The Ultimate Guide to Hidden Indie Gems on Xbox Game Pass MustPlay Titles You Cant Miss

Xbox Game Pass is packed with hidden indie gems that deserve your attention. Whether these games are older or recently added to Microsoft’s service, they all offer something unique that appeals to a wide range of players. Whether you’re in the mood for deep stories, captivating gameplay, or just a relaxing experience, Xbox Game Pass has got you covered.

With the incredible new Xbox Game Pass Standard offer for $1, here are some indie treasures you absolutely need to check out.

Botany Manor: A Relaxing and Immersive Game

Botany Manor is a recent addition to Game Pass that completely captivated me for an entire day. This tranquil puzzle game, which you can complete in just a few hours, invites you to explore a manor and its lush gardens. You’ll learn how to cultivate plants using scattered clues. With its rich colors and cartoon aesthetics, this game is perfect for a relaxing Sunday where you want to dive into a soothing and absorbing experience.

Celeste: A Platforming Masterpiece

Celeste is undoubtedly one of the most beloved indie games. This challenging platformer tasks you with climbing a treacherous mountain while exploring deep themes like anxiety and identity through touching dialogues and relatable characters. It’s not just a platformer; it’s an adventure that will test your skills while offering a memorable narrative experience.

Dungeons of Hinterberg: A Successful Blend of RPG and Dungeon Exploration

Dungeons of Hinterberg combines dungeon exploration with social interactions for a captivating adventure. In this game, you explore dungeons in a Zelda-like fashion while upgrading your character’s skills through town interactions. The story touches on themes like capitalist greed and environmental issues, offering the perfect balance between action and reflection.

Firewatch: An Immersive Narrative Experience

Firewatch is often described as a walking simulator, but it’s primarily a narrative adventure exploring solitude through the eyes of a forest ranger. You roam through breathtaking American forests while engaging in deep conversations via a walkie-talkie, questioning your place in the world. It’s as much a visual journey as it is an introspective one, leaving a lasting impression.

Jusant: Peaceful and Thoughtful Climbing

Jusant challenges you to climb an immense mountain range. Unlike other games in the genre, Jusant offers a calmer experience where each move needs to be carefully planned. As you ascend, you’ll uncover ancient journals, remnants of civilizations, and puzzles that require out-of-the-box thinking. This game is an invitation to contemplation and strategic resource management.

Neon White: A Thrilling Action Platformer

Neon White is a fast-paced action platformer where cards grant you abilities to complete missions as an assassin. This game requires not only precision skills to maneuver quickly but also strategic thinking to use the cards effectively for the best results. Each level is replayable to improve your scores, and the whole experience is backed by a captivating story.

Planet of Lana: A Heartfelt and Visually Stunning Adventure

Planet of Lana draws inspiration from games like Inside and Limbo but with a softer, more heartfelt touch. Accompanied by an adorable little creature named Mui, you solve environmental puzzles while exploring a mysterious and captivating world. This game is a perfect blend of charm, emotion, and adventure, ideal for those who love games with a strong narrative component and a unique atmosphere.

Vampire Survivors: An Indie Gaming Essential

Vampire Survivors is a must-play for any indie game enthusiast. Simple in concept but incredibly addictive, this game challenges you to survive against hordes of enemies with automatically attacking weapons. Each round is a visual explosion of chaos, and finding the right combination of weapons to decimate your foes is extremely satisfying. This game even inspired the Swarm mode in League of Legends, showing its growing influence in the gaming world. Vampire Survivors is easy to pick up but hard to put down, making it an instant classic.