The available evidence supports four distinctive Xbox indie picks—not a verified five-game ranking or confirmation that they are currently playable on Xbox Series X|S. Xbox’s Indie Selects features spotlight Wax Heads, Invincible VS, Mina the Hollower and Realm of Ink, each aimed at a different kind of player. Treat them as games to investigate, and check the Xbox Store in your region before buying or expecting to play.
What makes these games worth a look?
“Best” and “you’ve never heard of” are subjective: the available sources establish no comparative sales, player-awareness, review-score or player-count data for these games. This is a discovery shortlist, not a measured ranking. The picks below are based on how clearly their official descriptions distinguish their genres and play styles, as featured in Xbox’s June and July 2026 Indie Selects and July roundup. Those are Xbox editorial features, not independent reviews.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Terranigma: Standard Edition - Xbox Series X | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Hell is Us – Xbox Series X | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Crimson Desert: Standard Edition - Xbox Series X | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
REANIMAL - Xbox Series X | $37.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Grime II: Definitive Edition - Xbox Series X | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Four Xbox indie games to investigate
Wax Heads: a low-pressure record-shop story
Xbox describes Wax Heads as a narrative-driven life sim set in a struggling record shop. You meet customers, encounter fictional albums and solve light puzzles. It stands out if you want an atmospheric, story-led game rather than combat or a constant stream of action. The June Indie Selects feature is the basis for this description.
Invincible VS: tag-team fighting
For a sharp change of pace, Invincible VS is a 3v3 tag fighting game based on the comic and animated series. Xbox’s feature lists arcade, story, online and offline versus, and training modes. That variety makes it the shortlist’s clearest fit for players seeking competitive combat, whether they want to practice solo or face other players. The details come from Xbox’s June feature; it does not establish the game’s current player base or online activity.
#1 Best Overall
- Enjoy faster, smoother access to items and magic.
- An on-screen mini-map helps track your progress and exploration.
- Customize the background with high-resolution artwork.
- Love a particular song from the game? Listen to it in the Music Player!
- Study your enemies in detail in the Museum.
Mina the Hollower: retro action-adventure
Mina the Hollower is described by Xbox as a retro-inspired, top-down 2D action-adventure starring a mouse. Its ingredients include enemies, traps, bosses and exploration. Xbox’s editor characterizes its combat as methodical and the game as challenging, an editorial impression rather than an independent critical consensus. The July Indie Selects feature provides the description.
Realm of Ink: build-focused action roguelite
Xbox presents Realm of Ink as a fast action roguelite with martial-arts combat and an ink-brush aesthetic. Its feature highlights experimenting with builds, timing dodges and taking repeated runs. That makes it the most natural fit here if you like action organized around replaying and refining a build, rather than a single narrative journey. These play-style notes reflect Xbox’s editorial account, not a separate review.
Rank #2
- A HOSTILE WORLD: In addition to the civil war dividing the country, the region is suffering from a mysterious calamity, which has given rise to supernatural creatures that no modern weapon can defeat. Your drone and sword from a different age are your faithful allies as you cut a path through lands infested with terrifying chimeras and try to unravel the mystery of their appearance.
- A UNIQUE EXPLORATION SYSTEM: No map, no compass, no quest markers. Following your instincts is part of the adventure. Enjoy a unique experience that uses innovative writing and level design to let you make your own decisions and follow your instincts as you explore. Your discoveries are yours alone.
- COMBAT AGAINST ORIGINAL CREATURES: Swords, spears and axes. A wide range of weapons forged specially for fighting these supernatural creatures is available. You must learn how to fight these monsters and use your drone wisely to stay alive.
- 'The central theme of Hell is Us is that human violence is a perpetual cycle fueled by human emotions and passions.'' – Jonathan Jacques-Belletête, Creative Director
How the four differ
| Game | Style and pace | Combat emphasis | Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wax Heads | Narrative-driven life sim; low-pressure discovery | Not the focus in Xbox’s description | Customers, fictional albums and light puzzles |
| Invincible VS | 3v3 tag fighter | Central; versus and training modes are listed | Arcade, story, online and offline versus |
| Mina the Hollower | Retro-inspired top-down action-adventure | Enemies, traps and bosses; Xbox describes combat as methodical | Exploration with old-school design, according to Xbox |
| Realm of Ink | Fast action roguelite | Martial arts, dodge timing and build experimentation | Repeated runs |
All game descriptions and structure details in this comparison are drawn from the linked Xbox June and July features. The sources do not establish a current purchase, demo or Game Pass route for any of the four.
Check availability before you plan to play
These editorial features describe the games, but do not confirm that each has been released or is playable on Xbox Series X|S in your region. Check each title’s Xbox Store product page for its current release status, platform support, regional availability and price. If you are counting on Game Pass, verify that title individually rather than inferring membership from its appearance in an Xbox curation feature.
Rank #3
- Join Kliff, captain of the Greymanes, and his comrades as they embark on a relentless journey to defend Pywel and fulfill their mission.
- Along your perilous path stands both dependable allies and countless foes who will stop at nothing to see your downfall.
- Face trials to uncover the truth of the catastrophe looming over Pywel and restore peace to the continent.
- Explore the mesmerizing landscapes of the continent where mystical beings, hidden treasures, and thrilling adventures await.
- Pre-order to receive the Khaled Shield (Pre Order Code on Receipt)
Xbox’s Indie Selects program information describes a weekly collection focused on titles outside Game Pass, while themed collections may include Game Pass games. That distinction does not show that any particular game in this list is currently in the catalog.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the June 2026 demo event can—and can’t—tell you
Xbox and ID@Xbox announced more than 30 demos for the June 2026 Indie Selects Demo Fest across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Xbox on PC. The event ran from June 4 through June 30, 2026, so it is historical context, not evidence of a demo you can download now. The announcement also cautioned that final versions could differ, including in availability by country. See the Demo Fest announcement for its event details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Molds - Absorb defeated enemies, shaping them into molds which can then be used for special attacks. Use molds to throw enemies, fire projectiles, stun, and even turn into summons.
- Environmental Combat - Wherever you go, the environment provides ample opportunities to damage enemies nearby or from a distance. Be wary, for they can do the same to you!
- Parry and Grasp - Send hand-tendrils to either parry enemy attacks or grasp and absorb them, drawing you closer to learning their shape.
- A Lived-in World - Discover incredible locations made of painted nails and giant vases, each with its own unique civilization, culture, and deep characters to converse with.
- Customise your playstyle with over 30 weapons, 60 armours and 12 abilities.
Rank #4
- The original creators of Little Nightmares & Little Nightmares II have returned to take you on a more terrifying journey than ever before
- In this unsettling tale, the emphasis is on tension and thick atmosphere, as you join the two orphans on a desperate search for hope and redemption in the direst of circumstances
- Traverse an intriguing but terrifying world, where the main path is only one part of the fragmented story. Discover all sorts of mysterious locations on your perilous journey, each with its own story to tell
- Nobody should be forced to go through hell alone! Fully playable in single player and local & online co-op, REANIMAL has a shared, directed camera, designed to maximise claustrophobia and tension
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
