Fixed Xbox Game Pass hasn't been without its quieter months this year, 2024 has generally been another solid year for the Microsoft subscription service. Last month was a particularly good one for Xbox and PC Game Pass subscribers, with great first-party games like Age of Mythology: Retoldand third party titles such as Frostpunk 2 hit the service on their respective launch dates.
Xbox Game Pass' September 2024 lineup was packed with highly anticipated, high-profile releases. But while Xbox Game Pass' October 2024 line-up doesn't have as many first releases waiting in the wings, it does bring some of the best indie games of recent years to Xbox consoles, PC and the cloud.
The Xbox Game Pass October 2024 line-up is packed with must-play indie games
Open Roads – Available on Xbox Game Pass now
Fixed Open roads wasn't nearly as much of a critical hit as the two titles listed below, it's still an indie game worth playing, especially as it's now available through Xbox Game Pass. Predominantly a walking sim, Open roads' the game is quite simple, but its story is engaging and effectively told through hand-drawn cutscenes that play after inspecting an item in the environment.
Open roads tells the story of Tess and her mother Opal as they embark on a road trip for family discovery. While Open roadsThe story is solid, it's the performances of Kaitlyn Dever and Keri Russell that really sell the story and its dialogue. Although some critics received Open roads' overly simplistic gameplay, most praised the game's core relationship and its heavy domestic themes.
Sifu – Available on Xbox Game Pass now
Sifu is probably the most well-known indie game on this list, but it's one that still deserves a much larger audience. Sifu is a third-person action game that has a unique balance between methodical soul-like combat and fast-paced beat-em-up action. Developer Sloclap took everything it learned from the 2017s Graduateand distilled it down into a refined, addictive experience that leaves fans wanting more in the best possible way.
Fixed Sifus combat can be punishing, it's fair, and it rewards those who master the game's systems. Sifus stylized art direction is also a major strength, giving its fast-paced fights an even more frenetic feel. In addition to its main campaign, Sifu also features a host of challenge levels that were added post-launch, ensuring newcomers have plenty of content to work through. With Sifu now on Xbox Game Pass, there's no reason not to try one of the best indie games of 2022.
Inscryption – Available on Xbox Game Pass October 10
A true hidden gem when first released in October 2021, Encryption has finally started to get the recognition it deserves. Encryption is a roguelike deck builder in the same vein as games like Kill the scepterbut it has a few unique tricks up its sleeve. The biggest thing that sets Encryption apart from its contemporaries is its strong horror atmosphere.
Although it is a card game, Encryption can get pretty scary at times, with a found aesthetic, some brutally difficult boss encounters, and some creepy visuals that keep the player on edge the entire time. Xbox Game Pass doesn't currently have many horror games lined up for a spooky season, though Encryption is off to a great start, arriving on the subscription service on October 10th.
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