, or demolish cars with your headbutt until they burst into flames. All of these actions are legitimate and part of the thrilling experience.

15 Darkest Dungeon

To simply sum up Darkest Dungeon would be a disservice to its unique combination of Lovecraftian horror, hardcore roguelike RPG elements, and stunning visuals. However, this statement fails to capture the true brilliance of the game. While luck plays a role in shaping the gameplay experience, what sets Darkest Dungeon apart is its ingenious inclusion of a "stress" mechanic that accurately portrays the psychological toll endured when facing otherworldly horrors in its dark fantasy realm.

The game’s roster of recruitable heroes may acquire fears and phobias as a result of their encounters, or may even descend into madness if their mental breaking point is exceeded. It is crucial to consider the consequences and rewards of deploying a seasoned hero, not only in terms of resources and currency, but also in relation to the mental stability of these semi-stalwart adventurers.

14 Valheim

Valheim has managed to captivate the gaming world, defying any weariness towards sandbox survival games. As an early access gem, it has soared beyond expectations, transporting players to a Viking paradise. The game's collaborative nature, characteristic of the genre, coupled with thrilling boss battles scattered throughout the world, contribute to its status as one of the finest experiences available on Xbox Game Pass currently. Even more astonishing is the fact that Valheim is still a work in progress; its immense enjoyment can only continue to grow.

With Valheim, you and your friends have the opportunity to build the coziest Viking haven imaginable, while simultaneously preparing to conquer formidable world bosses. Alternatively, you can set out to explore the vast expanse of the land at your leisure. Valheim embodies all the positive elements of the genre, and then some. However, exercise caution as it has the potential to devour countless hours of your time. If there ever was an indie game that qualifies as a time-sink, Valheim certainly takes the crown.

13 Inside

Playdead first impressed players with their puzzle platformer, Limbo, but it was their second game that truly highlighted their exceptional talent and attention to detail. Inside is a prime example of skillful storytelling through its immersive atmosphere. As the young boy you control moves silently from left to right on the screen, not uttering a single word, you are gradually exposed to the horrifying reality of the world he inhabits.

12 Scorn

Inside, like most indie titles, offers a compact gameplay experience. However, its brevity should not overshadow its significance. Within the three-hour playtime, you will encounter a range of emotions that surpass those evoked by many lengthy triple-A games of today. Without giving away any spoilers, it can confidently be stated that Inside is a timeless indie game that should be experienced at least once in your lifetime.

Scorn's lack of guidance can be off-putting to some, with its minimalistic UI and unexplained puzzles. However, if you're seeking a game with immersive environments and a captivating semi-narrative, Scorn surpasses the rest. It's not your typical horror or fast-paced shooter; rather, it's a peculiar mix of genres that focuses on the atmospheric elements to drive the story and motivate players to keep progressing. While the combat can be frustrating, those who appreciate intriguing settings and can tolerate the grotesque upgrade system will find Scorn to be the ideal game for them.

11 Amnesia: Collection

Amnesia: The Dark Descent stands as a timeless horror classic within the gaming world, not to mention its status as an iconic independent game that garnered immense popularity. This collection, readily available on Game Pass, immerses players in the chilling universe of three captivating games. Even if you were to solely experience The Dark Descent, the amount of time devoted to playing and the remarkably small file size make it an essential addition. Undoubtedly, this game serves as a profound example of superior horror craftsmanship.

10 Vampire Survivors

Despite lacking the support of a top-tier team or an extravagant budget, Frictional Games adeptly instills bone-chilling fear in countless players through a profound comprehension of what truly terrifies. This unnerving encounter is further intensified by Amnesia's haunting atmosphere and gripping narrative. Although it may not initially appear as though we are urging you to partake in this experience, rest assured, we wholeheartedly encourage your participation.

If you're interested in playing a popular roguelike game that has inspired countless imitations, look no further than Vampire Survivors. The game's concept is incredibly simple, yet its brilliance lies in its simplicity. To play, all you need to do is control your character and watch as their automatic abilities gradually defeat the monsters around them.

As you defeat more monsters, you'll level up and gain access to new passive abilities that can be upgraded. This allows you to defeat even more monsters and continue the cycle. The game is not only captivating but also has the ability to keep you engaged for hours on end without realizing how much time has passed. To truly understand the appeal of Vampire Survivors, you must experience it for yourself. So go ahead and give it a try.

9 Escape Academy

Escape Academy deserves more recognition as it is an outstanding oversight. This puzzle experience may seem straightforward, but its similarities to real-life escape rooms make it one of the top couch co-op experiences available. As students in a prestigious school for "escapists," you and your partner will encounter scenarios filled with logical puzzles that are perfectly balanced and neither too challenging nor too simple. The presence of a companion throughout enhances the already flawless experience. Escape Academy is a must-play indie game and ranks among the finest cooperative titles released.

8 Death’s Door

Death’s Door is an enchanting Soulslike game that has garnered countless comparisons. And rightfully so, as you embody the role of a Reaper tasked with gathering the souls of numerous bosses. Your journey takes you through interconnected lands, each unveiling fragments of the story through item descriptions. Does this sound familiar?

7 Spelunky 2

However, the combat mechanics in Death's Door have undergone a significant overhaul. While the challenge remains intact, with a limited player healthpool and formidable adversaries, it bears resemblances to a beginner-friendly rendition of Dark Souls. This characteristic is by no means a drawback. Death's Door is a captivating experience that accomplishes a remarkable narrative even with its minimalist storytelling approach. Furthermore, it manages to make the typically daunting difficulty found in Soulslike games more accessible.

6 Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley has gained tremendous popularity since its release, making it difficult to categorize it as just an indie game. Despite being developed by a single person with limited resources, this charmingly nostalgic farming simulation offers much more than meets the eye.

While the main focus is managing and expanding your farm, the game also includes a unique dating simulation aspect where players can form romantic relationships with the townspeople. Additionally, exploring the mines to battle monsters and discover treasures presents a simplified action-role playing game reminiscent of classic Zelda titles. These are just a few examples of the numerous layers of immersive gameplay that make this relaxing, long-term adventure an absolute delight for players.

5 Superliminal

Indie games that dare to explore eccentric concepts often offer players something that triple-A titles typically don't. Superliminal is a prime example of how an indie game can infuse magic into the player's experience when given the opportunity to breathe life into a unique concept. Similar to how Portal challenges players to solve puzzles by "thinking with portals," Superliminal teaches players to solve puzzles by genuinely altering their perspective. Have you ever noticed that objects appear smaller from a distance, while small items held in front of your eyes seem larger? That's essentially the core idea behind Superliminal. Testing your ability to think beyond conventional boundaries, the game stretches your mind with elements like distance, shadows, and angles. The Xbox Game Pass collection is enriched by the addition of this hidden gem, and its manageable completion time makes it an even more enticing game to explore.

4 Among Us

Among Us, the indie game that took the world by storm, continues to captivate groups of friends who gather to play this popular social mystery game. Originally available on mobile and PC platforms, Among Us has now expanded its player base by making its way onto Xbox consoles. This inclusion on Xbox Game Pass has been a significant boost for the indie game selection in the library. With its availability on Xbox, more individuals than ever can now work together with their crewmates to complete tasks, experience the thrill of sabotaging critical functions as an impostor, and engage in intense debates that may inadvertently lead to the wrongful ejection of innocent players.

3 Aragami 2

If the phrase “undead ninja-assassins silently overpowering fire-wielding warriors” resonates with you, then Aragami 2 is the game for you. As the undead ninja-assassins, your mission is to protect the people of Rashomon Valley from an invading army of pyromaniacs using stealth, supernatural shadow abilities, and occasionally engaging in intense sword-to-sword combat. What makes this game even more exciting is that you can play it with up to two partners, creating a cooperative stealth-action experience that is incredibly satisfying when you flawlessly coordinate silent takedowns. And even when stealth fails, the combat system remains engaging and accessible, with parrying and dodging being the main strategies, providing a unique and satisfying "Souls-lite" experience.

2 Deep Rock Galactic

Deep Rock Galactic offers an incredibly enjoyable cooperative multiplayer experience where space dwarves venture into intergalactic caves to extract valuable resources, all in the name of fun and profit. With up to four players, each assuming a unique character class, they dive into procedurally generated dungeons alongside their bearded comrades. Together, they complete various objectives for their corporate overlords while battling relentless waves of arachnid aliens determined to devour them alive. Suffice to say, it's a thrilling and entertaining adventure.

1 Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is the perfect fusion of a Soulslike and a Metroidvania, all wrapped in a stunningly gothic art style. It's pure magic. Exploring the mesmerizing world of Hallownest and meeting its charming insectoid inhabitants is a truly Zen experience. The combat is both intense and satisfying, and the setting is absolutely captivating. The seamless integration of Soulslike elements into this side-scrolling action-RPG adventure cannot be emphasized enough, making it a must-try for gamers of all kinds.