Gaming

Xbox Game Pass Remains the Ultimate Destination for Indie Games

February 27, 2025

Xbox Game Pass: Introduced in 2017, Xbox Game Pass was quickly recognized as an incredible value in gaming.

For a monthly subscription, starting as low as $1 in its early days—players gained access to a continually growing library of digital games, featuring everything from blockbuster titles to acclaimed indie releases, with the promise of regular additions.

Moreover, Microsoft integrated all of its first-party exclusives into the service at no extra cost, ensuring they were available on release day. This meant players no longer had to pay full price for these titles.

As first-party exclusives have become scarce in recent years and Xbox has adjusted its strategy to launch new and existing exclusives on other platforms, Game Pass doesn’t offer the same draw it once did.

Well, the waning enthusiasm largely stems from the notion that Game Pass depends on big-budget titles to capture mainstream attention. However, it offers much more than that.

For years, it has been a hub where indie treasures find recognition among both passionate gamers and those encountering them for the first time.

Table of Contents

Indie Games Are the Heart of Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft recently hosted an ID@Xbox Showcase, unveiling indie games set to join Game Pass in 2025, each with its own distinct appeal. This further solidifies the service’s role in spotlighting exceptional independent titles and giving them exposure to audiences they might not have reached altogether.

Titles such as Cocoon, Harold Halibut, Open Roads, Sea of Stars, and Citizen Sleeper are among the many indie games that have landed on Game Pass over the years.

Their presence has helped evolve the platform from a destination for Gears of War and Forza Motorsport into a heartfelt tribute to the gaming world.

This event basically keeps the momentum going, featuring several intriguing games set to launch over the next year on multiple platforms.

The excitement is even greater knowing that Game Pass subscribers can access them for free. Here are a few that stood out to me.

Tanuki: Pon’s Summer

Developed by Denkiworks (Cursed to Golf), this delightful delivery game follows an anxious, round tanuki as he zips through a rural Japanese town on his BMX, carrying stacks of packages to drop off.

Just like the studio’s earlier work, this game showcases a stunning aesthetic and sharp wit, packed with engaging mechanics and minigames to keep things lively.

While it doesn’t seem to focus much on storytelling, I’m more than happy to meet its quirky characters and grind rails as a fluffy protagonist.

33 Immortals

This game basically presents a completely fresh idea. In this upcoming co-op roguelike, you take on the role of one of 33 characters, each guided by a real player, as you navigate sprawling dungeons together.

It seems to be quite uncertain if the game actually follows a battle royale format where survival is the goal or if players work together until the finish. Either way, I’m excited to dive in.

I’m really drawn to its distinct visual style, which balances vivid colors with a variety of enemy designs, from nightmarish beasts to biblically accurate angels. I’m eager to see if its main concept goes beyond just an intriguing gimmick.

Tempopo

From the makers of Unpacking comes a game that feels like a mix of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker and Rhythm Heaven. You’ll guide a delightful group of creatures through levels, staying on beat while gathering valuable collectibles.

Echo Weaver

Unveiled during the showcase, this Metroidvania features a striking visual style reminiscent of Blasphemous and Axiom Verge. With a design that rewards exploration and the choice to fight or evade enemies as you see fit, it has all the makings of a must-play. I’m absolutely on board.

The most intriguing part of this reveal is the protagonist’s glaive. It serves not just as a weapon but also emits a radiant light, seemingly aiding in navigating shadowy areas.

It also evokes memories of Dark Sector, a third-person shooter developed by Digital Extremes almost two decades ago. While it may not be designed for dismemberment, having a permanent light source could lead to some incredible gameplay sequences.