Skip to content
Microsoft has positioned Xbox Game Pass as its leading gaming subscription service. It offers members daily releases of its biggest first-party titles. While there’s no denying the excitement of astronomically imminent releases like Starfield, Xbox doesn’t invest solely in curating AAA games. The ID@Xbox program has brought audiences stellar indie experiences including Cuphead, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and Planet of Lana, many of which are coming to Xbox Game Pass on day one.
This week Microsoft has partnered with IGN to host its annual ID@Xbox Showcase. The 90-minute event showcased over 20 indie games and even more titles making their way to Xbox Game Pass. Given the frequency with which great games are being added to Microsoft’s gaming subscription service, we thought we’d save gamers some time and highlight seven great games that are coming to Xbox Game Pass very soon.
Table of Contents
Hollow Knight: Silk Song
Release Date: TBA 2023
For Metroidvanias fans, nothing beats the Hollow Knight. Team Cherry’s critically acclaimed action-platformer was adored by audiences, and the announcement of its sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, sparked immense excitement. The highly anticipated sequel was originally slated for release in the first half of 2023 but was recently pushed back indefinitely. Thankfully, the delayed release was mitigated by the announcement of the day one release of Hollow Knight: Silksong on Xbox Game Pass.
The Wandering Village
Release date: July 20, 2023
The Wandering Village is an intriguing city-builder simulation title set on the back of a colossal creature. This mobile beast roams a beautiful post-apocalyptic world, and players are tasked with strengthening settlements and building a mutually beneficial relationship with their gargantuan host. The vibrant hand-drawn animations and unique setting make The Wandering Village a highly immersive Xbox Game Pass release.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Release date: August 18, 2023
After passionately collaborating with Illfonic to transform Friday the 13th into an innovative asymmetric multiplayer horror title, Gun Interactive aims to transport fans into the gritty world of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. This PvP multiplayer project pits four survivors against three murderous family members in a morbid twist on the established formula. Unsuspecting victims work together desperately to escape iconic locations from the series, while notorious villains like Leatherface attempt to chop them into small pieces. Definitely a game for the whole family.
ever space 2
Release Date: August 15, 2023
Everspace 2 released on PC back in April after spending around two years in Early Access. The ambitious sequel features a 30-hour campaign, deep ship customization, intense dogfights and more. During the ID@Xbox Showcase, it was announced that Everspace 2 will be coming to Xbox consoles and coming to Xbox Game Pass on day one. If you’re looking for a space adventure that can last you until Starfield engulfs you, Everspace 2 will be available on subscription service on August 15, 2023.
Sea of stars
Release date: August 29, 2023
Chrono Trigger is widely regarded as one of the greatest RPGs of all time, and Sabotage Studio’s upcoming pixel art epic, Sea of Stars, aims to recapture that magic for modern audiences. The stunning retro-inspired presentation is beautifully accompanied by music by famed composer Yasunori Mitsuda, who previously worked on Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross. Sea of Stars brings modern twists and updated gameplay systems to classic turn-based combat. For fans of ’90s RPGs, this is a huge win for Xbox Game Pass.
party animals
Release date: September 20, 2023
Physics-based party games are very popular these days. From Human Fall Flat to Fall Guys, numerous teams have created hilarious renditions of the genre. Party Animals by Recreate Games channels this crazy energy with a multiplayer title that combines animalistic brawls and outlandish mini-games. After some notable delays, Xbox Game Pass subscribers have been eagerly awaiting the release of Party Animals.
COCOON
Release date: September 29, 2023
The lead gameplay designer behind the masterpieces LIMBO and INSIDE is back with another atmospheric platformer called COCOON. In the intriguing loop, a winged protagonist travels through and within dynamic worlds. Using global mechanics, solve intricate puzzles and uncover the mysteries of COCOON. Much like its spiritual predecessors, little is known about the overarching narrative, but players will have a chance to experience it for themselves on Xbox Game Pass on September 29, 2023.
There’s more to discover in Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass is easily one of the best deals in gaming. It has fundamentally changed the way gamers can interact with video games. We spoke to numerous independent developers about the financial and emotional benefits of partnering with Xbox Game Pass for publishing. While some AAA publishers have questions about the feasibility of the gaming subscription service, for audiences and developers who just want to share in the joy of video gaming, there’s a lot to get excited about with Xbox Game Pass.
Thankfully, many of the titles featured in our curated collection will be Chainsaw Massacred on Xbox Series over the next few weeks. However, if you’re looking for other outstanding indie games to play in the meantime, be sure to check out our list of the best games in Xbox Game Pass.
Xbox Game Pass is one of the best ways to try out indie games. The service provides access to hundreds of video games for a single monthly fee across Xbox consoles, PCs and mobile devices. Find out why so many consider it one of the best deals in gaming.