Massive Indie Game Reveals: Xbox Game Pass Just Got Even Better!

Xbox’s ID@Xbox collaborated with IGN to debut a fresh showcase today, spotlighting numerous upcoming indie games destined for Xbox and Xbox Game Pass in the near future. Over 20 diverse titles across multiple genres were the main attraction during the event. Notably, it was announced that the popular indie card game, Balatro, will now be available on Xbox Game Pass starting today.

Let’s take a look at everything revealed during the showcase:

Coming to Xbox Game Pass

33 Immortals gets a release date

The much-anticipated cooperative roguelike game, where teams face off against monsters and gods, has officially announced its launch date! Starting March 18th, you can team up with friends (up to 32) or jump in with random players for some thrilling multiplayer action. This captivating animated adventure offers fast-paced, MMO raid-style gameplay, but is designed to be enjoyable for players of all skill levels. “33 Immortals” will be available on Xbox, PC, and Xbox Game Pass.

Balatro comes to Game Pass

Occasionally, independent games can seize the spirit of a particular era, and Balatro’s success is definitely worth investigating. Created by a single developer, this innovative take on traditional card games has experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity since its debut. Today, in a shocking announcement, the 4th update for Balatro was unveiled along with its inclusion in the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. The latest “Friends of Jimbo” update includes collaborations with several popular franchises.

Critical Role
Bugsnax
Civilization VII
RUST
Assassin’s Creed
Slay the Princess
Dead by Daylight
Fallout

That’s a pretty stacked crossover lineup, and you can check it out now on Xbox Game Pass.

Blue Prince gets a release date and Game Pass announcement

In this captivating puzzle, exploration, mapmaking, card game set at Mount Holly manor, you are tasked with meticulously reassembling each room from individual pieces. The visually stunning Blue Prince transcends traditional categorization to offer a distinct gaming experience. The recently unveiled trailer during the ID@Xbox showcase has confirmed that Blue Prince will be available starting April 10. Additionally, it was announced that the game will be immediately accessible on Xbox Game Pass upon release.

Buckshot Roulette is blasting onto Game Pass

Debuting on PC in April 2024, Buckshot Roulette offers a chilling gaming experience, drawing inspiration from the nerve-wracking concept of Russian Roulette. The thrill is heightened by the integration of a shotgun and additional game mechanics. As for its arrival on Xbox, a specific release date hasn’t been announced yet. However, we can expect it soon, with plans to launch simultaneously on Xbox Game Pass when it becomes available.

Descenders Next slides in an official release date

The highly anticipated next installment in the adventure game series by RageSquid and No More Robots has officially set its release date: Descenders Next will debut on April 9 for both Xbox and PC platforms. Additionally, the game will be accessible through Xbox Game Pass from day one. Descenders Next serves as a follow-up to RageSquid’s 2019 bicycle-themed roguelike, Descenders. In contrast to its predecessor, this sequel expands gameplay by allowing players to explore beyond the trails on a bike.

In simple terms, Descenders Next introduces thrilling action in the realm of extreme sports, featuring snowboarding and mountainboarding. Further sports are set to join the lineup at a future date. Unlike its predecessor, Descenders Next brings exciting online player vs. player (PvP) and cooperative (co-op) gameplay experiences.

Echo Weaver time loops its way to Xbox and Game Pass

As a researcher exploring the realms of video games, I’m thrilled to share that if you’re yearning for a fresh 2D side-scrolling action-adventure with a sci-fi twist, look no further than Echo Weaver. Created by Moonlight Kids, the talented minds behind The Wild at Heart, and published by Akupara Games, this game promises an engaging narrative set in a broken utopia that unfolds across various time loops. Your mission: break free from a temporal prison. Although a specific release date hasn’t been announced yet, Echo Weaver is slated to debut on Xbox Game Pass the same day it launches.

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault joins Game Pass this year

11-bit Studios and Digital Sun have revealed a fresh glimpse at the upcoming sequel to the 2018 shopkeeping roguelike, Moonlighter, titled Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault. This new installment not only sports a revamped appearance, but also delves deeper into enriched gameplay for both managing your store and exhilarating dungeon explorations. With a broad release window set for 2025, Moonlighter 2 promises to hit Xbox, Windows PC, and Game Pass platforms upon its launch later this year.

Revenge of the Savage Planet announces a day-one Game Pass release

One of the top cooperative adventures from 2020, which made its debut on Game Pass, is set to receive a sequel and will be available on Game Pass simultaneously. Known as Raccoon Logic Studios’ creation, Revenge of the Savage Planet is an offbeat sci-fi adventure in which you are deemed expendable by your corporate rulers and stranded at the outermost reaches of space. With minimal equipment to call your own, you and your partner must explore, gather upgrades, and other valuable items as a means to return home.

Revenge of the Savage Planet is scheduled for release on Xbox and Game Pass starting May 8.

Tanuki: Pon’s Summer scoots on to Game pass

Everyone adores a tanuki pedaling a charming little bicycle delivering mail, and soon you’ll get the chance to become one when Tanuki: Pon’s Summer arrives on Game Pass later this year. This delightful mail delivery simulator will have you pulling off impressive stunts on your delivery bike, interacting with mostly cheerful villagers, and honing your sumo abilities – all while ensuring you don’t forget to deliver packages!

Tempopo drops a beat on Game Pass

The creators behind Unpacking and Assault Android Cactus are set to release a new game soon, and it’s an enchanting rhythm-based adventure where you solve puzzles in sync with the music. Tend to your garden as you dance along to the tempo, launching on April 17th for Xbox and Game Pass platforms.

Ultimate Sheep Raccoon parties up with Game Pass

The creators of Ultimate Chicken Horse, Clever Endeavour Games, have returned with their newest title, named Ultimate Sheep Raccoon. This time, it’s an amusingly peculiar party racer featuring your beloved animal companions. Players can construct the perfect race tracks brimming with ramps, obstacles, and traps, then compete against friends (up to 8 players locally or online with cross-platform compatibility) in a bid for victory. As of now, there’s no set release date for Ultimate Sheep Raccoon; however, it will be accessible through Game Pass once released.

Coming to Xbox

While not every independent game showcased today will be joining Xbox Game Pass, there are several impressive indie titles announcing upcoming Xbox releases in the near future that are definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Woodo

This undoubtedly charming indie title, hailing from Tiny Monks Tales and Daedalic Entertainment, offers a snug and engaging puzzle experience. Players have the opportunity to construct intricate wooden tableaus. As items find their rightful places, these scenes gradually bloom with color, springing to life with animated sequences. Unfortunately, no release date has been announced for Woodo yet, but it’s expected to launch on Xbox Series X|S.

Wax Heads

This one’s for enthusiasts of vinyl records. The game titled “Wax Heads” offers a realistic narrative experience, set within a struggling record store. Take it easy with your coworkers or engage in conversation with customers to discover their musical preferences and find yourself entangled in some intriguing band dynamics when Wax Heads arrives on Xbox during the summer of 2026.

TRON: Catalyst

Devolver Digital, a highly respected indie publisher, teams up with Big Fan Games and Bithell Games for the return of Tron to consoles. The game, TRON: Catalyst, will be available on Xbox Series X|S starting on June 17th. You’ll encounter Exo, a character who possesses the power to rewind time and locate a flaw that is destroying her world. In this exhilarating isometric, story-driven experience, Exo must navigate the TRON arena, save the Arq Grid, and overcome various challenges to ensure survival.

Rockbeasts

Occasionally, you might crave a blast from the past of the 90s, and that’s exactly what Rockbeasts delivers! The graphics resemble the mature animation style popular in the 90s on MTV, placing you as the manager of an iconic 90s band. This band is a unique ensemble of animals, each on the path to fame, and it’s your mission to guide them to success in this narrative-focused role-playing game. Unfortunately, there’s no specific launch date for Rockbeasts as of now, but it’s expected to hit Xbox platforms later in 2023.

Ratatan

If you’re in search of a strategy game with a rhythmic twist for your roguelike adventures, look no further! The makers of 2007’s Patapon are gearing up to release their indie title, Ratatan. Assemble your ever-expanding army of minions and traverse the world, ensuring your attacks sync with the rhythm to survive. For a truly epic experience, team up with up to four friends for cooperative gameplay, resulting in over 100 minions battling simultaneously on screen. Can you keep up the tempo?

Ratatan is slated for release on Xbox later this year.

Outbound

Among the games I’m eagerly waiting for on Xbox, Outbound stands out as one of the most exciting upcoming titles, despite its vague 2026 release date. This game combines cooperative multiplayer with open-world exploration, set in a charming adventure where you establish a self-sustaining homestead around your abandoned camper van. You’ll search for resources, craft items, and develop technology skills to customize and expand your vehicle, while exploring new areas that present varying environmental conditions.

The Lonesome Guild

A forthcoming indie game titled “The Lonesome Guild,” developed by Don’t Nod (famous for Life is Strange, Vampyr, and Banners: Ghosts of New Eden), was showcased during the ID@Xbox Showcase. This enchanting action-RPG introduces players to Ghost, a spirit devoid of memories, whom they will control. Players must assemble a group of heroes to aid Ghost in his journey through the mystical world of Etere by battling and solving puzzles. Expect The Lonesome Guild on Xbox this fall.

Lies of P: Overture

Are you yearning for action games with a Pinocchio-esque twist that’s soul-stirringly soulslike? The expansion Overture for Lies of P is soon to be released, and during the ID@Xbox showcase, we got a sneak peek at Lea, the Fabled Chaser, in the forthcoming DLC.

Jump Ship

This summer, an exciting new science fiction game called “Jump Ship,” created by experienced teams from Hazelight and Mojang, is coming to Xbox Game Preview. In this first-person shooter, you’ll command a spaceship and engage in both space and ground combat missions. With its exaggerated style, humorous tone, and multiplayer capabilities, it promises to be a fun experience for you and your friends.

Hotel Barcelona

If you’re in the mood for something chilling and intense, Hotel Barcelona is just what you need. This 2.5D action-platformer offers a fresh take: players can evoke the Slasher Phantom, a feature that brings back the player’s previous gameplay to aid them in their current adventure.

When you’re craving a terrifying, action-packed platformer experience, Hotel Barcelona is your go-to game. It offers an interesting twist: players can summon the Slasher Phantom, which uses data from past games to help you progress in your current challenge.

Hotel Barcelona is an intriguing and captivating joint project by Suda51 (creator of No More Heroes, Lollipop Chainsaw) and SWERY (renowned for Deadly Premonition, D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die). It’s a game we didn’t realize we craved, but we can’t seem to stop watching.

Herdling

Among the independent games that have left a lasting impression on me, Far: Lone Sails and Far: Changing Tides frequently come to mind. These are captivating 2D side-scrolling puzzle journeys that manage to convey a deep narrative with minimal dialogue, a feat that many indie developers strive for but few pull off successfully.

In a remarkable turn of events, Okomotive has honed their skills significantly, and now, they’re leveraging the expertise gained from the Far series to develop their inaugural 3D game titled “Herdling”. Players will find themselves in charge of leading a group of cattle through a desolate world, negotiating obstacles as they go. The anticipated release of Herdling is slated for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC this summer.

2025 is looking stacked for Xbox gamers

Today’s ID@Xbox presentation featured over 20 upcoming games set to join the Xbox platform in the coming months, but this barely scratches the surface of the games expected to arrive this year. Prior to the ID@Xbox presentation, Annapurna Interactive, a well-respected independent publisher, held their own showcase to exhibit indie games still in development. For more details about the Xbox games unveiled during the Annapurna showcase, you can find a list online.

With springtime approaching, there’s a good chance that we’ll witness an increase in game announcements during the 2025 Xbox Summer Games Showcase and accompanying events as the season grows warmer.

2025-02-25 03:42