5 Best Indie Games on Xbox Game Pass (October 2023)

The world of Indie games is alive and well on Xbox Game Pass. The service is home to a number of fantastic Indie titles that each shine in their own way. Despite ranging in genre, sense of scale, and many other factors, each of these games brings something new to the table. This is great, as it makes the Indie gaming space one where a wide array of titles can thrive. That said, here are our picks for the 5 Best Indie Games on Xbox Game Pass. 

5. DayZ

We are beginning our list of the best Indie games on Xbox Game Pass with perhaps our most well-known title. Developed by Bohemia Interactive, DayZ is an open-world survival game in which players must fight against other players, as well as zombies. In doing so, players will be able to explore an expansive map in search of resources. This makes the collection of these reasons vital to one's survival in the game. Notorious for its steep learning curve and a shocking amount of mechanical depth, there are many elements to consider when starting in the game.

Players will have to traverse a harsh and unforgiving world in search of necessities such as food and water, each of which must be carefully monitored by the players themselves. This not only places a great amount of emphasis on player tactics and camouflage but also the weaponry they hold. Scattered throughout the wooded areas of DayZ‘s map are weapons that players can loot, either from the world itself or from other players. Simply put, in terms of sheer scale and quality, DayZ is one of the best Indie games on Xbox Game Pass.

4. Citizen Sleeper

We are straying quite far from our last entry with our next one. Here, we have Citizen Sleeper. Citizen Sleeper is a beautifully stylized title, and it shows in both its aesthetics and its gameplay. The narrative-based gameplay has a strong emphasis on player choice and how their decisions impact the story as a whole. This is great, as it does a phenomenal job of immersing the player in this world. Players will meet an assortment of charming characters from several different walks of life, each of which adds their own sense of personality to this already magnificent title.

The game also has a wonderfully open-ended nature to it, which no doubt can be attributed to its inclusion of many mechanics and design philosophies from tabletop games. This open-ended nature helps the world and its characters feel expansive and impactful all at once. The phenomenal sense of player choice is also at the heart of what makes this experience unique as a whole. All in all, if you are looking for one of the best Indie games on Xbox Game Pass, make sure you check out Citizen Sleeper.

3. Chained Echoes

We are changing pace quite a bit with our next entry. Moving from the dark world of Citizen Sleeper, here we have Chained Echoes. The world of Chained Echoes is vibrant and shines with a nostalgic sense of polish that few titles can muster. The world of Chained Echoes is one that not only envelops the player but also respects their time beautifully. Every moment spent within this world serves a purpose, making each decision, as well as your time, feel impactful. This makes it one of the most polished experiences in recent memory.

Couple this with the game's phenomenal approach to combat, and you have an experience that players aren't going to forget anytime soon. The game has a wonderful amount of content. Players can expect around forty hours to be poured into completing the game. If players do decide to take their time, however, there is plenty within Chained Echoes world to see. All around, if you are in the market for one of the best Indie games on Xbox Game Pass, check out Chained Echoes.

2. Astroneer

We are following up on our last entry with another fantastic Indie title. Here, we have Astroneer. For players who enjoy sandbox elements and open-world crafting, Astroneer could be a great addition to your game library. Featuring an intuitive yet impactful crafting system, Astroneer helps players revitalize planets as they go along their journey. In doing so, players can explore various worlds, each of which feels unique and special in their own way. This not only dramatically rewards players' exploration but also aids the player along the way.

For players looking for a cooperative title to play with friends, this game also handles cooperative play wonderfully. There are many aspects of the game for players to enjoy. Everything from base-building to crafting and exploration, there is an almost endless amount of possibilities for adventure. Visually, the game also has a distinct style that makes it stand out, even among other Indie titles. To close, Astroneer is one of the best Indie games on Xbox Game Pass.

1. Jusant

We are closing out today's list with our most recently released entry. Here, we have Jusant. This fantastic puzzle platformer not only brings players on an impactful journey but does so in a unique way. Devoid of a more stressful environment, this title is more about soaking up the experience. This makes the game almost calming, leading to a more meditative tone and feel than most adventure games carry with them. Players are entirely in control of the pace at which they scale the mountain itself, making it great for relieving stress.

Along their journey, players will encounter many different creatures and plants. In doing so, the world around you becomes more poignant and impactful. Discovering the history of the mountain you are climbing is just part of the adventure. It is what you find along the way that makes this title so spectacular. Not only that, but it is an experience that significantly rewards the player for completing it on a core emotional level. In conclusion, if you are interested in the best Indie games on Xbox Game Pass, make sure you check out Jusant.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Best Indie Games on Xbox Game Pass? What are some of your favorite Indie Games on Xbox Game Pass? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.