Indie games have been not-so-quietly carrying the year. While big-budget releases have had their moment in the sun and even seen some stumbles, the indie scene has surged forward with fresh ideas, strong communities, and the kind of creativity that sticks with you long after you set the controller down. It’s been a year of bold risks paying off, and the momentum hasn’t slowed heading into the final stretch of 2025. And there’s no better way to celebrate this triumphant year for indies than with the convenience of an Xbox Game Pass subscription.
This week’s Xbox Game Pass lineup highlights just how well indies are thriving. From emotional journeys and bite-sized adventures to the kind of titles that make you stop and reflect, it feels like a celebration of what independent studios do best. If 2025 has taught us anything, it’s that indies aren’t just filling gaps in the calendar—they’re defining the year.
Hades
On Thursday, the wait is finally over for Hades 2’s Early Access players. For those of us with a PC, Steam Deck, or Switch 2, Melinoe’s descent to Hades is finally here, bringing all the thrills, family drama, and the “just one more run” lies we tell ourselves. But if you fall outside this category, or just haven’t experienced the first game, your Xbox Game Pass subscription will come to the rescue.
The story of the Hades series doesn’t start with Melinoe but with her brother Zagreus. Hades takes us on Zagreus’ journey to the surface, where he hopes to uncover the secrets behind his mother’s disappearance. It’s a tale filled with memorable characters, tough combat, and plenty of bittersweet frustration that will keep you coming back. Supergiant has established itself as the studio to watch for the modern roguelike with Hades. As a gamer whose strength isn’t roguelikes, I consider Hades to be a non-negotiable gaming experience, no matter what your typical playlist looks like.