Xbox Game Pass Adds 5 Critically Acclaimed Indies to July Lineup

Microsoft is bolstering its Xbox Game Pass offerings in July with five critically acclaimed indie titles set to join the subscription service throughout the month. Starting this week, Xbox Game Pass subscribers on console, PC, and cloud will have access to a fresh wave of beloved indie experiences, further solidifying Game Pass as one of the best deals in gaming.

Leading the pack is *Hollow Knight: Silksong*, the long-awaited sequel to Team Cherry’s iconic metroidvania. Though previously teased for years with little update, its surprise release on Game Pass has stirred excitement across fan communities. The game launches day one into the service, giving players instant access to its lush hand-drawn worlds and challenging, soulslike combat.

Also arriving this month is the BAFTA-winning *Return of the Obra Dinn* from Lucas Pope. The stylized mystery game challenges players to solve the fate of an ill-fated merchant ship using deductive reasoning. Its unique black-and-white aesthetic, paired with a deeply immersive narrative, has made it a must-play for fans of detective games.

Other highlights include *Celeste*, the emotionally gripping platformer known for its precision controls and heartfelt storytelling, and *Slay the Spire*, the deck-building roguelike that reshaped an entire genre. Rounding out the July lineup is *Spiritfarer*, Thunder Lotus’ touching narrative about death, friendship, and letting go — a title praised for its emotional resonance and stellar art direction.

The July additions reflect Microsoft’s consistent investment in indie developers and their commitment to diversifying Game Pass’ library. The new titles cater to a wide range of tastes, from fast-paced action to introspective storytelling. With each of these games having received widespread critical acclaim, the latest wave reinforces Xbox Game Pass as the go-to platform for discovering standout indie gems.

All five titles will be rolled out across the month with exact dates to be announced shortly. If you’ve been holding off on some of these iconic indies, there’s never been a better time to jump in.