For many gamers, an Xbox Game Pass subscription often serves as a cost-effective way to access a couple of specific titles without the burden of purchasing them outright. This is a familiar scenario for those who, like me, have subscribed and unsubscribed from Game Pass over the years, each time driven by a compelling game or two. Yet, even if you’re only looking to enjoy one game during your subscription period, exploring the expansive Game Pass library can lead to delightful surprises.
The Xbox Game Pass boasts a diverse array of titles ranging from massive AAA hits to charming indie gems. With the time-limited nature of your subscription, why not take a chance and venture beyond your primary goal? There are many enticing short or simpler games available that are well worth your time, and playing them can enrich your gaming experience without feeling like an investment gone wrong.
Here’s a look at some engaging shorter titles you can enjoy on Xbox Game Pass as of June 13, 2025, but remember that availability may change over time.
9 Costume Quest
Short and Sweet Like Discount Candy
When diving into the realm of RPGs, particularly turn-based ones, it’s often expected to brace for a lengthy adventure. Yet, Costume Quest disrupts this norm by offering a compact RPG experience that can be enjoyed in a brief session, much like a sweet treat on Halloween. Players embody young trick-or-treaters, journeying through neighborhoods and confronting whimsical monsters by transforming into enhanced versions of their costumes.
This nostalgic atmosphere and its lighthearted premise echo the dreams of childhood, making it an ideal game to revisit, especially during the Halloween season. You can typically complete this delightful quest in a few hours, keeping it perfect for a spontaneous gaming night.
8 Donut County
You’ll Never Look at Raccoons the Same
Games like Donut County embody the essence of narrative puzzle gaming through intuitive mechanics that offer satisfying, quick play sessions. With playful characters and lighthearted chaos, players manipulate a hole that engulfs everything in its path. This unique mechanic creates a humorous experience as your hole expands with each item captured.
The playful charm, reminiscent of a colorful mini-epic, gives Donut County a distinct flavor, making it enjoyable without the stress of more complex puzzles. Overall, it’s a wonderfully entertaining ride perfect for short bursts of fun.
7 Lost In Random
An Imaginative Deckbuilding Adventure
For those who crave a blend of adventure and strategy without overwhelming complexity, Lost in Random shines as a fantastic choice. Its straightforward deckbuilding mechanics complement its engaging fantasy narrative, where exploration and combat mesh seamlessly. By rolling a die and utilizing energy gained from defeated foes, players can summon cards that offer weapons and abilities.
This dynamic method of combat allows for casual gaming without the need for intricate deck strategizing, making it accessible while still rewarding for those who enjoy strategic play.
6 Neon Abyss
Like Gungeon, But Sideways
For fans of roguelikes, Neon Abyss serves as a fresh alternative while echoing familiar elements of the renowned Enter the Gungeon. With an emphasis on discovering new weapons and abilities, Neon Abyss stands out with its horizontal gameplay that introduces platforming elements alongside its frantic shoot-’em-up style.
A particularly appealing feature is the pet system, where players can nurture newfound friends throughout their runs, making each playthrough increasingly rewarding. This adorable layer adds depth beyond just survival, encouraging players to stay engaged.
5 New Super Lucky’s Tale
A Nice, No-Frills Platformer
Sometimes, simplicity reigns supreme in gaming; New Super Lucky’s Tale encapsulates this sentiment beautifully. This charming platformer, devoid of overwhelming narratives or convoluted mechanics, allows players to step back into nostalgia, collecting items and enjoying sunny landscapes with ease. With its blend of 2D and 3D environments, it skillfully balances old-school platforming with contemporary game design.
The carefree gameplay, inviting both newcomers and nostalgic gamers alike, harks back to platformers of yesteryear, making it a delightful experience that soothes the spirit on a relaxing gaming day.
4 Superliminal
Get Existential Now, Ask Me How
Superliminal invites players on a surreal journey through a dream-like world where “perception is reality.”Engaging with its cleverly designed puzzles requires players to alter their perspectives to progress, presenting a thought-provoking challenge that inspires introspection while solving its intricate puzzles. It’s both simplistic and intellectually stimulating, offering a healing experience for those navigating life’s complexities.
At less than three hours, this engaging title delivers both creativity and emotional uplift, leaving players with gratifying reflections by the end.
3 Tchia
Come for the Exploration, Stay for the Ukulele
Tchia transports players to an enchanting tropical archipelago inspired by New Caledonia’s real-life islands. It allows for free exploration within a playful sandbox setting where magical elements are present. Players can engage in Soul Jumping, giving a unique touch as they assume control over various creatures and even inanimate objects.
While the main narrative may meander in tone, the world is lively with secrets and mini-games that will keep you entertained as you experience life in this vibrantly crafted space.
2 Turnip Boy Robs A Bank
Nothing Like an Old-Fashioned Shakedown
For those who thrive on a sense of accomplishment in roguelikes, Turnip Boy Robs a Bank delivers a captivating progression and purpose. Initially starting with modest earnings, players quickly realize exponential growth as they engage with the game’s cheeky mechanics — all while shaking down employees and smashing displays.
The game can be completed in a relatively short span of four hours, making it an attractive option for those who prefer a focused experience. The integrated timer helps keep gameplay snappy, ensuring that runs remain concise and effective.
1 Day Of The Tentacle Remastered
A Vintage Piece of Gaming History
For enthusiasts of classic gaming, Day of the Tentacle Remastered presents a chance to dive into the whimsical world crafted by LucasArts. Fans of both retro and puzzle games will appreciate its humorous narrative and clever puzzles, as players navigate through different timelines to solve challenges effectively.
This engaging point-and-click adventure invites players to explore engaging storytelling without the pressure of failure, striking a comfortable balance of challenge and amusement. It serves as a splendid way to enjoy gaming history while savoring its endearing charm.
Leave a Reply