The long wait is finally over. Hollow Knight: Silksong, the highly anticipated Soulslike Metroidvania sequel from Team Cherry, is now in people’s hands. If you’re like me, you’ve had it on your wish list for Xbox Game Pass indie games (and well, any games) since it was initially revealed that it would be available day one on Microsoft’s subscription service. As you plan for the eventual end of Silksong, maybe add these five Game Pass indie games to your “to play next” list!
Celeste
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Developer: Maddy Makes Games
Publisher: Maddy Makes Games
If you enjoy the precise platforming of Hollow Knight, consider a game that focuses solely on platforming. Celeste is a beloved indie game that does not hold back its emotional brevity—balancing a compelling narrative about depression and overcoming intrapersonal challenges with tight and challenging platforming levels.
There’s little combat, but that doesn’t stop Celeste from improving platforming and continually reinventing itself. Plus, it’s great if you want a challenge, push your platforming skills even further, and try to beat your own times over and over again.
Nine Sols
Developer: Red Candle Games
Publisher: Red Candle Games
On the other hand, you may want to play another soulslike metroidvania. In that case, check out the newer, highly acclaimed Metroidvania Nine Sols. It has several similarities to Hollow Knight, like mysteries galore, a unique world, and being filled to the brim with little guys.
Nine Sols also focuses on close combat, combined with spells and other gameplay-changing abilities. This one originally flew under the radar, but maybe it can get the recognition it deserves as more people branch out after experiencing Silksong.
Atomfall
Developer: Rebellion
Publisher: Rebellion
Let’s go in a different direction. One that lets you explore at your own pace, find all kinds of mysteries with little to no guidance, just like Hollow Knight. Atomfall is an open area survival RPG that lets you explore the world at your own pace. You go wherever you want, while your choices dictate how the story plays out.
It’s full of intrigue and really unique characters that all target that same “getting lost” feel as Team Cherry’s games. There are some hints as to what you may want to do, but that all is dictated by what you find and is never a “you MUST go here to progress”.
Blue Prince
Developer: Dogubomb
Publisher: Raw Fury
If you missed the biggest indie game of 2025 so far, maybe after playing the game that dethroned it would be a good next step. Blue Prince, the puzzle roguelike, is much more chill than Silksong, while still requiring good note-taking and pre-planning. Your goal is to reach room 46 to inherit your family’s inheritance, but the mansion resets every day. What makes Blue Prince so fun is how meta the puzzles quickly get, and reaching room 46 is really only the beginning. Hopefully, it doesn’t get overshadowed entirely by Silksong, as it does really reinvent the rogue-like genre in a wonderful way, and in one that those who don’t like rogue-likes could enjoy.
Powerwash Simulator
Developer: Futurlab
Publisher: Square Enix Collective
Finally, what about a game that is all about relaxing? Powerwash Simulator is a great reprieve and will quickly grab you. It’s full of great DLC levels from numerous different properties, like SpongeBob Squarepants and Back to the Future.
But most importantly, it’s a relaxing, no-stress game that is great to wind down after beating Silksong and while looking for a new game to fill the void left behind by Hornet and their journey.
Regardless of what game you play next, we hope you really enjoy your time with Hollow Knight Silksong. This release has been in the making for many years, with many people building their entire online persona around waiting for today.
Just remember, there’s a wide world of indie games out there, and Xbox Game Pass is a great way to try new games you’ve thought wouldn’t be your thing.
