What if I told you that there was a way you could get access to hundreds of amazing games, all for one low monthly price?
I am of course talking about PC Game Pass, and honestly, it has never been better value than it is right now.
Xbox gave us a free code to check out what is on offer on PC Game Pass, so of course, we combed through it to find the best indie games that you can play on there right now.
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In this article we’ll be sharing our top 10 indie game picks you can play right now, as well as some upcoming titles that will be making their way to Game Pass too.
balatro
Let’s kick this off with a game that has just recently made its way to PC Game Pass, and has made a lot of people happy by doing that. I am, of course, talking about the smash hit sensation game, Balatro.
Balatro is a roguelike poker game, where you will attempt to build the best hands you can, in a roguelike, deck-building situation. Now, this one gets really interesting with the introduction of the Joker cards, which each are unique, and have their own effect on your hand. Now, these are crucial to building the best hands you can, and beating the big blind at the end.
You’ll build your own deck in this game, and the more you play, the more you’ll unlock. You’ll be able to unlock new decks, with new cards, new jokers, and basically make your deck more and more powerful as you continue to play. There are 150 different jokers, each with unique abilities. So, there is a ton of possibilities, and strategies, and different ways you can play. And, there’s a campaign mode, and just a challenge mode for you to test your skills against.
This one is popular for a reason. It won the indie game of the year last year. So, you know you’re in good hands with this one. And, you can play it for free with PC Game Pass, right now.
Eternal Strands
If you’re looking for a game that’s got some action, some adventure, some magic, some combat, some climbing, all of those good things, this game might be for you.
Eternal Strands is an action-adventure game set in this beautiful open-world fantasy environment. You play as a young weaver, who is essentially exploring this world, working out how to use her magic, and taking down some pretty epic bosses and creatures with it.
There are some different types of magic you can use, so you can have a lot of fun playing with different strategies. And, this one has a whole bunch of story, and lore, and just mystery in there too. So, it’s definitely a great one to pick up if you love action-adventure with a decent dose of story in there.
One Lonely Outpost
If you’re looking for a new farming sim to pick up with a little bit of a different twist on it, this game might be for you.
One Lonely Outpost is a farming sim, but it’s set in space. You’ll be the first pioneer to make land on a new alien planet, and you’ll pretty much need to set up everything you need based on what you’ve got with you in your space RV. Your mission is to set up an outpost, or a habitat, that is sustainable for human life. So, it’ll be up to you to make sure you have everything you need to attract other colonists to come and live with you.
You’ll need to plant crops, and farm, to be able to make sure you’ve got food and plant materials. You’ll need to figure out how to craft different items, different work benches, different tools, so that you can get all the resources you need. You also need to figure out things like energy. You’ll need to mine for the planet’s resources. Most of the typical things that you’ll find in these sorts of games, but with an alien twist.
This one is definitely more of a slower-paced game, so make sure you’re willing to put the hours in to get the satisfaction of unlocking everything. But, you can check it out right now for free with PC Game Pass.
Citizen Sleeper 2
In this game, you’ll play as an escaped android with a malfunctioning body and a price on your head.
Citizen Sleeper 2 is the second game in the Citizen Sleeper series, and this one builds on that first game, but improves a lot of the mechanics and the gameplay to make it just a more enjoyable experience. This one is a dice-driven RPG, so rather than a deck-building RPG, you’ll instead use dice to determine a lot of your decisions, a lot of the outcomes, and all of those sorts of things.
The story in this one is absolutely wild. You’ll play as a sleeper, which is basically a copy of a human mind that’s been implanted into a robotic body, and you are on the run from the corporation that made you.
You’ll need to steal a ship, build a crew, and take on contracts to be able to make money and build a life for yourself. This one is definitely a great cyberpunk futuristic kind of RPG. So, if you’re into that kind of thing, this one will definitely be right up your alley.
Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders
In this game, you will explore stunning mountain landscapes, all on a pair of skis.
Lonely Mountains: Downhill – Snow Riders is the second Lonely Mountain game. This game gives us a whole new set of picturesque landscapes to make our way down. And you can choose how you want to interact with this game. You can definitely take things the cruisey way, and relax your way as you gently glide down the mountain. Or, you can take the daredevil track, and pull off stunts, and do jumps, and all sorts of wild things – it’s really up to you.
This one has added online multiplayer functionality, so you can actually race with your friends, or go on a nice, cruisey ski with your friends, adding a whole lot of just extra fun to be had.
This is definitely a game for those who want to be able to go skiing or snowboarding, but don’t want to have to get cold, or potentially break bones, or any of those not-so-great parts of snow activities.
Overthrown
In this chaotic city builder, you can lift and throw absolutely anything.
Overthrown is a kingdom city builder, with a very hands-on kind of feel. You’ll become the king of a new kingdom, and you’ll be given a magical crown that allows you magical abilities like being able to pick up entire buildings and yeet them wherever you like.
You’ll start off from scratch in this game, so you’ll need to build houses, resource buildings, crafting buildings, everything you can think of to keep your kingdom running.
You’ll not be alone as in this world, there will be bandits, and maybe some other extraterrestrial creatures that will be around, so you’ll need to build up your defenses, and defend your fledgling kingdom, as you grow.
This one has co-op functionality, so you can play with up to six players in a world and there’s a lot of fun for those looking for a game that will really let you have a lot of chaotic fun.
Star Trucker
If you’re a fan of trucking games like SnowRunner, then this game might take your fancy.
Star Trucker is a trucking game, except it’s got a bit of a twist – you’ll be hauling cargo through space. This one features a lot of the much-loved truck driving simulation mechanics. You’ll cruise the hyper highways, hauling cargo from one point to the next and you’ll need to salvage materials for certain jobs.
Keep an eye on your fuel, and listen in to the CB radio for all the latest galactic gossip. Ensuring your rig is up to par is paramount to making sure you’re successful on your run, so you’ll need to maintain your truck. And of course, there are some great upgrades that you can get to make your truck even better.
This one is a whole load of trucking goodness with a bit of a different spin, and you can play for free with PC Game Pass.
Dungeons of Hinterberg
In this action-adventure game, you’ll escape the corporate life to go on holiday and explore dungeons.
Dungeons of Hinterberg sees you explore a stunning Austrian Alps-based location called Hinterberg. You’ll venture there on holiday to just have some fun and once you arrive, you realize that things aren’t quite what they seem – there’s a bit of mystery going on here that you might need to help solve.
The dungeons in this one, aren’t your typical dungeons. They will feature a ton of different puzzles. So, you’ll actually need to solve your way through each one. There’s not just dungeons to explore either, because in this world, there are also some monsters that you go up against and and need to take down.
You’ll meet the locals, find out all of the goss, explore dungeons, and hopefully figure out what is going on in this town, in what is a great action-adventure pick.
The Case of the Golden Idol
If detective games are something you enjoy, then this game might be for you.
The Case of the Golden Idol is a detective game with a bit of a twist. It essentially gives you freedom to explore and investigate however you like.
Set in the 18th century, you will be the detective on the case of 12 strange murders occurring over 50 years that are somehow all connected.
You need to reconstruct the scene of the crime and closely investigate to see what has been missed and uncover any clues that might lead you closer to solving the mystery. Will you be able to uncover the mystery of the Golden Idol, and how it’s linked to all of these murders?
33 Immortals
Have you ever wondered what a roguelike game would be like if you played with 33 players in the world? Well, you can find it out in the newly released 33 Immortals. Now you won’t find it on Steam – this one is exclusive to Epic Games and Xbox.
You’ll play as a damned soul, and you’ll dive straight into a 33-player co-op battle. You’ll be able to expand your arsenal as you play, equipping your relics and upgrading your soul permanently, if you find the right powerups. You will be raided by hordes of enemies. So, your goal will basically just be to survive, but you will need to work with others to be able to do so.
This one is an interesting twist on an action roguelike because it’s done in a multiplayer way. So, there is a lot of different variables in play. Will you be able to survive the hordes, face the wrath of God, and win back your eternal life?
Now, we’ve reached the part of this article where we’re going to get into the upcoming games.
These are the ones that you need to have on your wish list, so you can keep up to date with all of the information about them. So, keep an eye out for when these games hit Game Pass
Blue Prince
We’re going to kick this off with the highly anticipated Blue Prince game.
Now, this one is an exploration puzzle game where you inherit a manor from your grandfather. But you can’t actually claim this inheritance unless you’re able to find a mysterious room in the manor.
Now, this might seem kind of simple, except this manor is not like other manors, and every day the layout of the manor changes. As you make your way through the manor, you’ll be able to choose what room lies behind each door, and each room has different characteristics. It has a different number of exits, it has different items, different features, different puzzles and mysteries in it, and you’ll essentially need to craft your own pathway through the manor so you can get to room 46.
This is definitely going to be a fantastic game for those who love a bit of mystery and exploration, with a decent dose of puzzle there, and it’s coming to PC Game Pass in April.
Moonlighter 2
In this action-adventure RPG, you will live the double life of an adventurer and merchant.
I’m of course talking about Moonlighter 2, which is the upcoming and highly anticipated sequel to the much-loved Moonlighter game. This one is an action RPG with a lot of adventure in there. You’ll play as a merchant who runs a shop, and to be able to stock your shop, you need to venture out into different vibrant dimensions and collect loot.
These dimensions are not all peaceful, so you will need to hone your weaponry to be able to fend off any pesky enemies that you come across, and you’ll be able to upgrade your weapons and your gadgets as you go.
This game is set in a different location, so you will find yourself stranded in the distant village of Tresna, and it will be up to you to basically build a shop from the ground up, starting all over again.
This is a great mix of shop keeping and management with that action, dungeon crawling, adventure style gameplay, and is perfect for those who love a good mix of both.
We don’t have a release date for Moonlighter 2, but it has been confirmed to be coming to PC Game Pass day one.
tempopo
In this cozy puzzle game, you will venture across some beautiful island routes to reclaim your lost flowers, harnessing the power of a magical creature called a Tempopo.
Now this game is a music-based game, so you will take on the role of a conductor, and you’ll need to direct your Tempopo where you want them to go. These creatures are pretty uncoordinated. they’re pretty chaotic, so it’ll be up to you to make sure they stay on beat.
You’ll need to plan and execute a strategy for each different island to be able to claim back all of your flowers. This one has an absolutely stunning and vibrant landscape, and of course, it’s got an incredible soundtrack to go with it.
This is definitely a great choice for those who want a cozy musical puzzle game, and it’s heading to Steam and PC Game Pass in April.
Revenge of the Savage Planet
In this game, you will find yourself stranded on the edge of the galaxy. And you need to get creative with how you make your way back to Earth.
Revenge of the Savage Planet is an action-adventure game with a sci-fi twist that will see you play as someone who has just been let go from their corporate employer and basically abandoned in the middle of nowhere. With only the gear that you have on you, you’ll need to navigate across a different alien planet, collecting loot and making do with what you’ve got to be able to make your way back to Earth and get revenge on the corporation for letting you go.
This one has co-op functionality, so you can pair up with a buddy and get revenge together. And with four vibrant planets to explore, you’ll need to explore every nook and cranny if you want to be able to find the best loot around.
This is definitely one to keep an eye on. If you’re a fan of games with a lot of looting and a lot of uncovering mysteries, and it’s coming to Steam and PC Game Pass in May.
Tanuki: Pon’s Summer
In this cozy game, you will play as an adorable tanuki on a mission to restore the shrine before the upcoming tanuki festival.
Tanuki: Pon’s Summer sees you play as Pon, who is a post office worker who delivers letters and packages around the different villages. You’ll be tasked with delivering different mail to the four different towns in the area, and each package that you receive will be a different size, and a different shape, so it’ll be up to you to work out how to actually deliver these packages.
You’ll build up relationships with the townsfolk the more you deliver to them, and in doing so, they’ll invite you to different activities, and you’ll be able to explore some different aspects of the Tanuki Towns.
As you successfully deliver the mail, you will be able to upgrade the shrine, and you want to get it spick and span for the upcoming festival, so you’ll need to build and upgrade the shrine with the items you earn from doing deliveries and from participating in different activities.
This one looks set to be an adorable, cozy game. We don’t have a release date for it yet, but it has been confirmed to be coming to Steam and PC Game Pass, so make sure to add it to your wish list to stay up to date with all of the game’s developments.
That is a wrap on some of our top indie game picks from PC Game Pass, and some to look forward to.
I hope you’ve been able to find something to catch your eye that you might like to check out!
There’s literally hundreds of different games on PC Game Pass, and they’ve got a really great indie game catalog to explore, too. You can check out PC Game Pass here
Until next time, stay caffeinated.
