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

Xbox Game Pass as a service allows players to experience a plethora of different games for one low fee. This is great, as it really puts the power to play multiple titles in consumers' hands for better value. Among the games available as part of this service are indie games. Despite being made by smaller studios, these games have tons of heart and content baked into them. To bring you the best of the best, here are the 5 Best Indie Games on Xbox Game Pass.

5. Children of Morta

Starting off our list today of the best indie games on Xbox Game Pass, we have Children of Morta. For fans of action RPGs with rich worlds and great characters, this is a great recommendation. Children of Morta is a game that takes the best elements of the action-RPG genre and paints it in a wonderfully charming art style. This makes the game feel almost like a storybook, which really ties well into the elements of high fantasy within the game. Players will play as one of the members of the Bergson family, where they will be able to use their magical abilities to progress throughout the world.

The game has a rich narrative, that manages to ground itself well within its world. This story-driven title is sure to whet the appetites of those looking for an adventure. Additionally, the game can be played cooperatively with friends. This makes for a great time for players who want to be whisked away to a magical world. So if you are in the market for a magical dungeon-crawling adventure, look no further than Children of Morta, one of the best indie games on Xbox Game Pass.

4. Valheim

Next on our list of the best indie games on Xbox Game Pass, we have a massively successful title. When Valheim was initially released, it took the gaming world by storm. This is partially due to the game's lack of handholding mechanics, as well as its fantastic and immersive atmosphere. For those unaware, Valheim is a game in which players are placed in a world of magical beasts and they will have to survive. The game has rather in-depth survival mechanics, and even crafting and building mechanics to aid the player in their journey.

Players are able to erect great halls in their honor, which they can decorate with the skulls of their enemies. The boss enemies in the game each have their own unique identities and gimmicks, making them stand out. This is great, but it is in the more simple quite moments that the atmosphere of this game truly shines. This is partially due to its phenomenal soundtrack and wonderfully stylized visuals. In short, if you are looking for one of the best indie games on Xbox Game Pass, check out Valheim.

3. Venba

Switching gears quite a bit for our next entry, here we have Venba. Venba is a game that rather than focusing on massive journies, or lofty goals, focuses on simply, a family. While this game's runtime may be a little on the short side, the effect it can have on the player is profound. This is due to the quality of the writing of the game, as well as its characters. The game takes place during the 1980s, where players will play as an Indian mother. Through this lens, we get to see the ins and outs of their family and slowly form a connection with them.

This truly makes the game feel special, but the game does have some gameplay mechanics players can engage with as well. The game is a puzzle game that revolves around the art of cooking, it is through this device that the game's story unfolds before the player. The game also has a uniquely original soundtrack inspired by Tamil music, which makes the music of the game certainly stand out. All in all, Venba is one of the greatest indie games on Xbox Game Pass to date.

2. Bramble: The Mountain King

Following up on our last entry, next, we have more of an adventure title. Bramble: The Mountain King is a beautifully stylized game about Nordic fables coming to life. this gives the game a distinct identity, which when coupled with the game's distinct art style, makes for a winning combination. Players take on the role of Ollie, a boy who must go on an adventure shrouded in darkness and mystery. It is along this journey that players will meet all manner of mythical creatures. Even the way these creatures are styled is simply stunning and helps the game stand out as well.

The visuals for the game are also fantastic, as each scene is given gravitas and weight to it by the overall art direction of the game. This is great, and really makes the path to the game's end feel treacherous. Additionally, the game's combat feels great to partake in, which definitely aids the moment-to-moment gameplay. In conclusion, if you are looking for one of the most visually striking, and memorable indie games on Xbox Game Pass, this title certainly fits the bill.

1. Chained Echoes

For our final entry on our list of the best indie games on Xbox Game Pass, we have Chained Echoes. Chained Echoes is a game that takes its JRPG inspirations very seriously. Everything from how the game's world and characters are crafted, to individual encounters is drenched in old-school game design philosophies. This is hardly a bad thing, however, as Chained Echoes manages to implement a few modern conveniences in order to distill and heighten the JRPG experience. The pixel-art style of the game is also gorgeous and manages to immerse the player in its fantastic world.

The combat for the game also sticks out, as it is clear that the developers behind the game are fans of JRPG design, and have learned a lot from it. This is great, and helps the player regardless of their experience with the genre, feel right at home. Along with these factors, Chained Echoes manages to capture an intangible feeling of wonder and discovery. This is something that is at the core of what makes these games so great. To close, Chained Echoes is one of the best indie games on Xbox Game Pass.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Best Indie Games on Xbox Game Pass (August 2023)? 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.