5 of the best indie games to play on Xbox Game Pass

It’s no secret that Microsoft have struck subscription service gold with Xbox Game Pass. Dubbed the ‘Netflix of games’, Xbox Game Pass offers up a sizeable library of games for a small monthly fee. Like Netflix, however, one can often spend much of their time incessantly scrolling just trying to pick something to play when spoiled with so many choices. 

That’s where GamingNexus comes in. Last time, we focused on the Horror genre, but today we’re showcasing 5 indie games to play on Xbox Game Pass. 

Hollow Knight Voidheart Edition 

Hollow Knight is amongst the most unique “Souls-like” games inspired by FromSoftware’s Souls games. Sitting at a 9.0 aggregate score by critics and users alike on metacritic, it’s safe to say Hollow Knight is top-quality. Hollow Knight is a 2D action-adventure game with an emphasis on traditional 2D animation and skillful gameplay.

As well as striking a similar tone to the Souls games, Hollow Knight also doles out its lore in pieces. Encouraging you to explore every dark corner to learn all you can. I’d be inclined to call it the best ‘Metroidvania’ of the last few years if it wasn’t for the Ori games. Nevertheless, it’s a phenomenal game and sits atop my list. 

What Remains of Edith Finch

What Remains of Edith Finch isn’t just one of the best indie games of the last decade, it’s one of the best games period. What Remains of Edith Finch is a collection of strange tales about a family in Washington state. As Edith, you’ll explore the colossal Finch house, searching for stories as she explores her family history and tries to figure out why she's the last one in her family left alive.

I cannot recommend this one enough for anyone that’s yet to play it. And hey, it being on Xbox Game Pass, what’s the excuse not to? I often find it somewhat difficult to truly emotionally connect with a video game or its characters but What Remains of Edith Finch stirred me on multiple occasions. It’s as unforgettable as it is tragic but is easily a must-play title. 

Spiritfarer

Spiritfarer is one of the most beautiful games I’ve had the joy of playing. It’s a cozy management game about dying. As ferrymaster to the deceased, build a boat to explore the world, care for your spirit friends, and guide them across mystical seas to finally release them into the afterlife.

I was surprised by how much I wanted to devour everything that could be done in Spiritfarer. Thought-provoking themes, beautiful art style, gorgeous music, Spiritfarer has it all and more. It’s a truly unique video game experience that, if you’re willing to open up emotionally, shouldn’t be missed. It’s truly difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes it such an enticing experience so please do consider trying it for yourself on Xbox Game Pass. 

Outer Wilds

Not to be confused with Obsidian’s Outer Worlds, Outer Wilds is an open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop. You’re the newest recruit of Outer Wilds Ventures, a fledgling space program searching for answers in a strange, constantly evolving solar system. The planets are packed with hidden locations that change with the passage of time.

Outer Wilds is an entirely unique experience that pushes the boundaries of what it means to explore in a video game. There’s a compelling mystery to uncover as you explore the solar system with both curiosity and terror.

Night in the Woods

Night in the Woods is an adventure game focused on exploration, story, and character, featuring dozens of characters to meet and lots to do across a lush, vibrant world. Break stuff, play bass, hang out, walk on powerlines, jump between roofs, and discover strange and amazing and terrible things you never asked for. Come home and waste your life away in Possum Springs.

With a beautifully unique art style, a great story, relatable characters, and excellent writing, Night in the Woods really is a fantastic game. It revels in its oddities and presents issues that young people face in a relatable and mature way. I’ve used the word unique for most of the games on this list but I really must emphasise how these games are quite unlike anything else out there.