Best Indie Games on Xbox Game Pass in 2025

Celeste is an emotionally charged indie platformer that challenges both your reflexes and your resolve. Developed by Matt Makes Games, Celeste blends precision platforming with a powerful narrative about overcoming personal struggles. With its meticulously designed levels, striking pixel art, and an uplifting yet poignant soundtrack, the game offers a rewarding journey that tests your skills and inspires perseverance.

INSIDE is a masterfully crafted indie puzzle-platformer that plunges you into a surreal, dystopian world. Developed by Playdead—the acclaimed creators behind LIMBO—this game artfully combines haunting visuals, ingenious puzzles, and minimalist storytelling. Every stage challenges your perception and invites you to piece together its cryptic narrative, making INSIDE a standout experience on Xbox Game Pass.

Dead Cells is a dynamic rogue-lite, Metroidvania-inspired action-platformer that delivers relentless, fluid combat and ever-changing challenges. Developed by Motion Twin, this game masterfully blends procedurally generated levels with precise, skill-based gameplay. Every run is a fresh and adrenaline-pumping experience, making Dead Cells a thrilling test of both strategy and reflexes for fans of challenging indie titles.

Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition is an exquisitely crafted Metroidvania that invites players into the mysterious, decaying world of Hallownest. Developed by Team Cherry, this indie gem combines challenging combat, intricate level design, and hauntingly beautiful art to create an unforgettable journey. Every corner of this vast, interconnected world teems with secrets, formidable foes, and hidden lore, making each exploration both a rewarding and demanding experience.

Firewatch is a narrative-driven adventure set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Wyoming wilderness. Developed by Campo Santo, this game places you in the role of a solitary fire lookout, whose only connection to the outside world is a mysterious radio call. With its hand-painted visuals and deeply immersive storytelling, Firewatch offers a reflective journey into isolation, mystery, and personal discovery that continues to resonate with players.

Stardew Valley is a charming indie farming simulator that invites players to cultivate crops, raise animals, mine for resources, and build a thriving rural community. Developed by ConcernedApe, this beloved title blends engaging farming mechanics with exploration, crafting, and social interactions, providing a relaxing yet immersive escape. Its nostalgic pixel art and deep gameplay systems ensure endless hours of creative freedom and heartfelt connection, making it a standout addition to Xbox Game Pass in 2025.

Slay The Spire is a unique blend of deck-building strategy and roguelike progression that offers a fresh challenge with every run. Developed by MegaCrit, this indie hit invites players to craft powerful decks, strategize against diverse enemies, and ascend a treacherous spire filled with surprises. With its procedurally generated levels, intricate card synergies, and deep strategic layers, Slay The Spire delivers endless replayability and a compelling experience for both casual and hardcore gamers.

Cocoon is a mesmerizing indie experience that invites players to step into a world of ethereal beauty and enigmatic puzzles. Developed with an emphasis on atmospheric storytelling and innovative gameplay mechanics, Cocoon challenges you to unravel the mysteries hidden within its surreal environment. The game’s striking art style, ambient sound design, and deliberately paced narrative create a uniquely introspective adventure that lingers long after the credits roll.

Citizen Sleeper 2 pushes the boundaries of narrative-driven gameplay in a dystopian, high-tech world. Building on the original’s legacy, this sequel plunges you into a sprawling urban labyrinth where every decision shapes your destiny. With innovative RPG mechanics, richly detailed environments, and poignant social commentary, Citizen Sleeper 2 offers an immersive experience that challenges your perceptions of identity, freedom, and survival to the maximum.

Sifu is a visceral martial arts action game that challenges your combat skills with its innovative aging mechanic. Developed by Sloclap, the game delivers fast-paced, hand-to-hand combat set in a gritty urban environment. Every defeat ages your character, altering your abilities and adding a unique twist to each encounter. With its stunning visuals, intricate combat system, and rewarding progression, Sifu offers a refreshing take on the beat 'em up genre that keeps you on your toes from start to finish.

Among Us is a multiplayer social deduction game that transforms every session into a thrilling test of trust and suspicion. Developed by Innersloth, this indie gem challenges players to complete vital tasks on a spaceship while uncovering hidden impostors among the crew. Its minimalist design and accessible mechanics belie the strategic depth and intense social interactions that make each game unique. Whether you're a seasoned deceiver or a vigilant crewmate, Among Us delivers endless excitement and unpredictable fun.

Planet of Lana is a visually stunning cinematic puzzle-adventure that immerses you in a hand-painted, futuristic world filled with mystery and wonder. Follow Lana and her loyal companion as they traverse breathtaking landscapes and uncover the secrets of a long-lost civilization. With its rich narrative, innovative puzzles, and captivating art style, this game offers a deeply immersive experience that stands out on Xbox Game Pass.

Spiritfarer is a heartwarming management game about guiding spirits to the afterlife. Developed by Thunder Lotus Games, this beautifully animated journey blends exploration, crafting, and emotional storytelling. As the Spiritfarer, you build and upgrade your boat, care for your ghostly passengers, and uncover the poignant tales behind each soul. Its serene gameplay, moving narrative, and stunning hand-drawn art make for an experience that is both soothing and deeply reflective.