In the event you’ve obtained an Xbox Collection X and also you’re not but enjoying indie video games, you actually needs to be. Indies in 2025 are extra than simply “cute little aspect video games.”
They’re smarter, deeper, and extra enjoyable than their big-budget counterparts. And so they’re cheaper – which is at all times a great factor! Beneath are the highest indie video games to take a look at this yr.
Each brings one thing totally different – some will mess along with your head, others will simply put a smile in your face (or make you scream just a little).
TIP: You can too run a VPN in your Xbox Collection X so you’ll be able to entry world sport libraries in an effort to play extra indie video games from numerous international locations which may not be accessible by your area.
Right here is a few extra information on how to try this.
Let’s dive proper in!
1. Cocoon: A Puzzle Sport That Feels Like a Dream
Cocoon throws you right into a bizarre alien world the place you bounce between dimensions – actually. You carry little glowing orbs in your again, every one a world unto itself.
Yeah, it’s wild. You’ll want to determine how you can navigate these orbs to resolve the puzzles. It’s like fixing a Rubik’s dice inside a dream.
What makes Cocoon so cool is its smoothness. No dialogue, no lengthy tutorials. You simply begin enjoying, and the sport teaches you every part naturally. In the event you appreciated Inside or Limbo, you’ll see the place Cocoon comes from, and it’s simply as intelligent.
Don’t rush by this one. Cocoon rewards gamers who decelerate and suppose by every step!
2. Cult of the Lamb: Cute, Creepy and Addictive
Think about Animal Crossing and The Binding of Isaac having a child, and also you’ve obtained Cult of the Lamb.
You play as a cartoon lamb beginning a cult (yup), recruiting lovable followers and constructing a base, then you go on dungeon runs, combat off monsters and handle your cult like a tiny, fluffy overlord.
Even for those who’ve performed this one earlier than, we advocate enjoying it once more on Xbox Collection X!
3. Dredge: A Fishing Sport… However Haunted
Dredge begins off easy: you’re a fisherman with just a little boat, catching fish and upgrading your gear.
Then issues get bizarre. You begin pulling up unfamiliar beings from the water. The townspeople start appearing off. And at evening?
Don’t keep out too lengthy after darkish. This sport is spooky with out being full-on horror. It builds rigidity slowly.
4. Sea of Stars – A Love Letter to Traditional RPGs
In the event you miss the old-school RPG days – suppose Chrono Set off or Last Fantasy VI – Sea of Stars will really feel like coming house.
It’s obtained turn-based fight, a ravishing pixel-art world, and a narrative that truly makes you care.
You play as two children coaching to develop into Solstice Warriors. Alongside the best way, you combat monsters, clear up puzzles, and sail between islands.
The writing is sharp, the characters are likable, and the music is so good (a part of it was composed by the man behind Chrono Set off’s soundtrack).
Stat: Over 250,000 gamers completed the total sport throughout the first month of launch. That’s excessive for an RPG this dimension.
5. Cuphead – Outdated Faculty, All Problem
Okay, this one’s been out some time, however for those who haven’t performed Cuphead on Xbox Collection X, you’re lacking out.
The sport seems to be like a Thirties cartoon, however don’t let that idiot you – it’s one of many hardest video games you’ll ever play.
You run, shoot, and dodge by intense boss fights. Each enemy has a sample to study, and each degree seems like a mini masterpiece.
The Scrumptious Final Course DLC added much more loopy bosses and among the best new characters, Ms. Chalice.
Tip: Play it co-op for those who can. It’s nonetheless arduous, but it surely’s far more enjoyable yelling at your good friend as a substitute of the display screen.
Fast Comparability: Which One’s Proper for You?
| Sport | Style | Vibe | Issue | Playtime |
| Cocoon | Puzzle/Journey | Mysterious, brainy | Medium | ~6-8 hours |
| Cult of the Lamb | Roguelike/Base Builder | Cute however darkish | Medium | ~15-20 hours |
| Dredge | Horror/Fishing | Sluggish, eerie | Straightforward-Med | ~10-12 hours |
| Sea of Stars | RPG | Traditional, emotional | Medium | ~25-30 hours |
| Cuphead | Motion/Platformer | Quick, irritating | Arduous | ~10-15 hours |
Last Ideas: Why We Selected These 5 Video games
Indie video games obtain pure entertaining worth with out the pricey visible results or massive monetary investments.
They remind us that modern ideas, along with well-designed particulars, maintain delivering essentially the most influence.
Escape the routine shooter expertise by selecting contemporary gameplay choices.
Our suggestion begins with Sea of Stars for enduring gameplay, however Cocoon delivers essentially the most difficult expertise.
One final tip? Don’t sleep on indies. Probably the most thrilling gaming experiences incessantly emerge from tiny impartial studios.
Extra curated lists of on IndieGameBundles:
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